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At first I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there sort of like a president. I recognized Jesus’ picture when I saw it but I didn’t really know him. But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal. I don’t know just when it was that Jesus suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since. When I had control I knew the way. It was rather boring but predictable. It was the shortest distance between two points. But when Jesus took the lead He knew delightful longs cuts, up mountains and through rocky places at breakneck speeds. It was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, Jesus said, “Pedal!” I worried and was anxious and asked, “Where are you taking me?” Jesus laughed and didn’t answer and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I’d say, “I’m scared,” Jesus would lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy, they gave me gifts to take on my journey, my Lord’s and mine. And we were off again. Jesus said, “Give the gifts away, they’re extra baggage, too much weight.” So I did, to the people we met. And I found that in giving I received and still our burden was light. I did not trust God at first, in control of my life. I thought He’d wreck it. But God knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places. And I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful riding partner, Jesus Christ. And when I am sure I just can’t do anymore, God just smiles, touches my hand and says, “Pedal!” Author Unknown
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Some people never seem motivated to participate, but are just content to watch while others do the work. They are called "Spec Taters." Some people never do anything to help, but are gifted at finding fault with the way others do the work. They are called "Comment Taters." Some people are very bossy and like to tell others what to do, but don't want to soil their own hands. They are called "Dick Taters." Some people are always looking to cause problems by asking others to agree with them. It is too hot or too cold, too sour or too sweet. They are called "Agie Taters." There are those who say they will help, but somehow just never get around to actually doing the promised help. They are called "Hezzie Taters." Then there are those who love others and do what they say they will. They are always prepared to stop whatever they are doing and lend a helping hand. They bring real sunshine into the lives of others. They are called "Sweet Taters."
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I
asked Go to take away my habit. I
asked God to make my handicapped child whole. I
asked God to grant me patience. I
asked God to give me happiness. I
asked God to spare me pain. I
asked God to make my spirit grow. I
asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. I
asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
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Three
things in life that, once gone, never come back Three
things in life that can destroy a person Three
things in life that you should never lose Three
things in life that are most valuable Three
things in life that are never certain Three
things that make a person Three
things that are truly constant
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On
Raising Children
By Chaplain Rick Renzi A few months ago my youngest child turned 4 and my oldest is now 17, so I thought I would share a few thoughts on raising children. All people have hopes and dreams of the future, but parents have them in abundance. Raising a child is an act of faith into the forever future. This faith comes accompanied with wonderful, joy-filled, laudable dreams of what is to come. Our dreams provide goals and consolation, sustaining us through both difficult times and the daily routine of parenting. We have so many dreams for our children, yet these same dreams can often blind us to the Spirit's gifts within our child. Children are not to become clones of parents; neither are they to be the fulfillment of our personal dreams or goals. Children are to be the fulfillment of God's dreams for them. We need to remind ourselves that our worth as a person is not dependent upon our child's accomplishments. Our identity as a person is not dependent upon our success as a parent. We are of value not because of our achievements or those of our child. We are of value because we are God's creatures, created in the image and likeness of God, totally loved by God. All else is secondary! Parenting is the unveiling of the wonderful mystery of God's creation that has been entrusted to us. Success becomes a matter known only to God. God knows our efforts that seem at times fruitless, our frustrations of not knowing what to do, our faithfulness in loving. God sees our childhood scars; the pressures of our culture, our fatigue as we age, the times we have sought support and were disappointed by family, friends and even church. God sees all these things and much more, yet continues to hold us in love. To God, our child and we are never failures! May God continue to bless you in raising your own child. |
