You Just Have to Pray

"You just have to pray."

"What?"

"Like I said, sometimes you just have to pray."

"I'm not getting you?"

"Look, you've been tossing and turning for hours, practically all night."

"Yeah, well, maybe it was the ice cream we ate before going to bed." "Surrounding the warm, sweet, chocolatey brownie, drizzled with hot fudge and caramel sauce, and topped with whipped cream and a cherry."

"Maybe you just have to pray."

"And I've got a lot on my mind. Tomorrow's a big day, there's that meeting at school, and my workload keeps increasing, I'm getting behind at work."

"Stop for a moment please. Pause, and listen, intently. Could be you just have to pray."

"First, are any of these things really bothering you? If so, don't be anxious about it, present it to God in prayer, it's what He tells us to do."

"Second, sometimes it's not what's happening in your life. Sometimes your faithfulness is needed to pray for someone else. And you may not even know who it is. When spiritual battle is waged, God's people are called to pray. And that means the Holy Spirit may have to wake you up. Maybe not as dramatic as the angel striking Peter on his side to wake him up in jail. After all, the Holy Spirit is a gentlemen, you know, listen for that still, small voice."

"Okay, okay. You've made you point.'

"Lord Jesus, I praise you for working in our lives and in the lives of your people. Thank you Holy Spirit for waking me up. I'm confused because I don't know who needs our prayer right now. Whoever it is, wrap your arms of love and peace around them. Heal them if needed. Protect them. Calm their pain. Surround them with your angels, armed with flaming swords against Satan's spiritual darkness. Use them mightily as the dawn rises on this new day."

"See, sometimes you just have to pray." "Hey, what are you doing now?"

"Me, I going to sleep.  All of a sudden I feel really calm myself, very much at peace. I could sleep like a newborn baby right now."

Be encouraged by the Word of God:

From 1 Thessalonians 5

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

Running the Race

Running the race. The 400 meters, a half marathon, a full marathon, or a triathlon. Running a race of any distance often begins the same. A carefully planned process with an objective. The goal is envisioned and set, then the work begins.

First, determine your goal, beginning with the end in mind. This is the starting point, knowing what you hope to accomplish.

Then, assess your current situation, your readiness to run, to compete. You must have a clear understanding of where you are today. A realistic view of your strengths, and limitations.

Next, throw off all that hinders you. Are you carrying a few extra pounds? Are you eating a nutrient rich natural diet? Are you living a life of balance, without undo stress?

And then begin your training in earnest. Run with determination, with purpose, and with perseverance. Fix your eyes on your goal. Build up to it gradually. Review and track your progress. Modify your training routine when reality hits too hard. Stay on target.

The Christian walk has often been compared to running a race, with a very clear picture of this race in Hebrews. Take a moment to look at that story, and the whole chapter of Hebrews 12 today.

Be encouraged by the Word of God:

Hebrews 12

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Transformation

Transformation. Water freezes becoming ice. Ice forms beautiful crystals.The soft flowing cold water becomes firm and strong. And look at the extreme examples of icebergs and glaciers. Strong enough to sink the Titanic or carve great natural valleys.

Isn't it amazing how the same chemical elements, Hydrogen and Oxygen, combine to become the compound H₂O, and yet, it doesn't stop there. Water is always water, until the temperature changes. Too cold and the water becomes ice. To hot and the water become steam, vapor.

While we are taught these principles as children and young adults growing up, when is the last time you actually thought about this transformation? Have you ever considered this wonder of God's creation? Water is one of the most abundant substances on the planet. Our bodies are made up an abundance of water. And without water, everyone and everything on earth would perish in a week. Sobering thought. Adds a new dimension of respect for water. And for the Creator of water.

Consider again this transformation. Water becomes colder and colder, until turning to ice. When the temperature is changed, the ice is changed, to firm and strong. When you turn your life to Christ, you are transformed. You become firm and strong in the faith when you follow his Word. You grow and mature as a Christian when you choose to live holy and pleasing to God. You are transformed.

Be encouraged by the Word of God:

From Romans 12

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

The Island of Discussion

The Island of Discussion, Glencoe, Scotland. It was a place to settle disputes. A place to resolve differences. Officially named Eilean a' Chomhraidh, the Island of Discussion is small and alone.

Yet, if legend and history are true, this island has served a noble purpose for many, many years.  Over 1,500 years or so. When clansman had a disagreement, this is the place they went to work it out.

The rules were simple. When there were quarrels or arguments, the feuding parties where taken out to the island and left alone. Left there. With whiskey, cheese, and oat cakes. And they didn't leave the island until the dispute was settled. The result, in over 1,500 years, only 1 murder in the area.

Islands in Loch Leven for NN0859
The largest island is Eilean Munde, and the one to the far left is Eilean a' Chomhraidh, The Island of Discussion.
© Copyright Richard Dorrell and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

How do you handle anger? When you are frustrated with someone, what do you do? Does your frustration grow? Does it make you mad? Does it lead to action? Outbursts? Strong words? Threats? Bitterness? Alienation?

What about stopping it before it grows? The Island of Discussion. It's a simple concept. When you have a conflict with a brother, go and talk with him about it. Don't let the sun go down on your anger, do something about it today. Start with a discussion. Alone. In privacy, an island of your choosing.

Be encouraged by the Word of God:

From Romans 12

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:  "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Give Me Rest

"Hey Dad, check your email. I shared a file with you on your Google Drive."

I had talked with my daughter earlier that evening already. She and her husband live out of state, yet we get a chance to talk regularly. In that conversation she learned I had been battling a severe case of the flu. You know, the ugly kind. That keeps you up all night, drains your energy, and makes it hard to do anything normal.

So I headed to the computer to check my email for her message. Upon opening the note, I was welcomed to a quiet, beautiful, classical music sonata. I'd love to tell you it was Mozart, Schubert, or Chopin, yet it really doesn't matter.

What I heard and saw was my daughter playing this piece of music with great feeling and a lovely touch. It was a gentle piece, soft, melodious, and very calming. After a weary, draining day of sickness, it was a very thoughtful, and very welcome message to end the day and calm my soul before retiring for the night.

Her action, taking the time to select such a peaceful song, to play it so well, and to capture it with her iPhone then send it to me as a video, wow. That was the power of love in action that made it special beyond words.

And you:  What do you battle? What makes you weary? What burdens you?

In Mathew, Jesus welcomes and invites us to come to Him. And he promises to give you rest. Take a moment in prayer today, to talk with Him. And listen quietly for that still, small voice of comfort.

Be encouraged by the Word of God:

From Mathew 11

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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Unexpected Trials

6:45 am. Rise and shine. "The weather today will be cloudy, turning to partly sunny this afternoon. It's 9 degrees now, with a high of 27 degrees." "And off to our East . . . blah blah blah . . .

7:40 am. Got what I wanted, the forecast for a bright sunny day. Sure it's the dead of winter in the Midwest. That means it's cold. And cold's okay, you get used to it. Now the gray sky, that's another story. Makes it hard to have a spring in your step and a song on your lips. (well, frozen lips).

8:22 am. Arrived at work, it's still cloudy and gray, and the wind's a bit brisk too. That's okay, the sun will be out this afternoon, spreading a bright, warm glow over the barren ground.

12:34 pm. "Hey John, check this out"

"What?"

"Look out the window. Check out those big, fluffy, snowflakes falling like a blizzard on the Ice Planet Hoth!" "Hope you wore your Wookiee suit today."

Well, so much for a bright, sunny afternoon. This is completely unexpected. And boy will the drive home be fun.  NOT.  Another unexpected trial. Traffic will be crawling all the way home.


How about you? How do you feel when faced with an unexpected trial. And how do you react when faced with the unexpected? Now, who do you turn to? Who do you trust? The Psalmist turned to the Shepherd, to refresh his soul when facing the unexpected.


Be encouraged by the Word of God:

From Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I overslept

"Wow, what time is it!"

No! I overslept! I'll be late for work! I've got an important meeting to start the day, and then two more appointments back-to-back. And what about traffic! With the holiday over a lot of people will be going back to work and the roads will be crowded, and slow!

What a minute? What time is it? Whew, I've got time. Hey, I must of dreamed it? But it was so real. I would have been in big trouble. When Bernie was late last week he was read the riot act. And I get it. People are counting on us to be there for them. They depend on us and we need to be on time.

I guess that's what Jesus was talking about when He told the story of the ten virgins who overslept. Of course, that was a story of Himself. And not just disappointing a few people, it was all about eternity. And being ready. Being ready for His return.

Be encouraged by the Word of God:

From Mathew 25

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

“Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’

“‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’

“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

“Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’

“But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Super Worship

The Super Bowl! The 49ers and the Ravens. The World Series! The Giants and the Tigers. The Stanley Cup! The Kings and the Devils. The World Cup! Corinthians and Chelsea. And the Olympic Games bringing together countries and athletes from around the world.

It's great to cheer for the home team. Your team. Your heroes. And it's great to be inspired by those who work hard, who train tirelessly. Those who set an example of excellence and achievement for the rest of us.

 Yet, is there sometimes a fine line, between adulation, honor, and respect for someone, and hero worship? What is worship after all? Worship takes many forms: Praise. Reverence. Dedication of time, energy, and resources. Raising someone, or something, higher than ourselves. Looking to another to be a example, a hero, a leader to us?

Respecting others is a very good thing. Honoring them for their achievements is good. Lifting them too high is dangerous. It is out of balance. It is dishonoring the One who created us. The One who we are called to worship. Enjoy the game, remembering there is One who made it all, even the game.

Be encouraged by the Word of God:

From Matthew 4:

The devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.

Hideaway Park

"Grandpa, why does that sign say Hideaway Park 4 miles?" "If the park is hidden away, it's a secret, why would they put up a sign telling you where to find it?"

I love the innocent questions of my 7 year old grandson. He's a thinker. As children grow, they learn many things by asking questions like these. It's a simple question, yet spot-on, right on the mark. After all, if the park is hidden away, why would you draw attention to it with a sign?

What about your hidden hideaways? What do you hideaway in your heart? A longing for a peaceful quiet place? A place filled with the new life of nature? With the gentle flutter of a butterfly over a flower? Or for salvation of your spouse? Your child? Your mother?

Or darkness from that secret sin, that darkness that brings you down, prevents you from living life to the fullest? Is your hidden life a distraction, to be addressed and moved beyond. David was a man after God's own heart, and is often considered the greatest king of Israel. Yet he was also a warrior, an adulterer, and a murderer. And as he recognized and confessed his sin, he wrote these words to remind us, to seek the Lord with all our hearts. And to hide His Words in your heart. It's the beginning of healing, and the start of the journey to peace and a joy filled life.

Be encouraged by the Word of God:

From Psalm 119

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees.

Get Wisdom

16 miles per hour. 23 miles per hour. 29 miles per hour. Faster, faster. 35 miles per hour. 38 miles per hour. 43 miles per hour. Faster, faster. 47 mph. Faster, faster. 54 mph.

Whoa !!!!!!!!!!  This is a 25 mph neighborhood.

San Francisco. The streets. The hills. A young couple riding a BMW R100/ boxer-twin motorcycle, full dressed with windshield, fairing, and saddle bags. Up, up, and up the streets. Faster and faster.

San Francisco hills are famous for their car chase scenes in movies and popular television shows. And sometimes in those movies and shows, the cars go airborne, carefully orchestrated by a team of professional stunt coordinators and drivers.

Today is different. This is not a chase and professionals. This is a 20 something couple who enjoy riding together on their motorcycle. And today is beautiful, sunny, bright. And traffic is light, practically non-existent. As they ride up the first hill they chat aimlessly. The street is a thoroughfare, all the side streets and cross streets have stop signs.

They meet the first cross street, see there is no traffic, and start up the next hill, riding a bit faster. At the next street they maintain speed, getting a little rise off the seat. Hey, that was fun. Next street, faster, and the front wheel comes off the group. This is cool! Another, and faster, and now the front wheel is a full 3 feet off the ground!  No stopping now, faster and faster, 3 more streets, completely airborne on the last two streets!!

A look at the speedometer, 54 miles per hour. This is awesome. The next street's gonna be a blast! Yes, yes!! The top of the hill. The cross street. Then up again. NO! There is no up again, it's the top of the hill and the road ahead is downhill all the way. At 54 mph. Hang on tight!

With the extra speed and momentum, combined with a rapidly descending roadway below, the next few seconds are harrowing, anxious, and immediate. The rider holds tight to the hand grips. Body well off the seat unable to reach the foot pegs as the heavier bike drops away below him. The passenger has nothing to grasp, with only her legs under the raised arms of her rider to keep her over the center of the motorcycle.

After flying through the air, back tire likely 6 feet above the pavement and front tire closer to 8 or 9 feet above, the rear tire hits the pavement. The front tire follows, the rider on the gas tank, and passenger on the rider's seat. A moment of composure and reaction, hard breaking on the steep downhill street, and it's over as quick as it happened.

The young couple stops promptly on the side of the street. Dismount. Give each other a big hug. And thank their Father above for a safe end to an unwise decision. Today they ride away with new found wisdom, learned the hard way.

We often gain our wisdom the hard way. While we can plan well, it is not always thorough. While we seek to follow a steady course, it's easy to get distracted. Or like our young couple, to be caught up in the moment. To follow the crowd. To become enamored with someone, or something, ignoring the warning signs all around.

As Christians, we are encouraged to keep our eyes on Christ, looking straight ahead, and to seek wisdom.  God's word is the starting place to find that wisdom.

Be encouraged by the Word of God:

From Proverbs 4

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

Bad News

Bad News

A recent news story tells of a man who received a surprising letter from his bank with bad news. The bank was most sincere in their condolences, upon the death of their customer. Him.

The irony of course, is they named the dear departed, sharing their sympathy with family. Except he was still very much alive, and reading their letter.

They proceeded to assure the family, that in matters such as these, the accounts would be frozen to protect the heirs.

The gentlemen contacted the bank, to assure them he was very healthy and alive. Unfortunately, as the accounts were frozen, he was unable to attend to his banking business.

After much apologies, and some thorough research, the culprit turned out to be a human clerical error. The bank resolved the differences and handled the assorted inconveniences which followed.

It has been said, "to error is human, to forgive divine." As humans, and banks, people, and individuals, we do error, we do make mistakes. No one is perfect. Our knowledge is limited. Our wisdom is incomplete. And our selfish desires often cloud our judgement. In short, we struggle with sin. Yet there is hope. Proverbs 1 declares: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." It's a great place to start!

Be encouraged by the Word of God:

From Romans 3

There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, . . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

 

Do Not Worry

Do Not Worry.

The Fiscal Cliff. Gun control. Spiraling debt. Higher taxes. Another school shooting. Government spending. Aids. Syria. Israel. Korea. Iran. Do not worry.

Socialism. Fascism. McCarthyism. D-Day invasion. Communism. The Berlin Wall. WAR. Poverty. Starvation. Unemployment. Polio. Cancer. Assassinations. The United Nations. Do not worry.

1929. The Depression. Prohibition and gangsters. Market crash. Spanish flu pandemic. Dust bowl. Marxism. Czar murdered. The War to end all wars. The League of Nations. Do not worry.

The North. The South. The Land of Dixie. Slavery. Abolitionists. Industrialists. 18 hour days in the factory. The company town. The potato famine. The Boer Wars. The Boxer Rebellion. Do not worry.

The American Revolutionary War. The French Revolution. Madame Guillotine. The Napoleonic Wars. Starvation. Destruction. Feudal war lords. Corrupt knights. Despot kings. Do not worry.

Do not worry. What does it mean? The history of man includes tremendous discoveries, wondrous inventions, and victorious triumphs. It also includes unspeakable sufferings, heart wrenching tragedies, and evil deeds by men. Do not worry.

There is One who walks with us, through both the joys and victories, and through the lowliest suffering. And He walks with a promise, to never leave or forsake us.

Be encouraged by the Word of God:

From Matthew 6

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

Flat Stanley

Flat Stanley and the Flat Stanley project.  

What's it all about?  Flat Stanley is a children's book from the 1960s. The Flat Stanley project began in the mid 1990's, based on the book's storyline and main character.  Stanley.

Stanley has the misfortune, or opportunity, of having his bulletin board fall upon him in his bed, effectively flattening him. This proves to be the beginning of an adventure. Being flat, Stanley can now go into places too small to pass as a lad. After enjoying these adventures, Stanley is returned to his full self through the aid of his brother, and a tire pump.

The Flat Stanley project, inspired by the book, spreads Stanley's story much farther. After reading the book, third grade students make their own "Flat Stanley".  And he fits nicely in an envelope. And he can be mailed to other students, in other schools. And have his picture taken with new friends, in new places.

Over the years, Flat Stanley has been created, sent, and received, by thousands of school children. He has visited dozens and dozens of countries around the world. It's pretty amazing when you realize how widely traveled this idea, of Flat Stanley, has become.

An idea was directed to early Christian believers too, an idea based on faith. The early Christians had a message to share, a message of Good News. Jesus encouraged them to take this message, share it with others, and to travel, into all the world to preach the gospel.

Be encouraged by the Word of God:

From Mark 16

Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved."

Take Comfort

Take comfort.

"Ring. Ring."
"Ring. Ring."

What? What time is it?

~  3:45 am  ~

"Hello."  "Yes, this is Susan."

"I'm sorry to wake you again Susan, please come back to the hospital right way."  "Yes, it's Carol. There's not much time left."

Startling words at any hour. Especially when built upon weeks of sleepless nights. Upon weeks of worry and concern. Upon weeks of quiet watchfulness. And waiting. And wanting. And helplessness.

Take comfort.

The Christian walk does not remove pain. It does not remove heartache. Yet you are not alone. Take comfort. You have a Father who walks with you. Through the pain. Who walks with you to comfort you. And to encourage you to be a comfort to others. Take comfort.

Be encouraged by the Word of God:

From 2 Corinthians 1

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Seek to Understand

Isn't it amazing how the angle at which we look at something or someone often colors our opinion about it? Or them? How often do we make a judgement based on that first glance. And what if we stop there? What if we base everything we know about something, or someone, only on that first look? That first impression? For example, take a look at this picture.  What do you see?

Do you see colorful shades of green? Do you see striking images of blue? And what about those lines?What could this be? As you look at it, what do you see? Is your first impression the right one? Perhaps. You may know exactly what it is. Or not. What about if we step back. What if we seek to understand, to get the whole picture?

Be encouraged by the Word of God:

From 1 Corinthians 13

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Coffee Christians

It's been a long day, it's late in the evening, and you're sitting with friends, Bible's open, in conversation. Then with a simple word, the conversation moves to a new place unexpectedly. And gains speed and momentum.


The mention of coffee caused that turn in conversation.

"Hey, maybe Christians are like coffee!"

"Uh, sure."

"Yeah, people are like coffee grounds. And Jesus is the water."

"Oh, okay. Well Jesus is pure, like crystal clear water."

"And people are sinful, like the color of coffee grounds. And like the coffee grounds, need purpose to fully come to life. After all, who eats coffee grounds plain. They come to life only when the water is filtered through them."

"Yes, there's even more. God is the creator. He provides the electricity to power the coffee maker, and the coffee maker is the world. Through Jesus Christ, the pure water of life, He transforms the dry, lifeless, coffee grounds. After Christ (the living water) transforms the coffee grounds (sinful people), with his blood (the water), the cup is filled with hot, delicious coffee (the new creature)."

"Wow".  "I will never look at a cup of coffee the same again!"

Be encouraged by the Word of God:

From John 7:38
Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.

From Revelation 7:17
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

To Everything There is a Season

With these simple, well know words from Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 4  "To everything there is a season, a time to weep, and time to life", balance is proclaimed.  Each day is a precious gift to be welcomed, cherished, and lived with joy.

Yet life comes at you fast.  Sometimes we all face the unexpected. Sometimes that's awesome. Sometimes that's tragic. And usually it's somewhere in between. The mission and vision of these pages is to be an encouragement. To be a collection of stories that brighten and inspire.

This site is also an extension, a sister, to www.atimetolaugh.org, a collection of funny and inspirational stories. You are invited to visit when you have a few minutes. For a laugh and a bit of humor, and for additional stories of encouragement.

Be encouraged by the Word of God:

From Ecclesiastes 3 (KJV)

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;