Last night, Jeremiah fell and chipped one of his front teeth. Stephenie and I were a little frantic.
This morning, Jeremiah was able to get in and see his dentists around 10:15. (Side note - the receptionist at our dentist is a wonderful lady!) They took an x-ray of his tooth, found that the root was still protected and therefore our dentist was able to put a filling on his tooth. (Weren't able to "replace" the chip.) When all was said and done, Jeremiah had his wonderful smile back and you couldn't tell that it had been chipped.
We immediately jumped in our van and got on the road headed for Virginia (Colonial Heights area) for Stephenie's grandmother's funeral. (The actual funeral is going to be on Friday.) We made it to the funeral home just in time for a private, family viewing. (We stopped and changed our clothes in a nasty Burger King.) All of Stephenie's family was there. We had a great time of fellowship as we all shared different memories that we had of Grandma Henry (and Grandpa Henry).
Thank you to everyone for their prayers and words of encouragement.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The Power & Pull of Music
This past Sunday night I had the opportunity to preach a message on the topic of music. You can listen to that message at http://www.southcharlottebaptist.org/.
In her book, Music and Morals, author Kimberly Smith states,, "...There is no such thing as 'Christian' music. There are only two choices for music: moral and immoral."
The "world" very clearly understands that music is very powerful. Just ask Muzak, a business that makes its living because of that power. Just ask any secular artist. Immoral music has a power that easily influences its listeners towards sensuality and rebellion, and influences them away from God.
That is where the pull of music comes in. 2 Timothy 3:1, 13-17 document well the pull of the world which can be seen in its immoral music.
Allow me to illustrate to you the "slide" that has taken place in so called "Christian" music.
Step 1. CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) - Artists such as Amy Grant and others began to popularize CCM which took the sound of the world and coupled it with "Christian" lyrics falsely believing that music (the sound) was amoral or morally neutral. CCM's belief was and still is that any music can be joined with Christian lyrics to make it acceptable and pleasing to God. (This is a Biblically incorrect belief.)
Step 2. CCM (Christ, Community, and Music) - This step began as "Christian" artists began to "crossover" into the world's pop music. In fact, these artists began to be referred to as "artists of faith." This meant that a musician, who gave any type of 'Christian' testimony, could perform Christian music and could also perform secular music. Many would place Taylor Swift, who gives a Christian testimony yet performs secular music, in this category.
Step 3. The slide hasn't stopped with simply taking the world's music and coupling it with Christian lyrics. Now it is a full acceptance, by Christians, of secular, worldly music - lyrics and all. I have on my desk right now a teen, "Christian" magazine with an article entitled, "Music to get you in the Christmas spirit." In this article it not only lists contemporary Christian musicians, but also artists of faith, as well as out-right secular musicians such as Harry Connick Jr. and Kelly Clarkson, former winner of the American Idol.
This same magazine, in tackling the subject of evangelism says, "Honestly, people want 'proof' of the difference Jesus makes. Your life is the proof." How can we prove that Christ has made a difference in our life when they "hear" no difference in our music and even see us accepting their music.?
"Come out from among them and be ye seperate..." (2 Corinthians 6:17)
In her book, Music and Morals, author Kimberly Smith states,, "...There is no such thing as 'Christian' music. There are only two choices for music: moral and immoral."
The "world" very clearly understands that music is very powerful. Just ask Muzak, a business that makes its living because of that power. Just ask any secular artist. Immoral music has a power that easily influences its listeners towards sensuality and rebellion, and influences them away from God.
That is where the pull of music comes in. 2 Timothy 3:1, 13-17 document well the pull of the world which can be seen in its immoral music.
Allow me to illustrate to you the "slide" that has taken place in so called "Christian" music.
Step 1. CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) - Artists such as Amy Grant and others began to popularize CCM which took the sound of the world and coupled it with "Christian" lyrics falsely believing that music (the sound) was amoral or morally neutral. CCM's belief was and still is that any music can be joined with Christian lyrics to make it acceptable and pleasing to God. (This is a Biblically incorrect belief.)
Step 2. CCM (Christ, Community, and Music) - This step began as "Christian" artists began to "crossover" into the world's pop music. In fact, these artists began to be referred to as "artists of faith." This meant that a musician, who gave any type of 'Christian' testimony, could perform Christian music and could also perform secular music. Many would place Taylor Swift, who gives a Christian testimony yet performs secular music, in this category.
Step 3. The slide hasn't stopped with simply taking the world's music and coupling it with Christian lyrics. Now it is a full acceptance, by Christians, of secular, worldly music - lyrics and all. I have on my desk right now a teen, "Christian" magazine with an article entitled, "Music to get you in the Christmas spirit." In this article it not only lists contemporary Christian musicians, but also artists of faith, as well as out-right secular musicians such as Harry Connick Jr. and Kelly Clarkson, former winner of the American Idol.
This same magazine, in tackling the subject of evangelism says, "Honestly, people want 'proof' of the difference Jesus makes. Your life is the proof." How can we prove that Christ has made a difference in our life when they "hear" no difference in our music and even see us accepting their music.?
"Come out from among them and be ye seperate..." (2 Corinthians 6:17)
Friday, November 12, 2010
Permission Slips
Below you will find PDF's of the permission slips of tonight & tomorrow's youth activities.
Click on the appropriate permission slip to open/view/then print.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
What Are the Signs of Rebellion?
Tonight, in Bro. Rand's message, he gave us the 7 signs of rebellion. He then went on to preach a wonderful message on being "A Rebel - But No One Knows It."
1. Little or now communications
2. Loss of interest in spiritual things
3. Lousy friends
4. Lack of enthusiasm
5. Letting go of strong moral standards
6. Lack of gratitude or thankfulness
7. Little or no respect for authority
1. Little or now communications
2. Loss of interest in spiritual things
3. Lousy friends
4. Lack of enthusiasm
5. Letting go of strong moral standards
6. Lack of gratitude or thankfulness
7. Little or no respect for authority
Monday, August 2, 2010
Monday @ The Wilds
We arrived safely this afternoon after an almost 5 hour drive from Charlotte to The Wilds! We'll update more tomorrow!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Teens & Technology
I have written to parents in the past about teens and technology. However, I was recently reminded about the subject and thought it important enough to address again.
Technology is everywhere. Every aspect of our lives is touched in some way by technology. Whether it be cell phones, Ipads, ATM machines, portable DVD players (and the list could go on), we can't seem to get away from it!
Unfortunately, parents many times "assume" that teenagers know how to use this technology. Now, while teenagers know how to use technology they really don't know how to use it! Hopefully the following thoughts will help you understand what I mean.
1. As a parent, take the time to acquaint yourself with all the technology that your children and teenagers use. (I understand that this can be an intimidating task but it is important!)
2. As a parent, teach your children how to use technology. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether therfore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." Teenagers need to be taught to use technology in the right way - a way which glorifies the Lord!
3. As a parent, you must "inspect what you expect." Now, although this will take effort on your part as a parent and although it may not be pleasantly received by your children and teenagers, it is a very necessary step. If you've taken the time to understand the technology yourself, and you've taken the time to teach them how to use the technology, then take the time to make sure they are using the technology in the proper way. Proverbs 29:15b says, "...a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame."
4. If, after following these first 3 points you find that your children/teenagers are not using technology properly, please don't have a "knee-jerk" reaction and simply take the technology away. Go back to steps 1-3 and ask yourself, "Do I understand how this technology works and what it has the ability to do?" "Have I instructed them in the proper use of this technology?" "Have I been holding them accountable for how they've been using this technology?" It may be necessary for you to have your children take a break from the technology for awhile but be sure that it includes plenty of Biblical instruction.
"All Scripture is given is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine (what is right), for reproof (what is wrong), for correction (how to get right), for instruction in righteousness (how to stay right): that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Computers began to become household items when I was a young teenager. My father bought our first computer when I was 12. I was intrigued with computers and began to teach myself how to use them. I learned that I could hook a telephone line up to a modem, type in a phone number, and visit "bulletin boards." (Remember, this was in the days before the internet and "unlimited" calling plans.) The online shopping mall that I visited was in California. While I did not get in trouble because of what I was viewing online, the phone call itself cost a lot of money. My parents hit the roof when the $800 phone bill arrived in the mail. Not that I'm blaming my parents, but had they taken the time to find out what that computer could do, then instruct me on how to correctly use that new technology, and then check up on me, they could have saved me a lot of "weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth" and saved themselves some money!
Technology is everywhere. Every aspect of our lives is touched in some way by technology. Whether it be cell phones, Ipads, ATM machines, portable DVD players (and the list could go on), we can't seem to get away from it!
Unfortunately, parents many times "assume" that teenagers know how to use this technology. Now, while teenagers know how to use technology they really don't know how to use it! Hopefully the following thoughts will help you understand what I mean.
1. As a parent, take the time to acquaint yourself with all the technology that your children and teenagers use. (I understand that this can be an intimidating task but it is important!)
2. As a parent, teach your children how to use technology. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether therfore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." Teenagers need to be taught to use technology in the right way - a way which glorifies the Lord!
3. As a parent, you must "inspect what you expect." Now, although this will take effort on your part as a parent and although it may not be pleasantly received by your children and teenagers, it is a very necessary step. If you've taken the time to understand the technology yourself, and you've taken the time to teach them how to use the technology, then take the time to make sure they are using the technology in the proper way. Proverbs 29:15b says, "...a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame."
4. If, after following these first 3 points you find that your children/teenagers are not using technology properly, please don't have a "knee-jerk" reaction and simply take the technology away. Go back to steps 1-3 and ask yourself, "Do I understand how this technology works and what it has the ability to do?" "Have I instructed them in the proper use of this technology?" "Have I been holding them accountable for how they've been using this technology?" It may be necessary for you to have your children take a break from the technology for awhile but be sure that it includes plenty of Biblical instruction.
"All Scripture is given is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine (what is right), for reproof (what is wrong), for correction (how to get right), for instruction in righteousness (how to stay right): that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Computers began to become household items when I was a young teenager. My father bought our first computer when I was 12. I was intrigued with computers and began to teach myself how to use them. I learned that I could hook a telephone line up to a modem, type in a phone number, and visit "bulletin boards." (Remember, this was in the days before the internet and "unlimited" calling plans.) The online shopping mall that I visited was in California. While I did not get in trouble because of what I was viewing online, the phone call itself cost a lot of money. My parents hit the roof when the $800 phone bill arrived in the mail. Not that I'm blaming my parents, but had they taken the time to find out what that computer could do, then instruct me on how to correctly use that new technology, and then check up on me, they could have saved me a lot of "weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth" and saved themselves some money!
Monday, July 19, 2010
"But make me thereof a little cake first..."
This story in 1 Kings 17 about Elijah being provided for by a widow woman many times is used to illustrate the principle of putting God first. However, I believe it has an even more practical application for us that we many times overlook. Put the man of God - your pastor - first! Allow me to illustrate.
My son, Jeremiah, started cutting grass this summer in order to earn money for camp, etc. Because of his age, though, I have had to drive him, and the equipment, to each house and provide some supervision.
Because of being out of town, one of the yards that he takes care of needed to be cut today! Because of the forecast - They called for rain in the afternoon - I had planned to go home at lunch and take him to get it done.
However, just as I had changed and was getting ready to leave, our senior pastor called. One of the senior couples in our church needed a ride home from the doctor's office. Pastor had planned to ask me to pick them up but when he realized what my plans were, he told me that he would take care of it and for me not to worry about it but to get the yard cut.
The Spirit of God prompted me, though, to press my senior pastor to allow me to minister to this couple (and to be a help to him). I told him that I could take care of it and then help my son get the yard cut. He finally agreed to allow me to do it stating that he had some matters that he needed to attend to in the afternoon as well. He thanked me and we ended our conversation.
I quickly drove to the doctor's office, picked the couple up and took them home. I hurried home, picked up my son (and daughter who is my son's "employee"), and headed to the particular home that needed to be tended to. As we arrived, the storm clouds began to gather. In my mind I told myself that if it began to rain, we'd just have to accomplish it another day.
As we were cutting the grass, the clouds continued to gather and I knew it was merely a matter of time before the rain started.
As my son was nearing the end, sure enough, the skies opened up and it begain to sprinkle. We quickly finished, loaded everything up, and then headed home. As we were driving home it began to rain a little heavier.
I began to think of this passage in 1 Kings 17:13 where Elijah instructed the widow woman that if she would provide for his needs first, that the Lord would miraculously provide for her needs. I believe that most of us know the rest of the story. As I said earlier, we so often use that story to illustrate the priciple of putting God first. However, let me encourage you to do the following. If you have a pastor, find some way in which you can put him first and be an encouragement to him. Maybe you could cut his grass. Or volunteer to watch his children so that he can take his wife on a date. Or make him his favorite dessert. Think creatively. The Lord will bless your efforts to honor your pastor!
My son, Jeremiah, started cutting grass this summer in order to earn money for camp, etc. Because of his age, though, I have had to drive him, and the equipment, to each house and provide some supervision.
Because of being out of town, one of the yards that he takes care of needed to be cut today! Because of the forecast - They called for rain in the afternoon - I had planned to go home at lunch and take him to get it done.
However, just as I had changed and was getting ready to leave, our senior pastor called. One of the senior couples in our church needed a ride home from the doctor's office. Pastor had planned to ask me to pick them up but when he realized what my plans were, he told me that he would take care of it and for me not to worry about it but to get the yard cut.
The Spirit of God prompted me, though, to press my senior pastor to allow me to minister to this couple (and to be a help to him). I told him that I could take care of it and then help my son get the yard cut. He finally agreed to allow me to do it stating that he had some matters that he needed to attend to in the afternoon as well. He thanked me and we ended our conversation.
I quickly drove to the doctor's office, picked the couple up and took them home. I hurried home, picked up my son (and daughter who is my son's "employee"), and headed to the particular home that needed to be tended to. As we arrived, the storm clouds began to gather. In my mind I told myself that if it began to rain, we'd just have to accomplish it another day.
As we were cutting the grass, the clouds continued to gather and I knew it was merely a matter of time before the rain started.
As my son was nearing the end, sure enough, the skies opened up and it begain to sprinkle. We quickly finished, loaded everything up, and then headed home. As we were driving home it began to rain a little heavier.
I began to think of this passage in 1 Kings 17:13 where Elijah instructed the widow woman that if she would provide for his needs first, that the Lord would miraculously provide for her needs. I believe that most of us know the rest of the story. As I said earlier, we so often use that story to illustrate the priciple of putting God first. However, let me encourage you to do the following. If you have a pastor, find some way in which you can put him first and be an encouragement to him. Maybe you could cut his grass. Or volunteer to watch his children so that he can take his wife on a date. Or make him his favorite dessert. Think creatively. The Lord will bless your efforts to honor your pastor!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
"Forgotten" Verse of Star Spangled Banner
O thus be it ever, when free men shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just;
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust!"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave.
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Every time we sing our national anthem in our church, we also sing this verse. Yes, we do need to get back to remembering that our country was founded upon the belief in Almighty God - the God of the Bible, not just some "made up" diety!
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just;
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust!"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave.
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Every time we sing our national anthem in our church, we also sing this verse. Yes, we do need to get back to remembering that our country was founded upon the belief in Almighty God - the God of the Bible, not just some "made up" diety!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Teens & Technology
I remember as a young teenager when I had earned enough money in order to purchase my very first Sony Walkman - a completely portable and battery powered cassette player! I was excited! I next remember purchasing my very own camera, a Kodak Disc 4000. I took literally hundreds of pictures with that camera.
As you realize though, technology has come a long way since then. Teenagers are know inundated with MP3 players, IPods, digital cameras, cells phones, DVD players, laptop computers, portable games, and the list could go on. Technology has definitely changed but what has not changed is the tempatation that teenagers face to use technology in a sinful way.
A recent news article from Fox News.com illustrates that point. The headline for that article read, “Trading Nude Photos Via Mobile Phone Now Part of Teen Dating, Experts Say.” That’s an alarming headline but by no means is it an isolated news story. I have other articles that speak of similar dangers that teenagers (and adults) face in using technology.
There is no way to escape technology. It surrounds us on all sides. Technology itself is not inherently good or bad. It is how we use it that determines whether it is good or bad. Proverbs 15:20a states, “A wise son maketh a glad father:” We all want teenagers that are going to use technology in a wise manner.
This may come as a shock to some but teenagers need to be taught how to use technology! The last part of 1 Corinthians 10:31 states, “Do all to the glory of God!” Teenagers need to be taught, by their parents and other caring adults, how to apply Biblical principles in their use of technology. (3 John 4)
As you realize though, technology has come a long way since then. Teenagers are know inundated with MP3 players, IPods, digital cameras, cells phones, DVD players, laptop computers, portable games, and the list could go on. Technology has definitely changed but what has not changed is the tempatation that teenagers face to use technology in a sinful way.
A recent news article from Fox News.com illustrates that point. The headline for that article read, “Trading Nude Photos Via Mobile Phone Now Part of Teen Dating, Experts Say.” That’s an alarming headline but by no means is it an isolated news story. I have other articles that speak of similar dangers that teenagers (and adults) face in using technology.
There is no way to escape technology. It surrounds us on all sides. Technology itself is not inherently good or bad. It is how we use it that determines whether it is good or bad. Proverbs 15:20a states, “A wise son maketh a glad father:” We all want teenagers that are going to use technology in a wise manner.
This may come as a shock to some but teenagers need to be taught how to use technology! The last part of 1 Corinthians 10:31 states, “Do all to the glory of God!” Teenagers need to be taught, by their parents and other caring adults, how to apply Biblical principles in their use of technology. (3 John 4)
George Whitefield
English evangelist George Whitefield (1714-1770) learned that it was more important to please God than to please men. Knowing that he was doing what was honoring to the Lord kept him from discouragement when he was falsely accused by his enemies.At one point in his ministry, Whitefield received a vicious letter accusing him of wrongdoing.
His reply was brief and courteous: “I thank you heartily for your letter. As for what you and my other enemies are saying against me, I know worse things about myself than you will ever say about me. With love in Christ, George Whitefield.”
He didn’t try to defend himself. He was much more concerned about pleasing the Lord.
Our Daily Bread, August 18, 1992
His reply was brief and courteous: “I thank you heartily for your letter. As for what you and my other enemies are saying against me, I know worse things about myself than you will ever say about me. With love in Christ, George Whitefield.”
He didn’t try to defend himself. He was much more concerned about pleasing the Lord.
Our Daily Bread, August 18, 1992
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Health Care in a Free Society
Health Care in a Free Society, by Paul Ryan, member, U.S. House of Representtatives. Click the link below to read the article.
Imprimis
Imprimis
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Biblical Principles of Dating, Part 2
Last night in 7 Star Teens, I finished preaching on "Biblical Principles of Dating." This is a subject that is of interest to all teenagers. It should be of interest to all parents of teenagers as well. Part of the audio of that sermon & the Power Point to go along with it can be found at www.7StarTeens.org.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Can your relationship with Christ be separated from everything you do?
Read the following comment made about Mother Teresa:
"Mother Teresa is principally known as a religious figure who ran a religious institution. You can't really separate her being a nun and being a Roman Catholic from everything she did," Gaylor told FoxNews.com.
Stop and think about what this man said. Now think for a moment about your relationship with Jesus Christ. Does your relationship with Him influence everything that you do? Could it be said of you, "You can't really separate their Christianity from everything they do?"
So many Christians seem to "compartmentalize" their relationship with Jesus Christ. That does not mesh with Christ's words, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven!" (Matthew 5:16)
Let your light shine regardless of what someone else may say!
"Mother Teresa is principally known as a religious figure who ran a religious institution. You can't really separate her being a nun and being a Roman Catholic from everything she did," Gaylor told FoxNews.com.
Stop and think about what this man said. Now think for a moment about your relationship with Jesus Christ. Does your relationship with Him influence everything that you do? Could it be said of you, "You can't really separate their Christianity from everything they do?"
So many Christians seem to "compartmentalize" their relationship with Jesus Christ. That does not mesh with Christ's words, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven!" (Matthew 5:16)
Let your light shine regardless of what someone else may say!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
5 Lessons
1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.
During my second month of college, our professor
Gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student And had breezed through the questions until I read
the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely, " said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello." I've never forgotten that lesson.. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain
One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.
A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 19 60's. The man
took her to safety, helped her get assistance and
put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached.
It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my
clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along.
Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying
husband's' bedside just before he passed away... God
bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving
others." Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.
3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve.
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and
sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied.
The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left.. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.
4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path.
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a
Roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if
Anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the
King's' wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by
And simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the
King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did
Anything about getting the stone out of the way.
Then a peasant came along carrying a load of
Vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the
peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the
stone to the side of the road. After much pushing
and straining, he finally succeeded. After the
peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed
a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note
from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand !
Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve
our condition.
5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts...
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a
hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who
was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only
chance of recovery appeared to be a blood
transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had
miraculously survived the same disease and had
developed the antibodies needed to combat the
illness. The doctor explained the situation to her
little brother, and asked the little boy if he would
be willing to give his blood to his sister.
I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a
deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save
her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed
next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing
the color returning to her cheek. Then his face
grew pale and his smile faded.
He looked up at the doctor and asked with a
trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away".
Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the
doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his
sister all of his blood in order to save her.
During my second month of college, our professor
Gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student And had breezed through the questions until I read
the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely, " said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello." I've never forgotten that lesson.. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain
One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.
A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 19 60's. The man
took her to safety, helped her get assistance and
put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached.
It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my
clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along.
Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying
husband's' bedside just before he passed away... God
bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving
others." Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.
3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve.
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and
sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied.
The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left.. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.
4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path.
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a
Roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if
Anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the
King's' wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by
And simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the
King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did
Anything about getting the stone out of the way.
Then a peasant came along carrying a load of
Vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the
peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the
stone to the side of the road. After much pushing
and straining, he finally succeeded. After the
peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed
a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note
from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand !
Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve
our condition.
5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts...
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a
hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who
was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only
chance of recovery appeared to be a blood
transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had
miraculously survived the same disease and had
developed the antibodies needed to combat the
illness. The doctor explained the situation to her
little brother, and asked the little boy if he would
be willing to give his blood to his sister.
I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a
deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save
her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed
next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing
the color returning to her cheek. Then his face
grew pale and his smile faded.
He looked up at the doctor and asked with a
trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away".
Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the
doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his
sister all of his blood in order to save her.
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