"I keep HEALTHY by ... "

"I keep healthy by eating a rainbow of colours every day" (Marie Maher, 61, is retired and lives in Sheffield, South Yorkshire).

Realising Our Worth

We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same  -  Anne Frank.
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Happiness feels so close and yet so far away.  Perhaps we look to a person for it, or to a job, or to a new winter coat.  We deserve happiness, we know.  Yet, we learn so slowly that happiness can only be found within.  The person leaves; the job goes sour, the new coat is quickly out of style.  Elusive, all of them.

But the happiness that comes from knowing who we are and how our lives fit in the grand design of the Creator never eludes us.  We are one of a kind.  And there is no other who can offer to the world of friends just what each of us can.  We are needed, and knowing that, really knowing it, brings happiness.

We can celebrate our worth, by realizing it.  We can celebrate it now.  We can glory in our worth, our specialness, and we can cherish the design.  We can cherish our parts and cherish the part each person plays.

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Combined, we are as one big orchestra.  The conductor reads the music and directs the movements.  Being in tune with the conductor feels good.  I can call it happiness.  All I need do is play my part.

K. Casey

~ CONTENTMENT is gain ~

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have" (HEBREWS 13:5).

"AS a missionary in Burkina Faso, I was surprised to find that many Africans in our adopted country seemed contented. Paul said that contentment, when coupled with godliness, was "great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6).

As missionaries, we have hurt with the Africans through years of famine, crop failures, dry wells and dead livestock. What a test of one's faith. Often I have asked myself, How would I score? Could I pass the test?

I have observed Rebecca, a pastor's godly wife, as she cooks over an open fire, scrubs her clothes by hand and farms with a hoe. I have seen in her life a submissive, joyful acceptance of the will of God, a contentment with what she has. I marvel at her calmness in turmoil, as she supervises the 35 children under her dormitory roof. I remember her complete trust when food and money were gone. I marveled at how God's grace was her strength the day she rode in the ambulance with her sick husband. She had brought her precious Bible with her, hoping she would be able to witness to the driver during the long ride. This godly woman, so poor in this world's goods, is completely absorbed in telling those who cross her path about Jesus, her dearest Friend.

God makes these two priceless characteristics - godliness and contentment - available to each of His children. But they seem to reside only in the lives of those who are walking close to God and whose treasures are in heaven.

What would an examination of our hearts reveal? Do we desire godliness and contentment in our lives?"

JESSIE NEHLSEN

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

~ Change of Direction ? ~

"The United States Secret Service was founded in 1865. Their mission? To deal with counterfeiters in an attempt to protect the dollar and, as a result, America's national economy. This targeted group of law enforcement officers, however, experienced a change of direction in 1902. They became best known for protecting the President of the United States, although their charge still embodies a variety of tasks.

That change of direction in the Secret Service duties is nothing compared to the completely altered lives of the believers at Thessalonica. THEY had a spiritual transformation that turned their lives around, which was noticed by people far and wide. Paul wrote, "You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God" (* 1 Thessalonians 1:9). And "you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe... Your faith toward God has gone out" (vv. 7-8). The change of direction they displayed was dramatic, to say the least - abandoning the worship of idols to embrace relationship with the true and living God. And people noticed the difference in their lives.

I wonder - do people recognize such a profound change in our hearts and lives?" - Bill Crowder

If you are going in the wrong direction,
Or if you have no goal in view,
Let Christ transform you, have control,
Then honor Him in all you do. - Hess

** VIEW associated blog ~ 'Eternity .. and ... !!!' ~ ( * dated 27/11/2010)

* Coming to Christ is not merely informational; it's transformational *

*** ~ The STAR In The WINDOW !! ~ ***

DURING World War II, it was the custom in the United States for a family who had a son serving in the military to place a star in the front window of their home. But a gold star indicated that the son had died in support of his country's cause.

Years ago, Sir Harry Lauder told a touching story about this custom. He said that one night a man was walking down a New York City street accompanied by his 5-year-old son. The little fellow was interested in the brightly lighted windows of the houses and wanted to know why some houses had a star in the window. The father explained that those families had a son fighting in the war. The child would clap his hands as he saw another star in the window and would cry out, "Look Daddy, there's another family who gave a son for his country."

AT last they came to an empty lot, and a break in the row of houses. Through the gap a star could be seen shining brightly in the sky. The little lad caught his breath, "Oh, Daddy," he cried, "Look at the star in the window of heaven! God must have given His Son too."

Yes indeed! There is a star in God's window. Do you realize what He did for you? Because of God's love for us, He gave His Son. Have you thanked Him? - M.R. De Haan

For God so loved the world, He gave His only Son
To die on Calvary's tree, from sin to set me free;
Someday He's coming back, what glory that will be!
Wonderful His love to me. - Smith.

Many give their lives for their country, but Jesus gave His life for the world.

"For God loved the
world so much that
He gave His one and
only Son, so that
everyone who believes
in Him will not perish
but have eternal life."
- John 3: 16 (READ: John 3: 16-18; "PAUSE and think on this.")

* See associated post dated 27/11/2010 - ETERNITY !

* "I BELIEVE IT" !! *

"Everything is possible for him who believes (MARK 9:23)."

"A friend of mine died today. IT had been some time since we talked and laughed over a hot fudge sundae or went shopping. I had not seen her for several days, and on that last occasion I had done all the talking. WHITNEY had been in a coma. BUT now she was gone - freed from her silent prison. I had honestly believed that she knew when I was there. I believed she was aware of things that were said and done. MOST of all, I guess, I believed that Whit was putting forth every effort she could.

NOW I am not sure. Had she really received the extensive brain damage they said she had? DID she just plain give up? But I want to believe that Jesus said, "LET'S go home. You've had enough." And I do believe it and believing it, I have peace.

*WHEN a dream dies or a relationship ends or a close friend passes on, we like to think there was a purpose. WE want to know all the reasons. We would like to have all our answers answered. SOMETIMES we strive and struggle and bend every effort. MAYBE we give up. MAYBE Jesus intervenes and says, "LET'S move on." I want to believe that God miraculously works in our lives. And I do believe it. And believing it, I am at peace." PAM BERTOLET