DAILY FOOD FOR THOUGHT

SUMMER 2004

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(Tuesday, July 20)

MY PRODIGAL

I'll run to you when skies aren't blue
     And life has let you down.
When you've lost hope--the will to cope
     And rainbows seem to frown.

When childhood dreams are lost in streams
     Of steady woes and noes
When fairy tales are scary veils
     Of families turned to foes.

When you set out to end self doubt
     And end up more confused
When messes made are hands you played
     And there is no excuse.

When all you planned has turned to sand
     Mirages disappeared
When giving up's the only cup
     To wash away your fears.

When nothing's left--no promise kept
     But one I made to you
And in the distance I can sense you
     Take a step or two.

With open arms--a cloak from harms
     Pace quickened like a youth's
                  I'll sing,
"My child's come home again!"
And I will run to you!

from Further Still  -  A Collection of poetry and vignettes
by Beth Moore

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(Saturday, June 12)

It is not how troubled the sea is that determines the course of your life; it is who the Pilot is.

In the presence of trouble, some people grow wings; others buy crutches.

The true calling of a Christian is not to do extraordinary things, but to do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.
-Dean Stanley

I am my neighbor's Bible;
He reads me when we meet.
He may not even know my name,
Yet he is reading me.

Our prayer and God's mercy are like two buckets in a well; while one ascends the other descends.
-Hopkins

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(Thursday, June 10)

Worry is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind.  If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.
--Arthur Roche

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(Tuesday, June 8)

Prayers Are Precious Jewels

     You can talk to God because God listens.  Your voice matters in heaven.  He takes you very seriously.  When you enter His presence, the attendants turn to you to hear your voice.  No need to fear that you will be ignored.  Even if you stammer or stumble, even if what you have to say impresses no one, it impresses God--and He listens. . . .

     Intently.  Carefully.   The prayers are honored as precious jewels.  Purified and empowered, the words rise in a delightful fragrance to our lord. . . .  Your words do not stop until they reach the very throne of God. . . .

     Your prayers move God to change the world.  You may not understand the mystery of prayer.  You don't need to.  But this much is clear:  Actions in heaven begin when someone prays on earth.  What an amazing thought!

from The Great House of God by Max Lucado

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Found the lyrics to a great song today.  Thought I'd share it.

Trust His Heart
Eddie Carswell & Babbie Mason

All things work for our good
Though sometimes we don't see how they could
Struggles that break our hearts in two
Sometimes blind us to the truth
Our Father knows what's best for us
His ways are not our own
So when your pathway grows dim
And you just don't see Him
Remember you're never alone 

Chorus
God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart

He sees the master plan
And He holds our future in His hand
So don't live as those who have no hope
All our hope is found in Him
We see the present clearly
But He sees the first and the last
And like a tapestry
He's weaving you and me
To someday be just like Him

(Chorus)

Bridge
He alone is faithful and true
He alone knows what's best for you

(Chorus)

© Copyright 1989 Dayspring Music (RMI) /May Sun Music/ Word Music (ASCSAP) (Divs. of Word, Inc.)/ Causing Change

This low quality mp3 is for preview purposes only.  If you like the song, please support the Artis and buy the CD. (Timeless by Babbie Mason)

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"I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection.  Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God's business."
--Michael J. Fox
printed in Guideposts - April 2004

"Maintaining a complicated life is a great way to avoid changing it."
-Elaine St. James
printed in Guideposts - April 2004

"The friend who holds your hand and says the wrong thing is made of dearer stuff than the one who stays away."
-Barbara Kingsolver
printed in Guideposts - April 2004

There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference.  The little difference is attitude.  The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.
-Clement Stone
printed in The Best of Bits & Pieces

Don't worry about what's ahead.  Just go as far as you can go--from there you can see farther.
printed in The Best of Bits & Pieces