THE FRIENDSHIP PRAYER

A FRIEND HOLDS YOU TENDERLY IN THEIR HEART EVERY DAY.....
AND BLESSES YOU IN EVERY MOMENT OF QUIET, SWEET PRAYER
THEY OPEN UP AND SURROUND YOU WITH LOVE IN EVERY WAY
AND BECOME YOUR ROCK AND FOUNDATION WHO IS ALWAYS THERE.

A FRIEND'S YOUR LIGHT OF PROMISE THAT SHINES WHEN YOU NEED IT MORE.....
A GENUINE HAPPINESS THAT FILLS YOU WITH JOY SO TRUE
A PEACE AND COMFORT THAT IS RIGHT THERE ON YOUR JOURNEY'S SHORE
A MOTIVATION AND INSPIRATION TO SEE YOU THROUGH.
THEY ARE THE TRUE MEANING OF GOD'S PURE LOVE SO GENUINE
LET GRATITUDE FILL YOU COMPLETELY AND THANKFULNESS, TOO
FOR WHEN YOU RECEIVE THE BLESSING OF A REAL, TRUE FRIEND
YOU ARE BLESSED WITH A LIFETIME GIFT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU.

Father

You see the clouds that try to fill the garden of my heart,

Your presence, like a perfect light, strengthens so wonderfully

Moving with the power of your greatest love to impart

A beautiful, miraculous work slowly starts in me.

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The seeds of promise are planted with a vision to grow

Magnificent rays of inspiration come shining through

The grandeur of the hope of your glory begins to show

Suddenly, you've begun something spectacular and new.

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I can see some of the clouds now begin to go away

Like a magnificent work in progress and so much more

I am the special creation of your hands every day

Father, let me be your restoration; come now, explore.

 

WHEN YOU GIVE UP...........YOU GIVE OUT.....YOU GIVE IN.....AND YOU GIVE OVER. SOMETIMES ALL OF THAT GIVING IS REALLY NOT SO GOOD. DON'T BE A GIVER.BE A RECEIVER. RECEIVE THE GIFTS AND BLESSINGS YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN AND GO THAT EXTRA MILE WAITING FOR THE VICTORY.
PREPARE YOUR HEART FOR ALL OF THE WONDROUS THINGS THAT AWAIT YOU.....WHEN YOU HAVE A HEART OF DREAMS, A SPIRIT OF INSPIRATION, AND A DETERMINATION THAT CAN NEVER BE BROKEN. TAKE THE POWERFUL TOOLS OF LIFE IN HAND.....HAPPINESS, PRAYER, LOVE, JOY, AND PEACE ... MIRACLES CAN HAPPEN.....BEAUTIFUL THINGS CAN TAKE PLACE. SO, DON'T LET TOO MUCH 'GIVE' CROWD YOUR VOCABULARY. THE RACE HAS JUST STARTED. THE JOURNEY HAS JUST BEGUN.

The Microwave Heart

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     Most everyone has had the wonderful pleasure of a drive-thru service at a restaurant.  It has become a symbol of American culture.  You drive up to a little speaker, present your order, and drive through to a window to pick it up for a stated amount.

     If you don't get what you want, you demand proper service.  Does this sound like a familiar scenario?  It is sorrowful to say that we are part of a right-now society.  Do you have a microwave heart?  Do you have a reflective heart?  What?

     A microwave heart demands certain things.  If things do not turn out as planned, and at a certain time, all is lost.  A reflective heart does not demand or anticipate.  It stands firmly on an inspired foundation, dreaming and believing for the good.

     So, what kind of heart do you have for the journey?  Take a moment to consider the following statement.  Life is like a large play in many stages.  We are the actors.  Our Creator is the stage director.

     So, is it really feasible to be a microwave heart?  No, not at all.  Why?  Although we are entitled to have will in the overall picture, the best performance comes from the one who has total control of the stage.

     How can we demand and then get upset when it doesn't go the way that we want?  We have no power.  A reflective heart understands this concept.  It stands firmly on hope.  We cannot plan effectively.

     Instead, we must pray and believe, knowing that even though in our humanity we may not comprehend, better things are ahead.
So, how do you become a reflective heart?  Well, there are a few steps to think about.  Here are the steps:  realize the genuine overall picture, know that success can be achieved free of self will, and believe.

     A reflective heart can best see the genuineness of the journey with humbleness and humility.  Remember, the most awesome things come to those who ride on the wings of time!
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All aboard!  We are proceeding to the next exciting port of call!  Prepare your heart!  Open your imagination!  Stay tuned!

THERE IS NO GREATER HONOR THAN KNOWING THAT SOMEONE IS HOLDING YOU IN THEIR HEART FOREVER.....THINKING ABOUT YOU ALWAYS, PRAYING FOR YOU, AND ADORING YOU. IT IS A BEAUTIFUL GIFT OF HOPE, INSPIRATION, AND LOVE THAT NEVER ENDS, FAILS, OR DISAPPOINTS. THERE IS NO GREATER, MORE BREATHTAKING PICTURE THAN THE POWER OF GENUINE LOVE AND HUMANITY. IT IS A BRILLIANT LIGHT THAT OUTSHINES EVEN THE MOST DARKEST OF RAINSTORMS TO REVEAL THE PROMISE OF AN AWESOME, BRAND NEW DAY.

THE SPIRIT OF LIFE

FATHER:

I WANT THE SPIRIT OF LIFE SO PERFECTLY

A GRATEFUL HEART THAT LOVES THE BLESSING SO TRUE

PLEASE INSTILL THAT SIMPLE HAPPINESS IN ME

SHOW ME HOW TO TOTALLY RELY ON YOU.

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HELP ME TO NEVER BE BURDENED OR FEEL LOW

BUT, HAVE A CHEERFUL HEART THAT ENJOYS EACH DAY

LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST WHEREVER I GO

KNOWING THAT YOUR LOVE WILL ALWAYS LIGHT THE WAY.

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THANK YOU FOR SUCH A SPECIAL GIFT AND DELIGHT

NO HEART COULD EVER ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE

MY HOPE IS TO BE PLEASING IN YOUR GREAT SIGHT

I WANT THE SPIRIT MORE THAN EVER BEFORE.

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The Voyage Chronicles
The Continuing Story of Love's Greatest Gift
Segment Seventeen
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     Rick tried desperately to get out of the strong grasp that held him, but, couldn't move.  He gasped and froze in his seat.  Suddenly, two men appeared before him.  He didn't know who they were.

     Another shadow quickly emerged, and the lights came on.  It was his brother, Trey.  "Hey, why are you in the dark?  Didn't things work?"  He asked.  "Shut the lights off and go", Rick answered.

     "You just can't quit.  This is my pastor and my friend from church.  Let us pray for you."  Trey demanded.  "I don't see the point.  But, do what you want to."  Rick responded.

     They joined hands and prayed for him.  "Okay, we have a surprise for you."  Trey said.  The pastor handed Rick two large envelopes.  Rick really didn't know what to think as he took them.

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STAY TUNED!

     

The Spirit Of Life

     I can remember a small memory as a child.  Sometimes we would go to visit a relative and her family who lived a distance from us.  They had a large home.  As you entered, there was a huge beautiful old grandfather clock sitting in the hallway.

     It had a large, hand-carved, oak cabinet and fine beveled glass.  I was fascinated to sit at its base and watch the golden pendulum move as the hands traveled the minutes away.

     Every half hour and hour it played a different, bold elegant tune.  But, think about that whole concept now in the mind set of an adult.  It can be a type of awakening. Minutes are just melting away.

     My Grandmother had a saying..'every time you see another sunrise, thank God for another gift'.

     So, how can you define time and life - precious and fragile.  Life is a beautiful gift bestowed by God.  It is a complex journey with a definitive plan and purpose, meant to be piloted by him.

     Three things should occur:  we must accept him as pilot, be the best passengers that we can be, and realize the value of it all.  But, as journeymen, we don't take the time to do that.

     Have you ever heard that saying:  'you're your own worst enemy'?  Well, it's true in many cases.  We try to be our own pilot on the journey, even though we don't have a map.

     We take too many thing to heart that aren't really worth troubling over.  It then becomes a heavy burden that takes away precious joy and melts time.

     So, what can we do to become efficient journeymen and have the true spirit of life?  What is the true spirit of life?  Well, first, we must invite God to be the one and only pilot and give him total power.

     Second, we must stop and appreciate the gifts that we are given and live a joyful life to the fullest, knowing God is in control.  What is the spirit of life?  It is the simple, unlimited joy that fills the heart and total being and never ends.

     It allows the journeyman to live every moment with zest and to the fullest.  How do you get and retain this awesome spirit?  Let go of your burdens, take a breathe of fresh air, and look to your pilot always for directions.

     Please consider this other awesome point.  Once this journey is over, you can begin another amazing journey with your pilot that will last forever.  So, instead of being an enemy to yourself, be a friend, and a good one.  Take meaningful footsteps.  Count every blessing.  Be appreciative of the beautiful gifts given to you and value them always.  **************************

TICKETS PLEASE!!  TICKETS NOW!!  NEXT PORT OF CALL!!  STAY TUNED!

Tailored Steps

Dear Lord:

 

You are the bright light that guides the steps of my journey;

The foundation that gives me promise every day

Placing my feet upon yours is the best place I should be

I want to have the best footsteps in every way.

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Every instrument needed for the journey is there

Surrounded by your love and filled with your sweet grace too

You provide the endurance and the strength with great care

and amazing happiness and peace to see me through.

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I know that you will never leave or forsake me

Your great presence will be my lighthouse until the end

When I take tailored steps with you there is victory

We are a great team my Father, Savior and best friend.

 

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The Voyage Chronicles.....

The Continuing Story Of Love's Greatest Gift

Segment Sixteen

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      The sun slowly peaked up over the morning horizon.  Rick nodded off for just a few brief moments, but, hardly slept well throughout the long night.  He had no motivation to do anything or go anywhere.

     The telephone rang a few times.  But, he could not bring himself to answer it.  Hours seemed to pass by.  Suddenly, there was a gentle knock at the door.  Rick just sat quietly, hoping that they would go away.

     Soon, a key could be heard turning in the lock.  The door slowly creaked open.  Rick could see three figures in the shadow, slowly walking towards him.  He shuttered in his seat, wondering who it could be.

     As a hand reached out and slowly grasped his shoulder, he leaped up with horrific fright.

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Stay tuned!

WALKING IN TAILORED FOOTSTEPS

THE PORT OF NEW BEGINNINGS AND NEW HORIZONS

     Have you ever heard the old saying:  'always place your best foot forward"?  There's a lot of interpretation that can be read into its definition.  The first and most obvious meaning is to put the best of who you are into every effort.  But, in actuality, that is only part of the complete meaning.

     Achieving success means having all of the essential tools to accomplish the goal.  Now, let's examine this concept with respect to the journey.  Examining the imperfectness of humanity leads one to realize that, in retrospect, one does not have the tools needed to go the distance.

     There may be many who will disagree with that fact.  But, look at it all in a different fashion.  Humanity in all of its totality is finite.  We have no control over the future, and no grasp or hold of anything within our hands.  This is one reason why we need a powerful relationship with a loving creator.  It is beautiful and blessed teamwork centered on love, devotion, and dedication.

     Now, when that bond is sealed, you step into his mighty footsteps and upon a path of promise that he has for you.  So, what does all of this mean?  You are stepping into tailored steps.  Tailored steps are a rugged foundation that are uniquely and strongly designed.  Each step is a step of teamwork with a much greater probability of going the distance.

     Every step is equipped with everything needed, lighted or guided with the light of his great love and connected by prayer.  A lifeline of prayer opens greater ports for more successful teamwork, footsteps, and a deeper bond.

     So, equip yourself and put your greatest foot forward - your strongest step.  Get your tailored footsteps and go the distance for great and unbelievable things that matter.  Above all else, consider the realization that in our own context, we are limited, but through him anything is possible if we only believe.  Greater possibilities and deeper probabilities become real.  We become powerful lighthouses of promise through his mighty presence.  Be prepared for your tailored steps today.

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TICKETS PLEASE!  PROCEEDING TO THE NEXT PORT OF CALL!  STAY TUNED!

 

A PRAYER FOR AMERICA

Lord, bless this fine nation in which we live.....

From coast to coast and sea to sea

Instill upon it abundant prosperity

This great land that you created

In all of its endless beauty.

Lord, bless us all your humbled servants.....

As we live our lives upon this land 

Provide us with the strength and the courage that we will need

and forever guide our way with your mighty hand.

Lord, please forgive us our trespasses and all of our sins.....

We beg your forgiveness and endless mercy

Show us the way, the truth and the light

Guide us so that we may live an ideal life

The way it should be.

Lord, be a stable presence in our changing world.....

and forever remind us to look up and pray

Help us to remain encouraged and inspired

and to minister to the lost and hurting day by day.,

Lord, we want to thank you for your true goodness and mercy

You provide us with all that we need each day

May our lives and our actions truly please you

and reflect your sweet spirit in every way.

WE LOVE YOU FATHER.

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HAPPY FOURTH!

The Voyage Chronicles

The Continuing Saga of

Love's Greatest Gift

Segment 15

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     Rick carefully placed the last thing into his suitcase and latched it.  As he slowly walked down the dark, eerie long winding hallway, he could sense that somehow he wasn't alone.  

     The cold, unexplained strange sounds seemed to twinge at his nerves as he walked even faster.  He was troubled by the erratic beating of his heart.

     He pushed open the large, heavy steel doors and was relieved to see the taxi waiting for him.  The travel home seemed like the longest ride of his young life.

     He entered the small, lonely room and sank into his favorite lounge chair, motionless and feeling numb.  Suddenly, he burst into tears and wept uncontrollably.

     Rick cried out to God in sheer terror and worry.  He then curled up and stared out into the dark.  As the hours passed, the uncertainty pressed and weighed on his heart.  Only God who controls it all could foresee beyond the sunrise.

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STAY TUNED!

A Lighthouse Of Hope

The Port of Light and Love

 

     Please take a moment and reflect upon something important.  Sit back in a chair, put your feet up, and close your eyes.  Can you think about a time when you held a club office or were nominated or promoted to a greater position, whether as a child or as an adult?

 

     Perhaps you can't recall something, but, instead had great aspirations inside of you for greater things.  How did you feel in your heart?  What ideas or seeds of growth blossomed in your mind?

 

     Well, maybe you had a desire to do a good job, [of course it would seem like natural common sense].  But, is there a possibility that you wanted to go a step further and make a substantial difference?

 

     Now, let's consider that same concept in reference to the journey.  Well, what do you mean?  You are wondering.  First, you've been elected to a very prestigious and uniquely designed office.

 

     It is an important position where every step taken is meaningful and can open potential paths of promise and possibility.  In other words, taking the greatest initiative to do the most incredible job yields the greatest results.

 

     If a President or official makes a pledge, and then makes every effort to fulfill it, then he is favorable.  So, the question is will you accept the challenge of the position?  Will you go on with the greatest positive beliefs that outstanding things can be accomplished and more.  Keep in mind that words have power.  Use them wisely.

 

     Remember and never forget who nominated you to the position - an awesome Creator.  The application of faith allows him the grace to grant you the job description and offer the equipment, strength, advice and guidance.

 

     His presence is a beautiful light of power that dwells in the heart.  Now, consider something that we'll call the mirror effect.  What is it?  Have you ever heard a saying:  'the eyes reflect the soul'?

When others look at you and listen to you, what will be represented?

 

     Working hard at the position or office afforded you allows a beautiful light to shine that captivates and inspires others.   A wonderful thing then happens.  The incredible beauty blesses other lives.  It's just like a lighthouse guiding a wayward ship.

 

     So, will you accept the job?  Will you strive for excellence and go above and beyond the qualifications?  Always remember who your boss is.  Keep a happy spirit and know that the light of your positive heart will radiate indefinitely.  Be a lighthouse on the journey.

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Tickets now please!  We are preparing for the next exciting and mysterious port of call! Prepare now please!  STAY TUNED!