~ DO We REALLY See ?? ~ ..

Nearing hysteria, I stood frozen in the aisle. With my energetic two-year-old and newborn, I was walking through the large department store when my two-year-old slipped away without a word and vanished.

At first I was irritated and had my disapproval speech planned for when she came running back, but she was nowhere to be seen. Irritation quickly became panic as I stood there, not knowing what to do. This store had many doors leading into the large shopping mall and parking lot. "What if . . .?" brought me to tears as I strained to see a bright red coat with my blonde pigtailed daughter in it. But I saw nothing except adults who were all going about their business. Can they not see what is going on? How can they be so close and so unaware of my great despair? I wanted to scream. Instead, I began searching in other areas.

RELIEF almost overwhelmed me as I spotted her in the jeans section, quietly pulling off sizing labels. Our reunion and familiar speech over, I clutched her hand. We walked back through the store, past clerks who had been close enough to reach out but who were blind to my need.

I could not blame these women. Indeed, I wondered how many of the people who stood near me that day might have been experiencing great trauma and despair. Am I too busy counting our pennies and wishing a "Good day" to be aware of the great needs of those near me?

If we could only see the world through the Lord's eyes! May He help us to see the distressed and downcast around us and, seeing, offer the loving compassion of the Lord Jesus.

"When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless (MATTHEW 9:36)."

D.S. HAMMER

~ Mandate ~

THIS world is "a sorry state of affairs", isn't it? Where does a person begin and end with an hypothesis?? Listened to the hour World News tonight and many Countries are suffering from a deplorable lack of colour. Let's face it - it's sorrowful; sad. There is severe trouble causing the mental pain of fatigue or want.

WHAT about man's greed (covetousness)? AVARICE. That's how wars begin. Many cases are even lamentable. WHERE is an honest mandate that represents genuine truth and prosperity? In THIS world - it's greed!

THIS view is "just a drop in the ocean", so to speak, BUT I find all the before-mentioned to be depreciating.

~ Be True to your Word ~

"Let your "yes" be "yes," and your "No," "No." For whatever is more than these is ... ." - Matthew 5:37

SHORTLY before his death, the Duke of Burgundy was presiding over the Cabinet Council of France. A proposal was made that would violate an existing treaty but would secure important advantages for the country. Many "good" reasons were offered to justify this action. The Duke listened in silence. When all had spoken, he closed the conference without giving approval. Placing his hand on a copy of the original agreement, he said with firmness in his voice, "Gentlemen, we have a treaty!"

It's a strong temptation these days to abandon our word in favor of personal advantage or financial gain. As believers in Christ, however, our responsibility is to remain true to our word so that our Lord is glorified.

So, when you give your word, keep it! "Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No' " (Mt. 5:37). IF you/we take on an obligation, fulfill it! Your honesty and reliability should be so evident that you can be trusted for any contract you make. If non-Christians can trust you in business matters, they will be more likely to believe you when you speak about the gospel.

When we're tempted to break a promise, let's think again of these words: "Gentlemen, we have a treaty!"
- RWD

Lord, by Your Spirit grant to me
A deep desire for honesty,
That when I simply give my word
No one will doubt what they have heard. - DJD

WHEN YOU GIVE YOUR WORD, KEEP IT.

* See associated post dated 27/11/2010 - Eternity.

*Dear Diary ..

Dear Diary,

NEEDED a rest for most of the day (suppose that will happen again). *EVERYONE needs a rest/break. Life continues on. It's okay.

Sincerely,
Kim.