“Don’t wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.”
Mark Victor Hansen quotes
St. Patrick’s is the patron saint of Ireland and the Irish. He was born about 389 A.D. in Northern Wales, which at that time was either part of Scotland or England.
He was captured by pirates at the age of 16. The Irish pirates brought him to Ireland to tend the flock of a chieftain in Ulster. Six years of slavery made him a devoted Christian. He escaped to France and became a monk.
In 432, a vision led him to return to Ireland as a missionary bishop. He brought Christianity to Ireland and taught there for 29 years. He use the shamrock, a 3 leaf clover to explain the Blessed trinity. St. Patrick founded over 365 churches, baptized over 120,00 people and consecrated 450 bishops.
St.Patrick died on March 17, 461 A.D. The anniversary of his death is celebrated as St. Patrick’s Day.
It’s interesting to think how the shamrock clover always seems to bloom around this time of year.
When I feel down sometimes all I need to do is listen to an uplifting song. Here is the lyrics to a Josh Groban song that always lifts me up.
Don’t give up
It’s just the weight of the world
When your heart’s heavy, I
I will lift it for you
Don’t give up
Because you want to be heard
If silence keeps you, I
I will break it for you
Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don’t give up
Because you are loved
Don’t give up
It’s just the hurt
That you hide
When you’re lost inside, I
I’ll be there to find you
Don’t give up
Because you want to burn bright
If darkness blinds you I
I will shine to guide you
Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don’t give up
Because you are loved
You are loved
Don’t give up
It’s just the weight of the world
Don’t give up
Everyone needs to be loved
You are loved
You say: ‘It’s impossible’ God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: ‘I’m too tired’ God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: ‘Nobody really loves me’ God says: I love you (John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: ‘I can’t go on’ God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: ‘I can’t figure things out’ God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: ‘I can’t do it’ God says: You can do all things ( Phil ippians 4:13)
You say: ‘I’m not able’ God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: ‘It’s not worth it’ God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )
You say: ‘I can’t forgive my self’ God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: ‘I can’t manage’ God says: I will supply all your needs ( Phil ippians 4:19)
You say: ‘I’m afraid’ God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: ‘I’m always worried and frustrated’ God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
You say: ‘I’m not smart enough’ God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: ‘I feel all alone’ God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
The pastor had a kitten that climbed up a tree in his backyard and then
was afraid to come down. The pastor coaxed, offered warm milk, etc.
The kitty would not come down. The tree was not sturdy enough to climb,so
the pastor decided that if he tied a rope to his car and drove away so
that the tree bent down, he could then reach up and get the kitten.
That’s what he did, all the while checking his progress in the car. He
then figured if he went just a little bit further, the tree would be
bent sufficiently for him to reach the kitten. But as he moved the car a
little further forward, the rope broke. The tree went ‘bong!’ and the
kitten instantly sailed through the air-out of sight.
The pastor felt terrible. He walked all over the neighborhood asking
people if they’d seen a little kitten. No. Nobody had seen a stray
kitten. So he prayed, ‘Lord, I just commit this kitten to your keeping,’
and went on about his business.
A few days later he was at the grocery store, and met one of his church
members. He happened to look into her shopping cart and was amazed to
see cat food. This woman was a cat hater and everyone knew it, so he
asked her, ‘Why are you buying cat food when you hate cats so much?’
She replied, ‘You won’t believe this,’ and then told him how her little
girl had been begging her for a cat, but she kept refusing. Then a few
days before, the chi d had begged again, so the Mom finally told her
little girl, ‘Well, if God gives you a cat, I’ll let you keep it.’
She told the pastor, ‘I watched my child go out in the yard, get on her
knees, and ask God for a cat. And really, Pastor, you won’t believe
this, but I saw it with my own eyes. A kitten suddenly came flying out
of the blue sky, with its paws outspread, and landed right in front of
her.’
Never underestimate the Power of God and His unique sense of humor.
I Christina have been writing the blog for Michelle for a while know and would like to share something with you. I had a tabby name Maximus Decimus Meridus who died this past week. He was a precious gift that came to my parents home, a stray that i took in. I loved him with all my heart for 10 plus years. If you are a animal lover you understand the pain and mourning i am going through. I truly believe that it is a gift from God to get a chance to love and have these friends even if it is for a short time. You will be missed my Maximus.
A New Year’s Poem for Christians
Instead of making a New Year’s resolution
Consider committing to a biblical solution
Your promises are easily broken
Empty words, though earnestly spoken
But God’s Word transforms the soul
By His Holy Spirit making you whole
As you spend time alone with Him
He will change you from within
– Mary Fairchild
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
The Bible, Matthew 5:2-12
Live each Day to the fullest, don’t just get through the day. Laugh, cry, scream out, jump up and down, be silly, etc. Live Alive because God wants you to enjoy yourself to live and experience life to the fullest.
In times of great darkness and struggle thank the Lord for his grace. I know it may be hard because we want God to protect us from pain and suffering. But, remember there is a reason for your personal struggle. The outcome will bring you better glory if you praise God and move on to the light peeking through the darkness.
quote By:
Heather C. Herndon