"A True Christmas Miracle" (by Hope Kerkof)

The power of God's love can cut through the hardest of hearts. The power of His compassion can restore hope to those who have long ago given up on themselves and society. The power of His mercy and grace can transform an existence into life, restoring dignity and self-worth.

The following link takes you to one of the most compelling stories I have read in a very, very long time, "A True Christmas Miracle" by Hope Kerkof. Them power of God's love, compassion, mercy and grace flow from Hope and Kevin Kerkof into the life of a homeless man, "William".

Grab a handful of Kleenex, you'll need

http://blog.lightunderthebridge.com/2009/12/30/a-true-christmas-miracle.aspx

Remembering 9/11

Ground Zero.......let us NEVER forget to pray for the men and women who lost their lives during this tragic day in our country's history. Let us also pray for the families left behind.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

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You are a light.

This will be my last post until Labor Day. Heading out for vacation!
May God bless each of you!

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5: 14-16

How brightly are you shining the love of Christ to a needy world? Everyone is going through difficulties and the light and love of God that shines through your spirit may be just what someone needs! If you are letting God's spirit shine from within you, people will notice and be drawn to you. In turn, you will be able to help them with a word of encouragement, prayer, hug, etc.
I encourage you today to greet everyone whom you come in contact with, with a sincere smile & open heart. Let your life reflect the light from within you!

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Inspiration for the week

Walking along the paths of life, there are level, smooth paths and there are those that are uneven, steep or rocky; the later requires more attention than the first. We must carefully choose our steps, mindful of our footing so we don't veer off into a ditch, turn an ankle or stumble and fall.

The older I get the more I've come to realize that my walk with Christ is often on the challenging path. I need to stay focused, be mindful of my steps, careful not to veer off.

Smooth paths are easily forgotten as we walk aimlessly along, our thoughts drifting. The challenging paths are the ones we remember and often take us to places the smooth ones cannot, where the view is spectacular!

"My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped."
~Psalm 17:5

Daily inspiration

If we reach up as far as we can towards God, he will reach down the rest of the way to meet us.


This is a paraphrase of something I read years ago. It creates a picture in my mind of a toddler reaching up for his father to pick him up. Though the child's reach is not nearly sufficient to touch his father's hands, the father can easily reach the child. What father can resist the heartfelt plea of his child's little hands extended up towards him? Can't you see the delight and comfort on the child's face as the father reaches down and scoops the child up into his loving arms?

I can envision the Lord doing just this with us. There are times when we need our Father to reach down and scoop us up into his arms to comfort us. He is always there, ready for us to reach up as far as we can in praise and prayer towards Him. Trust that He will reach down to meet us the rest of the way!

1Peter 3:12 "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer,..."

Psalm 103:13 "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;"


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Daily inspiration

"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:6

"As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person."

~ Paul Shane Spear

Part of my morning prayer is, "...Lord, help me be a better person today than I was yesterday." As heartfelt as my words are when I make this daily request, I sure can fall short of recognizing some opportunities that are right in front of me. I can get so tangled up in my own thoughts that I can trot right through a day without seeing those around me who could use a kind word, a compassionate shoulder or a patient ear. Those are such small expressions of love but they can make a huge difference in someone's life.
Beginning today, when I pray I'll be adding, " Lord, help me to see those around me whose needs I can meet. Help me to demonstrate my faith in you by expressing your love to others."



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Daily inspiration

Turn to Him

by Tanya Staggs

If you’re looking for something that you can’t seem to find and negative thoughts keep running thru your mind,
just turn to Him.

If nothing seems to work for you, but you just keep on trying and you have a smile on your face when instead you feel like crying,
just turn to Him.

If the road you are taking seems like it’s all uphill and you’re running out of strength, but you keep on travelling still,
just turn to Him.

If it seems as if all’s against you and you have nowhere to turn and life’s lessons get you down because you never seem to learn,
just turn to Him.

If troubles keep on coming and there seems to be no end and you feel as if you’re all alone and haven’t got a friend,
just turn to Him.

If you feel your strength slipping and you seem to lose the fight, keep your eyes upon Him, He’ll turn your darkness into light,
just turn to Him.

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" ~1Peter 5:7
Poem found @ http://www.thechristianwoman.com

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Daily inspiration

I'm sure you know what it's like to suddenly realize that you are driving in the wrong direction. With some sense of urgency, you look for the first, safe place to make a u-turn. Wouldn't want to waste any more time going in the opposite direction of our destination now, would we?

Life is this way. We're human and as such, we often fall short of who we would like to be - more importantly, who God wants us to be. We find ourselves clearly heading in the opposite direction of our destination to be more Christ-like.

We've all found ourselves regretting something we've said or done, wishing we could take it back, wipe our slate clean and start over again.
I sure have. Truth be told, I find myself in that situation more often than I'd like to admit. But, I'm grateful that God allows u-turns. The bible says in 1John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

Through God's grace and mercy, we are given the opportunity to make a u-turn and get back on the path He has laid for us. We don't have to wait for a pastoral invitation to kneel at a church altar. We can ask God for forgiveness right this moment, right where we are. Why not take a minute right now and ask God to point your life back in the right direction? His direction.

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Daily Inspiration

Back in the '70s, when I first came to know the Lord, Christian bumper stickers were very popular. One that sticks in my mind said, "God is not concerned with our ability, rather our availability." So many times, because of our personal insecurities, it's easy to dodge the leading of the Holy Spirit urging us into a new area of serving others or our church. We buy into the lies entering our thoughts; "Oh, that must just be my imagination and not God calling me." "I can't do that!" "I could never volunteer for that project. What do I know about that!"

Well, I'm not quite as old as dirt yet, but I am old enough to know that my life is most fulfilled when I listen to the Holy Spirit's leading, step over any doubts and insecurities that enter my thoughts, recognize them as my thoughts, not His, plow forward, yielding to His direction.

Yielding requires faith; faith requires trust; trust requires belief that God's word is true. The next time you feel that God is leading you into an area that is outside of your comfort zone - yield to His calling, have faith and trust that He who calls you will provide you with the tools and knowledge to serve in that area. Remember: "God is not concerned with our ability, rather our availability." Make yourself available and HE will make the way possible.

Today, go confidently in the direction God is leading you!
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13

Inspiration for the week

"Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat." ~Mother Teresa

Before you can love others, you must receive God's love for yourself, because you cannot give away something you don't have.

John 15:12 "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."

Our church was a big ball of wonderful chaos yesterday. Partnering with www.SamaritansFeet.org we were able to provide socks and shoes for local children. The Samaritan's servants who came to our church are a young, newlywed couple, Patrick & Kessid (forgive me because I know I'm not spelling Patrick's wife's name correctly). These precious young people have been married less than 3 months and are working as a team to present the story of the founder of Samaritan's Feet, Manny, to the children (and adults who accompany them) who come to receive new shoes. (I encourage you to go to www.SamaritansFeet.org to learn about Manny's story!) I am grateful for Patrick & Kessid for selflessly giving of themselves, pouring the love of Jesus into so many hearts. I know that God will continue to bless them. I look forward to seeing them next year and watching God work through them and Samaritan's Feet.

Many lives were touched yesterday, some changed, because of yesterday's experience. I know that I will never be the same.

I volunteered as one of the "foot washers" and WHAT a blessing! We washed the children's feet, put lotion on, all while talking to them about their goals in life, etc., put new socks on them, and new shoes. To see these precious children who so greatly needed the items...just a blessing. I wasn't sure what to expect when washing the kids' feet...not sure how they would react. The little ones exploded with joy at the sight of their new shoes and when they were on their feet, they just danced around. Let me tell you, some of these precious children will stay in my heart forever. One particular 16 year old girl (her friend was also there in the chair next to hers) has really made an impact on me. She looked like a tough street kid.....tatoos all over her arms, legs - skulls, etc., Ring in her bottom lip....well, you get the picture. She didn't want her feet washed....well, through a bit of talking with her (I ADORE teens) she allowed me to wash her feet. I was able to "love on her a bit" with words, and she brightened up and we shared a few laughs, then I asked if I could say a quick prayer with her. She said, "Sure." Her friend was finished at about the same time, and the gal who had cared for her led us all in prayer. A quick hug and this young girl was on her way. A brief encounter that has left a permanent mark on my heart.

I wonder how many hugs or words of encouragement and kindness this girl has had in her life? How many people would look at this child with disgust instead of compassion? I'm sure I've been guilty of such thoughts in the past; judging someone's appearance rather than their heart. Looking at the external through my own eyes rather than looking at their soul through Christ's eyes.

God wants us to love the unlovely, to show compassion and love to everyone, not just the "pretty people" of this world.

Today, start becoming aware of the unlovely people you encounter. Offer them a smile, a touch, a compassionate hug. I promise that not only will the recipient be changed, so will you.

Inspiration for the week.

What is your "life song"? Whether you realize it or not, your life, lifestyle, attitudes, actions & words speak (or sing) volumes to others. Is your life the beautiful symphony it is supposed to be or are you living a life that is out of tune?
It's been said, "Life is God's gift to us. What we do with our lives is our gift back to God." Does your "life song" send a beautiful melody up to Heaven or do you need a little fine tuning?
After watching the video below, why not play it a second time with your eyes closed and your heart open.








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"Meaningful gifts that warm the heart, encourage
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Daily inspiration

I've had some aggravation and frustration associated with work this week. At times, it seems all to easy to let frustration remove my focus of the "big picture" in terms of what is really important vs. "things" that interfere with the "little picture" - works in progress. I'm not proud of this, but it is fact. This morning, I'm (trying) to step back and remember that there are always lessons to be learned and, rarely are they obvious when life is easy. Ah, a new day has begun!

“You've done it before and you can do it now. See the positive possibilities. Redirect the substantial energy of your frustration and turn it into positive, effective, unstoppable determination.”

~Ralph Marston

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

~Isaiah 41:10

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Daily inspiration

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."
~ I John 3


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Daily inspiration

"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop."


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Daily inspiration

"The more we express our gratitude to God for our blessings,
the more he will bring to our mind other blessings. The more
we are aware of to be grateful for, the happier we become."
~Ezra Taft Benson

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice. Let all know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you." -Phillipians 4:4-9

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"Meaningful gifts that warm the heart, encourage
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Daily inspiration

"It is amazing what can happen when you simply make the decision to do what God tells you to do, not BECAUSE of your feelings but despite your feelings. When you step out in faith in that way, God will take your decision and build on it."
~Karen Wolff Author of, A Change Of Heart (Making changes that live up to God's plans.)

"Every individual has a place to fill in the world, and is important in some respect, whether he chooses to be so or not."
~Nathaniel Hawthorne


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"Meaningful gifts that warm the heart, encourage
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Daily inspiration

"Men and women are limited not by the place of their birth, not by the color of their skin, but by the size of their hope." ~John Johnson

"Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off."

~Proverbs 24:14 (NIV)

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and add a little inspiration to life."

Inspiration for the week.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30

Some days, the burdens that we carry seem impossible to bear. The anxieties, worries, sadness can weigh us down so much that we do not think we can go another step. The weight of these burdens can cause us to lose our footing in life.....stumble.....fall into depression, addiction, self-hate.......until there is virtually no joy left and life becomes an existence.....

We don't have to carry these burdens by ourselves. Imagine you have a large burlap sack; you are surrounded by physical manifestations of your burdens, worries, heartaches. Picture yourself laboring to pick each burden up. As you put them in the sack, one by one, you feel the weigh growing until you can barely move the sack. Now, look up - can you see the Lord on the cross? Muster all the strength you have and drag your bag up to the cross. Exhausted from the weight, you take a moment to catch your breath.....Look up into the eyes of Jesus. He tells you to leave your heavy load of burdens at the foot of the cross, he will take care of them. Now, see yourself turn....as you walk away, you immediately sense the lightness not only of your body as it moves without the burdens, but you feel the lightness in your spirit. There's a quickness in your steps that pick up until you are running.....running free like a joyful child.

Simplistic? Yes, but it really is that simple if you have faith. Jesus said,
“I come that you may have life, and have it more abundantly.”
John 10:10





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Daily Inspiration

Find gifts featuring Jeremiah 29:11 at:

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Daily Inspiration

At times I'm so discouraged with problems of the day, I fail to see THE JOYFUL THINGS that are along the way; When troubles overwhelm me it's then my nerves may fray, that's when I need to take the time to simply sit and pray; I must try to remember though problems come my way, not to miss THE JOYFUL THINGS and the beauty of the day.
~Author unknown


"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18



To see more of Ralph Kozak's, Jesus Laughing, line, please visit :
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the spirit and add a little inspiration to life."