Who Are You, Lord?

Last night in our ladies Bible class, we were studying about Moses and the burning bush.  Moses was reluctant to do what God was asking him to do.  He asked God what he would say if the Israelites asked him who sent him.  (Exodus 3 and 4) God explained to Moses that He is the 'I AM' and the 'LORD' - meaning Yahweh.  He revealed His personal name to Moses.

We used  this poem along with our study.  The author is unknown.

Who Are You, Lord?

While praying one day

A woman asked, "Who are you, Lord?"

He answered, "I AM".

"But, Who is I AM?", she said.

And He replied..."I Am Love, I am Peace,

I Am Grace, I Am Joy

I Am The Way, Truth, And The Light...

I Am The Comforter,

I Am Strength, I Am Safety,

I Am Shelter, I Am Power, I Am The Creator,

I Am The Beginning And The End,

I Am The Most High".

The girl with tears n her eyes looked

Toward Heaven and said,

"Now I understand."

"But Lord, who am I?"

Then God tenderly wiped the tears

From her eyes and whispered,

"You are Mine."

Envy or Love

There is a sweet sister-in-Christ who writes beautiful stories and poems.  She is an inspiration to all who know her by her encouraging words and God-centered life.  She is an example of someone who truly uses Facebook as a positive thing - encouraging others, praying for those in need/sickness, and by being an example of a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and prayer-warrior.  Thank you, Edna, for sharing your gifts/talents with the world!

ENVY OR LOVE

I wonder if the red bird
Thinks he’s prettier than the sparrow.
I wonder if the bullet
Thinks it’s truer than the arrow.
Do little fluffy kittens think
They are prettier by far…
Than the little darling puppies
Lying warming by the fire?
How about the precious infant
Gazing up in mother’s eyes.
Is he thinking envious thoughts
As he binds those apron ties?
No… we only learn to envy
As we also learn to hate.
Evil desire comes visiting
And shares our woesome fate.
But there’s a wond’rous remedy
To getting rid of hate;
Jesus lived it and He spoke it…
In Matthew Five and Eight!

-Edna L. Ingram, 2/08

“…Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

Motivational Poem - Equipment

I came across this great poem yesterday. It didn't have a title, but said it was by George Washington Carver.  After further research, I found that it was actually written by Edgar A. Guest, but that it was GWC's favorite poem to recite.  I also found out that the title was "Equipment".  

This is a great motivational poem that centers on our worst critic.....our selves.  The scripture at the end seems to address that same "self" problem.  We have to get out of our own way and realize that God is on our side and ready to help us say, "I CAN"!

EQUIPMENT

Figure it out for yourself, my lad, 
You've all that the greatest of men have had; 
Two arms, two hands, two legs, two eyes, 
And a brain to use if you would be wise, 
With this equipment they all began-- 
So start from the top and say, I CAN.

Look them over, the wise and the great, 
They take their food from a common plate,

And similar knives and forks they use,
With similar laces they tie their shoes;
The world considers them brave and smart,
But you've all they had when they made their start.

You can triumph and come to skill,
You can be great if you only will;
You're well equipped for what fight you choose,
You have arms and legs and a brain to use;
And the man who has risen great deeds to do
Began his life with no more than you.

You are the handicap you must face,
You are the one who must choose your place.
You must say where you want to go,
How much you will study the truth to know;
God has equipped you for life, but He
Lets you decide what you want to be.

Courage must come from the soul within
The man must furnish the will to win.
So figure it out for yourself my lad,
You were born with all that the great have had;
With your equipment they all began,
Get hold of yourself and say, I CAN."

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror  and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

James 1:22-24

Li - Li's Story

Note: I found this story many years ago and used in a ladies' Bible class and actually posted it a few years ago. It still remains one of my favorites. I hope you enjoy it!

LI-LI'S STORY

A long time ago in China, a girl named Li-Li got married and went to live with her husband and mother-in-law. In a very short time, Li-Li found that she couldn't get along with her mother-in-law at all. Their personalities were very different, and Li-Li was angered by many of her mother-in-law's habits. In addition, she criticized Li-Li constantly. Days passed and weeks passed. Li-Li and her mother-in-law never stopped arguing and fighting. But what made the situation even worse was that, according to ancient Chinese tradition, Li-Li had to bow to her mother-in-law and obey her every wish. All the anger and unhappiness in the house was causing Li-Li's poor husband great distress. Finally, Li-Li could not stand her mother-in-law's bad temper and dictatorship any longer, and she decided to do something about it!

Li-Li went to see her father's good friend, Mr.Huang, who sold herbs. She told him the situation and asked if he would give her some poison so that she could solve the problem once and for all. Mr. Huang thought for awhile, and finally said, "Li-Li, I will help you solve your problem, but you must listen to me and obey what I tell you." Li-Li said, "Yes, Mr. Huang, I will do whatever you tell me to do." Mr. Huang went into the back room, and returned in a few minutes with a package of herbs. He told Li-Li, "You can't use a quick-acting poison to get rid of your mother-in-law, because that would cause people to become suspicious. Therefore, I have given you a number of herbs that will slowly build up poison in her body. Every other day prepare some delicious meal and put a little of these herbs in her serving. Now, in order to make sure that nobody suspects you, when she dies, you must be very careful to act very friendly towards her. "Don't argue with her, obey her every wish, and treat her like a queen." Li-Li was so happy! She thanked Mr. Huang and hurried home to start her plot of murdering her mother-in-law.

Weeks went by and months went by and, every other day, Li-Li served the specially prepared food to her mother-in-law. She remembered what Mr. Huang had said about avoiding suspicion, so she controlled her temper, obeyed her mother-in-law, and treated her like her own mother. After six months had passed, the whole household had changed. Li-Li had practiced controlling her temper so much that she found that she almost never got mad or upset. She hadn't had an argument with her mother-in-law in six months because she now seemed much kinder and easier to get along with. The mother-in-law's attitude toward Li-Li changed, too, and she began to love Li-Li like her own daughter. She kept telling friends and relatives that Li-Li was the best daughter-in-law one could ever find. Li-Li and her mother-in-law were now treating each other like a real mother and daughter. Li-Li's husband was very happy to see what was happening.

One day, Li-Li went to see Mr. Huang and asked for his help again She said, "Dear Mr. Huang, please help me to keep the poison from killing my mother-in-law. She's changed into such a nice woman, and I love her like my own mother. I do not want her to die because of the poison I gave her." Mr. Huang smiled and nodded his head. "Li-Li, there's nothing to worry about. I never gave you any poison. The herbs I gave you were vitamins to improve her health. The only poison was in your mind and your attitude toward her, but that has been all washed away by the love which you gave to her."

Have you realized that, in almost every situation, how you treat others is exactly how they will treat you? There is a wise Chinese saying: "The person who loves others will also be loved in return."

The Bible tells us in "Luke 6:31, "Do to others as you would have them do to you." And Ephesians 4:32 says, "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you."

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

The Valleys of Life

Please pray for the people of Oklahoma (as well as those from last week's storm in Missouri and other areas) that have lost loved ones, as well as physical blessings, because of the tornadoes.  We're in the southwest corner and were not affected by the storms last night, but our hearts are heavy for those who are suffering.

The Valleys Of Life

We love to have the mountaintop

Experiences of life

To be in God’s presence worshiping

Where our spirits soar so high

These times are to be treasured

For all that God would do

So we will be better equipped

For the valley we must go through

For it’s down in the valleys

Where we are surely tested

Where we need more of God’s grace

As we share the gospel message

Where God does a deeper work

Revealing our true selves

Removing all that’s not of Him

Like unbelief and doubt

So our lamps again can shine

Without the smudges of sin

To clearly reflect God’s light inside

That once was burning dim

So others can see the hope we have

And be drawn unto the light

So they too can come to know

The saving grace of Christ

© By M.S.Lowndes

(Used by permission from http://www.heavensinspirations.com/)

Don't Quit

This has always been one of my favorite poems.  Thought I would share it with you all.  Have a great Wednesday!

Don't Quit

When things go wrong; as they sometimes will, 

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, 

When the funds are low and the debts are high, 

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, 

When care is pressing you down a bit, 

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is tough with its twists and turns, 

As everyone of us sometimes learns, 

And many a fellow turns about, 

When he might have won had he stuck it out. 

Don't give up though the pace seems slow, 

You might succeed with another blow,

Often the goal is nearer than, 

It seems to a faint and faltering man; 

Often the struggler has given up, 

When he might have captured the victor's cup; 

And he learned too late when the night came down, 

How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out, 

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, 

And you never can tell how close you are, 

It may be near when it seems afar; 

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit, 

It's when things seem the worst that you must not quit.

Author Unknown

Recipe for a Happy New Year

Although we're almost half way finished with this first month of the new year, I just happened to find this "recipe" today and decided it was worth sharing with you today. Enjoy!

Recipe for a Happy New Year

Author Unknown

Take twelve whole months.

Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness,

hate, and jealousy.

Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.

Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or

thirty-one different parts,

but don't make up the whole batch at once.

Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.

Mix well into each day one part of faith,

one part of patience, one part of courage,

and one part of work.

Add to each day one part of hope,

faithfulness, generosity, and kindness.

Blend with one part prayer, one part meditation,

and one good deed.

Season the whole with a dash of good spirits,

a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play,

and a cup full of good humor.

Pour all of this into a vessel of love.

Cook thoroughly over radiant joy,

garnish with a smile,

and serve with quietness, unselfishness,

and cheerfulness.

You're bound to have a happy new year.

BE THEIR BIGGEST FAN

BE THEIR BIGGEST FAN

Your children play on courts and fields,

You watch from in the stands.

Be careful of the words you say.

Be their biggest fan.

Some dads yell out in fits of rage.

They don't seem to understand.

The child is trying as best as he can,

So be their biggest fan.

Moms may scream at the top of their lungs

That the officals ruined the plan!

But boys and girls your example see,

So be their biggest fan.

It's fun to win from, time to time,

But losing we understand,

Will make them stronger every time,

So be their biggest fan.

Your child will someday go out on his own.

He'll learn to take a stand.

Your example he'll learn - that example he'll be -

Please be their biggest fan.

A fan is one who supports and cheers

Each young woman and each young man.

Let them hear your positive tone,

Yes! Be their biggest fan!

Little eyes are watching you!

They hear you in the stands!

With every game, do all that you can

To be their biggest fan.

by Lori Waugh

October 8, 2010

I had been thinking of this poem title for a while and finally sat down and wrote it.  Hope you enjoy it :).

Be All That You Can Be

Last night I was going through a file I have named "Bible Class Keepers".  I found this poem, which I wanted to share with you.  The author is Dot Harrison.  It's a great poem for Christians!

BE ALL THAT YOU CAN BE

The Lord doesn't ask the impossible,

Or demand perfection in me.

All He wants from each of us,

Is be all that we can be.

Be the kind of Christian,

Whose light shines far and wide.

Reflecting only Jesus,

As you walk by His side.

Be full of love for others,

As Christ would have you do.

Reaching out for souls,

To teach the gospel to.

Be the kind of woman,

Found in Proverbs Thirty-One,

Called "blessed" by her family,

For things that she had done.

Be full of works like Dorcas,

Who gave to those in need.

Just simple acts of love,

Yet mourned for such a deed.

Be all that you can be,

As you walk the "Narrow Way",

Waiting for the master,

To take you home some day.

For God never asked that we be great,

Or climb the social ladder,

He's not impressed by worldly things,

That do not really matter.

He only looks inside of us,

Where no one else can see.

And knows if we are trying,

To be all that we can be.

What Are My Little Boys Made Of?

What are my little boys made of?

Baseball bats and things like that.

Jerseys, balls, and lots of hats.

Thats what my little boys are made of.

What are my little boys made of?

Hugs and kisses,dreams and wishes

One who gardens and one who fishes.

That's what my little boys are made of.

What are my little boys made of?

Football games and bicycle chains,

Basketball goals and lots of trains.

That's what my little boys are made of.

What are my little boys made of?

Cars and trucks and Lego blocks,

Hide and seek and sidewalk chalk.

That's what my little boys are made of.

What are my little boys made of?

Bugs and dirt, making lots of things,

One who creates and one who sings.

That's what my little boys are made of.

What are my little boys made of?

Uniquely designed, God had each in mind,

I love them all – they're one of a kind.

And that's what my little boys are made of.

Written by Lori

August 24, 2010

A Funny Thing

I was cleaning off my desk and found some little poems and sayings that were my Grandma Sibyl's.  Thought I would share one of them with you for today!

A FUNNY THING

Author Unknown

It is a funny thing, but true,

That folks you don't like, don't like you;

I don't know why this should be so,

But just the same I always know

If I am "sour" friends are few;

If I am friendly, folks are, too.

Sometimes, I get up in the morn

A-wishing I was never born;

I make of cross remarks a few,

And then my family wishes, too,

That I had gone some other place

Instead of showing them my face.

But let me change my little "tune",

And sing and smile, then pretty soon

The folks around me sing and smile;

I guess 'twas catching all the while.

Yes, 'tis a funny thing, but true,

The folks you like all sure like you.

Ten Little Christians

TEN LITTLE CHRISTIANS

(author unknown)

Ten little Christians, standing in a line;

One disliked the preacher, then there were nine.

Nine little Christians stayed up very late;

One slept in on Sunday, then there were eight.

Eight little Christians on their way to heaven;

One took his own road, then there were seven.

Seven little Christians chirping like little chicks;

One disliked the song leader, then there were six.

Six little Christians seemed very much alive;

But one lost his interest, then there were five.

Five little Christians pulling for heaven's shore;

But one stopped to rest, then there were four.

Four little Christians each as busy as a bee;

One got her feelings hurt, then there were three.

Three little Christians knew what to do;

One couldn't forgive, then there were two.

Two little Christians, our rhyme is nearly done;

Quarreled over petty stuff, then there was only one.

One little Christian, can't do much 'tis true;

But he brought his friend to Bible study, then there were two.

Two earnest Christians each won one more,

That doubled the number, now there were four.

Four sincere Christians worked early and worked late,

Each won another, then there were eight.

Eight splendid Christians, if they doubled as before,
In a few short weeks, we'd have a 1024.

In this little jingle, there is a lesson true;

You either belong to "The Building" or "The Wrecking Crew."

IT'S IN THE VALLEYS WE GROW

I couldn't find where I had shared this poem with you in any previous posts, but I happened to think of it last night.  I had seen it years ago, but then about 8 years ago, we lost a baby and a Christian friend sent it to me.

This cross picture was taken last week while driving home from a school event.  It's near Weatherford, Oklahoma.

IT'S IN THE VALLEYS WE GROW

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,

Full of sorrow, trouble and woe

It's then we have to remember

That it's in the valleys we grow.

If we always stayed on the mountain top

And never experienced pain,

We would never appreciate God's love

And would be living in vain.

We have so much to learn

And our growth is very slow,

Sometimes we need the mountain tops,

But it's in the valleys we grow.

We do not always understand

Why things happen as they do,

But I am very sure of one thing.

My Lord will see me through.

The little valleys are nothing

When we picture Christ on the cross

He went through the valley of death;

His victory was Satan's loss.

Forgive me Lord, for complaining

When I'm feeling so very low.

Just give me a gentle reminder

That it's in the valleys I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day

To share your love with others

And help them find their way.

Thank you for the valleys, Lord

For this one thing I know

The mountain tops are glorious

But it's in the valleys I grow!

Have a blessed day!

Poem written by Jane Eggleston

Thanksgiving Poems

Thanksgiving Delights

On Thanksgiving Day we’re thankful for
Our blessings all year through,

For family we dearly love,

For good friends, old and new.

For sun to light and warm our days,

For stars that glow at night,

For trees of green and skies of blue,

And puffy clouds of white.

We’re grateful for our eyes that see

The beauty all around,

For arms to hug, and legs to walk,

And ears to hear each sound.

The list of all we’re grateful for

Would fill a great big book;

Our thankful hearts find new delights

Everywhere we look!

By Joanna Fuchs

Thanksgiving Every Day

The table is brimming with good things to eat;

We're surrounded by family and friends; what a treat.

The feelings that fill us today can’t be beat;

It’s Thanksgiving Day, and it all feels complete.

But other days, sometimes things don’t seem so fine;

Those days are not polished and don’t seem to shine.

It's then in our minds, we forget all the good,

And think of the things we would get, if we could.

On days when our thinking causes us dread,

If we could remember, it’s all in our head,

And not let our minds take our gratitude away,

Then we'd make every day like Thanksgiving Day.

By Karl Fuchs

These poems are from  http://www.poemsource.com/ .

Inspirational Poems

I hope you enjoy these two inspirational poems...

THROUGH ME

Through me
let there be kind words, a warm smile, and a caring heart.

Through me
let there be a willingness to listen and a readiness to understand.

Through me
let there be dependability, steadfastness, trust and loyalty.

Through me
let there be compassion, forgiveness, mercy and love.

Through me
let there be every quality I find, O Lord, in Thee.

-Author Unknown

A Pebble

Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.

Drop a pebble in the water: in a minute you forget,
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown;
You've disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.

Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on.
They keep spreading, spreading, spreading from the center as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you've started them to flow.

Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute you forget;
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And perhaps in some sad heart a mighty wave of tears you've stirred,
And disturbed a life was happy ere you dropped that unkind word.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn't believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness: in a minute you forget;
But there's gladness still a-swelling, and there's joy circling yet,
And you've rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.

Author James W. Foley

The Strength of a Man

Note: I got this poem via email from Inspiration Daily. I really liked it and wanted to share it with you. No author was listed. Also, be sure to vote on the monthly fun poll: "What's your favorite color?"

The Strength of a Man

The strength of a man isn't seen in the width of his shoulders.
It's in the width of his arms that encircle you.

The strength of a man isn't in the deep tone of his voice.
It's in the gentle words he whispers.

The strength of a man isn't how many buddies he has.
It's how good a buddy he is with his children.

The strength of a man isn't in how respected he is at work.
It's in how respected he is at home.

The strength of a man isn't in how hard he hits.
It's in how tender he touches.

The strength of a man isn't in the hair on his chest.
It's in his heart, that lies within his chest.

The strength of a man isn't how many women he's loved.
It's in being true to one woman.

The strength of a man isn't in the weight he can lift.
It's in the burdens he can carry.

"Walk a little slower, Daddy!"

This is one of my favorite poems. When our oldest three children were little, we gave this poem to my husband for Father's Day with their footprints all around it. It hung in his office for several years.

"Walk a little slower daddy,"
said a child so small.
"I'm following in your footsteps
and I don't want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast,
Sometimes they're hard to see;
So walk a little slower, Daddy,
For you are leading me.

Someday when I'm all grown up,
You're what I want to be;
Then I will have a little child
Who'll want to follow me.

And I would want to lead just right,
And know that I was true;
So, walk a little slower, Daddy,
For I must follow you."

author unknown