HE WILL KNOW

"The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching." - John Wooden

He Will Know

A gentleman once visited a museum under construction. There, he saw a sculptor making a statue of a prominent personality. Just then, he noticed a similar sculpture lying nearby. Surprised, he asked the sculptor,

"Do you need two statues of the same personality?"

"No," said the sculptor without looking up, "We need only one, but the first one got damaged after it was unveiled the last time."

The gentleman examined the idol and found no apparent damage.

"I can't seem to find the damage?" he complained.

HERE IS NOT THERE IV

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." - Barack Obama 

CSH

The biggest challenge, in the difference between here and there is the man in the middle. Have you ever noticed, that nothing else is more difficult to change than yourself: nobody else is more difficult to change than you? Gandhi said, "Be the change that you wish to see in the world."

Howard Henricks once said that the clerk of Abbington Presbytery, outside of Philadelphia, approximately 100 years ago gave five kinds of attitudes about change. The statistical presentation is quite disturbing. He said:
1. Early innovators (2.6%), run with new ideas

HERE IS NOT THERE III

"The world as we have created it, is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking." - Albert Einstein 

The problem, as I see it in most cases, is not change in itself, but how it is perceived. In other words, it is actually not that change is our enemy, but that we are enemies of change. To deal with this phenomenon therefore, will take us now to how change is communicated and how it is perceived.
Teenagers are much more inclined to take warnings about steroids seriously, if the drugs' muscle-building benefits are acknowledged in the same speech: say doctors at Oregon Health Sciences University. That was the case when the doctors, lectured nine high school football teams, on the effects of steroids. They found that football players who heard a balanced presentation, on steroids, were fifty percent more likely to believe that the drugs could harm their health than those who were told just of the dangers.

HERE IS NOT THERE II

"Just when I think I have learned the way to live, life changes." - Hugh Prather

ACT

Change can be very difficult some times and at other times, it can be comforting. It is not that change is a part of life: actually, change is life.

In 1886, Karl Benz drove his first automobile through the streets of Munich, Germany. He named his car the Mercedes Benz, after his daughter, Mercedes. The machine angered the citizens, because it was noisy and scared the children and horses. Pressured by the citizens, the local officials immediately established a speed limit for "horseless carriages" of 3.5MPH in the city limits, and 7MPH outside. Benz knew he could never develop a market for his car and compete against horses with such speed limits. He invited the mayor of the town for a ride, to which the mayor accepted. Benz then arranged for a milk man to park his horse and wagon on a certain street: to whip up his old horse to speed pass them, as Benz and the mayor drove by. The plan worked: the

HERE IS NOT THERE

"Progress is impossible without change and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything." - George Bernard Shaw

Here is not there, is a simple statement indicating that there is a clear cut difference between point A, for instance and point B - between your past, present and your future. Between your childhood and adulthood, between your singleness and marriage. The point is, if by any means one happens to lack an understanding of the difference involved, whatever the case may be, then chaos is bound to follow by default. That difference is the underlying change factor. 

So John Kennedy said, "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."

When the railroads were first introduced to the U.S., some folks feared that they'd be the downfall of the nation! Here's an excerpt from a letter to then President Jackson dated January 31, 1829: As you may know, Mr. President, 'railroad' carriages are pulled at the enormous speed of 15 miles per hour by 'engines' which, in addition to endangering life and limb of passengers, roar and snort their way through the countryside, setting fire to crops, scaring the livestock and frightening women and children. The Almighty certainly never intended that people should travel at such breakneck speed. Martin Van Buren Governor of New York

THE PRETTY ONE II : WHEN THE ODDS ARE AGAINST YOU

"A rejection is nothing more than a necessary step in the pursuit of success." - Bo Bennett

Rejection

Continued from two days ago:

I decided right there and then that if there was any way to save this animal I was going to give it my best shot. I took the puppy to the vet and was told nothing could be done unless we were willing to spend about a thousand dollars to try and correct the defect. He told us that the puppy would die mainly because it could not suckle. After returning home, Judy and I decided that we could not afford to spend that kind of money without getting some type of assurance from the vet that the puppy had a chance to live. However, that did not stop me from purchasing a syringe and feeding the puppy by hand. Which I did every day and night, every two hours, for more than ten days. The little puppy survived and learned to eat on his own as long as it was soft canned food. The fifth week I placed an ad in the newspaper, and within a week we had people interested in all of the pups, except the one with the deformity. Late one afternoon I went to the store to pick up a few groceries. Upon returning I happened to see the old retired schoolteacher, who lived across the street from us, waving at me. She had read in the paper that we had puppies and was wondering if she might get one from us for her grandson and his family. I told her all the puppies had found homes, but I would keep my eyes open for anyone else who might have an available cocker spaniel. I also mentioned that if someone should change their mind, I would let her know. Within days, all but one of the puppies had been picked up by their new families. This left me with one brown and tan cocker as well as the smaller puppy with the cleft lip and palate.

GOD IN YOUR RACE

"Between here and heaven, every minute that the Christian lives will be a minute of grace." – Charles H. Spurgeon 

GRACE

Christian author Philip Yancy, wrote about a British conference on comparative religions that occurred several decades ago. There were experts from around the world who had gathered together to debate what, if any, belief was unique to the Christian faith. So, they began eliminating possibilities. The debate went on for some time until C. S. Lewis wandered into the room. "What's the ruckus about?" he asked, and heard in reply that his colleagues were discussing Christianity's unique contribution among world religions. Lewis responded, "Oh, that's easy. It's grace." After some discussion, the conferees had to agree. Yancy concluded: "The notion of God's love coming to us free of charge, no strings attached, seems to be against every instinct of humanity. The Buddhist 8-fold path, the Hindu doctrine of Karma, the Jewish Covenant, and the Muslim code of law, each of these offer a way to earn approval. Only Christianity dares to make God's love unconditional."

THE PRETTY ONE

"Most fears of rejection rest on the desire for approval from other people. Don't base your self-esteem on their opinions." - Harvey Mackay

rejected

Henry Rollins said "We all learn lessons in life. Some stick, some don't. I have always learned more from rejection and failure than from acceptance and success." Read this story by Dan Roger Kiser:

It had been a very long night. Our black Cocker Spaniel 'Precious' was having a difficult delivery. I lay on the floor beside her large four-foot square cage, watching her every movement. Watching and waiting, just in case I had to rush her to the veterinarian. After six hours the puppies started to appear. The first-born was black and white. The second and third puppies were tan and brown in color. The fourth and fifth were also spotted black and white. "One, two, three, four, five," I counted to myself as I walked down the hallway to wake my wife, Judy, and tell her that everything was fine. As we walked back down the hallway and into the spare bedroom, I noticed a sixth puppy had been born and was now laying all by itself over to the side of the cage. I picked up the small puppy and laid it on top of the large pile of puppies, who were whining and trying to nurse on the mother. Precious immediately pushed the small puppy away from the rest of the group. She refused to recognize it as a member of her family. "Something’s wrong," said Judy. I reached over and picked up the puppy. My heart sank inside my chest when I saw the little puppy had a cleft lip and palate and could not close its little mouth.

THE LITTLE THINGS II

"One regret dear world, that I am determined not to have when I am lying on my deathbed is that I did not kiss you enough." - Hafiz

Little Things

Some time ago, east coast residents in New York and New Jersey were slammed by Hurricane Sandy. Afterward, they posted photos of their dogs and cats and birds and bunnies on Facebook. They called animal control and animal rescues and animal foster care looking for that one particular beagle or blue parrot or Manx cat. "Her name is Brownie," they wrote. "We miss her terribly." In 2013, whole cities in the Philippines were wiped out by Typhoon Yolanda. The most severe storm to ever make landfall, packing high winds up to 235 miles per hour. There's no telling how much disaster and havoc these hurricanes wreak. They leave a high number of carnage and loss of lives, in their trail, but it's amazing what some survivors cherish.

Isn't is amazing what's left, when nothing's left? What I mean in plain English is, after all said and done. After all the hurricanes of life has hit you, what do you really have left? What do you consider important as such times?

THE LITTLE THINGS

"Happy are they who take life day by day, complain very little, and are thankful for the little things in life." - Anonymous

the little things

Majority of folk often assume that being happy is based on what you have achieved, or acquired. Some think: 'My whole life would improve if I had a new car...', 'I just need a better job and then I can relax and be happy...', and others think, 'If only I met the right man or woman...'

Okay, you get a new car what happens afterwards? For a while you're walking on air, and then plunge back into being unhappy. Happiness comes from mastering the art of appreciating what you already have. Happiness is not a happening, but a state of mind. You can have everything in the world and still be miserable. Or you can have relatively little and feel unbounded joy. He who is rich, is that one who appreciates what he has.
Listen, thank God, for giving you life. You can see, and can use your hands and feet. You can think. The blind only wish to see, the deaf only wish to hear and the mute only wish to speak. The things that seem of just little value to us, can be all that someone else wants. Appreciate even the little things in life, many are less fortunate.

FOR ALL

"Look back, and smile on perils past." - Walter Scott

FOR ALL

We are ALL humans, that means, we ALL have a PAST, can make mistakes. Lately, in the media is the story about Josh Duggar. In summary, it's a case of being disappointed by one person's failure: one person whom the world thinks shouldn't have made such mistakes, because of his faith. How ironic.
Michael J. Straczynski said, "People spend too much time finding other people to blame, too much energy finding excuses for not being what they are capable of being, and not enough energy putting themselves on the line, growing out of the past, and getting on with their lives." Christians are almost, always too quick to pull the plug on a fellow Christian, when they fall. Why?

THE VOID WITHIN

"The Christian life is the life of the Lord Jesus Christ lived nineteen hundred years ago, lived now by Him in you!" - Ian W. Thomas

Heron Alexandrinus, otherwise known as the Hero of Alexandria, was a First Century Greek Mathematician, and engineer who is known as the first inventor of the steam engine. His steam powered device was called the aeolipile, named after Aiolos, God of the winds. The aeolipile consisted of a sphere positioned in such a way that it could rotate around its axis. Nozzles opposite each other would expel steam and both of the nozzles would generate a combined thrust resulting in torque, causing the sphere to spin around its axis. The rotation force sped up the sphere, to the point where the resistance from traction and air brought it to a stable rotation speed. The steam was created by boiling water under the sphere – the boiler was connected to the rotating sphere, through a pair of pipes that at the same time served as pivots for the sphere. The replica of Heron’s machine could rotate at 1,500 rounds per minute with a very low pressure of 1.8 pounds per square inch. The remarkable device was forgotten and never used properly until 1577, when the steam engine was 're-invented' by the philosopher, astronomer and engineer, Taqu al-Din. New "discoveries" are most often just, rediscoveries.

HE STOOPS TO CONQUER II

"Outward judgment often fails, inward judgment never." - Theodore Parker

His silence was making matters worse. They pushed, they pressed, they demanded for an answer. He didn't have any other option, he can't afford to not respond: they wanted justice; or so they thought. The noise louder now. This crowd was agitating for something, without proper internal investigation. They weren't aware of something vital. The accused lady must have been stunned by His annoying silence. He lifts his head from his scribbling: He saw through them like clear glass. He continues to scribble, "if you've never been guilty of any offense, all your life..." He paused, eyes fixated on his scribbles, "cast the first stone at her." He'd answered. Was that the kind of answer they wanted? He cared less, as He continues to scribble. It must have seemed like forever, when the dust from the weight of a crashing body, at arms length causes him to pause, and speak.
"Where are your accusers." He asked, still not looking from his scribbling.
"They're gone." Her reply almost inaudible.
"Then, what are you waiting for...go." He paused to look at her. She'd already begun to walk away. "But change your ways. I don't accuse you either..." His words trails her as she fades into the busy street sobbing.

HE STOOPS TO CONQUER 1

"True religion is real living; living with all one's soul, with all one's goodness and righteousness." - Albert Einstein

It's a rather busy and noisy part of town, everyone minding their business: he was there, doing his thing. From a few feet away comes an indistinct chatter, it's normal in this part of town. The chatter soon become audibly distinct. A combination of 'boos,' and 'ahs'. He turns to behold a beautiful lady. She's halfway between standing and squatting: shielding herself with both hands. In an attempt to block any fist that might be hurled at her. She's in her twenties or so. She's got long, dark, shiny hair, which is now ruffled from the crowds man-handling. What a beautiful creature he thought if only this troublesome lot would let her alone. Just then, it seemed, as though everyone began talking at once. Some yelling. They push her to him, What do we do to her. But he takes one look from the corner of his eyes, at this lady, stoops and ignores the crowd. Not saying a word.

Have you ever been caught in a web of confusion. The confusing arising from people - church folk - wanting you to say something, on a matter. And you're aware that the object of the discussion is a church folk as well. The traditions of men isn't the same as the laws of God Almighty. Where God almighty pleads leniency man calls for judgment.

100% JESUS

"It is not great men who change the world, but weak men in the hands of a great God." - Brother Yun

Neymar

Over the weekend, the much awaited, hyped and expected championship final came and now gone, but it's still being talked about: how Neymar scored a victory sealing goal. However, attention isn't on the goal, but on the object of his celebration after the goal. One website is quoted as saying:

"Having just scored the goal that would secure his side one of the most prestigious and sort after trophies the world of football has to offer, his first thought was to glorify someone else. To give credit to someone clearly worth more to him than any champagne bottle, lap of honour or trophy presentation. Tying a headband to his forehead with the simple message – '100% Jesus'. Neymar made a clear statement of intent (to glorify Jesus) to not only the 74 thousand spectators in Berlin’s Olympic stadium but also to the millions watching on T.V. Jesus is at the center of Neymar’s life and so must take part in his celebrations.

WINDOWS OF HEAVEN

"When you focus on being a blessing, God makes sure that you are always blessed in abundance." - Joel Osteen 

In actual fact, Joel Osteen captures the entire summary of man's essence on earth; being a blessing to others. We aren't here just to occupy space. No! Charles Stanley says further, "If you tell God no because He won't explain the reason He wants you to do something, you are actually hindering His blessing. But when you say yes to Him, all of heaven opens to pour out His goodness and reward your obedience. What matters more than material blessings are the things He is teaching us in our spirit."

Isn't it intriguing that God repeatedly said in His word, that he will open the windows of heaven, but pour out ONLY a blessing? We may think that 'a blessing' shouldn't come out of many windows because it's singular. In our little minds we wonder why God wouldn't just open one window since it's ONE blessing He wants to pour out. I mean why waste it, right? Wrong! Steve Jobs is dead but he still lives in a way through his products (iPad, iPhone, iPod etc.) Bill Gates might not be your neighbour but you know him for

THE LITTLE THINGS II

"One regret dear world, that I am determined not to have when I am lying on my deathbed is that I did not kiss you enough." - Hafiz

Some time ago, east coast residents in New York and New Jersey were slammed by Hurricane Sandy. Afterward, they posted photos of their dogs and cats and birds and bunnies on Facebook. They called animal control and animal rescues and animal foster care looking for that one particular beagle or blue parrot or Manx cat. "Her name is Brownie," they wrote. "We miss her terribly." In 2013, whole cities in the Philippines were wiped out by Typhoon Yolanda. The most severe storm to ever make landfall, packing high winds up to 235 miles per hour. There's no telling how much disaster and havoc these hurricanes wreak. They leave a high number of carnage and loss of lives, in their trail, but it's amazing what some survivors cherish 

BE PATIENT, PATIENTLY: THE REWARD OF PATIENCE

"Patience is the homely background on which most of the brilliant achievements are woven in beautiful harmony." - Allyn King Foster 

 

A little girl visited a farmer's shop one day. She asked to buy a large watermelon:
"That big one you got on your hand, costs three dollars." Said the farmer.
"But, I’ve got only thirty cents." Replied the girl.
"Thirty cents will buy you a small watermelon." Replied the farmer. "Like that one, said the farmer." Pointing to a, small watermelon in the field.
"Okay, I’ll take it," Smiled the little girl. "Here’s your thirty cents, but leave it on the vine. I’ll be back for it, in a month." She replied.

Impatience, or haste makes great waste, and great haste makes great waste. Many times, we hear of how much damage, loss or depravity impatience can cause us. But, seldom do we hear, or get to be told what great good, patience can achieve for us, or bring to us. This pretty smart little girl, knew what her patience was capable of getting her. She realized, she'd be rewarded by just being patient one month, more. Patience could get her a big, ripe watermelon worth thirty dollars for just thirty cents.