A Cracked Pot

A water-bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pot full of water in his master’s house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water-bearer one day by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself,and I want to apologize to you.” “Why?” asked the bearer. “What are you ashamed of?” “I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have todo all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said.

The water-bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.”

Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.”

Each of us has our own unique flaws. We’re all cracked pots. But if we will allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace His Father’s table. In God’s great economy, nothing goes to waste.

So as we seek ways to minister together, and as God calls you to the tasks He has appointed for you, don’t be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them, and allow Him to take advantage of them, and you, too, can be the cause of beauty in His pathway.

Go out boldly, knowing that in our weakness we find His strength, and that “In Him every one of God’s promises is a Yes.” Another thought for you: a perfection may in the long run be an imperfection, depending on how one looks at it.


@http://krenungan.org/ 20


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The Butterfly

A man found the cocoon of a butterfly, One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no further. So the man decided to help the butterfly, he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon.

The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because heexpected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body , which would contract in time. Neither happened. In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.

What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God’s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life.
If God allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles,
it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been.
We could never fly.

I asked for Strength………
And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for Wisdom………
And God gave me Problems to solve.

I asked for Prosperity………
And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.

I asked for Courage………
And God gave me Danger to overcome.

I asked for Love………
And God gave me Troubled people to help.

I asked for Favours………
And God gave me Opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted.
I received everything I needed.

Author unknown

@http://krenungan.org/ a20



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A Blessing to Friendship

Father, I ask you to bless my friend reading this right now
Lord, show them a new revelation of Your love and power.
Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit at this
very moment.

Where there is pain, give them Your peace & mercy.
Where there is self-doubting, release a renewed confidence in Your ability to work through them.

Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, I ask You to give them
understanding, patience, & strength as they learn submission to Your leading.
Where there is spiritual stagnation, I ask You to renew them by
revealing Your nearness, and by drawing them into greater intimacy with You.
Where there is fear, reveal Your love, and release to them Your courage.
Where there is a sin blocking them, reveal it, and break its hold over my friends life.

Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up
leaders, and friends to support, and encourage them.
Give each of them discernment to recognize the demonic forces
around them, and reveal to them the power they have in You to
defeat it.

I ask You to do these things in Jesus’ name.

In Christian love,
Your Friend in Jesus


@http://krenungan.org/ 20



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A Room With A View

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room’s only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked For hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. And every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young couples walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene. One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by.

Although the other man couldn’t hear the band , he could see it in his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Then unexpectedly, a sinister thought entered his mind. Why should the other man alone experience all the pleasures of seeing everything while he himself never got to see anything? It didn’t seem fair.

At first thought the man felt ashamed. But as the days passed and he missed seeing more sights, his envy eroded into resentment and soon turned him sour. He began to brood and he found himself unable to sleep. He should be by that window - that thought, and only that thought now controlled his life.

Late one night as he lay staring at the ceiling, the man by the window began to cough. He was choking on the fluid in his lungs. The other man watched in the dimly lit room as the struggling man by the window groped for the button to call for help. Listening from across the room he never moved, never pushed his own button which would have brought the nurse running in. In less than five minutes the coughing and choking stopped along with that the sound of breathing. Now there was only silence–deathly silence.

The following morning the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths. When she found the lifeless body of the man by the window, she was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take it away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it all himself. He strained to slowly turn To look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased room mate had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, “Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.”

(author unknown)


Sumber : http://krenungan.org/ 21



Klinik Rohani Links :

A Letter to a ‘Silent’ Brother

Dear Patrick,

I was then an only child
who had everything I could ever want. But even a pretty,
spoiled and rich kid could get lonely once in a while
so when Mom told me that she was pregnant,
I was ecstatic.
I imagined how wonderful you would be
and how we’d always be together
and how much you would look like me.
So, when you were born, I looked at your tiny hands and feet
and marveled at how beautiful you were.
We took you home and I showed you proudly to my friends.
They would touch you and sometimes pinch you,
but you never reacted.
When you were five months old,

some things began to bother Mom.
You seemed so unmoving and numb,
and your cry sounded odd — almost like a kitten’s.

So we brought you to many doctors.
The thirteenth doctor who looked at you quietly said
you have the “cry du chat” (pronounced kree-do-sha) syndrome,
‘cry of the cat’ in French.
When I asked what that meant,
he looked at me with pity and softly said,
“Your brother will never walk nor talk.”
The doctor told us that it is a condition
that afflicts one in 50,000 babies,
rendering victims severely retarded.
Mom was shocked and I was furious.
I thought it was unfair. When we went home,
Mom took you in her armsand cried.
I looked at you and realized that word will get around
that you’re not normal.
So to hold on to my popularity,
I did the unthinkable … I disowned you.
Mom and Dad didn’t know but
I steeled myself not to love you as you grew.

Mom and Dad showered you with love
and attention and that made me bitter.
And as the years passed,
that bitterness turned to anger, and then hate.
Mom never gave up on you.
She knew she had to do it for your sake.
Every time she put your toys down,
you’d roll instead of crawl.
I watched her heart break every time she took away your toys
and strapped your tummy with foam so you couldn’t roll.
You’d struggle and you’d cry in that pitiful way,
the cry of the kitten. But she still didn’t give up.
And then one day,
you defied what all your doctors said — you crawled.
When Mom saw this, she knew that you would eventually walk.
So when you were still crawling at age four,
she’d put you on the grass with only your diapers
on knowing that you hate the feel of the grass your skin.
Then she’d leave you there.
I would sometimes watch from the window
and smile at your discomfort.
You would crawl to the sidewalk and Mom would put you back.
Again and again, Mom repeated this on the lawn.
Until one day,
Mom saw you pull yourself up and toddle off the grass
as fast as your little legs could carry you.
Laughing and crying, she shouted for Dad and I to come.
Dad hugged you crying openly.
I watched from my bedroom window this heartbreaking scene.
Over the years, Mom taught you to speak, read and write.
From then on, I would sometimes see you walk outside,
smell the flowers, marvel at the birds, or just smile at no one.
I began to see the beauty of the world around me,
the simplicity of life and the wonders of this world,
through your eyes.
It was then that I realized that you were my brother
and no matter how much I tried to hate you, I couldn’t,
because I had grown to love you.
During the next few days,
we again became acquainted with each other.
I would buy you toys and give you all the love that
a sister could ever give to her brother.
And you would reward me by smiling and hugging me.

But I guess, you were never really meant for us.
On your tenth birthday, you felt severe headaches.
The doctor’s diagnosis — leukemia.Mom gasped and Dad held her,
while I fought hard to keep my tears from falling.
At that moment, I loved you all the more.
I couldn’t even bear to leave your side.
Then the doctors told us that your only hope was
to have a bonemarrow transplant.
You became the subject of a nationwide donor search.
When at last we found the right match, you were too sick,
and the doctor reluctantly ruled out the operations.
Since then, you underwent chemotherapy and radiation.

Even at the end, you continued to pursue life.
Just a month before you died,
you made me draw up a list of things you wanted to do
when you got out of the hospital.
Two days after the list was completed,
you asked the doctors to send you home.
There, we ate ice cream and cake, run across the grass,
flew kites, went fishing, took pictures of one another
and let the balloons fly.

I remember the last conversation that we had.
You said that if you die, and if I need of help,
I could send you a note to heaven
by tying it on the string any a balloon and letting it fly.
When you said this, I started crying. Then you hugged me.
Then again, for the last time, you got sick.
That last night, you asked for water,
a back rub, a cuddle.
Finally, you went into seizure with tears streaming down your face.
Later, at the hospital,
you struggled to talk but the words wouldn’t come..
I know what you wanted to say.
“I hear you,” I whispered.
And for the last time, I said,
“I’ll always love you and I will never forget you.
Don’t be afraid. You’ll soon be with God in heaven.”

Then, with my tears flowing freely,
I watched the bravest boy
that I had ever known finally stop breathing.
Dad, Mom and I cried until
I felt as if there were no more tears left.
Patrick was finally gone, leaving us behind.

From then on, you were my source of inspiration.
You showed me how to love life and live life to the fullest.
With your simplicity and honesty,
you showed me a world full of love and caring.
And you made me realize
that the most important thing in this life is
to continue loving without asking
why or how and without setting any limit.
Thank you, my little brother, for all these.

Your Sister

Sumber : http://krenungan.org/ 21


Klinik Rohani Links :

Apple Tree

A long time ago, there was a huge apple tree.

A little boy loved to come and play around it everyday. He climbed to the tree top, ate the apples, took a nap under the shadow… He loved the tree and the tree loved to play with him. Time went by… the little boy had grown up and he no longer played around the tree everyday.

One day, the boy came back to the tree and he looked sad. “Come and play with me,” the tree asked the boy. I am no longer a kid, I don’t play around trees anymore.” The boy replied, “I want toys. I need money to buy them.” Sorry, but I don’t have money… but you can pick all my apples and sell them. So, you will have money.” The boy was so excited. He grabbed all the apples on the tree and left happily. The boy never came back after he picked that apples. The tree was sad.

One day, the boy returned and the tree was soexcited. “Come and play with me” the tree said. “I don’t have time to play. I have to work for my family. We need a house for shelter. Can you help me?” “Sorry, but I don’t have a house. But you can chop off my branches to build your house.” So the boy cut all the branches of the tree and left happily. The tree was glad to see him happy but the boy never came back since then. The tree was again lonely and sad.

One hot summer day, the boy returned and the tree was delighted. “Come and play with me!” the tree said. I am sad and getting old. I want to go sailing to relax myself. Can you give me a boat?” “Use my truck to build your boat. You can sail far away and be happy.” So the boy cut the tree truck to make a boat. He went sailing and never showed up for a long time.

Finally, the boy returned after he left for so many years. “Sorry, my boy. But I don’t have anything for you anymore. No more apples for you… “the tree said.

“I don’t have teeth to bite” the boy replied. “No more truck for you to climb on” “I am too old for that now” the boy said. “I really can’t give you anything … the only thingleft is my dying roots” the tree said with tears. “I don’t need much now, just a place to rest. I am tired after all these years.” The boy replied. “Good! Old tree roots is the best place to lean on and rest. Come, Come sit down with me and rest.”

The boy sat down and the tree was glad and smiled with tears……. This is a story of everyone. The tree is our parent. When we were young, we loved to play with Mom and Dad… When we grown up, we left them… only came to them when we need something or when we are in trouble.

No matter what, parents will always be there and give everything they could to make you happy. You may think the boy is cruel to the tree but that’s how all of us are treating our parent. Please enlighten all you friend by forward this to them. And love your parent.


Sumber : http://krenungan.org 22

Lihat dalam Bahasa Indonesia : Kisah Pohon Apel

Klinik Rohani Links :

A Child Will Lead Them ...

One day a 6 year old girl was sitting in the classroom.

The teacher was going to explain evolution to the children.
The teacher asked a little boy:
Teacher: Tommy do you see the tree outside?
Tommy: Yes.

Teacher: Tommy, do you see the grass outside?
Tommy: Yes.
Teacher: Go outside and look up and see if you can see the sky.
Tommy: OK. (He returned a few minutes later) Yes, I saw the sky.

Teacher: Did you see God?
Tommy: No.
Teacher: That’s my point. We can’t see God because he isn’t there, he doesn’t exist.

A little girl spoke up and wanted to ask the boy some questions.

Teacher agreed and she asked the boy:
Little Girl: Tommy, do you see the tree outside?
Tommy: Yes.
Little girl: Tommy do you see the grass outside?
Tommy: Yes.
Little girl: Did you see the sky?
Tommy: Yes.
Little Girl:Tommy, do you see the teacher?
Tommy: Yes.
Little Girl: Do you see her brain?
Tommy: No.
Little Girl: Does that mean she doesn’t have one


Sumber : http://krenungan.org 22



Klinik Rohani Links :

Around The Corner

Around the corner I have a friend, In this great city that has no end, Yet the days go by and weeks rush on, And before I know it, a year is gone.

And I never see my old friends face, For life is a swift and terrible race, He knows I like him just as well, As in the days when I rang his bell. And he rang mine if, we were younger then, And now we are busy, tired men. Tired of playing a foolish game, Tired of trying to make a name. “Tommorow” I say “I will call on Jim” “Just to show that I’m thinking of him.”

But tommorow comes and tommorow goes, And distance between us grows and grows. Around the corner!- yet miles away, “Here’s a telegram sir” “Jim died today.” And thats what we get and deserve in the end. Around the corner, a vanished friend.


Remember to always say what you mean. If you love someone, tell them. Don’t be afraid to express yourself. Reach out and tell someone what they mean to you. Because when you decide that it is the right time, it might be too late. Seize the day. Never have regrets. And most importantly, stay close to your friends and family, for they have helped make you the person that you are today.

Pass this along to your friends. It could make a difference. The difference between doing all that you can or having regrets which may stay with you forever.

Henson Towne


Sumber : http://krenungan.org/ 22


Klinik Rohani Links :

A Child's Angel

Once upon a time there was a child ready to be born. So one day he asked God:

They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless? Among the many angels, I chose one for you. She will be waiting for you and will take care of you.

But tell me, here in Heaven, I don’t do anything else but sing and smile, that’s enough for me to be happy. Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you everyday. And you will feel your angel’s love and be happy.

And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me, if I don’t know the language that men talk? Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.

And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you? Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray. I’ve heard that on earth there are bad men. Who will protect me? Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.

But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore. Your angel will always talk to you about me and will teach you the way for you to come back to me, even though I will always be next to you.

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from earth could already be heard, and the child in a hurry asked softly:

Oh God, if I am about to leave now, please tell me my angel’s name Your angel’s name is of no importance, you will call your angel: Mommy

(author unknown)

ohhh! how so cute. Please share it with everyone…


Sumber : http://krenungan.org/ 23


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A Simple Gesture

Mark was walking home from school one day when he noticed the boy ahead of him had tripped and dropped all of the books he was carrying along with two sweaters,a baseball bat,a glove and a small tape recorder. Mark knelt down and helped the boy pick up the scattered articles.

Since they were going the same way, he helped to carry the burden. As they walked Mark discovered the boys name was Bill,that he loved video games,baseball,and history, that he was having alot of trouble with his other subjects and that he had just broken up with his girlfriend.

They arrived at Bill’s home first and Mark was invited in for a coke and to watch some tv. The afternoon passed pleasantly with a few laughs and some shared small talk, then Mark went home.

They continued to see each other around school, had lunch together once or twice.They ended up at the same High school where they had brief contacts over the years. Finally the long awaited senior year came,and three weeks before graduation, Bill asked Mark if they could talk.

Bill reminded him of the day years ago when they had first met. “Do you ever wonder why I was carrying so many things from school that day?” asked Bill.

“You see, I cleaned out my locker because I didn’t want to leave a mess for anyone else. I had stored away some of my mother’s pills and I was going home to commit suicide. But after we spent some time together I realized that if I had,I would have missed that time and so many others that might follow. So you see, Mark,when you picked up my books for me that day,you did alot more. You saved my life!”

~~ Author Unknown ~~


Sumber : http://krenungan.org/ 23


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Pearl of Great Price

July 27 Sunday Reflection

“He... goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”
-Matthew 13:44

One of the most touching fictional stories I've watched was about Anya, a young Russian gymnast who participated in the Olympics and fell in love with an American track and field athlete. At the time, the Cold War was still on and their romance was literally an outrage to the parties surrounding them. So they were cut off from seeing each other in the name of the countries they served.

The American ended up winning a silver medal while the Russian won the gold in gymnastics. In the end, Anya wrote her beloved a love letter and gave it together with a parting gift- her Olympic gold medal.

Today's reading reminds me of the Lord's gift to me- eternal life. It's a gift that was won with the price of His blood, suffering rejection, shame and the worst beating anyone can imagine. The price of His blood was not just self-discipline but, ultimately, self-giving. He did it for you and me.

Giving one's life to Him is worth it because He gives much, much more- Himself.
-Ariel Driz

Reflection:
Have I truly given my life to Jesus?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for giving Yourself to me. I surrender my life and my being to You. Amen.

St. Pantaleon, martyr and wonder-worker, pray for us.


Sent by : ChristianYouth

I Am Learning Lord

My life has taken many falls And tumbles 'long the way. The many trials have left me In a sure state of dismay. For with each trial, I tried alone To tend, and soothe, and mend, Instead of giving them to God - And on Him just depend ...

But, I am learning, Lord.

It seems that I was determined to carry all the load. I longed for smoother pathways. Yet, I walked a rocky road. Little did I understand, God waited patiently To pave a new beginning With a better life for me.

But, I am learning, Lord.

It took a real disaster To bring me to my knees; To finally call upon the Lord And say, "God help me, please." He can, with no delaying, With strong arms that could hold - The weight of all my burdens; He gladly took the load.

And, I am learning, Lord.

What a needless cross I carried, All because I could not see - What a friend I have in Jesus, And the love He has for me. Peace I find when troubles hover, Though the outcome is unknown. For if yet the road is rocky, I won't walk it all alone.

For, I am learning, Lord.



Author: Unknown

On Sainthood

June 29 Solemnity of Sts .Peter and Paul Sunday Reflection

“I have competed well, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
-2 Timothy 4:7

Readings:
Acts 12:1-11
Psalm 34:2-3,4-5,6-7,8-9
2 Timothy 4:6-8,17-18
Matthew 16:13-19

One of my bedside books now is “Asian Saints” by Fr. Francis X. Clark, SJ. This inspiring work narrates the colorful lives of the Asian martyrs. I couldn't help but see ow our verse today resonates loudly in the choices these saints have made. Here are some of their last words...

“Courage, go on. Cut me in as many pieces as you wish, and you will see that every piece is Catholic,” said Blesses Si, an 18-year-old Chinese whose right arm had been cut off because of his faith.

“I profess the religion of the Lord of heaven and earth, I will never deny it.... If you allow me to live, good; it not, I die with pleasure,” said Lawrence Ngon, a Vietnamese layman.

“I am afraid to die, but I am more afraid to deny God,” said Son Cha-son, a 28-year-old Korean who has strangled after he spoke these decisive words.

“You may kill us, but you cannot kill the Church and you cannot kill God,” said Sr. Agnes Phila, 31, who was killed with rifles in Thailand.

“For God I will give many thousand lives if I had them,” said our own Lorenzo Ruiz.
My friend, how have we kept our faith?- Lallaine Gogna

Reflection:
Think of concrete steps on how you can become a “saint” in your own situation.

Prayer:
Lord, give me courage and boldness to run my race and make You proud.


sent by : ChristianYouth

Each Person is a Gift

May 25 Corpus Christi Sunday

“…we though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.”
-1 Corinthians 10:17

Readings:

• Deuteronomy 8:2-3,14b-16a
• Psalm 147:12-13,14-15,19-20 (12)
• 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
• John 6:51-58

Frances brings in the flowers for the altar. Little Alex shakes the maracas as people come in. Myra goes around and gives everyone a buzz on the cheek. Meanwhile, parents and friends post song sheets on the walls, arrange chairs, set up the altar, prepare materials for the mime and the like.

This is how an ordinary Faith and light celebration starts. The special children do their share cheerfully, and end up being a source of grace and joy for their parents and friends.

The parents share their joys and pains in caring for their special children. They become models of patience and faith to their friends.

We, the friends, simply make ourselves available and do whatever we can to make the children feel God’s special love for them. We end up being nourished by the special children’s unconditional love and acceptance.

These three basic components of our community- special child, parent, friend- all have different orientations in life. But acknowledging the presence of Jesus in each of us has made our community a source of grace, peace and joy for us.
-Tess Atienza

Reflection:
How well do I recognize each person’s contribution to my own life? How well do I share myself for the good of the other?

Prayer:
Lord, help me to see each person as a gift. And make me a gift to others, too.


sent by : ChristianYouth

Life is Beautiful

A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: "I am blind, please help."

There were only a few coins in the hat. A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.

Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?"

The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way."

What he had written was: "Today is a beautiful day & I cannot see it."

Do you think the first sign and the second sign were saying the same thing? Of course both signs told people the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?

Be thankful for what you have and what you do not have.

Be creative.
Be innovative.
Think differently and positively.
Invite the people towards good with wisdom.

Live life with no excuse and love with no regrets. When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile.

Face your past without regret.
Handle your present with confidence.
Prepare for the future without fear.
Keep the faith and drop the fear.
Don't believe your doubts and doubt your beliefs.

Life is wonderful if you know how to live. Each day is as special as you want it to be………MAKE IT GREAT


Sumber : http://pentas-kesaksian.blogspot.com/

An Old Man and His Dog

Author: Unknown

An old man and his dog were walking down this dirt road with fences on both sides, they came to a gate in the fence and looked in, it was nice - grassy, woody areas, just what a ‘huntin’ dog and man would like, but, it had a sign saying ‘no trespassing’ so they walked on.

They came to a beautiful gate with a person in white robes standing there. “Welcome to Heaven” he said. The old man was happy and started in with his dog following him.

The gatekeeper stopped him. “Dogs aren’t allowed, I’m sorry but he can’t come with you.” “What kind of Heaven won’t allow dogs? If He can’t come in, then I will stay out with him. He’s been my faithful companion all his life, I can’t desert him now.

” “Suit yourself, but I have to warn you, the Devil’s on this road and he’ll try to sweet talk you into his area, he’ll promise you anything, but, the dog can’t go there either. If you won’t leave the dog, you’ll spend Eternity on this road ” So the old man and dog went on.

They came to a rundown fence with a gap in it, no gate, just a hole. Another old man was inside. “Excuse me Sir, my dog and I are getting mighty tired, mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?” “Of course, there’s some cold water under that tree over there. Make yourselves comfortable ”

“You’re sure my dog can come in? The man down the road said dogs weren’t allowed anywhere.” “Would you come in if you had to leave the dog?” ” No sir, that’s why I didn’t go to Heaven, he said the dog couldn’t come in. We’ll be spending Eternity on this road, and a glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now. But, I won’t come in if my buddy here can’t come too, and that’s final. ”

The man smiled a big smile and said “Welcome to Heaven.”
“You mean this is Heaven? Dogs ARE allowed? How come that fellow down the road said they weren’t?”

“That was the Devil and he gets all the people who are willing to give up a life long companion for a comfortable place to stay. They soon find out their mistake, but, then it’s too late. The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there. GOD wouldn’t allow dogs to be banned from Heaven. After all, HE created them to be man’s companions in life, why would he separate them in death?”

Moral Lesson:
Human beings always SUSPECT that God has the same way of thinking as us, such as God will kick an animal. God will take side to one religion, God will punish those who don’t worhip God the way one religion teaches, etc. In the reality, who knows? Only heaven knows.



source : http://krenungan.org/

Be Still With God

Author: Nancy B. Gibbs

All day long I had been very busy; picking up trash, cleaning bathrooms and scrubbing floors. My grown children were coming home for the weekend. I went grocery shopping and prepared for a barbecue supper, complete with ribs and chicken. I wanted everything to be perfect.

Suddenly, it dawned on me that I was dog-tired. I simply couldn't work as long as I could when I was younger. "I've got to rest for a minute," I told my husband, Roy, as I collapsed into my favorite rocking chair. Music was playing, my dog and cat were chasing each other and the telephone rang.

A scripture from Psalm 46 popped into my mind. "Be still, and know that I am God." I realized that I hadn't spent much time in prayer that day. Was I too busy to even utter a simple word of thanks to God? Suddenly, the thought of my beautiful patio came to mind. I can be quiet out there, I thought. I longed for a few minutes alone with God.

Roy and I had invested a great deal of time and work in the patio that spring. The flowers and hanging baskets were breathtaking. It was definitely a heavenly place of rest and tranquility. If I can't be still with God in that environment, I can't be still with Him anywhere, I thought. While Roy was talking on the telephone, I slipped out the backdoor and sat down on my favorite patio chair. I closed my eyes and began to pray, counting my many blessings.

A bird flew by me, chirping and singing. It interrupted my thoughts. It landed on the bird feeder and began eating dinner as I watched. After a few minutes it flew away, singing another song.

I closed my eyes again. A gust of wind blew, which caused my wind chimes to dance. They made a joyful sound, but again I lost my concentration on God. I squirmed and wiggled in my chair. I looked up toward the blue sky and saw the clouds moving slowly toward the horizon. The wind died down. My wind chimes finally became quiet.

Again, I bowed in prayer. "Honk, honk," I heard. I almost jumped out of my skin. A neighbor was driving down the street. He waved at me and smiled. I waved back, happy that he cared. I quickly tried once again to settle down, repeating the familiar verse in my mind. Be still and know that I am God.

"I'm trying God. I really am," I whispered. "But you've got to help me here."

The backdoor opened. My husband walked outside. "I love you," he said. "I was wondering where you were." I chuckled, as he came over and kissed me, then turned around and went back inside.

"Where's the quiet time?" I asked God. My heart fluttered. There was no pain, only a beat that interrupted me yet again. This is impossible, I thought. There's no time to be still and to know that God is with me. There's too much going on in the world and entirely too much activity all around me.

Then it suddenly dawned on me. God was speaking to me the entire time I was attempting to be still. I remembered the music playing as I'd begun my quiet time. He sent a sparrow to lighten my life with song. He sent a gentle breeze. He sent a neighbor to let me know that I had a friend. He sent my sweetheart to offer sincere sentiments of love. He caused my heart to flutter to remind me of life. While I was trying to count my blessings, God was busy multiplying them.

I laughed to realize that the "interruptions" of my quiet time with God were special blessings He'd sent to show me He was with me the entire time.


Sumber : http://www.heartnsouls.com/

Asked From God

Author: Unknown

I asked God to take away my pain
God said, No.
It is not for Me to take away, but for you to give it up

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to Me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said...Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

THIS DAY IS YOURS DON'T THROW IT AWAY May God Bless You. To the world you might be one person, But to one person you just might be the world


sumber : http://www.heartnsouls.com/

The Power of Prayer

Author: Unknown

A young man had been to Wednesday night Bible Study. The Pastor had shared about listening to God and obeying the Lord's voice. The young man couldn't help but wonder, "Does God still speak to people?"

After service he went out with some friends for coffee and pie and they discussed the message. Several different ones talked about how God had led them in different ways.

It was about ten o'clock when the young man started driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray, "God...If You still speak to people, speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey."

As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought to stop and buy a gallon of milk. He shook his head and said out loud, "God is that You?" He didn't get a reply and started on toward home.

But again, the thought, buy a gallon of milk. The young man thought about Samuel and how he didn't recognize the voice of God, and how little Samuel ran to Eli.

"Okay, God, in case that is You, I will buy the milk."

It didn't seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home.

As he passed Seventh Street, he again felt the urge, "Turn down that street." This is crazy he thought and drove on past the intersection. Again, he felt that he should turn down Seventh Street. At the next intersection, he turned back and headed down Seventh. Half jokingly, he said out loud, "Okay, God, I will".

He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop. He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in semi-commercial area of town. It wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst of neighborhoods either. The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the people were already in bed.

Again, he sensed something, "Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street."

The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep. He started to open the door and then sat back in the car seat.

"Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going to be mad and I will look stupid."

Again, he felt like he should go and give the milk. Finally, he opened the door, "Okay God, if this is You, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk. If You want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for something but if they don't answer right away, I am out of here."

He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man's voice yelled out, "Who is it? What do you want?" Then the door opened before the young man could get away.

The man was standing there in his jeans and T-shirt. He looked like he just got out of bed. He had a strange look on his face and he didn't seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep. "What is it?"

The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, "Here, I brought this to you."

The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway speaking loudly in Spanish. Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying.

The man had tears streaming down his face. The man began speaking and half crying, "We were just praying. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking God to show me how to get some milk."

His wife in the kitchen yelled out, "I ask him to send an Angel with some. Are you an Angel?"

The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him and put in the man's hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face. He knew that God still answers prayers.


sumber : http://www.heartnsouls.com/

April 13 Sunday Reflection: Day by Day

“…the sheep follow Him, because they recognize his voice.”
–John 10:4

Readings:
Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6(1)
1 Peter 2:20b-25
John 10:1-10

When does the sheep recognize the shepherd’s voice? After so listening to it over and over. How does the sheep listen to the shepherd’s voice again and again? By being with the shepherd day by day.

When my wife and I were starting as a couple, we groped with how to deal with each other as two different persons coming from different worlds, with different tastes and different moods. But because we love each other and wanted to continue doing so forever, we got to know each other better.

She now knows my favorite food. I know her favorite TV program. She knows my sleeping patterns. I know her bathroom ethics. But we didn’t learn all these in one night. We stayed on together- day by day.

Though we still continue to discover new things, we now know each other quite well. We can even tell what the other is feeling just by the tone of one’s voice!

You want to recognize God’s voice? Then stay with Him. Day by day. Talk to each other. Walk together. Go through thick and thin together. And you’ll see how listening to His voice becomes clearer and following Him becomes pure joy!
-Alvin Barcelona

Reflection:
If listening to God’s voice has become difficult for you, you may want to ask, how long have I been staying with Him? Or have you been straying away?

Prayer:
Day by day, Oh dear Lord thee things I pray: To see Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, follow Thee more nearly, day by day.