"Christian Voices" (1-22-04)

July 15, 2010

HUMOR

THOUGHTS ON GENEALOGY

~ Genealogy: Tracing yourself back to better people.

~ I trace my family history so I will know who to blame.

~ Genealogy: Where you confuse the dead and irritate the living.

~ Every family tree has some sap in it.

~ Friends come and go, but relatives tend to accumulate.

~ Genealogists never die, they just lose their roots.

~ Heredity: Everyone believes in it until their children act like fools.

~ I think my family tree is a few branches short of full bloom.

~ Theory of relativity: If you go back far enough, we're all related

.....Mikey's Funnies (funnies-owner@lists.MikeysFunnies.com) (http://www.mikeysFunnies.com) by way of "Christian Voices" (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)

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THOUGHT PROVOKING – INSPIRATIONAL

HELPLESS OR HOPEFUL?

And He [Jesus] was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him. -- Mark 1:13 (NASB)

Some years ago, I received some news that even now strikes fear into my heart and mind. I was away from home on a trip to speak at a Christian summer camp, when I called home to check in with my wife. I was expecting to hear the usual news that "everything's okay," when instead I heard the words that still echo through my memory, "I had a heart attack last night."

Being away from home was enough to cause a sense of helplessness to flood over me. I was worried about my wife's health and overwhelmed with the feeling that I could not do anything to help her. I was too far away, too isolated from her, and too startled to even offer some strength through conversation and prayer. This feeling of helplessness led to hopelessness, fear and a strange kind of paralysis. I didn't know what to do.

Helplessness is a feeling that every one of us has to deal with at times in our lives. Feelings themselves aren't bad, evil or destructive. They are feelings -- emotions -- given to us as a gift from a creative and loving God. The issue with any feeling, especially helplessness, is what you do with it after it becomes a reality in your life.

What really matters are the actions the feelings produce. Helplessness can lead to paralysis, rendering us unable to do anything. That's why Jesus is such an inspiration! I cannot imagine what Jesus was going through as he went through the temptations in the wilderness. Being fully human, he probably experienced the full range of emotions that could have led him to a complete shutdown of His life's purpose. Yet, in the midst of the temptations, he was ministered to, and He was strengthened and encouraged.

The next time you go through a feeling of helplessness, what will bring you hope? When those moments come, find someone you trust with whom you can talk; someone who can bring you perspective. In addition, never forget that God is our hope and strength. He is very present in times of trouble, waiting to renew us with His Spirit.

When was the last time in your life when you felt helpless? What did you do about it? How did you find a sense of hope? How did you reach out to people or to God?

.....written by Robin Dugall by way of Cup O'Cheer (cheer316@sc.rr.com) and "Christian Voices" (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)

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A DOG’S LOVE

It was raining on the day I took my St. Bernard, Buddy to the vet for the last time. It was raining on my windshield, it was raining in my eyes, and it was raining in my soul. My heart was heavy with the sadness of knowing that I would soon be losing a friend who had always touched my soul with his sad face and sweet personality. When he was a puppy I used to carry him around in one arm. Now his 170 lb body was ancient and ailing. Throughout all his life he had protected us with his strength and loved us with his gentleness. He was a part of our family and taking him on this last ride was one of the hardest things I ever had to do.

My voice like my spirit felt broken as I told the vet that it was best to end Buddy’s suffering now. I had watched over the last year as he slowed down. He was in a lot of pain. He seemed more and more irritable and uncomfortable with each passing day. Finally there came a point when I knew it was time to let him go. His days here on Earth may have been short by our standards, but every single one of them was full of love.

A person who didn’t own dogs once asked me why I would put myself through such pain. Why would I bring dogs into my home knowing that eight, ten, or fifteen years later I would be losing them to death? I couldn’t answer him at the time, but looking back on Buddy’s years with us I think I can now. A dog’s love is unconditional. It is pure. It is strong. It is blessed. It gives us such great happiness. It reminds us of what God’s love for us must be like. It shows us what our own love is capable of becoming. A dog’s love makes us better. If I have to suffer this pain then to have that love then I will do so gladly.

Take care dear Buddy until I see you again. You made me better. You helped me to love. You gave me so much joy. I will forever cherish in my heart the years we had here together.

.....Joseph J. Mazzella (joecool@wirefire.com) by way of "Christian Voices" (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)

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