This is an Easter story. What? Easter? Okay, I’m perfectly aware that Easter has already come and gone this year, but I only just remembered this story today. The way I see it, if God wanted me to post this at Easter time, He would have reminded me at Easter time. For His own mysterious reasons, He waited until the end of May, and who am I to argue?
Several years ago, the pastor of the church Joni an I were attending told this story in his Easter sunrise service. Pastor Wells was not an impassioned speaker, but I have to hand it to him, in this one moment he shone, and it has remained with me ever since. Here is the story of the empty egg.
Little Philip Ross had been born with Downs Syndrome, and a whole host of medical issues. The doctors concurred that he would probably not survive his infancy. Philip surprised them all by living into his eighth year.
In that final, memorable year of his life, Philip was a member of the kindergarten Sunday school class at his church. Being older, bigger, and just plain different, he always had a hard time connecting with the other children in his class, but all those differences were wiped away on Easter Sunday.
The week before Easter, the teacher of Philip’s class gave the children a homework assignment. She handed each boy and girl a plastic Easter egg, the kind that usually hold chocolates and other sweets. She told the class to put something in their egg that represented new life, and bring it back to show the class on Easter Sunday. At the end of class that day the children murmured excitedly to each other about what they might put in their eggs.
Easter Sunday arrived, bright and clear and beautiful. The children filed into their classroom that morning, each one holding their plastic egg. The teacher asked her students to bring their eggs to the front of the room and lay them on her desk so she could open each one and show the class, instead of having the children open the eggs themselves. She did this because of Philip. She was afraid that Philip would not understand the assignment and would put something silly in his egg. She didn’t want him to be embarrassed in front of the other children.
Class began and Miss Miller quieted her students. Then she picked up an egg at random and opened it. Inside was a small flower. She held up the flower to the class and said, "Flowers that bloom in the spring represent new life. Good job!"
She picked up another egg and opened it. Inside was a blade of grass. “Yes, grass turns green and begins to grow again after being dormant all winter. Well done!”
Opening the next egg, Miss Miller, along with the entire class, gasped in surprise as a live butterfly flew out of it. After calming her racing heart, she said "My goodness! Yes, caterpillars go into their cocoons for a while, and come out as butterflies. That certainly represents new life.”
She opened a fourth egg, only to find it was empty. She knew in an instant that this had to be Philip's egg and, just as she had feared, he hadn't understood the assignment. Her heart went out to the boy and she was embarrassed for him. After a moment of speechlessness, she calmly put the egg aside and took up another one.
Much to her chagrin, Miss Miller saw Philip's hand go up. For a split-second she froze, not knowing what to do. She didn’t want Philip to look like a fool in front of the class. She had decided to pretend not to notice him, for his own good, and go on with the lesson when Philip spoke up.
“Miss Miller?” he said in his slow, thick-tongued voice.
She hesitated for a moment, but could see no way around it now. "Yes Philip?" she said, dreading what he might say next.
“Miss Miller,” he said, “you didn’t explain about my egg.”
“But Philip,” she said as gently as she could, “your egg is empty.” She sent up a quick prayer that the other children would not laugh at the poor boy.
“Yeah.” Philip said with a beautific smile on his face. “It’s empty just like Jesus’s tomb.”
Time seemed to stop for Miss Miller as the tears welled in her eyes. The other children did not laugh at Philip.
Later that year, Philip’s condition finally caught up with him and he died. At his funeral, the mourners puzzled over the brightly colored, plastic Easter eggs carefully laid upon his coffin, all empty.
I have no idea if this is a true story or not, but does it really matter? Pastor Wells read those last two words with fiery voice and glistening eye, and it was the only time I ever heard him speak with such passion. Thank you for that Pastor Wells.
Luke 24:1-5 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Inspirations - God's Filing Cabinet
This is something I heard on the radio the other day. It is part of a message that was delivered by Doctor Erwin Lutzer of the Moody Church in Chicago. I only tuned in about half-way through, but I was able to find the full message on their website.
Doctor Lutzer says:
A few years ago, a student gave me this story: In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in The Room, with walls covered with boxes of index files, stretched from floor to ceiling. One box was labeled, “People I have Liked.” I opened it, and to my surprise, each card had the name of a person I knew. Then I realized where I was; this was the catalogue file of my whole life. All the details, big and small were recorded.
Both curiosity and fear stirred within me as I began to randomly open the files. Some brought back wonderful memories, others triggered shame so intense that I glanced over my shoulder to make sure no one was watching.
Files included “Books I have Read”, and another, “Television Programs I have Watched.” And there was one, “Lies I Have Told”, and “Comfort I Have Given.” Then there was “Things Done in Anger”, and another file, “Times I have Cursed.” Also, there were files titled: “People I have Helped” and “Prayers I have Prayed.” I was overwhelmed with the sheer volume of the cards—there were hundreds of boxes and each contained hundreds of cards. I timidly opened the “People I have Hurt” file, and was amazed at its depth. Yet each card had my name and signature.
I was drawn to the file, “People I Have Shared the Gospel With”…and was embarrassed that the box was almost empty. When I moved on to the file titled: “People I’ve Not Forgiven,” I was surprised that the box was almost full. I did not have to look at each card, because I knew intuitively that these files were accurate; no mistakes here.
I glanced up and the file I dreaded most, “Lustful Thoughts” was in front of me. A shameful chill ran through my body. I opened the file, but only for a moment, not willing to test its bulk and size. Out of the corner of my eye I saw another file, “Various Sexual Sins;” I pretended not to notice and turned away.
I was obsessed with destroying the cards, but found I could not; though they were thin, they were as strong as steel. In fact, I could not even dislodge them from the file cabinets they were in. By now only one thought dominated my mind! No one must ever see these cards; no one must ever enter this room! Tears came to my eyes. I sobbed so violently that I began to shake. I fell on my knees and cried, humiliated and afraid. I must lock the room and hide the key!
As I wiped my tears away and was about to stand up, I noticed that someone had entered the room. I glanced at his face and… and then…I saw Him! “No, not Him…anyone but Jesus!” I turned away, burning with shame.
Then He began to open the files and read the cards. He went from box to box and when I glanced up, I saw a sorrow on His face that was as deep as my own. Why did He have to look at them? Why Him?
After a few moments, He walked over and put his arm around me. He said nothing, but just cried with me. Then He began to systematically go through the files one by one, from beginning to end, signing His name on each card. “No, I sobbed…you can’t do that!”
I was amazed at how quickly He went through all the boxes, and when He was finished he showed me some cards up close, and I noticed that on each was His signature, signed with His own blood, covering my name.
I turned away, and cried. But now He was standing beside me. He put his hand on my shoulder and said, “It Is Finished.” He waited in silence for me to dry my tears then led me out of the room. Suddenly a verse I memorized in Sunday School flashed into my mind: “There is therefore no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus.” Together we walked down the hallway, but the door was left unlocked. My life was not yet over and there were cards that still needed to be written.
Don’t need to add much there, it pretty much speaks for itself.
Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 43:25 "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more."
Doctor Lutzer says:
A few years ago, a student gave me this story: In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in The Room, with walls covered with boxes of index files, stretched from floor to ceiling. One box was labeled, “People I have Liked.” I opened it, and to my surprise, each card had the name of a person I knew. Then I realized where I was; this was the catalogue file of my whole life. All the details, big and small were recorded.
Both curiosity and fear stirred within me as I began to randomly open the files. Some brought back wonderful memories, others triggered shame so intense that I glanced over my shoulder to make sure no one was watching.
Files included “Books I have Read”, and another, “Television Programs I have Watched.” And there was one, “Lies I Have Told”, and “Comfort I Have Given.” Then there was “Things Done in Anger”, and another file, “Times I have Cursed.” Also, there were files titled: “People I have Helped” and “Prayers I have Prayed.” I was overwhelmed with the sheer volume of the cards—there were hundreds of boxes and each contained hundreds of cards. I timidly opened the “People I have Hurt” file, and was amazed at its depth. Yet each card had my name and signature.
I was drawn to the file, “People I Have Shared the Gospel With”…and was embarrassed that the box was almost empty. When I moved on to the file titled: “People I’ve Not Forgiven,” I was surprised that the box was almost full. I did not have to look at each card, because I knew intuitively that these files were accurate; no mistakes here.
I glanced up and the file I dreaded most, “Lustful Thoughts” was in front of me. A shameful chill ran through my body. I opened the file, but only for a moment, not willing to test its bulk and size. Out of the corner of my eye I saw another file, “Various Sexual Sins;” I pretended not to notice and turned away.
I was obsessed with destroying the cards, but found I could not; though they were thin, they were as strong as steel. In fact, I could not even dislodge them from the file cabinets they were in. By now only one thought dominated my mind! No one must ever see these cards; no one must ever enter this room! Tears came to my eyes. I sobbed so violently that I began to shake. I fell on my knees and cried, humiliated and afraid. I must lock the room and hide the key!
As I wiped my tears away and was about to stand up, I noticed that someone had entered the room. I glanced at his face and… and then…I saw Him! “No, not Him…anyone but Jesus!” I turned away, burning with shame.
Then He began to open the files and read the cards. He went from box to box and when I glanced up, I saw a sorrow on His face that was as deep as my own. Why did He have to look at them? Why Him?
After a few moments, He walked over and put his arm around me. He said nothing, but just cried with me. Then He began to systematically go through the files one by one, from beginning to end, signing His name on each card. “No, I sobbed…you can’t do that!”
I was amazed at how quickly He went through all the boxes, and when He was finished he showed me some cards up close, and I noticed that on each was His signature, signed with His own blood, covering my name.
I turned away, and cried. But now He was standing beside me. He put his hand on my shoulder and said, “It Is Finished.” He waited in silence for me to dry my tears then led me out of the room. Suddenly a verse I memorized in Sunday School flashed into my mind: “There is therefore no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus.” Together we walked down the hallway, but the door was left unlocked. My life was not yet over and there were cards that still needed to be written.
Don’t need to add much there, it pretty much speaks for itself.
Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 43:25 "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more."
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Inspirations - Footprints
Here’s an old favorite of mine that I’m sure most of you are familiar with as well.
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints.
Other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed
That during the low periods of my life,
When I was suffering from
Anguish, sorrow, or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,
You promised me Lord,
That if I followed you,
You would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
The most trying periods of my life
There have only been one
Set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
You have not been there for me?
The Lord replied,
“The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you.”
--Mary Stevenson
That pretty much sums it up, doesn’t it? I am definitely In a period of my life that, when I look back, I will see only one set of footprints in the sand. My own strength and understanding are completely inadequate to navigate these storms, and it is only by letting the Lord carry me that I will survive. Once again, God has led me directly to the words and the message that I needed to hear, exactly when I needed to hear them.
I found a copy of “Footprints in the Sand” on a website that I visit now and then, but instead of just copying It from there, something told me to look further. I’m glad I did. I had always thought that this was one of those things that nobody really knows the origin of, but I was wrong about that.
There are a few different writers who claim to have authored the poem "Footprints in the Sand." Mary Stevenson's claim goes all the way back to 1936. According to the story, she wrote the poem and would give copies to friends who needed a little lift. Mary was young at the time and knew nothing of copyrights. When Mary’s friends began seeing the poem in print, they wondered why she was not being given credit. By then the poem was all over the place and an attorney told Mary that it would be very difficult to prove authorship.
In 1984, while preparing to move from her house, Mary discovered a copy of the poem that she had written, and dated, in 1939. Later that year she was awarded a copyright for the work, forty-eight years after it was written. Eleven years later, modern forensic science was able to authenticate the age of the document and, therefore, prove Mary Stevenson’s claim of authorship.
Printed above is the original text, taken from the official Footprints in the Sand website, http://www.footprints-inthe-sand.com/. The historical information was found there as well.
Isaiah 46:4 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints.
Other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed
That during the low periods of my life,
When I was suffering from
Anguish, sorrow, or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,
You promised me Lord,
That if I followed you,
You would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
The most trying periods of my life
There have only been one
Set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
You have not been there for me?
The Lord replied,
“The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you.”
--Mary Stevenson
That pretty much sums it up, doesn’t it? I am definitely In a period of my life that, when I look back, I will see only one set of footprints in the sand. My own strength and understanding are completely inadequate to navigate these storms, and it is only by letting the Lord carry me that I will survive. Once again, God has led me directly to the words and the message that I needed to hear, exactly when I needed to hear them.
I found a copy of “Footprints in the Sand” on a website that I visit now and then, but instead of just copying It from there, something told me to look further. I’m glad I did. I had always thought that this was one of those things that nobody really knows the origin of, but I was wrong about that.
There are a few different writers who claim to have authored the poem "Footprints in the Sand." Mary Stevenson's claim goes all the way back to 1936. According to the story, she wrote the poem and would give copies to friends who needed a little lift. Mary was young at the time and knew nothing of copyrights. When Mary’s friends began seeing the poem in print, they wondered why she was not being given credit. By then the poem was all over the place and an attorney told Mary that it would be very difficult to prove authorship.
In 1984, while preparing to move from her house, Mary discovered a copy of the poem that she had written, and dated, in 1939. Later that year she was awarded a copyright for the work, forty-eight years after it was written. Eleven years later, modern forensic science was able to authenticate the age of the document and, therefore, prove Mary Stevenson’s claim of authorship.
Printed above is the original text, taken from the official Footprints in the Sand website, http://www.footprints-inthe-sand.com/. The historical information was found there as well.
Isaiah 46:4 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Inspirations - The House of 1000 Mirrors
Well, it’s day three in what I am beginning to think of as my “Mirrors" series and, as promised, here is “The House of 1000 Mirrors.” From what I have read, this is a Japanese folk tale, author unknown. Enjoy!
Long ago in a small, far away village, there was a place known as the House of 1000 Mirrors.
A small, happy little dog learned of this place and decided to visit. When he arrived, he bounced happily up the stairs to the doorway of the house. He looked through the doorway with his ears lifted high and his tail wagging as fast as it could.
To his great surprise, he found himself staring at 1000 other happy little dogs with their tails wagging just as fast as his. He smiled a great smile, and was answered with 1000 great smiles just as warm and friendly.
As he left the house, he thought to himself, "This is a wonderful place. I will come back and visit it often."
In this same village, another little dog, who was not quite as happy as the first one, decided to visit the house. He slowly climbed the stairs and hung his head low as he looked into the door.
When he saw the 1000 unfriendly looking dogs staring back at him, he growled at them and was horrified to see 1000 little dogs growling back at him. As he left, he thought to himself, "That is a horrible place , and I will never go back there again.”
Wasn’t that just too cute? The moral of that story is pretty clear, right? People are kind of like mirrors sometimes. Whatever feelings and attitudes we are projecting will often be reflected right back at us by the people around us. What reflection do you see in the faces of others?
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading, and hey, go out and smile at someone today!
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
Long ago in a small, far away village, there was a place known as the House of 1000 Mirrors.
A small, happy little dog learned of this place and decided to visit. When he arrived, he bounced happily up the stairs to the doorway of the house. He looked through the doorway with his ears lifted high and his tail wagging as fast as it could.
To his great surprise, he found himself staring at 1000 other happy little dogs with their tails wagging just as fast as his. He smiled a great smile, and was answered with 1000 great smiles just as warm and friendly.
As he left the house, he thought to himself, "This is a wonderful place. I will come back and visit it often."
In this same village, another little dog, who was not quite as happy as the first one, decided to visit the house. He slowly climbed the stairs and hung his head low as he looked into the door.
When he saw the 1000 unfriendly looking dogs staring back at him, he growled at them and was horrified to see 1000 little dogs growling back at him. As he left, he thought to himself, "That is a horrible place , and I will never go back there again.”
Wasn’t that just too cute? The moral of that story is pretty clear, right? People are kind of like mirrors sometimes. Whatever feelings and attitudes we are projecting will often be reflected right back at us by the people around us. What reflection do you see in the faces of others?
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading, and hey, go out and smile at someone today!
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Inspirations - The Three Trees
Here’s an old story that many of you have probably heard before. I've heard it a time or two myself, but had forgotten about it until I came across it on the internet the other day. The author is unknown to the best of my knowledge, and I decided to tell it here in my own words, rather than copy it exactly as I found it. Hope you enjoy it!
***
Once upon a time, there were three trees, standing on a hill in a forest. One day, the three trees were talking with one another about their hopes and dreams for the future.
“I,” began the first tree, “would like to be made into a fine treasure chest someday. I could be covered with intricate carvings and gold fittings and would be worthy of holding the greatest treasure ever known."
The second tree said, “I want to be made into a mighty sailing ship. I could carry kings and queens on long voyages across the seas and everyone would feel safe inside my strong hull."
Finally, the third tree said, “I want to grow to be the tallest and greatest tree in the forest. Everyone will be able to see me standing on the hill. When they look up to me, they will think of God and how close I am reaching to heaven, and I will always be remembered.
The three trees hoped and dreamed for many years, until finally one day, some woodsmen came to the part of the forest where they were standing.
The woodsmen looked at the first tree and said, “This looks like a fine tree. We can sell this tree to the carpenter.” The tree was happy at this because he knew the carpenter would build a fine treasure chest out of his wood.
Then the woodsmen came to the second tree and said, “This looks like a strong tree, we can sell it to the shipyard.” This made the second tree very happy because he knew that soon, he would be a mighty sailing ship.
Finally, the woodsmen came to the third tree and said, “This tree is very tall and straight, we will get much good lumber from it." The third tree was sad because he knew that his dream of being the tallest tree in the forest had ended.
But things did not go as the three trees had hoped. When the first tree got to the carpenter’s shop, instead of becoming a fine treasure chest, he was made into a feed box, and set in a barn for the animals to eat out of. At the shipyard, the second tree was made into a small fishing boat instead of a mighty sailing ship. The third tree was cut into long pieces and stored away in a warehouse, soon to be forgotten. The grand dreams that the three trees had of doing great and wonderful things, had come to an end.
Many years passed before, one starry night, a man and a woman came into the barn where the feedbox stood. The woman gave birth and they wrapped the baby in cloths and laid him in the feedbox. The man wished he could have a fine crib for his son, but this manger would have to do. As kings and wisemen came to see the baby, the tree realized that something special was happening. His dream of holding the greatest treasure ever known had finally come true.
Many more years passed, and the little fishing boat was caught in a sudden storm. The fishermen aboard were very scared,except for one, who was sleeping. The frightened men woke the sleeping one. He rose and held his hands out to the turbulent waters and said "Peace." The sea immediately became calm and the second tree realized that he was indeed carrying the King of kings.
Still more years passed, and the long-forgotten third tree was finally brought out of the warehouse. His pieces were fastened together and he was dragged down a street by a wounded man while crowds of people jeered at them. When they reached the top of a hill, the man was nailed to the tree, lifted into the air, and left to die. The people looked up to the tree and could not help but think of God as they witnessed the crucifixion. From that day on, the third tree was always remembered with great honor.
***
God’s ways are not our ways. We all want to do great and wonderful things with our lives; become successful and be looked up to, but God may have very different plans for us. We will, undoubtedly, do great and wonderful things, if we only trust in Him and follow where He leads. They may not be the kinds of things that bring us fortune and fame. In fact, they almost certainly will not, but they will be great and wonderful in the eyes of God, and what greater reward could there be?
It’s so easy to become discouraged in this world, feeling like we haven't done anything useful with our lives. I am probably more guilty of this than most. Sometimes I look at where I am now and think "Where did it all go wrong?" I always have to stop and remind myself that this is exactly where God wants me. He has his reasons, even if I don’t know what they are. It's so hard sometimes, listening for the whispering voice of God, when the whole world is screaming "Failure!”, but the voice is there. Sometimes it's enough just knowing that it's there, even if I can't quite make out what it's saying.
Well, I hope you enjoyed the story of “The ThreeTrees” as much as I did. Was it an accident that I came across this story at this particular moment in my life? Nope. God was just saving it for a special occasion. He's kind of cool that way, isn't He?
Psalms 37:23-24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
***
Once upon a time, there were three trees, standing on a hill in a forest. One day, the three trees were talking with one another about their hopes and dreams for the future.
“I,” began the first tree, “would like to be made into a fine treasure chest someday. I could be covered with intricate carvings and gold fittings and would be worthy of holding the greatest treasure ever known."
The second tree said, “I want to be made into a mighty sailing ship. I could carry kings and queens on long voyages across the seas and everyone would feel safe inside my strong hull."
Finally, the third tree said, “I want to grow to be the tallest and greatest tree in the forest. Everyone will be able to see me standing on the hill. When they look up to me, they will think of God and how close I am reaching to heaven, and I will always be remembered.
The three trees hoped and dreamed for many years, until finally one day, some woodsmen came to the part of the forest where they were standing.
The woodsmen looked at the first tree and said, “This looks like a fine tree. We can sell this tree to the carpenter.” The tree was happy at this because he knew the carpenter would build a fine treasure chest out of his wood.
Then the woodsmen came to the second tree and said, “This looks like a strong tree, we can sell it to the shipyard.” This made the second tree very happy because he knew that soon, he would be a mighty sailing ship.
Finally, the woodsmen came to the third tree and said, “This tree is very tall and straight, we will get much good lumber from it." The third tree was sad because he knew that his dream of being the tallest tree in the forest had ended.
But things did not go as the three trees had hoped. When the first tree got to the carpenter’s shop, instead of becoming a fine treasure chest, he was made into a feed box, and set in a barn for the animals to eat out of. At the shipyard, the second tree was made into a small fishing boat instead of a mighty sailing ship. The third tree was cut into long pieces and stored away in a warehouse, soon to be forgotten. The grand dreams that the three trees had of doing great and wonderful things, had come to an end.
Many years passed before, one starry night, a man and a woman came into the barn where the feedbox stood. The woman gave birth and they wrapped the baby in cloths and laid him in the feedbox. The man wished he could have a fine crib for his son, but this manger would have to do. As kings and wisemen came to see the baby, the tree realized that something special was happening. His dream of holding the greatest treasure ever known had finally come true.
Many more years passed, and the little fishing boat was caught in a sudden storm. The fishermen aboard were very scared,except for one, who was sleeping. The frightened men woke the sleeping one. He rose and held his hands out to the turbulent waters and said "Peace." The sea immediately became calm and the second tree realized that he was indeed carrying the King of kings.
Still more years passed, and the long-forgotten third tree was finally brought out of the warehouse. His pieces were fastened together and he was dragged down a street by a wounded man while crowds of people jeered at them. When they reached the top of a hill, the man was nailed to the tree, lifted into the air, and left to die. The people looked up to the tree and could not help but think of God as they witnessed the crucifixion. From that day on, the third tree was always remembered with great honor.
***
God’s ways are not our ways. We all want to do great and wonderful things with our lives; become successful and be looked up to, but God may have very different plans for us. We will, undoubtedly, do great and wonderful things, if we only trust in Him and follow where He leads. They may not be the kinds of things that bring us fortune and fame. In fact, they almost certainly will not, but they will be great and wonderful in the eyes of God, and what greater reward could there be?
It’s so easy to become discouraged in this world, feeling like we haven't done anything useful with our lives. I am probably more guilty of this than most. Sometimes I look at where I am now and think "Where did it all go wrong?" I always have to stop and remind myself that this is exactly where God wants me. He has his reasons, even if I don’t know what they are. It's so hard sometimes, listening for the whispering voice of God, when the whole world is screaming "Failure!”, but the voice is there. Sometimes it's enough just knowing that it's there, even if I can't quite make out what it's saying.
Well, I hope you enjoyed the story of “The ThreeTrees” as much as I did. Was it an accident that I came across this story at this particular moment in my life? Nope. God was just saving it for a special occasion. He's kind of cool that way, isn't He?
Psalms 37:23-24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Inspirations - Smoke Signals
Hi there, it’s me again. I’m glad you stopped by today, because I have something that I want to share with you. Every now and then, I go surfing around the ‘net, looking for inspirational stories, or just ideas for things I can talk about on my blog. I found a good one the other day, take a look.
“The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried. Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.”
I can definitely relate to that. My hut burned completely to the ground recently. I just hope someone saw the smoke!
Naturally, I get frustrated sometimes, wondering why God would allow my hut to catch fire. At first I was devastated because it seemed like everything I owned was in that hut. After awhile, however, I began to realize that not all of my things were in there, some of them were hidden in the jungle, nearly forgotten. In fact, I didn’t even know some of them were there. I did lose some of my stuff, though. Luckily, I have the greatest insurance agent in the universe! I admit, He can be harsh sometimes, deciding how valuable my possessions were, and which ones are worth replacing, but I’ve heard rumors that He can also be very generous, replacing the old useless things with brand new ones that are even better. It's almost like Christmas, waiting to see all the nice new things He wants to give me.
Okay, enough with the metaphors. Seriously, God puts us through some rough situations, and it’s hard to keep our eyes on the big picture. The big picture, of course, is God! As long as we keep our eyes on God, and trust Him, He will take care of us, no matter what trials and tribulations we are facing. Sometimes that means getting rid of the old junk we carry around with us, and replacing it with new, more useful stuff.
Incidentally, that story reminded me of one that Pastor Mike told us during his sermon one Sunday. It went something like this:
“A man had been shipwrecked on a deserted island for many months, when finally he was rescued. When the rescuers found the man, they discovered that he had been quite industrious.
“Wow, said one rescuer, you built three huts! What’s that one fore?” he asked, pointing to the first hut.
“That’s where I live.” Said the castaway.
“And what’s that one for?” asked another rescuer.
“That’s where I go to church.” Said the man.
“And what’s that third one for? Asked the first rescuer.
“That’s where I used to go to church.” He replied.”
I can’t remember exactly what Pastor Mike’s point was; I think it was something about commitment. How we always find it easier to find something new, rather than sticking with our old stuff and trying to fix it. It’s a good point, our society has become so disposable.
Well, that’s it. I’m going to go looking for more blog material. Thanks for listening.
2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Philippians 3:7-9 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.
“The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried. Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.”
I can definitely relate to that. My hut burned completely to the ground recently. I just hope someone saw the smoke!
Naturally, I get frustrated sometimes, wondering why God would allow my hut to catch fire. At first I was devastated because it seemed like everything I owned was in that hut. After awhile, however, I began to realize that not all of my things were in there, some of them were hidden in the jungle, nearly forgotten. In fact, I didn’t even know some of them were there. I did lose some of my stuff, though. Luckily, I have the greatest insurance agent in the universe! I admit, He can be harsh sometimes, deciding how valuable my possessions were, and which ones are worth replacing, but I’ve heard rumors that He can also be very generous, replacing the old useless things with brand new ones that are even better. It's almost like Christmas, waiting to see all the nice new things He wants to give me.
Okay, enough with the metaphors. Seriously, God puts us through some rough situations, and it’s hard to keep our eyes on the big picture. The big picture, of course, is God! As long as we keep our eyes on God, and trust Him, He will take care of us, no matter what trials and tribulations we are facing. Sometimes that means getting rid of the old junk we carry around with us, and replacing it with new, more useful stuff.
Incidentally, that story reminded me of one that Pastor Mike told us during his sermon one Sunday. It went something like this:
“A man had been shipwrecked on a deserted island for many months, when finally he was rescued. When the rescuers found the man, they discovered that he had been quite industrious.
“Wow, said one rescuer, you built three huts! What’s that one fore?” he asked, pointing to the first hut.
“That’s where I live.” Said the castaway.
“And what’s that one for?” asked another rescuer.
“That’s where I go to church.” Said the man.
“And what’s that third one for? Asked the first rescuer.
“That’s where I used to go to church.” He replied.”
I can’t remember exactly what Pastor Mike’s point was; I think it was something about commitment. How we always find it easier to find something new, rather than sticking with our old stuff and trying to fix it. It’s a good point, our society has become so disposable.
Well, that’s it. I’m going to go looking for more blog material. Thanks for listening.
2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Philippians 3:7-9 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Inspirations - The Little Cracked Pot
I found this little story at http://www.inspirationalstories.wordpress.com/. No author or source was cited.
There was once a water bearer who had two large pots, one hung on each end of a pole which, he carried across his shoulders. One of the pots had a crack in it, but the other pot was perfect, and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, while the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his master’s house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made, But the poor cracked pot was very ashamed of its imperfection, and was miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do, or so it thought.
The cracked pot, after two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream.
“I am very ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.”
“Why?” asked the water bearer. “What are you ashamed of?”
“For the past two years, I have only been able to deliver half of my real capacity, because this crack in my side allows water to leak out all the way back to the master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the cracked pot said.
The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and compassionately said, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.”
As they went up the hill, the old cracked pot did notice the sun shining on the beautiful wild flowers growing along the path, and this cheered it some. However, at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had again leaked out half its load, and so it apologized to the water bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and put it to good use. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path (for the return trip), and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For over two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. If you weren’t the way you are, he wouldn’t have the flowers for his house.”
No, the moral of the story is not that I’m a crack-pot, and shame on you for thinking that! The moral is, of course, that we all have flaws, but even our flaws can be put to good use. In fact, the things that we see as flaws in ourselves or others, may not be flaws at all. God made each one of us different and unique. It’s up to us to put the talents and abilities that He gave us to good use.
God decided to take away my sight, maybe for a short time, maybe for a long time, but if He hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t have come to know Him the way I do, and I would probably not have started this blog. Some people might see blindness as a flaw, others might not. It’s all in your attitude and how you perceive the world. So, take a moment and ask yourself, is your pot half empty, or is it half full?
Romans 12:6-8 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
*Notice it doesn’t say anything about using your talents to make money or gain prestige.
There was once a water bearer who had two large pots, one hung on each end of a pole which, he carried across his shoulders. One of the pots had a crack in it, but the other pot was perfect, and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, while the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his master’s house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made, But the poor cracked pot was very ashamed of its imperfection, and was miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do, or so it thought.
The cracked pot, after two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream.
“I am very ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.”
“Why?” asked the water bearer. “What are you ashamed of?”
“For the past two years, I have only been able to deliver half of my real capacity, because this crack in my side allows water to leak out all the way back to the master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the cracked pot said.
The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and compassionately said, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.”
As they went up the hill, the old cracked pot did notice the sun shining on the beautiful wild flowers growing along the path, and this cheered it some. However, at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had again leaked out half its load, and so it apologized to the water bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and put it to good use. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path (for the return trip), and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For over two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. If you weren’t the way you are, he wouldn’t have the flowers for his house.”
No, the moral of the story is not that I’m a crack-pot, and shame on you for thinking that! The moral is, of course, that we all have flaws, but even our flaws can be put to good use. In fact, the things that we see as flaws in ourselves or others, may not be flaws at all. God made each one of us different and unique. It’s up to us to put the talents and abilities that He gave us to good use.
God decided to take away my sight, maybe for a short time, maybe for a long time, but if He hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t have come to know Him the way I do, and I would probably not have started this blog. Some people might see blindness as a flaw, others might not. It’s all in your attitude and how you perceive the world. So, take a moment and ask yourself, is your pot half empty, or is it half full?
Romans 12:6-8 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
*Notice it doesn’t say anything about using your talents to make money or gain prestige.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Inspirations - Leon Fleisher
Well, my holiday blues have carried right on over into the new year. I don’t really know what my problem is. I think I’m just feeling a little impatient about the whole insurance thing. I’ve always been that way; once I make up my mind to do something, I like to get it done right away and not mess around. This is kind of out of my hands though, so that makes me feel a little frustrated.
I finally decided that what I need, is a little inspiration. Leon Fleisher came to mind immediately. I first heard about Fleisher several months ago, before I even started this blog, and I’ve been thinking that he would be a good topic. I’m glad I waited, because I think this is the perfect time to talk about him.
Leon Fleisher, an American pianist and conductor, was born in 1928. It didn’t take long for Fleisher to discover his life-purpose, and he began studying the piano at age 4. He made his public debut at the age of 8, and played at Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic at the age of 16. Over the next twenty years, Leon Fleisher became one of the most sought-after concert pianists in the world, and his interpretations of the works of Beethoven, Brahms, and Mozart are considered some of the finest ever recorded.
Disaster struck in 1965 when Fleisher lost the use of his right hand due to a neurological disorder called focal dystonia. Instead of abandoning his stellar career at the age of 37, he became a conductor and, more importantly, a teacher. For the next forty years, Fleisher passed on his knowledge and skill to a whole new generation of musicians, and today, many of the most notable players and teachers of the piano are former students of Fleisher.
Amazingly, during his years as a teacher and conductor, Fleisher continued to play, using only his left hand. There was a series of piano concertos written for the left hand only, wich were composed for another pianist who also lost the use of his right hand. More “left-handed” piano music was written specifically for Fleisher as well. That must have seemed like such a blessing to him, although I can only imagine his frustration. How he must have longed to reach up to the keys with that useless right hand to play some of his old favorite tunes.
I think that’s a pretty amazing story. Losing the use of a hand would be such a devastating event in anyone’s life. I can only imagine how I would feel if I couldn’t play my saxophone anymore, and for me it’s only a passing hobby. Leon Fleisher didn't give up, though. Instead, he found a way to continue using the talent that God gave him, and instead of one great pianist, we now have many.
The story doesn’t quite end there. Just a few years ago, a cure for focal dystonia was found, involving a series of botox injections. For the first time in forty years, Leon Fleisher was able to play the piano with two hands. Appropriately enough, he recorded a new album in 2004 titled, “Two Hands."
The Lord certainly does work in mysterious ways. Sometimes you have to lose something, to realize what a blessing it truly is. Leon Fleisher summed it up nicely, when he said “I don’t think I would change anything that’s happened to me.”
Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
I finally decided that what I need, is a little inspiration. Leon Fleisher came to mind immediately. I first heard about Fleisher several months ago, before I even started this blog, and I’ve been thinking that he would be a good topic. I’m glad I waited, because I think this is the perfect time to talk about him.
Leon Fleisher, an American pianist and conductor, was born in 1928. It didn’t take long for Fleisher to discover his life-purpose, and he began studying the piano at age 4. He made his public debut at the age of 8, and played at Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic at the age of 16. Over the next twenty years, Leon Fleisher became one of the most sought-after concert pianists in the world, and his interpretations of the works of Beethoven, Brahms, and Mozart are considered some of the finest ever recorded.
Disaster struck in 1965 when Fleisher lost the use of his right hand due to a neurological disorder called focal dystonia. Instead of abandoning his stellar career at the age of 37, he became a conductor and, more importantly, a teacher. For the next forty years, Fleisher passed on his knowledge and skill to a whole new generation of musicians, and today, many of the most notable players and teachers of the piano are former students of Fleisher.
Amazingly, during his years as a teacher and conductor, Fleisher continued to play, using only his left hand. There was a series of piano concertos written for the left hand only, wich were composed for another pianist who also lost the use of his right hand. More “left-handed” piano music was written specifically for Fleisher as well. That must have seemed like such a blessing to him, although I can only imagine his frustration. How he must have longed to reach up to the keys with that useless right hand to play some of his old favorite tunes.
I think that’s a pretty amazing story. Losing the use of a hand would be such a devastating event in anyone’s life. I can only imagine how I would feel if I couldn’t play my saxophone anymore, and for me it’s only a passing hobby. Leon Fleisher didn't give up, though. Instead, he found a way to continue using the talent that God gave him, and instead of one great pianist, we now have many.
The story doesn’t quite end there. Just a few years ago, a cure for focal dystonia was found, involving a series of botox injections. For the first time in forty years, Leon Fleisher was able to play the piano with two hands. Appropriately enough, he recorded a new album in 2004 titled, “Two Hands."
The Lord certainly does work in mysterious ways. Sometimes you have to lose something, to realize what a blessing it truly is. Leon Fleisher summed it up nicely, when he said “I don’t think I would change anything that’s happened to me.”
Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
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