THE $1.00 SALE MOUTH!

"I'm with them!" he quickly shouted. "He's not with us!" I shot back as the lady let us in and stopped the man and his girlfriend behind us.

Before I'd left in the morning I quickly prayed for patience, love and to be an example of Christ in a very hectic environment...a clothing store $1.00 sale. In my hurried state...I read scriptures, my mind wandering as I glanced at the clock, not wanting to be too late. I was reading but not truly getting filled up... preoccupation flooded my focus. Heading out I was left vulnerable...not truly ready for the day ahead and very quickly there I was for all to see...my mouth on display. A lifetime battle that rears its ugly head just when I begin to feel I've almost conquered this hurdle.

I'd arrived 15 minutes later than I said I would. I happily walked up to my friends who were already in line, cutting in with a cheerful smile, "I made it." The man and girl behind them didn't say a word as several other friends arrived to pile in front of them also. The line was long and I was grateful my friends were there on time. The doors opened and people piled in, running to the tables. As our group got to the front they let two of the girls in and then stopped the rest of us. The lady realized we were all together and said, "Oh, you're with them?"

*Flashback to the man saying he's also with us. After my reply, one of the girls with us looked at me and said, "That was mean."

Ugh. What happened? Where was my Christ like nature? I mean really, let's be honest, I cut in front of them and if I hadn't they'd already be in.

I was bothered at me! What kind of example was I setting? I was more worried our group would be too big with them included and we wouldn't be let in. Is that how I'm supposed to act...me first? I deserve to get in before you? Is that how Christ wants me to be?

I fall short. My old nature creeps in and slaps me in the head. I have work to do. I need more of Jesus and less of me. The only way this is possible is by spending quality time with Him daily. Food for my soul; pulling out the weeds, (my old nature) that threatens to overtake, overgrow...develop roots. My nature is selfish, looking to get, have and keep the best for me; me first - others last.

It's in these moments, times of less than I want to be that I'm thankful Jesus is always there. He's showing me, a bright neon light flashing in the darkness, the areas I need to pray about. He brings attention to my shortcomings, not to defeat me, but to help me rise above it; to pray more in that area of personal weakness. Read the Word more on the subject. Truth. More Light to drown out the darkness.

What areas do you struggle with? Thank the Lord for highlighting them for you. It's an opportunity to allow Him to pull up roots of lies, deception, wickedness, shame, anger and regret. Replacing it with truth, wisdom, goodness, honor, strength, faith, peace and love.

Today, thank the Lord for loving you enough to show you areas in your life that need HIS help. Let His light shine in and through you as He fills you to overflowing with Jesus' incredible love.

"Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12

GOD WANTS YOU TO KNOW…

 
God wants you to know…

"My Presence is more than enough. Allow Me to seep into your whole being. I will fill you up. I will carry you through. I will anoint you to do My will, as you listen to Me, as you seek Me, as you enjoy My Love and Presence in your life. I Am more than enough. Return to Me and I will return to you (read Zechariah 1:3). I Am your Father and you are my child. Let go. Let Me. I Am standing at the crossroads saying, "This is the way…walk in it." (read Jeremiah 6:16). My grace is made perfect in weakness. Surrender yourself completely to Me and watch Me work in your life. I love you with an everlasting love. You are Mine and I Am yours, 

Bask in the glory of My Presence. Hear Me roar. (read Hosea 11:10) Hear Me thunder. (read Job 40:9) Be mindful of Me. Return to Me with childlike faith. I Am more than enough. Allow Me to be your everything...your all...your strength and your guide. I love you! I never leave you. I am right beside you always.

Let My Light fill any darkness. As the sun gives light to the earth, so do I give Light to your soul. Open the door and let me in. I have come to redeem you, to restore you, to make you mine and mine alone. The waves may crash around you but you are safe in My Arms. "…if it were not so, I would have told you." (read John 14:2) 

I Am ALWAYS with you. Do not shrink back. Walk out in complete faith. You are My child and can let go...collapsing into the safety of My Arms. I Am your's and you are Mine." 

"But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine." Isaiah 43:1

The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you." Jeremiah 31:3

"And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." Corinthians 12:9

"Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19 

"So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” John 20:21

A Horse...A Beast...A Dream

We were riding along, three of us on horses. My friend April leading the way, another friend who's face I couldn't make out, directly in front of me and I was last. April led her horse off the rough pavement onto the steep side of the hill. We followed. I was leery but did so anyways. April's horse stumbled, it's leg twisting badly, it took off running wildly down the steep mountain toward a wet marshland. She was gripping for her life. The second friend's horse became spooked and charged after. My horse remained calm and manageable.

He cautiously went after my friends. I was worried. April's horse ran into what looked like waist deep water. The second friend was able to stop before plunging in after her. Two men were there shouting, "It's quicksand!" They threw a rope to April who was still atop her horse but sinking fast.They tried in vain to pull them out. I told the men to attach the rope to my horse and we'd pull them to safety.  It worked! They were freed.

I then took my horse to the top of the hill, separating from my friends.

I got off to look at something. My horse started grazing up the road, waiting for me. All of a sudden he took off. I began to run after him. I saw him in the distance along with a large menacing beast with horns ahead of him, ready to charge. My horse quickly turned to run down stairs that led to an isolated mountain baseball field full of people watching a game on cement benches.

I ran and made it safely to the stairs ahead of the beast, still chasing my horse. A goat suddenly appeared as I passed through a gate. I somehow knew he wanted to harm me. I closed the gate just in time as he rammed into it. I continued chasing after my horse which I could faintly see in the distance.

I quickly awoke, pondering the dream. It reminded me of life. I was safely walking with the Lord (He was carrying me.) I was able to stay calm and help friends in need along the way. I stayed close to Him, one with Him. He was taking me safely through life's journey. Peace. Calm. Security. But for some reason something caught my attention causing me to get down from His safety and venture off alone. He waited for me. I was standing still. He wanted to take me forward away from looming danger. When He could wait no longer He ran ahead, catching my attention to chase after Him. To seek Him. To allow Him to take me away from danger. But the wild beast was in front of me and alone I was small in comparison. He led me down a side path, with people and gates to protect me. He wanted me to stay focused on Him until we could once more be one again. The Lord carrying me through this life. Peace. Calm. Security. A safe journey. A secure place with Jesus as my constant companion.

Don't let life cause you to lose focus. Keep your eyes fixed on the Lord. Stay close to Him. You are safe in His arms. He knows the way to the dreams He has for you. Seek Him daily in the quiet place. Let Him be your life's guide as you fix your eyes on Him, growing closer until you are one. His eyes. His ears. His heart. His wisdom. His trust. His faith. His forgiveness. His love. A dream come true. The Lord filling you up to overflowing. A new transformed life in and through Jesus Christ.

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2

Who Are You?

I used to forget who I was, letting the things of my past rush in, flooding me with old, self-deprecating feelings. The mistakes I'd made, things I'd done that hurt others and myself, filling my mind with self-hatred. I let those old feeling overwhelm me and bring me to a state of hopelessness.

"I'll never change. This is who I am. This is who I'll always be." These lies playing over and over in my mind. The enemy was trying to use my past to keep me 'locked up'...'ineffective'...and 'unproductive' for Christ and His purpose for me.

As I eventually confronted my painful past, I cried, prayed and read the Scriptures daily. I needed the Lord's healing love, comfort and forgiveness, as well as self-forgiveness. The more I reached out to Him the quicker I was comforted. My heart began to change. I started to feel His love being poured over the open wounds of my heart. Medicine for my infected soul. The more I called Him, the more He answered. His faithfulness restoring me to who I truly am. Not my sins, not my poor choices, actions or words. A kinder, loving, caring person who's been changed through the love of Jesus Christ. My old ways have been washed clean through Christ's sacrifice. I've been redeemed, restored and given a new beginning. I can truly be all that the Lord wants me to be and so can you. Call out to Him daily and be set free! Know who you are in and through Jesus Christ.

"I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will guide him and restore comfort to him." Isaiah 57:18

"I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: "Do not close your ears to my cry for relief." You came near when I called you, and you said, "Do not fear." O Lord, you took up my case; you redeemed my life." Lamentations 3:55-58


For this is what the high and lofty One says-he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite."Isaiah 57:15

"The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him." Lamentations 3:25

"Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near." Isaiah 55:6

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you." Isaiah 60:1 

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 3:14

It's Time To Remove Your Training Wheels!

Remember when you learned how to ride a bike?

Running outside with you parents, jumping on the bike and pedaling, only to find the bike tilting toward the side, panic rising up as you realize you're about to fall. Suddenly, at just the right moment, the bike's training wheel stops you from toppling over. Feeling relief sweep over you…white knuckles loosening their grip on the handlebars, you begin to pedal faster. Gaining trust as the bike, teeter totter's, between the two back training wheels, while you remain upright.

When the time comes to finally remove the training wheels, fear creeps back in, unsure of whether you really care about becoming a "Big" boy or girl. But your parents gently coax you along, reassuring you that, "It's okay, we've got you." They run behind you, holding onto the back seat yelling, "Pedal faster!" Their secure grip, guiding, encouraging you to go on.  Before you know it, you look back and they're clapping for you, no longer holding on. You begin to wobble in doubt, maybe even falling because of fear. But you're able to get back up and try again, as your parents continue to lovingly persuade you. Eventually, you become secure in the knowledge that, you can do it!

In life, Heavenly Father is your parent. He is holding you up, and when you get too far away and fall, He picks you up, encouraging you to push on. Strengthening you with His Love. Reminding you that He is there, He is with you and you're not alone. Spend time with Him in that secret, quiet place; soaking in His Love through Scriptures and Prayer.

 Take off your training wheels. Let His Words propel you forward. Allow Him to cheer you on, as you race ahead of your circumstances, into His restoring Peace and Grace.

"If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boys father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:23-24 "He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer." Mark 9:29

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark 6:30

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."Mark 10:27   

After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went to them, walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Mark 6:46-50

Hope Unseen

Do not walk around with anger, frustration and malice in your heart. For I am doing a work in you that you cannot see.

I'm stretching you in your faith.

For hope that is seen is no hope at all.

Hope and trust for that which you do not yet have. Wait patiently without grumbling and murmuring and you shall see the glory of God as He blesses your life!

"In my distress I called to the Lord, and He answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help and you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me." I said, "I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple."

"The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God. When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple." Jonah 2:1-7

"Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. For your maker is your husband the Lord Almighty is his name the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer: he is called the God of all earth." Isaiah 54:4-5

You Are Not Alone!

story by: lisa petrarca


Have you ever felt so completely exhausted and overwhelmed with life? Does it seem when you start to find a little bit of peace, something happens to destroy it? There's always something trying to steal your joy. Recently, while talking with a friend about struggles and difficulties, I realized that through it all, after many years of wondering, "How can I ever make it through this? When will I stop being sad, worried and depressed about everything?"

The realization came at a time when the world would think, "How sad, they had to sell their home and start renting again. They barely have enough money to cover the basic necessities each month." But I've never had such complete and total peace. I've learned to stop constantly worrying. I've learned the secret to letting go of every negative, self defeating thought. I've learned to release the overbearing weight of guilt and shame. Most importantly, I've learned that I'm not alone to deal with these things. I want to share this secret, shout it out to everyone who feels as if they are sinking, drowning in life's sea of problems.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Let go of these things. I know it sounds ridiculous. You might say, "Yeah right, you're crazy, you don't know the mess I've made of my life, the sickness I'm dealing with, the situation I'm in?" I too never thought it was possible. I'd done so much damage it seemed beyond repair. That's just it though, it was beyond anything I could change alone. I needed help, I needed encouragement, guidance, peace, faith and forgiveness.

I started with baby steps, praying each morning, sometimes breaking down completely, crying, asking the Lord to change me, and everything in my life. Then I picked up a book, it changed my negative thought patterns. I opened the Bible and read one single scripture in the morning, then slowly began to read a little more. Strongholds in my life began to tear away. My worst fears, negative self talk, lack of trust, self pity, and walls of protection all began to disappear. I was being set free, one prayer, one scripture at a time. The transformation started to take shape. I wasn't being controlled by anger and fear, I was set free, no longer bound by the chains that life and it's difficulties attached to me.

God had given me His peace, it overcomes any and ALL circumstances. His gift, His son, Jesus Christ died for us to be set free. If we call on Him, let go of our troubles and ask HIM to carry them, forgive us and believe that He CAN and WILL do this, you'll find a peace that sustains you throughout every storm of life.

Just think, it all started through prayer, reading the scriptures and getting to know my Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ. My peace is now beyond my circumstances, beyond my troubles, beyond my fear, it's life sustaining. Take small steps today and see where the Lord can take your life.

Is it too much to give the Lord 15 min. of your time to finally have peace?

If you call Him, He will answer.

"I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, "You are my servant;" I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:9-10

"In those days, at that time," declares the Lord, "the people of Israel and the people of Judah together will go in tears to seek the Lord their God. They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and bind themselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten. "My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains. They wandered over mountain and hill and forgot their own resting place." Jeremiah 50:4-6

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:28-31

FINDING THE FAITH

photo & story by: lisa petrarca

Why is it so hard to learn to walk by faith? Some days I do well and other days I have to get on my knees and stay there until the fear, anxiety and negative thoughts disappear. I've learned to pray through these things.

On those days, my prayers also need to continue throughout my day, with each unsettling encounter, with each self defeating thought, because there is an enemy who wants to bring me and you down. He wants to see us fail.

Prayer and the scriptures is how you defeat him. Just as Jesus did when He was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry, and satan came to tempt Him. Jesus came back at him with scriptures, quoting truth, quoting life sustaining wisdom, quoting His Father's words.

Jesus answered, "It is written: "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" Matthew 4:19

Jesus answered him, "It is also written: "Do not put the Lord your God to the test" Matthew 4:7

Jesus said to him, "Away from me, satan! For it is written: "Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only." Matthew 4:10

Are you able to do this? When negative thoughts are flooding your mind like a tidal wave, drowning your confidence and self worth, are you able to stop it? Are you reading the scriptures daily, absorbing all that God is trying to reveal to you? He has given you a lifeline, a safety net, a boat to help you reach the other side without drowning. Stop treading water, you will eventually begin to sink. Grab hold of God's life jacket. He has given you the answers to all your questions, just reach out, open the scriptures and pray today.

The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Isaiah 32:17-18

O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. Isaiah 33:2

Keep Going

story by: Lisa Petrarca

I was running in the race for a long, long time. The finish line seemed to never appear. I stopped and sat down for a while, became discouraged & turned back. Once I reached the starting line, I realized that I was alone there, everyone else was heading to the finish line. I began to sprint, growing weary I sat down to catch my breath. Then I heard a prompting, "Keep going, it's not far now."

I walked at first then began to jog, running into several obstacles along the way. This race was more difficult than I thought. Can I ever finish? "Keep going, it's not far now," was the whisper in my ear.

The dark & cold enveloped me but I knew I was closer then when I first started. I took slow but steady steps forward, stumbling and sometimes falling but always getting back up. In this race I realized I was growing in strength and determination. "Keep going, it's not far now," the ever present voice whispered.

As the dawn broke, a double rainbow appeared before me. I stood in awe and amazement. The arches of my finish line appeared before me. God's love shining down from above.

To reach my finish line I must push forward through life's trials and obstacles. Prayer and the scriptures giving me fuel, strength and light to guide my way, as I continue on in hope and faith. Eventually reaching the beauty of the endless rainbow that signifies God's unconditional, unending love.

According to His eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
Ephesians 3:11-13

I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesian 3:16-21

Seek Me

"Seek me with all your might, mind and strength. For my way is easy and my burden is light. You have been ever seeing but not perceiving, ever hearing but not understanding. My way is easy and my burden is light, when you seek me with all your heart."

"My sacrifice was given for your freedom. No longer are you to carry your burdens alone. Lay them at my feet and I will remove them from you. Give up your worries and I will take them from your mind. You will no longer carry the things that you've labored with. They are no longer a part of you. I have set the captive free. I am freeing you up to go and do my work. To share my light with the entire world. To set the captives free. To share my love with the world. To show them that they no longer need to depend on their own strength, for I will carry them."

"I will guide their way and keep the enemy at bay. He will no longer be able to control you with his lies. My power and strength is beyond your understanding. I ask you to come to me daily in prayer and I will hear and answer you. I will take in your words and reign blessings down upon you for your faithfulness. I am here, waiting for you to know me, to ask for my wisdom and understanding. Seek me daily and you will find me. My burden is easy. I'm coming soon to set the captives free."

"Trust, seek and get to know me while I still may be found. I am your Lord & Savior, I have come to set you free. Release the burdens on me. I have paid a price for your sins, I have given my blood so that you may walk in newness of life."

"Why are you not taking my gift? It is easy to receive, just believe in me, repent and ask for the Holy Spirit to fill you up each day. Why do you make it so hard? Why do you continue to doubt. Let go! Let go! Let go! I am here to catch you. Release all your worldly desires and seek me, you will find me when you seek me with all your heart. I am here, I am waiting. My love for you is endless, you can't begin to understand it!"

Ingredients of Life

Author Unknown

A little boy is telling his Grandma how "everything" is going wrong...school, family problems, severe health problems, etc. Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks the child if he would like a snack, which of course he does.

"Here. Have some cooking oil."

"Yuck," says the boy.

"How about a couple of raw eggs?"

"Gross, Grandma."

"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"

"Grandma, those are all yucky!"

To which the Grandma replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!

" God works the same way. Many times we wonder why he would let us go through such bad and difficult times, but, God knows that, when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually they will all make something wonderful!"

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11-13

Determination

I’ve been thinking a lot about determination lately. The dictionary defines determination as: the act of coming to a decision or of fixing or settling on a purpose.

We all have hopes, dreams and goals, but how many of us can say that we have determination?

Somehow over the years, I think most of us have lost our purpose. We’ve let the things that are important slip off to the side as we continue stumbling through our life...incredibly busy, doing unimportant, trivial things or hanging on to bad habits.

What are we waiting for?

We have lost our determination in the waiting. We need to remember that while there is always waiting, we need to be fixed on our true purpose and determined to stay on course.

It takes just one right decision at a time, each day. That's it! When faced with a familiar situation, be determined to make the right choice. Complete determination to break any bondage (Habits) that are holding you captive. With each right choice...you are one step closer to breaking a bad habit...BE DETERMINED!

Jesus Christ was our example. He came to this earth to fulfill His Fathers will. He knew He had a purpose and spent His life pursuing it.

Determination...He gave us an example to live by.

As you seek your life calling...BE DETERMINED to start your day with scripture & prayer, asking for help to continue to be DETERMINED to do that which you were made for.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Romans 12:11-13

The Miracle of a Brother's Song

TRUE STORY~as told by Karen Simmons Knapp (Grandmother)

Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby was on the way, she did what she could to help her 3-year-old son, Michael, prepare for a new sibling. They found out that the new baby was going be a girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael sang to his sister in Mommy's tummy. He was building a bond of love with his little sister before he even met her.

The pregnancy progressed normally for Karen, an active member of the Creek United Methodist Church in Morristown, Tennessee. In time, the labor pains came. Soon it was every five minutes, every three, every minute. But serious complications arose during delivery and Karen found herself in hours of labor. Would a C-section be required?

Finally, after a long struggle, Michael's little sister was born. But she was in very serious condition. With a siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee.

The days inched by. The little girl got worse. The pediatrician had to tell the parents there is very little hope. Be prepared for the worst. Karen and her husband contacted a local cemetery about a burial plot. They had fixed up a special room in their house for their new baby they found themselves having to plan for a funeral. Michael, however, kept begging his parents to let him see his sister. I want to sing to her, he kept saying. Week two in intensive care looked as if a funeral would come before the week was over.

Michael kept nagging about singing to his sister, but kids are never allowed in Intensive Care. Karen decided to take Michael whether they liked it or not. If he didn't see his sister right then, he may never see her alive. She dressed him in an over sized scrub suit and marched him into ICU. He looked like a walking laundry basket. The head nurse recognized him as a child and bellowed, "Get that kid out of here now. No children are allowed." The mother rose up strong in Karen, and the usually mild-mannered lady glared steel-eyed right into the head nurse's face, her lips a firm line. He is not leaving until he sings to his sister" she stated.

Then Karen towed Michael to his sister's bedside. He gazed at the tiny infant losing the battle to live. After a moment, he began tossing. In the pure-hearted voice of a 3-year-old, Michael sang: "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray." Instantly the baby girl seemed to respond. The pulse rate began to calm down and become steady. "Keep on singing, Michael," encouraged Karen with tears in her eyes. "You never know, dear, how much I love you, please don't take my sunshine away. "As Michael sang to his sister, the baby's ragged, strained breathing became as smooth as a kitten's purr. "Keep on singing, sweetheart."

"The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms". Michael's little sister began to relax as rest, healing rest, seemed to sweep over her. "Keep singing, Michael." Tears had now conquered the face of the bossy head nurse. Karen glowed. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Please don't take my sunshine away..."

The next, day...the very next day...the little girl was well enough to go home. Woman's Day Magazine called it The Miracle of a Brother's Song. The medical staff just called it a miracle. Karen called it a miracle of God's love.

NEVER GIVE UP ON THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE. LOVE IS SO INCREDIBLY POWERFUL.

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30

"He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."
Matthew 10:39

It's Only 10 Minutes!

By: Lisa Petrarca

Everyday I start the morning out with a quick Bible study and prayer. At first this was difficult. Trying to add one more thing into my schedule was something I didn't want to do. But I needed to change my way of thinking. I wasn't adding one more thing...I was actually adding the ONLY thing that was important!

Everything else soon became easier because I turned my day, time, problems, decisions and safety over to my Heavenly Father each morning. My days became easier to deal with. I seemed to have more time, energy and patience throughout my day. That one simple decision to start my morning off by giving it to the Lord was a blessing on my life.

Priorities need to be analyzed and we need to remember that our life here is only temporary. We need to focus on what will bring us eternal happiness. By doing this, we actually can change our earthly situations.

Start today! Put your Bible on your night stand. Set your alarm ten minutes earlier than usual. As soon as it goes off, reach over, grab your Bible and see what the Lord wants to help you with today!

FEELING SHIPWRECKED?

SCRIPTURE:

"I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?"
Jeremiah 32:27

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
Jeremiah 33:3

HE WILL RAISE YOUR SAILS & GET YOU BACK IN THE RACE TO WIN THE PRIZE FOR THAT WHICH HE HAS CALLED YOU!

Hold On

Have you had times in your life when you feel like giving up? Things seem to just keep getting worse...you feel yourself slowly slipping into despair. The following story might help you realize that help is on the way...

Hold On

Author Unknown

Some years ago on a hot summer day in south Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore.

His mother in the house was looking out the window saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, she ran toward the water, yelling to her son as loudly as she could. Hearing her voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his mother. It was too late. Just as he reached her, the alligator reached him.

From the dock, the mother grabbed her little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the mother, but the mother was much too passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard her screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.

Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal, and on his arms, were deep scratches where his mother's fingernails dug into his flesh in her effort to hang on to the son she loved.

The newspaper reporter, who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, 'But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my Mom wouldn't let go.'

You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, or anything quite so dramatic, but the scars of painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you. The Scripture teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way. But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations. The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-of-war begins - and if you have the scars of His love on your arms be very, very grateful. He did not and will not - let you go.

"I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand." Isaiah 42:6
NIV

A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.
1 Corinthians 7:15
NIV