*September 10*

"It isn't for the moment you are struck that you need courage, but for the long uphill climb back to sanity and faith and security" - Anne Morrow Lindbergh.

'Most of us are on a long uphill climb at this moment.  It is a climb we are making together, and yet a climb we can't do for each other.  I can reach out my hand to you, and you can grasp my hand in return.  But my steps are my own, just as you, too, can only take one step at a time.

For brief periods we skip, even run, along the uphill path.  The rocks and the occasional boulder momentarily trip us up.  We need patience and trust that the summit is still achievable.  We can help one another have patience.  We can remind one another to trust.

We look back at the periods that devastated us so long ago.  And now we are here.  We have climbed this far.  We are stronger, more sane, more secure.  Each step makes easier the next step - each step puts us on more solid ground.'

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I may run into some rocks or even a boulder today.  I have stepped around them in the past.  I will do so again.

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Karen Casey
Each Day a New Beginning

** USE What You Have ! ! **

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them. - Romans 12:6

A GROUP of animals decided to improve their general welfare by starting a school. The curriculum included swimming, running, climbing, and flying. The duck, an excellent swimmer, was deficient in other areas, so he majored in climbing and flying, much to the detriment of his swimming. The rabbit, a superior runner, was forced to spend so much time in other classes that he soon lost much of his famed speed. The squirrel, who had been rated "A" as a climber, dropped to a "C" because his instructors spent hours trying to teach him to fly. And the eagle could no longer to soar to the treetops because he had to learn how to swim.

WHAT happened to this group of animals portrays what often occurs in our churches. Romans 12: 1-8 teaches that we are all given certain gifts. But some of us serve in so many areas that our tasks are not done well. As a result, the whole church suffers.

IF God made you a teacher - be a teacher. Study diligently and do your best. IF He's given you the gift of mercy, serve cheerfully and don't expect others to do what you do. Accept your spiritual gifts. CULTIVATE your capabilities! Stop comparing. ENJOY being you.

Yes, USE what you have! - RWD

Be not always wanting
Some other work to do,
But cheerfully perform the task
That Christ has given you. - Anon.

DO WHAT YOU CAN, WHERE YOU ARE, WITH WHAT YOU HAVE. - Moody