"New Morning Praise" - 2008

06/12/08 | Unforgiveness Author Unknown

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:52:09 -0400

Nothing is as painful,
As unforgiveness to the soul;

A heart that's torn asunder,
With forgiveness becomes whole.

A single kind word spoken
Means more than countless words;

The three words, "I forgive you,"
Are all that need be heard.

To a soul that has been wounded,
Like a healing, cooling balm;

Forgiveness soothes and comforts,
Till at last the soul is calm.

For the soul that seeks forgiveness,
When forgiveness can't be found;

It struggles vainly everyday,
To hear that simple sound.

The power in those three kind words,
Can heal a heart that's broken;

But that heart cannot begin to heal,
As long as words remain unspoken.

Compassion in it's purest sense,
Reside in those three words;

The three words, "I forgive you,"
Are all that need be heard.

06/10/08 | 90-YEAR-OLD GRADUATE

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:07:40 -0400

DETROIT (AP) _ At age 90, John Lawrence has finally gotten to wear his cap and gown. The World War II veteran has received an honorary diploma and was honored last night during Detroit Southwestern High School's commencement. He was escorted from the stage by a member of the U.S. Coast Guard. Lawrence says he almost fainted when he found out the school was going to recognize him. He says he had to drop out during the Great Depression to help support his family. During the war, he served in the Pacific. Lawrence says graduating from high school after all these years is "overwhelming."

06/04/08 | Gifts from God Monique Nicole Fox

Wed, 4 Jun 2008 11:31:30 -0400

I am surrounded by loving and supporting friends and family a gift from God.

I am surrounded by motivated co-workers and positivity a gift from God.

I am surrounded by happy smiles and gaiety
a gift from God.

I am surrounded by natures beauty
a gift from God.

I am surrounded by angels protecting me
a gift from God.

I am surrounded by talented Poets and their poetry a gift from God.

I am surrounded by God's many wondrous gifts that provide a welcomed spiritual lift.

05/30/08 | GESUNDHEIT! Author Unknown

Fri, 30 May 2008 11:35:55 -0400

They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-three students filing into the already crowded auditorium. With rich maroon gowns flowing and the traditional caps, they looked almost as grown up as they felt. Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and moms freely brushed away tears.

This class would not pray during the commencements - not by choice but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it. The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families. The speeches were nice, but they were routine ... until the final speech received a standing ovation.

A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then he delivered his speech ... an astounding SNEEZE! The rest of the students rose immediately to their feet, and in unison they said, "GOD BLESS YOU!!"

The audience exploded into applause. The graduating class found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future ... with or without the court's approval.

GOD BLESS AMERICA ... Where there is a will there is a way...

05/01/08 | "Larry Stockstill"

Thu, 1 May 2008 12:06:39 -0400

"I have allotted to you as an inheritance all the land of the nations yet unconquered, as well as the land of those we have already conquered--from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea in the west." Joshua 23:4...Although the Israelites had been granted the victory, it still took them a long time to subdue their enemies. "Little by little" and "inch by inch" is the pattern for gaining the territory promised to you. Sometimes your progress may be very slow, but you must fight on because every enemy you leave in your territory will become "a pain in your side and a thorn in your eyes" (Joshua 23:13). Christ Himself is now seated at the right hand of God until He makes your enemies a footstool for your feet (Luke 20:43). Though the battle may be long, you are assured a victory in the end: "Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised" (Joshua 23:10). Fight on until every promise from God comes true, for surely the enemy who contests you is trying to resist the Word of God. The promise in Psalm 89:23 is clear: "I will beat down his adversaries before him and destroy those who hate him." In the midst of the long battle, remember that your character is being transformed. "Count it all joy" . . . your patience is growing (James 1:2 KJV)!

03/18/08 | "Change..." by Author Unknown

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:35:04 -0400

When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation.
When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn't change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.
Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family.
My family and I could have made an impact on our town.
Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world."

03/06/08 | "Jesus in School" by Caroline Naoroji

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 13:18:55 -0500

Last week when I was driving my children to the park, we were listening to Carman's song " We need God in America again", my seven year old son, David asked me to explain the song to him. I said that there were some people who did not like prayer in school and did not want God's name uttered in school so they passed a law that prayer should not be allowed in public schools. To better explain to his tiny mind (I under estimated) I said" Well, they said no more Jesus in school". He instantaneously replied, " if Jesus is not allowed in school, Satan should not be allowed in school either". I was wonderstruck of his profound request. His little heart knows where Christ is not allowed, Satan automatically creeps in. As parents and believers in Christ let us all unite in prayer for our children and the future generation praying that Christ will be in their hearts, because there is no rule that Christ is not allowed in your heart.

03/05/08 | The Blessing In "NO" by Author Unknown

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 13:16:59 -0500

I asked God to take away my pride. God said, "No." It is not for Me to take away, but for you to give it up. I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, "No." Her spirit is whole, her body is only temporary. I asked God to grant me patience. God said, "No." Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is earned. I asked God to give me happiness. God said, "No." I give you blessings, happiness is up to you. I asked God to spare me pain. God said, "No." Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to Me. I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, "No." You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, "No." I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things. I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me. God said... Ahhh, finally you have the idea!

02/26/08 | "Love is Never Silent" by Author Unknown

Mon, 3 Mar 2008 14:54:56 -0500

A loving heart, a gentle smile,
A warm and tender touch,
We give so many things in life
But nothing means as much.

A little inspiration
When someone loses hope,
A kind word of encouragement
When they no longer seem to cope.

A simple phrase, "I love you"
When no one else is there,
Taking hold onto a hand
In a little heartfelt prayer.

Love Is Never Silent,
It has so much to say,
And it is our greatest blessing
When we give it all away.

02/20/08 | "Tests Of The Heart"

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:50:14 -0500

An elderly widow, restricted in her activities, was eager to serve Christ. After praying about this, she realized that she could bring blessing to others by playing the piano. The next day she placed this small ad in the Oakland Tribune: Pianist will play hymns by phone daily for those who are sick and despondent the service is free. The notice included the number to dial. When people called, she would ask, What hymn would you like to hear. Within a few months her playing brought cheer to several hundred people. Many of them freely poured out their hearts to her, and she was able to help and encourage them.

02/13/08 | "Listen"

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:03:53 -0500

A nurse on the pediatric ward, before listening to the little ones chests, would plug the stethoscope into their ears and let them listen to their own hearts. Their eyes would always light up with awe, but she never got a response equal to four-year old David's comment. Gently she tucked the stethoscope into his ears and placed the disk over his heart. "Listen", she said, "What do you suppose that is?" He drew his eyebrows together in a puzzled line and looked up as if lost in the mystery of the strange tap - tap - tapping deep in his chest. Then his face broke out in a wondrous grin and he asked, "Is that Jesus knocking?"

01/30/08 | "Begin Again " by Bob Perks

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:03:13 -0500

When people facing difficult life challenges ask me for advice; I have two simple words for them.

To begin again means that you won't give up.
To begin again means you're trying.
You can either start over and live your life
Or spend the rest of your life slowly dying.

It is never the falling that makes us fail.
It is never the pain or the crying.
You can never fail in life, my friend,
Unless you give up trying.

01/04/08 | "You Are An Inspiration: Don't Ever Forget" by Anonymous

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 15:09:28 -0500

Your presence is a gift to the world,
You're unique and one of a kind.
Your life can be what you want it to be -
Take it one day at a time.

Count your blessings, not your troubles,
And you'll make it through what comes along.
Within you are so many answers,
Understand, have courage, be strong.

Don't put limits on yourself,
Your dreams are waiting to be realized.
Don't leave your important decisions to chance -
Reach for your peak, your goal, and your prize.

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying -
The longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets.
Don't take things too seriously -
Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

Remember that a little love goes a long way -
Remember that a lot goes forever.
Remember that friendship is a wise investment,
Life's treasures are people...together.

Have health and hope and happiness,
Take the time to wish on a star.
And don't ever forget for even a day...
How very special YOU are!