If it weren’t for the last minute a lot of things wouldn’t get done. What your future has in store for you depends on what you have stored for the future. While traveling along the road of life, enjoy the going and stop thinking so much about getting there. One of the biggest steps you can take is to meet others half way.
We’re no angels by Christine Wentzel “Do not fail to show love to strangers, for by doing this some have welcomed angels without realizing it” (Hebrews 13:2 EHV). “BC” was a societal outcast; an older man with untreated mental illness, stronghold addictions, and physical disabilities. He was homely, disheveled, and unwashed. He was prone to angry outbursts and untethered joy. He possessed an infectious smile overlaying dirty teeth. He was outwardly unique in our Christian congregation. Was he our visiting angel? Soon after my prodigal return, God worked on my residual worldliness. BC was one of many faith-building lessons. When I first spotted BC, I had a knee-jerk, sin-filled reaction of distaste. One Sunday service, I walked passed him to reach the very last pew. It was empty enough to accommodate my personal space from the rest of the flock. Just as I settled in, BC climbed over me, sat at my hip, and grabbed the hymnal out of my hands. My eyes watered from the alcoholic fumes; I was ready to bolt. Suddenly, Hebrews 13:2 spoke as a whispered memory and instantly convicted my pride-filled heart. “God, forgive me for this sin of self-righteousness. Help me see BC as you see him, as you see me. Help me love BC as you love him, as you love me. Amen.” I turned to face BC and asked, “Will you share that hymnal with me?” Together we worshiped our triune God. We were no angels. We were a family in Christ. We learned and grew under God’s care. One day we will be united in heaven and live in loving harmony forever.
A wise man makes his own decisions. An ignorant man follows public opinion. Reputation is made in a minute. Character is built in a lifetime. The number of people watching you is directly proportional to the stupidity of your action. Some talk because they have something to say; some talk because they have to say something.
When you flee temptation, never leave a forwarding address. Key chain: A device that allows you to lose all of your keys at the same time. Taxidermist: A hare restorer. The years force a certain amount of wisdom on you whether you like it or not.
A wise old owl sat on an oak; The more he saw, the less he spoke; The less he spoke, the more he heard; Why aren’t we like that wise old bird? A new medical study has finally revealed the truth after all those conflicting studies through the years... The Japanese eat very little fat, and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans. The French eat a lot of fat, and also suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans. The Japanese drink very little red wine, and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans. The Italians drink large amounts of red wine, and also suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans. The Germans drink a lot of beer, and eat lots of sausages and fatty foods, and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans. CONCLUSION: Eat and drink whatever you like... Speaking English is what kills you!
SOME THOUGHTS ON TAKING RISKS To laugh is to risk appearing a fool. To weep is to risk appearing sentimental. To reach out for another is to risk involvement. To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self. To place your ideas, your dreams before the crowd is to risk their loss. To love is to risk not being loved in return. To live is to risk dying. To hope is to risk despair. To try is to risk failure. But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard of life is to risk nothing. The people who risk nothing, do nothing, have nothing, are nothing. They may avoid suffering and sorrow, but they simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live. Chained by their certitudes, they are slaves, they have forfeited freedom. Only a person who risks is free.
TWO VISITORS Jim Johnson called the other night to chat an hour or so, And scarcely did he take his seat until I wished he'd go. "Your crops are poor this year," said he, "The thistles choked your oats; Your wheat has winter-killed I fear - Just see those scrawny shoats!" "And you're not looking well yourself You're pale and gray and old, And that's a sickly cough you have. That's more than just a cold." "It is a melancholy fact that man was born to die; I’m glad I called to cheer you up. Goodbye, Old Pal, Goodbye." Next night my old friend William Smith dropped in a little while, I grew at least an inch in height when I saw William smile. The way those pigs are gaining weight they'll make you rich," said he. "And that's as fine a crop of wheat as I could wish to see." "I wish I had your recipe for keeping strong and well, How any man can have such health is more than I can tell." When Jim had gone my shoulders sagged and I was weak and ill, But I was stronger than a horse when I had talked to Bill. I hope, beyond the Pearly Gates, the Mansion next to mine Is owned by one who slaps my back and says, "You're looking fine."
Personally, I'd rather someone tell me the truth than sugar coat everything. Much rather live in reality but thats probably why i don't fit in.
When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber. Sir Winston Churchill Hunting is the ONLY governmental program that has: Paid its own way since its inception, AND Policed itself with its own funds, AND Educated itself with its own funds, AND Corrected and replenished itself with its own funds, AND Expanded with its own funds. Many years ago in Scotland, a new game was invented. It was ruled "Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden" and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.
In the 1400's a law was set forth that a man was not allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have "the rule of thumb" The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstone. Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury. Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.
