Today,

before you think of saying

an unkind word

think of someone who can't speak

Before you complain

about the taste of your food

think of someone who has nothing to eat

Before you complain about

your husband or wife

think of someone who's crying out to God

for a companion

Today,

before you complain about life

think of someone who went too early to heaven

Before you complain about your children

Think of someone who desires

children but they're barren
Before you argue about your dirty house;
someone didn't clean or sweep
think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance you drive
Think of someone who walks
the same distance with their feet

And when you are tired
and complain about your job think of the
unemployed,
the disabled
and those who wished they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger
or condemning another
remember that not one of us are without sin
and we all answer to one maker.
And when depressing thoughts
seem to get you down
put a smile on your face
and thank God
you're alive and still around.

Life is a gift
Live it...
Enjoy it...
Celebrate it...

And fulfill it.

And while you are at it
give love to someone today
Love someone with what you do
and the words you say
Love is not meant to be kept locked
inside of us and hidden
So give it away
"Give Love to someone today!"

~Grace Noll Crowell~

Dawn follows darkness.

Sunset follows day.

Our short sojourn here

is marked off in the steady rhythm

of the seasons,

tides, moons and sunsets.

Each is a beautiful reminder---

"O my Father, You are nigh!

Your glory fills the whole earth!

All is well with my soul!

In Your presence there is joy

forevermore!"

~~W. Phillip Keller

Sea Edge

A life spent making mistakes

is not only more honorable

But more useful

than a life spent

doing nothing.

~~George Bernard Shaw

"I find it fascinating

that most people plan

their vacations

with better care than

they plan their lives.

Perhaps that is because

escape is easier

than change."

~~Jim Rohn
Author and Speaker

Our spiritual journeys

are lived moment by moment,

not day by day

or even week by week.

God doles out our existence to us

one breath at a time.

To trust in our own means

of survival and security

instead of in God Himself

is to miss out on God's serendipitous moments

and events He has planned for us.

~~Leslie Williams

Night Wrestling

A life spent making mistakes

is not only more honorable,

But more useful

than a life spent

doing nothing.

~~George Bernard Shaw

- Peace On Stormy Seas -

I sailed upon a tranquil sea
Where all was peace and calm;
I felt my life serene and blessed,
I knew not storm or qualm.
Then clouds of doubt began to form,
The wind did stir and blow;
My tranquil sea did heave and toss,
I felt my anguish grow.
I cried,
"Dear Lord, are you out there?
You see my ship storm-tossed?
Why do you leave me here alone?
I fear I may be lost."
God smiled
and spoke these simple words,
"Peace my child, just be still;
I'm the God of the raging sea,
The waves obey my will."

"Hook your anchor onto 'The Rock'
That holds your vessel sure.
No evil can alarm you child,
I'll keep your life secure."
"No harm will touch you if you trust
And place your faith in me;
Your storm-
tossed ship will once again
Sail on a tranquil sea."
"So do not fear the storms of life
That oft assail your soul;
I am the Master of the Sea,
I'm always in control."

"The storms will surely strengthen you
When on rough seas you sail,
For you will know the victory
That comes when you prevail."

-- Linda J. Stevenson