Winter on The Bay and Christmas on it’s way!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“ Oh “… Hello there. Just thought I would stop by. It has been awhile since I posted anything on my blog. It has almost been a whole year. Lots has happened in my life since my last post. Some good , and some challenges along the way. A few health issues of my own , and my mom as well. I have learned to take  one day at a time, and God gives me new Grace for each day.

Life goes on and is to be embraced, and celebrated, and not taken for granted. I am thankful for the life God has given me, and I strive to walk with Him day by day.

I have a new Granddaughter and her name is Marina. Now Mikey has a baby sister. She was named after my mom. That makes me smile. I am truly Blessed in so many ways. Yep! 7 Grandchildren. Six girls and one boy. Everyone loves Mikey. He doesn’t seem to mind and I don’t think he knows the difference at this point in his life. He gets lots of attention and he doesn’t mind that a bit. :)

Well I sure hope to find you all well. As I write this little message I think of so many of you I have met over the yrs. and often think of you even though I haven’t been blogging as of late.

I want to wish all who read this, a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year, filled with Love and Joy, Laughter, and Good Health, and the Peace that passes all understanding. God Bless each and everyone of you.

I will try and visit some of your blogs in the next little while.

As I close I would like to leave you with this verse of scripture which many of you are familiar with but it speaks of the reason for the Christmas Season.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour  which is Christ the Lord.  St. Luke 2:11

But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.  John 1:12

So yes! We have a lot to be Thankful for, and to celebrate.

God Bless each and every one of you, and may each one of us be a blessing to the Lord Jesus Christ as we celebrate His Birthday once again.

Sincerely Dianne :)

Dianne © dsphotocats

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Matt. 10:27-31).

"Sparrow" is the name given to several different species of birds in the Bible -- they ate grain and insects and gathered in noisy flocks. Sparrows would often build their untidy nests in the eaves of houses, but were not driven away when they built their nests in the Temple (Psa. 84:3). These insignificant little birds were such social creatures that a lone sparrow was the symbol of deep loneliness (Psa. 102:7).

In the days of our Lord sparrows were sold for a very low price -- two of them for a copper coin (Matt. 10:29). A copper coin, an asarion, was a very small Roman coin, was worth about 1/16 of a silver denarius, and was therefore worth less than a quarter in U.S. currency today. Those who were poor and could not afford to sacrifice a sheep or a goat might bring a sparrow to the Temple (cf. Lev. 14:1-7).

So insignificant were these little birds that if you bought four sparrows the seller would throw in one more for free (Luke 12:4-7). It was this extra sparrow of which Jesus said, "and not one of them is forgotten before God." His care for His creation is so great that even this extra sparrow is noted and observed by God!

The point our Lord was making is this: if God is concerned about the tiny sparrow and notes its fate, how much greater must His concern be for man, who is immeasurably greater in value than the sparrow!

God's Eye Is On Things We Deem Insignificant

Sometimes it seems that God is the only one who cares for sparrows. Cats and birds of prey like to hunt and eat them, and little boys have been known to torment them. Adults complain about how they multiply and consider them pests. Yet, Jesus said, "not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will" (Matt. 10:29). It is interesting that Jesus chose the most common of all birds to teach a profound truth: in God's eyes, no one is insignificant!

God not only provides food for "the birds of the air," but He also "clothes the grass of the field" (Matt. 6:25-34). The "lilies of the field" were the scarlet poppies -- they bloomed for only one day on the hillsides of Israel, and yet in their brief life they were clothed with a beauty which surpassed "Solomon in all his glory," and when they died they were "thrown into the oven."

In the days of our Lord ovens consisted of a clay box set on bricks over a fire. When it was desired to rapidly raise the temperature of it, some handfuls of dried grasses and wild flowers were thrown inside the oven and set alight. The flowers had but one day of life; and then they were set alight to help a woman to heat an oven when she was baking in a hurry; and yet God clothes them with a beauty which is beyond man's power to imitate. If God gives such beauty to a short-lived flower, how much more will he care for man?

Surely, the generosity, which is lavished upon a flower for one day, will not be forgetful of man, the crown of His creation.

 

God Does Not Always Prevent Evil From Happening To Us

Though God does provide care for the sparrows, the fact that "not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will" (Matt. 10:29) means that sometimes bad things can happen. Although He watches over the sparrows, this does not prevent them being hunted by predators. Although He watches over every one of us, this does not mean that our lives will be free from care.

God had placed a "hedge" around Job (Job 1:8-11), but allowed Satan to tempt Job (Job 1:12). In the midst of his trials he did not lose his trust in God (Job 1:21). In one of the most beautiful passages in the book of Job, we hear Job say of God, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" (Job 13:15).

We can be assured that with every temptation there will also be a way of escape. "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (1 Cor. 10:13). My brethren, there are no special cases! When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!

God's Care Continues For Us

We may not esteem the tiny sparrow, but Jesus used it to illustrate our heavenly Father's watchful care: "you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matt. 10:31). If God is concerned about the tiny sparrow, how much greater must His concern be for man, who is immeasurably greater in value than the sparrow!

There is no place for worry in the life of a sparrow, and no attempt stockpile supplies for the future -- yet their lives go on. The point Jesus is making is not that the birds do not work; it has been said that no one works harder than a sparrow to make a living; the point He is making is that they do not worry. Sparrows do not strain to see into a future, which they cannot see, and do not seek to find security in the things they have accumulated for the future.

Worry is needless, useless and even injurious (Matt. 6:25-32). Worry, which wears out the mind also, wears out the body. Worry affects our judgment, lessons our powers of decision, and renders us progressively incapable of dealing with life. Worry is a manifestation of our lack of faith in God (Matt. 6:30). We need to learn to be content (Phil. 4:4-13).

In the midst of turbulent times Habakkuk said, "Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls -- Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Hab. 3:17-18).

God's continued care for us should bring contentment in our lives. "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content." (1 Tim. 6:6-10).

Conclusion

In 1904, a songwriter, Mrs. Civilla Martin, went to visit a bedridden friend in Elmira, New York. Mrs. Martin asked the woman if she ever got discouraged because of her physical condition. Her friend quickly responded: "Mrs. Martin, how can I be discouraged when my heavenly Father watches over each little sparrow and I know He loves and cares for me?"

On her journey back home, Mrs. Martin completed the writing of her new text, which has since been a source of much encouragement to many of God's people:

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, why should my heart be lonely and long for Heaven and home, when Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...

"Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear, and resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; though by the path He leadeth but one step I may see: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise, when songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies, I draw the closer to Him; from care He sets me free; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...

God's care for us is immeasurable -- He allowed His only begotten Son to die in our stead (John 3:16). When we consider the "riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering" this ought to soften our heart, "knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance" (Rom. 2:3-4).

God's care for us will sustain us throughout life, for "we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28).

God's care for us extends beyond the grave and into that home of the soul, for those who "do His commandments" have the right to the tree of life, and "may enter in through the gates into the city" (Rev. 22:14).       

His Eye Is On The Sparrow by David Padfield

 

 

 

 

 

I found this very encouraging and hope those of you who take the time to read it will be encourage also.

Hope all is well and you all have a great week ahead.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

 

How Can We Know The Way?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jesus’s disciples felt confused when he talked about going away. “You know the way to the place where I am going,” He told them. Thomas voiced the question burning in all their minds: “Lord we don’t know where you’re going. So how can we know the way? Jesus’s answer was simple and direct: I am the way, the truth and the life. No one goes to the Father except through me.”

It may be popular to claim that many paths lead to God, but that contradicts what the Bible teaches. Jesus taught that access to God can only come through placing our faith in His sacrificial death and resurrection. The way is clear and open to everyone, blocked only by a person’s unwillingness to believe. There is no alternate route. People who denounce the gospel as narrow minded miss the wonder that God provided a way for us to come to Him at all.

Jesus is more than the path to salvation and eternal life: He shows us the way to live a life of true meaning and purpose. Nurturing our relationship with Him and following the directions in God’s Word are the only way to travel. We may be temped to let our life be guided by sources that seem more exciting, but we’ll only end up feeling confused.

Jesus answered him, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one goes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

 

 

I want to wish you all a Happy Easter as we celebrate the Life, the death and Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ , The Son of Almighty God.

For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son that who so ever believes in Him shall not perish but have Ever Lasting  Life. John 3:16.

 

Love and Care

Dianne :)

Baby Hope Has Arrived Home Today

 

 

Sweet Dreams

 

 

Daddy’s Little Girl

 

 

These photos were taken on Sunday Morning when I went with my son for Hope’s Feeding.

She no longer has her tube in and was released from the hospital today and is home with her family. She weighs in at 5 lbs. and is now 57weeks old. What a miracle she is.

Thank you Jesus for this precious gift you have given  us to love and cherish. Thank you for answered prayers.

Thank you all so very much for your prayers and support during the weeks leading up to this happy day.

God Bless each and everyone of you.

xox Dianne :)

Dianne © dsphotocats

God On A Cross? The Creator Of The Universe!

 

 

At The Foot Of The Cross  

 

 

 The Dawn Of Heavens  Dream. God on a cross. Humanity at its worst. Divinity at its best….God isn’t stumped by an evil world. He doesn’t gasp in amazement at the dearth of our faith or the depth of our failures. He knows the condition of the world…and loves it just the same. For just when we find a place where God would never be ( like on a cross), we look again and there He is, in the flesh.

God on a cross? The Creator of the universe sacrificing himself for his creation? How could this be? Who was this Jesus?

He was – and is- a God of tears. A creator with a heart. Bloodstained royalty. A God who became earth’s mockery to save his children.

How absurd to think that such nobility would go to such poverty to share such a treasure with such thankless souls. How incredible to know that God himself died on a cross for his children.

But he did.

Incredible.

Yes, incredibly.

 

 

 

 

Jesus was given to you, and with the help of those who don’t know the law, you put him to death by nailing him to a cross. But this was God’s plan he had made long ago; he knew this would happen. God raised Jesus from the dead and set him free from the pain of death, because death could not hold him. (Acts 2:23,24).

The cross was no accident .

Jesus ‘ death was not the result of a panicking cosmological engineer.

The cross was not a tragic surprise. Calvary was not a knee jerk response to a world plummeting toward destruction. It was not a patch up job or a stop gap measure. The death of the son of God was anything but an unexpected peril.

No it was part of an incredible plan. A calculated choice. “ It was the Lord’s will to crush him” (Isaiah 53:10)

The moment the forbidden fruit touched the lips of Eve, the shadow of the cross appeared on the horizon. And between that moment and the moment the man with the mallet placed the spike against the wrist of God, a master plan was fulfilled.

 

Excerpt from Max Lucado’s book entitled "The cross"

 

 

 

 

 

I hope and pray you all have a wonderful Easter as we celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus, who will one day return for His Church, which is made up of all who believe, and receive Him as Lord and Savior, and soon coming King .

Happy Easter one and all.

With Love and Care

Dianne :)

Mourning Doves Sitting In A Tree

 

 

Making Reservations at the Bird Feeder Cafe 

 

 

 

Love was in the air on this warm Spring day

 

 

I took my camera to work a couple of weeks ago , and captured these two love birds, sitting in a tree. I had just finished for the day, and now that the days are longer I was able to have a little fun with my camera.  So on this day I was thankful for work, and play.

I haven’t been out much with my camera as I have had a lot going on with work, the house being up for sale, among other things.

I hope you are all doing well, and have a nice weekend.

These Mourning Doves aren’t white, but they reminded me of an old song. 

 

 

On the Wings of a Snow White Dove
Words and music by Bob Ferguson

On the wings of a snow-white dove
He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above
On the wings of a dove

When troubles surround us, when evils come
The body grows weak 
The spirit grows numb 
When these things beset us, He doesn't forget us
He sends down His love
On the wings of a dove

 
On the wings of a snow-white dove
He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above
On the wings of a dove

 
When Noah had drifted on the flood many days
He searched for land 
In various ways 
Troubles, he had some but wasn't forgotten
He sent him His love 
On the wings of a dove

On the wings of a snow-white dove
He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above
On the wings of a dove .

 

 

^Matt.11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

 

^{Romans 8:28} And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[ have been called according to his purpose.

 

I leave you with just a few things to ponder. 

May your burdens be light, and may you find rest in Him.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

Away In A Manger

 

 

Mat 1:23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

 

Away in a Manger

 

Away in a manger,

No crib for His bed

The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head
The stars in the bright sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay
The cattle are lowing
The poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes
I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side,
'Til morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray
Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there

 

 

Away in a manager is always the first carol that children are taught. Away in a Manger was originally published in 1885. The publication of Away in a Manger was in a Lutheran Sunday school book and this created the misconception that the lyrics of Away in a Manger were actually written by Martin Luther himself. The author is unknown. The music to Away in a Manger was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick in 1895.

…………………………………………………

 

I can still remember as a little child, singing this Christmas Carol, at my grandparents house, many years ago, and my grandparents all have gone to Heaven to be with Jesus , who is no longer that little baby in a manger. He grew up, and died on a cross, for the sins of us all. He rose from the dead, and after being seen by his disciples , and over 500 people, returned to Heaven, and said He would one day come back, (Acts Chapter One), for those remaining on the earth who believed in Him, and had Faith in Him, and became His Followers, making them Children of The Living God.

I am one of those who believe , and Jesus is the reason for the season. He is the True Meaning Of Christmas. He is The Messiah. He is Emmanuel which means , God Is With Us. Can you imagine, God stepping out of Heaven, and taking the form of a human baby. Jesus was fully human, and fully God. Some will scoff, and say, “How can you believe such a thing”? I believe God’s Word, the Bible. It is called , Faith. You can read it for yourselves this Christmas , and come to your own conclusions, and pray God shows you who He really is and why He came to earth as a baby lying in a manger. If you truly seek Him you will find Him, and He will change your life forever.

I know it is early but I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Sincerely Dianne :)

 

 

To Listen to this video please put my music player

on pause. You will find it in the side bar.

Who Will Take The Son

 

 

 

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection from Picassos to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Viet Nam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son. About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door.

A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, “sir, you don’t know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.” The young man held out his package. “I know this isn’t much. I’m not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.”

The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man.

He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears.

He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture.

“Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It’s a gift.”

The father hung the portrait over his mantel. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.

The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings.

Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.

On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. “We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?” There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, “we want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.”

But the auctioneer persisted. “Will someone bid for this painting.”

“We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids.”

But still the auctioneer continued. “The son! The son! Who’ll take the son?”

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the long time gardener of the man and his son. “I’ll give $10 for the painting.” Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.

“We have $10, who will bid $20?”

“Give it to him for $10. Let’s see the masters.”

“Ten dollars is the bid, won’t someone bid $20?”

The crowd was becoming angry. They didn’t want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.

The auctioneer pounded the gavel. “I’m sorry, the auction is over.”

“What about the paintings?”

“I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!”

God gave his son 2000 years ago to die on a cruel cross. Much like the auctioneer, his message today is, “the son, the son, who will take the son?” Because, you see, whoever takes the son gets everything.

 

 

 

These photos were taken from my archives. We are finally getting some snow today. It was beginning to look like we might have a green Christmas, but hopefully the snow will stay this time. It has been falling steadily all day. It looked like dancing snowflakes , soft and light. I did have a very busy work day, among other things and was unable to get out with my camera. It has been awhile since I have been out taking pictures. Christmas is fastly approaching, and as we all are, I am doing my best to get everything done on time. It seems time just has a way of flying by. I hope you all are enjoying the Christmas Season as we remember the “True Reason For The Season”. Without Christ, there is so Christmas.

I hope you all have a wonderful week.  xx’s Dianne :) Dec.14/2010

The Little Tree On The Hillside

 

 

 

This little tree on the hillside caught my attention a couple of years ago. We still don't have a lot of Autumn colors unless you drive north .

I love the golden colors in the field and the little green tree that stands alone in solitude against the elements of life.

At times in my life I can relate with this little tree but no matter where I am or what season of my life God is always there and knows me like no one else can.

He is my closest friend.

I thank God for all those He puts in my path and for friends He has given me, including each one of you.

Make the best of each day. Each day that we live , love and laugh and sometimes cry is a miracle . Life is a gift! Embrace it and seek the Giver Of Life for He will make your life worth living. He is my reason for living!

 

Even when the little tree stands on it's own

it is part of something bigger than itself!

Blessings my friends, Dianne :)

Starting Over

 

Start Over

When you've trusted Jesus and you've walked His way,
When you've felt His hand lead you day by day,
But you're steps now take you another way,
Start over.

When you've made your plans and they've gone awry,
When you've tried your best 'til there's no more try,
When you've failed yourself and you don't know why,
Start over.

When you've told your friends what you plan to do,
When you've trusted them but they didn't come through,
Now you're all alone and it's up to you,
Start over.

When you've failed your kids and they're grown and gone,
When you've done your best but it turned out wrong,
And now your grandchildren have come along,
Start over.

When you've prayed to God so you know His will,
When you've prayed and prayed but you don't know still,
When you want to stop 'cause you've had your fill,
Start over.

When you think you're finished and want to quit,
When you've bottomed out in life's deepest pit,
When you've tried and tried to get out of it,
Start over

When the year's been long and successes few,
When December comes and you're feeling blue,
God gave a January just so you could
Start over.

Starting over means victories won.
Starting over means a race well run.
Starting over means the Lord's "Well done!"
So don't just sit there;
Start over.

 

Woodrow Kroll: I'm a Bible teacher, not a poet, but I was flying back from Chicago to Lincoln, Nebraska, here where our Back to the Bible International Headquarters is located. I was reflecting on God's grace, how throughout our lives, He gives us opportunities once we mess things up to start over and to get it right.

Actually, I took out a piece of paper and I began to write and I never stopped until this poem was finished. Let me share it with you.

http://www.backtothebible.org/index.php/Back-to-the-Bible-Radio-Program/The-God-of-the-Second-Chance.html

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Often when I am working at a client’s house, I listen to UCB Radio. One of the programs I listen to is Back To The Bible. I love the teaching of God’s Word. It strengthens my Faith, and makes my day that much brighter. I turn my focus to the Lord and listen to what He has to say to me. He uses people. He will even use us if we are willing vessels. I have so much to learn, and I just wanted to share this poem with all who take the time to read it. Maybe by doing so someone else may be Blessed and Encouraged as was I, as I listened to this poem on the radio, and now share it with you.

I have experienced God’s Grace so many times in my life. I thank God that He gave me a second chance, and continues to show me His Grace and Mercy, each and every day. I would be lost without Him in my Life.  I am far from perfect and have made many mistakes in my life, but the best thing I ever did was give my life to Jesus.

My one desire is that no one would ever put me on a pedestal, for I would surely fall off of it. Only the Lord Jesus deserves to be lifted up, and Praised.

Eph 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Eph 2:9
not of works, lest anyone should boast.

That is what I mean when I say, “I am walking in His Grace”. I am a sinner saved by Grace and I strive to live for Him with the help of His Holy Spirit . I am human, I am not perfect, I make mistakes and I sometimes fall but He is always there at the mention of His name to pick me up and give me another chance if I truly have a repentant heart.

This is my thoughts that I share with you this day. Sincerely and with Love in my heart, Dianne :)

 

A Father’s Love

A Father’s Love

Every Sunday afternoon, after the morning service at the church, the Pastor and his eleven year old son would go out into their town and hand out Gospel Tracts. This particular Sunday afternoon, as it came time for the Pastor and his son to go to the streets with their tracts, it was very cold outside, as well as pouring down rain. The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said, "OK, dad, I'm ready. "His Pastor dad asked, "Ready for what?" "Dad, it's time we gather our tracts together and go out." Dad responds, "Son, it's very cold outside and it's pouring down rain." The boy gives his dad a surprised look, asking, "But Dad, aren't people still going to Hell, even though it's raining?" Dad answers, "Son, I am not going out in this weather." Despondently, the boy asks, "Dad, can I go? Please?" His father hesitated for a moment then said, "Son, you can go. Here are the tracts, be careful son. "Thanks Dad!" And with that, he was off and out into the rain. His eleven year old boy walked the streets of the town going door to door and handing everybody he met in the street a Gospel Tract.
After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking, bone-chilled wet and down to his VERY LAST TRACT. He stopped on a corner and looked for someone to hand a tract to, but the streets were totally deserted. Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the sidewalk to the front door and rang the doorbell. He rang the bell, but nobody answered. He rang it again and again, but still no one answered. He waited but still no answer. Finally, this eleven-year-old trooper turned to leave, but something stopped him. Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly on the door with his fist. He waited, something holding him there on the front porch! He rang again and this time the door slowly opened. Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking elderly lady. She softly asked, "What can I do for you, son? With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy said, "Ma'am, I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that *JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU* and I came to give you my very last Gospel Tract which will tell you all about JESUS and His great LOVE."With that, he handed her his last tract and turned to leave. She called to him as he departed. "Thank you, son! And God Bless You! " Well, the following Sunday morning in church Pastor Dad was in the pulpit. As the service began, he asked, "Does anybody have any testimony or want to say anything?" Slowly, in the back row of the church, an elderly lady stood to her feet. As she began to speak, a look of glorious radiance came from her face, "No one in this church knows me. I've never been here before. You see, before last Sunday I was not a Christian. My husband passed on some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this world. Last Sunday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, it was even more so in my heart that I came to the end of the line where I no longer had any hope or will to live. So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my home. I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof, then stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around my neck. Standing on that chair, so lonely and broken-hearted I was about to leap off, when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me. I thought, "I'll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away." I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder and more insistent, and then the person ringing also started knocking loudly. I thought to myself again, "Who on earth could this be? Nobody ever rings my bell or comes to see me." I loosened the rope from my neck and started for the front door, all the while the bell rang louder and louder. When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my eyes, for there on my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boy I had ever seen in my life. His SMILE, oh, I could never describe it to you! The words that came from his mouth caused my heart that had long been dead, TO LEAP TO LIFE as he exclaimed with a cherub-like voice, "Ma'am, I just came to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU." Then he gave me this Gospel Tract that I now hold in my hand.
As the little angel disappeared back out into the cold and rain, I closed my door and read slowly every word of this Gospel Tract. Then I went up to my attic to get my rope and chair. I wouldn't be needing them any more. You see---I am now a Happy Child of the KING. Since the address of your church was on the back of this Gospel Tract, I have come here to personally say THANK YOU to God's little angel who came just in the nick of time and by so doing, spared my soul from an eternity in hell."
There was not a dry eye in the church. And as shouts of praise and honour to THE KING resounded off the very rafters of the building, Pastor Dad descended from the pulpit to the front pew where the little angel was seated. He took his son in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably. Probably no church has had a more glorious moment, and probably this universe has never seen a Papa that was more filled with love & honour for his son... Except for One. Our Father also allowed His Son to go out into a cold and dark world. He received His Son back with joy unspeakable, and as all of heaven shouted praises and honour to The King, the Father sat His beloved Son on a throne far above all principality and power and every name that is named. Heaven is for His people! Remember. God's message CAN make the difference in the life of someone close to you. "Faith is the affirmation and the act that bids eternal truth be present fact.

 

   

  I found this story in my archives and I thought I would share it. Some of you may remember when I posted this on my other blog , and some may not.

We can all make a difference in some ones life by just being kind, and showing a little Grace. It doesn’t always have to be something big. Some of the best acts of kindness are the little, simple things that can make all the difference in the world, and you may or may not ever know what it means to that person. A smile as you are walking by another person , or a prayer for someone you noticed as you are driving by on your way to work or wherever.

I just want to say that many of you have made a difference in my life with your thoughts , prayers, kind words, comments, and all that you share. Thank You! Dianne :)