I  met a young mother several years ago when helping her family move to a new home. Never without a smile on her face, I believe her story is riveting and will be an encouragement to you. For no matter how difficult you life has been, you can be victorious through Christ who strengthens you. Get to know Jesus and he’ll help you turn your life completely around. Remember, it’s not how you start life – but how you finish!

Here’s her testimony:

“I watch as each scene from my life plays before me.  Every clip is a flash of light.  Like a documentary, they tell story of my life.  These are my memories.  Yet, as I watch them, I do not feel pain or anger.  The liquid love of Jesus has seeped into, and healed every crevasse of my once broken heart.

A smoke filled room.

About 20 hippies are crammed into our living room.  I hear the words, peace, love, and screw the government.  My lungs are burning as I take a toke of the joint a man has just handed me.  The upside down American flag hanging on our wall begins to dance and blur.  My mother passes me a joint.  I try to breathe in the smoke but start to cough, then I feel the sting of her slap across my face as she screams, “You’ve just wasted my good dope!”   I am six…

FLASH

Now I am three.  I look between my legs and can tell that I’ve been broken.  As I watch this clip it becomes too fuzzy to see.

(God has a way of protecting us from some memories)

FLASH

I wake up unable to breath.  I open my eyes and see my mother’s face inches from mine.  Her cold hands are tightly squeezing my neck.  I struggle to free myself.  Finally she lets go.  As I gasp for air she quietly explains, “You’ll stop wetting your bed if I do this to you.”  She is right, now when I am about to wet the bed I feel like I can’t breathe, wake up, then run to the bathroom.

FLASH

She has lifted me by my hair and is banging my head against the wall.  I am not crying – only waiting for it to end.

The flashes keep coming.  I feel exhausted as each memory is played.  But then something starts to change.

I now am seven and have just wondered into a small white church, across the alley from where we are living.  My feet are bare and as tough as leather.  My brown hair a dirty tangled mess.

The people are smiling at me and asking if I am there for Sunday school.  I don’t know.  They direct me to a room filled with singing and laughter.  I take my place in a circle of children and find myself singing with them.  I love this place!

Later in the week I am knocking at the door of the small white church.  A kind man answers and tells me to come back on Sunday.  I don’t know when that is, so I come everyday.  The man says they are praying for me.  I don’t know what that means.

Finally . . . The flashes stop.

Now I understand….

When the people at that small white church started to pray, God was able to move in my life.

Shortly after stepping into that Church we went to visit my Grandparent’s in Saint Louis.  They, along with the help of my older sister that had been raised by them, were able to get a judge to order my mother out of my life.

At the age of eight I became a ward of the court. For years I had nightmares and would wake up screaming. But then look around and realize that no matter where I was living at the time, I was safe.  My mother could not touch me.

At the age of ten a lady started taking me to a spirit filled prayer meeting that reminded me of the little white church.  It was at one of these meetings that I asked Jesus into my heart and got filled with the Holy Spirit.  I remember what I used to describe as, “The empty yuck feeling inside me” going away, and a feeling of joy and peace taking its place.  This is when I started to heal!

35 Years Later

I am now married to a hardworking Christian man that loves me with his whole heart. Together we have been blessed with two children that have grown up knowing Jesus.  When I look at them I realize how much God has done in my life!

I have seen my Mother twice since I was taken from her.  Although she has never apologized, I have forgiven her.  I choose not to have her as a part of my life, or the lives of my children.  I have come to understand that forgiveness does not mean you have to let that person back into your life.  Sometimes we must use wisdom.

My Mother still calls herself a hippie.  She continues to take drugs and is often homeless.  When she writes, her letters are very unconnected and hard to understand.  Sometimes these letters are full of hate and rage.

But I have forgiven her.  And I know this because…

When I pray for my Mother I want what is good.  I know that God loves her! I also know that she is the way she is, not only because of her choices, but because of  her own painful childhood.

God healed the broken little girl within me.  The broken little girl within my mother never healed.  I know that God wants to heal her.  But he can only do this if she gives her heart and life to him.

Although she is now in her 70’s, I believe it is not too late!

Because….WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!”

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You are Poised for Success!

You are created by God for success! Don’t let anything deter you! Remember: You are only the believer. God is the Performer! For success, attitude is as important as ability!

Spectacular Failures Who Became Winners

Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. – Thomas Edison

- Lucille Ball was dismissed from acting school for being too quiet and too shy.
- US Grant failed as a soldier, farmer, in real estate then 8 years later became President of the U.S.
- Decca Recordings turn down the Beatles.
- Colonel Sanders was 65 and nearly bankrupt before he started Kentucky Fried Chicken.
- Universal Studios refused Clint Eastwood work, because he had a chipped tooth, talked to slow and had a big Adams apple.
- Henry Ford went broke 5 times.

All these companies went bankrupt 3 times – Quaker Oats, Pepsi Cola, Borden’s, Aunt Jemima and Wrigley Gum.

After backing up another quarterback in college for 4 years; getting cut by the Packers and being 3rd string quarterback for the Rams, Kurt Warner became the Super Bowl’s MVP and one of the best NFL quarterbacks of all time!

Never, never, never give up – Winston Churchill

Persistence

Press on.
Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; Nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.
Genius will not; Unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
Education alone will not; The world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

Calvin Coolidge – President of the United States

– Newt Gingrich, Ex-Speaker of the US House of Representatives said
“Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.”

In Everything Give Thanks and Be Grateful

Consider this short summary of the life of one man who knew the importance of a thankful heart:

- When he was nine, his mother died.
- Though he loved books, he received little formal education.
- His sister died in childbirth.
- At age twenty-four he found himself deep in debt when a store he invested in failed.
- When he was twenty-five the woman he loved caught fever and died causing him to sink into deep depression.
- Three years later he proposed to another woman and she turned him down.
- At thirty-four he lost the nomination for U.S. Congress.
- Only one of his four sons lived to adulthood: one died just short of age 4, one at age 11, one at 18.

Who was this man? President Abraham Lincoln. In 1863 he asked Congress to establish the annual celebration of Thanksgiving. In spite of his failings, his sorrow, his depression, his disappointments, he chose to express gratitude to God and led a nation to do the same.

What’s your “In spite of . . .?” It doesn’t matter what it is: hurt, pain, sorrow, depression, loss, disappointments, or anything else. You can choose to have a thankful spirit.

“Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” – Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

Ancient history is filled with common people who were failures at the beginning or failed along the way.

Noah was a drunk;
Abraham was too old;
Isaac was a daydreamer;
Jacob was a liar;
Leah was ugly;
Joseph was abused;
Moses had a stuttering problem;
Gideon was afraid;
Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer;
Rahab was a prostitute;
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young;
David had an affair and was a murderer;
Elijah was suicidal;
Isaiah preached naked;
Jonah ran from God;
Naomi was a widow;
Job went bankrupt;
John the Baptist ate bugs;
Peter denied Christ;
The Disciples fell asleep while praying;
Martha worried about everything;
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once;
Zaccheus was too small;
Paul was too religious;
Timothy had an ulcer… AND
Lazarus was dead!

The next time you feel like GOD can’t use YOU, just remember… If all these people can succeed – SO CAN YOU!

Don’t pray for an easy life, but to be a stronger person. Don’t pray for tasks equal to your powers, but pray for powers equal to your tasks. – (Adapted from Phillips Brook – 19^th century pastor)

So, find then speak out scriptures that pertain to your situation and just watch things turn around.” – Pastor Jeff Perry

(Here are a few scriptures to get you started:
- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  - Phil 4:13
- I have no lack. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. – Phil 4:19
- But with God all things are possible. – Matt 19:26b
- If God is for us, who can be against us. – Rom 8:31b
- Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. – Hebrews 13:8)

With Jesus you have a great lawyer pleading your case before God. When you mess up, just confess your sins to him and He is faithful and just to forgive you and to cleanse you from EVERY wrong! God loves the humble, but resists the proud!

So Young or Old – Rich or Poor – Continue to press on! I know it’s tough, but You can do it! God didn’t make any losers!

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Follow The Holy Spirit’s “Leading” and “Guiding”

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26

In various national sales and marketing management positions, I was required to travel extensively. When “on the road” I never slept very well. I would awaken in the very early morning (2-4 a.m.) and couldn’t get back to sleep. Instead of just laying awake and worrying, I would go out for a walk and pray. I figured if the devil wanted to keep me awake, I’d punish him by praying.

(At Las Vegas conventions I’d wander the huge, spacious parking lots as I prayed. As dawn was breaking, the sky often would have incredibly beautiful hues of purple, pink, grays, whites and blues. While most people just see the casinos’ thousands of flashing lights, they were missing the spectacular wonders created by God in the sky.)

When I begin praying and walking, I’d start with anything that came to mind; wife, family issues, my company, people I knew, etc. After a while, surprising issues would come to mind. These were “prompted by the Holy Spirit.”  Here are some examples:

1- While working in Greenbrier, Tennessee one morning I felt impressed to pray for the safety of  large athletic stadiums, fields and venues. (Frankly this “freaked me out,” since the thought seemed to come from no where.)  So, I bound the devil, prayed for protection, etc. for quite a long time over every stadium I could think of. Later that day I learned a terrorist was captured who was planning to blow-up an Olympic event in Australia.

2- Sometimes our prayer is in advance of something in the future. Our prayers are just used to prepare the area for a future work God will send someone else to do. In some ways this is like softening up the “beachhead” in the time of war.

I took 4-5, seven-day trips to the Frankfurt Music Messe always staying in the sleepy little town of Kelkheim, Germany. I’d awake at 3:00 a.m. and walk in middle of the main street, praying “in the Spirit.” Since most people aren’t Christians, it felt like slogging through mud. Once I was even stopped by the Polizei, figuring I must be a drunk or worse. To date I’m not aware what or whom I was praying for.

3- One early September the Managing Director asked me to travel to the Massachusetts main office to run the operation while he was out of the country and stayed in a low-budget motel. All week, true to form, I awakened around 3 a.m. and went outside to walk and pray.

However Friday, I was awakened with an urgent need to pray. But I felt so bad from hay fever, I tried to bargain with God to let me sleep a few more hours. Finally at 5:00 a.m. EDT, I headed out to walk and pray. Out of the blue after about 15 minutes, I was “led” to begin praying for airplanes and passengers. After a while I began to cry and beg God not to punish those on the plane, due to not obeying immediately. (This isn’t scriptural, but I was so ashamed, that’s what I did.) I finished praying and went to work.

The following Monday, I flew to Atlanta, Georgia to begin making calls with our sales representatives. The date was September 11, 2001. After our 1st appointment, the 1st plane crashed into New York City’s Twin Towers. I don’t know how many others were praying that Friday morning. But, it really impressed upon me the necessity of immediately obeying the direction of the Holy Spirit!

For as many as are being led by the Spirit of God, THESE are sons of God. – Romans 8:14  (I want to be a son of God.)

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man (person) avails much. – James 5:16b

Don’t ever think your prayer isn’t good enough. God is no respecter of persons. He loves you and wants to use you!

When God impresses upon you to pray – BE OBEDIENT no matter what your condition, attitude, feelings or situation! You may never know why. However, you may be surprised to see that very thing you prayed for on the news the next day.

Let’s not try to figure things out with our heads. Our heads get us in trouble, because we justify why we should not pray. God knows best what is up ahead. When we’re obedient to God, He will use us again and again to help change the world.

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Top Christian Bible Resources Available from the Ages!

The Book of Acts is the only book in the Bible that doesn’t have a final conclusion. What happened in the book of the Acts of the Apostles didn’t end there. In fact miracles continue to occur on a regular basis. This list of books puts Biblical Principals into action by people who put God’s promises to work to solve their everyday dilemmas and problems.

The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father – John 14:12.

To give your faith life a little boost, we’ve compiled a list of incredibly wonderful books to augment your Bible reading. Choose any and your faith life will receive a tremendous lift and reconnection to God’s Word. (There are other wonderful Christian books available, but for us these are landmarks, that should be added to any serious Christian’s library.)

Fox’s Book of Martyrs – John Fox (Foxe) Clarion Classics version published by Zondervan is recommended. ISBN 0-310-24391-2.  Early US settlers might have had only 2 books; the Bible and this volume. This is the history of what happened to the Apostles and followers of Jesus through the Dark Ages, Middle Ages and into the 1700s. The contents will assist in understanding the importance of the US Constitution’s 1^st Amendment (Bill of Rights). “Congress shall make no make law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the FREE exercise thereof; “

• The New STRONG’S Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible – James Strong – Thomas Nelson Publishers ISBN 0-8407-6750-1   Once can find a listing of every word in the Bible and can be used with most standard Bible. If you can only remember part of a verse? Pick a word and find every use of it in the Bible. Includes Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary, plus Greek Dictionary and Universal Subject Guide to the Bible.

• The Gospel According to T.L & Daisy – T. L. Osborn and Daisy Osborn – Osborn Publishers  ISBN 0-87943-021-4.   Missionaries to India unable to distinguish The Bible from the Koran or other religious books. Exciting stories how God overcame resistance to belief in Him. Contains dozens of photos documenting God’s mighty miracles as they ministered to tens of thousands during events throughout the world. (Page through the photos of miracles to find 2 photos showing Jesus in cloud formations.)

• Rees Howells Intercessor – Norman Grubb – CLC Publications ISBN 0-08508-188-6  The true story of a man who gave everything up for faith in Christ. His prayer school was in full operation during World War II and blinded Satan’s war strategy to Hitler. It eventually caused the fall of the 3^rd Reich. Prayer caused Hitler’s 4 biggest blunders: Missing the chance to invade England; Failure to attack Egypt and gain Alexandria; Turning away from capturing Moscow; and the Great Attack on Stalingrad. However, this is just a small taste of Howells’ life of faith.

• Living a Life of Fire – Reinhard Bonnke, Autobiography – E-R-Productions   ISBN 978-1-933106-81-6; Growing up in East Prussia during World War II, he miraculously escaped death at the hands of USSR soldiers. Fascinating, easy read shows growth from evangelizing hundreds of thousands in a single service, over 55,000,000 souls were saved in 10 years. God’s put a calling on his life of “Africa shall be saved!” and “from Capetown to Cairo.”  You will be amazed at everything God has done in Africa and around the world.

• I Believe in Visions – Kenneth E. Hagin, Rhema Bible Church – ISBN 0-89276-508-9  Pastor Hagin writes smaller but highly readable books with practical examples taken from his life that clearly explain Bible principles. Although he has written dozens of books, this volume details 8 visitations he had with Jesus and his near death experiences. You will be fascinated!

• John G. Lake – His Life, His Sermons, His Boldness of Faith – Kenneth Copeland Pub – ISBN 0-88114-962-4 Mr. Lake lived from 1870-1935 and was a minister to Africa. He was miraculously healed of crippling rheumatism which caused his legs to grow out of shape and distort his body. He was responsible for a great awaking in Africa and around the world. During plagues, viruses and bacteria died on contact with his skin. Amazing stories and many of his sermons.

• Evidence that Demands a Verdict – Josh McDowell Volumes I and II, Here’s Life Publishers, Inc. ISBN 0-918956-46-3  These volumes go back to original texts and absolutely prove the existence of Christ, God with absolute certainty. There is so much evidence here that it is impossible to doubt. One can resist the God, but it is useless to argue this mountain of proof!

• Ever Increasing Faith – Smith Wigglesworth, Gospel Publishing House, Springfield, MO        ISBN 0-88243-494-2  This is a small 176 page paperback that will develop your faith. It shows in detail the working of miracles and how absolute trust in God’s Word pays huge dividends.

• The Stong’s  Complete Dictionary of Bible Words – James Strong – Thomas Nelson Publishers – ISBN 0-7852-1147-0   Easy-to-Use Dictionary in 3 parts: English Word Index; Hebrew/Aramaic Dictionary of the Old Testament; and Greek Dictionary of the New Testament .

• The Master Is Calling – Lynne Hammond, Mac Hammond Ministries. ISBN 1-57399-006-0 Book instructs you how to have a successful prayer life, using real life stories to illustrate her points. In it you’ll learn how to discover the wonders of Spirit-led prayer.

This by no means is a complete list, nor is it in any particular order. We will add to it from time to time as appropriate. For a list of books every child should read, please see - 10 Must-read Books For Teenagers.

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Don’t Delay In Doing Good and Obeying God’s Direction!

In the early 1990s I had a part-time job as a “checker” in Venture, a discount department store chain. Becoming close friends with many workers most knew I was a Bible-believing Christian. (I’ve always had a “heart” to minister to young adults.) A special connection was made with a 19-year-old associate, Jenny, who reminded me of my deceased sister. Pam.

Jenny’s parents had divorced, so was having a difficult time adjusting, living an aimless life. She was encouraged with God’s words: I will never leave or forsake you. Naturally, since both of us were supposed to be working, our daily conversations were brief. But Jesus said; Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere. So, I tried to be obedient.

One evening we agreed to meet at the close of business, so she could pray the sinner’s prayer. I had bought her the easy-to-understand “Everyday Bible.” Sadly, that evening the managers pushed us out of the store quickly and into the dark rainy parking lot. Although losing this chance to be obedient to God, I thought I’d give her the Bible and pray with her the next evening.

Upon entering the store, Jenny greeted me shoulder-to-shoulder with a tall girl with a domineering personality who snidely remarked; “here comes that ol’ preacher man.” (It was if Satan was taunting me with “You’re not going to reach her.”) That domineering girl’s simple comment broke our carefully-built relationship. However, I vowed to rebuild it!

Jenny didn’t return to work for several days. I heard that her grandmother had died, so she had left suddenly for the funeral in the Detroit area. (Another delay! I was now more determined to pray with her.)

The very next day I learned Jenny had gone to pick up necessities at a shopping mall. Upon entering, she dropped her keys; bent down to pick them up; and suffered a brain aneurism. She collapsed and died on the spot! She – was – dead!

I was shocked and devastated! How could this happen to such a young healthy girl? Satan had stolen her life. John 10:10 states the thief (which we know as Satan) comes to steal kill and destroy. Jesus said; I have come that you might have life and that more abundantly.

Frankly, this experience has haunted my life. Where did I go wrong? Did I miss the opportunity to be obedient to God and pray with Jenny?  I can only hope that in God’s grace, the things I had told Jenny about Jesus prompted her to accept Jesus as her Savior on her own.

When I was young the word “Hell” was a swear word, never to be mentioned. “Go to Hell” was considered the worst of all cuss words. However, today Hell has lost its meaning to most people. Flippantly, Hell is simply tossed around. We fanaticize how wonderful heaven is, but few admit how horrible Hell is. It’s what nightmares are made of – unimaginably everlasting, awful terror and torture.

Point 1:  Hell was never meant for people. It was made for the Satan (the devil) and those who followed him (the demons).

Point 2:  We get to live once. For when we die – then comes the judgment! We either get Heaven or Hell. There are no other options – No second chance – No getting our parents to bail us out of trouble again. It is final!

And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire – Rev 20:15. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all lairs shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death – Rev 20:10.

The devil who deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever – Rev 20:10. And they shall go forth and look upon the corpses of the men who have transgressed against Me. For their worm does not die, And their fire is not quenched. They shall be abhorrence to all flesh – Isaiah 66:24.

Point 3: Don’t repeat my error! Don’t be shy! Be obedient to God! When He puts someone in your path, tell them how much God loves them and how Jesus made restitution for every wrong they ever committed by His death. Oh, how I had wished I had invited Jenny to say this simple prayer: Dear God, in my heart I believe that Jesus truly is your Son; that He died for my sins’ and rose from the dead. I turn away from everything I have done wrong. I accept Jesus into my life right now, to lead and guide me as my Lord. Thank you for saving me. Amen.

Before we die, let’s tell as many as possible that God loves them and STILL has a wonderful plan for their lives. Jesus died for everyone. All they need to do is accept His free gift of forgiveness by believing and trusting in Him.

(P.S. Whatever happened to the Bible bought for Jenny? It was given to a supervisor, Rochelle, who was struggling in a relationship with her boyfriend. Both got saved, married and moved to Dallas-Ft. Worth, have 2 children and are serving God with all their heart!)

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THE BANJO CONNECTION –  Connect the Dots, Jr.

Ron Is Calling “This is the way! Come this way!”

Teaching Junior High School Choir in the late 60s, I learned that a Master of Music degree was necessary if I was ever going to teach the more mature voices found in Senior High Schools. Not able to sing well enough to get a vocal degree, I decided to major in Bass Trombone. Since I wasn’t crazy about sitting alone in a room practicing 3 hours every day, I got a job as an entertainer and trombone player at “Your Father’s Mustache” in Chicago’s nightclub district known as Rush Street.

“Your Father’s Mustache” had clubs in 13 cities including New York’s Greenwich Village. One day the corporate owner asked me to play a weekend in New York, allowing me to work with Ronnie Beisel, a legend in banjo circles. He was not only a fine banjo player, but a great entertainer with “killer” good looks, who also assembled dozens of song medleys. These were the standards for all the clubs. (I remember little about the weekend but that I played 13 hours and my lip was so swollen that I couldn’t play trombone for nearly a week!)

Eventually, the “Mustache” clubs closed; I received my degree; no longer taught school; and stopped wasting my body on late hours, booze, women, etc. Now 30-years and many jobs later, I became a Marketing Manager for a commercial sound manufacturer and traveling to various cities, working to promote our line of products with local Independent Sales Representatives.

On a trip to Nashville one week, I worked with Mick, a young hard-working, highly respected Rep in the recording business. As we got better acquainted between various dealer sales presentations, Mick asked me about my background as a musician. When I mentioned “Your Father’s Mustache” he got all excited. It turned out that Mick Beisel’s Dad was the same Ron (Ronnie) Beisel that I performed with in the New York Club. Ron went on to a career as the owner of a club in Atlanta.

Mick loved the music and played (bass) with his Dad. He related that his Dad had originally gone to New York to tryout as a place kicker for the New York Giants professional football team. Although he didn’t make the team, he did learn to play the banjo, got a job at the “Mustache” and the rest is history.

Mick told me that his father eventually got divorced and married two more times. While in his 3^rd marriage, as a sickly and spent man, his wife told him that not only did God love Him, but forgave Him! Ron threw himself totally into God’s grace, accepted forgiveness through Jesus, telling Mick how wonderful God was. Ron died happy, going to the home Christ had prepared for him in Heaven.

The day ended as did our conversation. I retired to a motel. However, early in the morning, God awakened me to gave me this vision to share with Mick.

I saw Ron standing at the end of a long trail by the entrance of a beautifully plain looking building. He was happy, smiling and waving to his son, Mick, calling out; “This is the way! Come this way!” My view moved away from Mick to see the entire area. However, rapidly buildings went up. Everywhere distracting flashing lights, large roads, streetlights, were erected making it difficult to keep one’s eyes on Ron, who was continuing to stand and wave to his son. The entire scene of the casino-looking buildings was so compelling, that Ron was drowned out. But, he continued to wave to his son and call out the same message.

The next morning I greatly encouraged Mick as I told him of my vision and ended my trip. It is interesting how God always connects the dots! He had someone pray for a self-absorbed trombone player named Jim would get saved, so I’d honor Ron’s prayer to remind Ron’s son about the goodness of God, all before Ron was even saved! It boggles the imagination! Wow!

Not too long afterward, my company was sold. The new owner didn’t keep the management team of which I was a part. I no longer work with Mick. But, I do know these three things: Mick will continue to be successful; his Dad’s voice continues calling out the same message; and God still loves us all more than we can ever say.

God still has a great plan for Mick, for me and for YOU! Ron is still standing at the end of the path calling out to everyone who will hear; “This is the way! Come this way!” To receive what God has for you, all you have to do is say; “Lord God, I have lived my life like I wanted, but haven’t done a good job. Please forgive me! I place myself in your hands! Send your son Jesus into my life. Lead me and guide me into the right path. Help me to find all the good that you have always wanted for me. Amen.“ God will do it because, He is faithful!

God will never leave or forsake those who love Him and His Son.

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It’s Simply a Numbers Game!

In the late 1980s I sought an insurance sales position. It offered a fair first year salary while learning the job. My salary would double during year two; doubling again during the third. To some this might seem ideal, but I was uneasy. So, I asked if I could spend a day with a salesman, whom we’ll call “Fred”. Reluctantly, they agreed.

I traveled to a remote town to observe sales presentations by one of their best salesmen. For Fred to reach his financial goal, he only had to make four small sales today and each successive day. So, our goal was to make only four sales. Simple?

We got into his old Cadillac and drove down a dusty street in a poor part of town, stopping at a trailer home parked on a full-sized lot. As we walked toward the front door, it slammed shut. Fred politely knocked, but there was no answer. It seemed logical, so I tried to say, “the homeowner didn’t want to talk to us,” but Fred motioned to me to not say a word.

After knocking repeatedly with no result, we started walking back to his car. I tried to speak, but he motioned to me not to say anything until we reached the car. When we got back into his car, I could contain myself no longer. “That guy just slammed the door in our face!” He didn’t even reply to me. Instead, he said “I saw this person yesterday, whom I know positively needs this insurance policy. So, we drove to his home without ever mentioning the previous incident. At the end of a very long day, Fred had made four sales, meeting his goal.

From this incident I learned that a good salesman doesn’t get discouraged from rejection. He simply forgets it, knowing that the person he couldn’t convince is poorer for not having purchased the product. Besides, it’s just a numbers game. If you make enough good sales presentations, you will get enough action to make it worth your while. It’s simply a numbers game!

AN UNRELATED STORY?

Years later, a company sent me to a convention in Las Vegas. Since the hotel rooms had been booked incorrectly, I was forced to stay in a hotel about a mile away and walk to the convention. I wasn’t bothered. I simply walked the mile, praying the whole way.

One morning, I overtook a drunken bum staggering along the sidewalk. He obviously had been up all night, looking as if he might also be a street person. In passing I said simply, “Jesus loves you and has a great plan for your life.”

As I continued on my way, the Bible’s words came to mind – “God is no respecter of persons.” Therefore, the soul of that man was just as important to God as that of the queen of Great Britain, a movie star, a famous athlete or a corporate president.

Just then, I finally understood. It’s just a number’s game. When we make a Gospel (good news) presentation, then explain the Jesus’ benefits to enough people no matter whom they are, some will be led to God and eternal salvation, some won’t. So, don’t worry about rejection or your hurt feelings! With eternal salvation as a reward, our feelings just don’t matter. After all . . .

It’s simply a numbers game!

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Our family has a great affinity for desserts. (Once I caught my husband on his hands and knees eating a dessert out of the refrigerator after “he thought” everyone was in bed.) This has given me lots of baking experience.

With a demanding audience I developed a very successful new cookie. So, what’s the big secret? It has so many different flavors and textures; I am constantly asked “what’s in these?” I’ve never told. So, before revealing the recipe, here’s the story behind my “Secret” cookies.

When I was in grade school my Mom worked afternoon and evening shifts. Daily, I hurried home from school hoping to spend a minute with her, only to find an empty house. There would be a note telling us when to turn on the oven and start the dinner she had prepared earlier. I always felt empty and sad.

One day on my way to school (feeling sad and slightly teary eyed) a neighbor boy was leaving his home saying goodbye to his Mom. He said, “Bye Mom . . . Don’t forget to have those chocolate chip cookies ready when I get home.” I remember declaring out loud; “When I grow up, I’m going to stay home and make cookies for my kids.”

The Bible says to “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Truly, the most fulfilling time of my life has been creating a safe, happy environment for my family. Part of it included baked goods made from scratch – often! My children and husband enjoyed the fruits of my labor! Now, I get to do it all over again for my grandchildren.

Here’s the recipe to  Diane’s Mystery Cookies

2 sticks Butter               1 C Brown Sugar              1 C White Sugar

Cream these together. Then begin to add the following ingredients:

1 Egg                                           1 tsp Cream of Tartar
2 tsp. Vanilla                                1 C Canola or Vegetable Oil
½ tsp. Butter Flavor                     3-1/2 C Flour
1 tsp. Coconut Flavor                  1-½ C Oatmeal
1 tsp. Baking Soda                       1-½ C Crisp Rice Cereal
1 tsp. Sea Salt                              1 C (6 oz) Butterscotch Chips
1 C (6 oz) Chocolate Chips

Drop large tablespoons full on ungreased cookie sheet. (Dough is crumbly, so may have to be pressed together.) Bake at 350° for 10–12 minutes or until cookies are slightly brown on the edges. These also freeze well. FYI: These baked cookies taste better the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to combine.

(Husband’s note: She often bakes these cookies for parties and social events. They’re the first to be eaten with never any left to bring home to me. It just isn’t fair!)

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As long as I can remember, I wanted to be a Mom. I’d get up in the morning, get my baby doll out of the crib and dress her, feed her and put her down for a nap, then get ready for the day. It was all part of my routine. At lunch and dinner I repeated the process and got her ready for bed.

I grew up in a Boston suburb as the youngest of 4 children. Naturally, I’d spend most of my day playing games with kids in the neighborhood, but I devoted much of my time to my baby doll. I saved money and bought doll clothes, baby bottles and accessories at the “5 and dime”.

Not surprisingly by 20-yrs-old I was married. At 25, I had a 2 and 3-yr-old. The realization now was, I wasn’t playing house anymore! I felt a heavy responsibility. How in the world was I supposed to mold them to be people of integrity, good character, wisdom and make right decisions? I only had one chance at parenting and wouldn’t see the results for 20 years. If they didn’t turn out right . . . it was my fault.

This responsibility was amplified when my husband who had been a teacher for 14 years, moved into the business world. His company was 2-1/2 hours away so he left Monday, stayed in a rented room all week and didn’t return until Friday night. I was totally responsible for over 100 hours. There I was alone – acting as both Mom and Dad, 5 days a week, every week.

During this time I developed the strangest fear – a fear that oppressively gripped me. (As I’m writing this, I realize now how ridiculous it sounds, but fear is a peculiar thing. What you are afraid of somehow makes perfect sense.) Starting as soon as I put the kids to bed the fear became intense.

Now, all I could think about was “what if I had a heart attack or something bad happened to me during the night and I died? What would my kids do?” They were too young to use the phone or answer the door. It would be 24 hours before my husband would figure out something was wrong and come home. Over and over and over, it played in my mind. What would my helpless children do? Who would help them?

I decided if I didn’t go to sleep, I could be on guard all night and wouldn’t die. So, I just stayed awake doing the laundry, cleaning the house, even sewing curtains, clothes and made bathrobes, etc. I finally would nod off around 3:30 a.m. figuring nothing could happen in a couple of hours. (I told you my fear was ridiculous!)

Around 6:00 a.m. I’d hear, “Mommy, I’m awake.” I’d jump out of bed with relief that I had made it through another night. So, I’d take care of the kids all day, but with that underlying fear always present. It was very oppressive. I kept this fear all to myself, not sharing it with anyone!

Each weekend we went to hear our pastor at a Presbyterian Church. His sermon centered on the book of Romans for an entire year. He was on the subject so long that we’d comment about it with our friends. “He just can’t get out of the book of Romans, can he?” I was clueless to what was actually being preached.

Late one night in tears and exhausted, I remembered something the Pastor had said after he read a scripture out of Romans. “What this is saying is – at some point in your life you have to let go and give everything over, your job, spouse, kids and whole life over to God. Let Him take care of things. He can do much better than you!”

Out of desperation, I did just that! I asked God to take my life into His hands and help me be the kind of wife, Mom, daughter and friend that He wanted me to be. I fell into a deep sleep. From that day the fear was gone and never returned. Later, we had 2 more children, my husband traveled for years, but that fear never came back again.

Something happened to me when I prayed that night. Change took place. I could feel it. There was no physical change, yet I knew something was different. What my pastor was trying to get across to us was we all need a Savior. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. From that day forward I began to read the Bible and found that what I thought was just a history book was actually a lamp to my feet and a light to my path – Ps 109:15.

I found in Matthew 11:28 – Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. And I Peter 5:7 tells us to cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

What peace, joy and comfort these verses brought to me. I realized, I wasn’t doing it all on my own. I had the help of the One who saw the whole picture. What happened to me is I became what the Bible calls “Born Again.” John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son. That whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. Also I Cor 5:17, Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold new things have come.

Thirty-one years later I can tell you my life has never been the same. All four of my children are grown, married, leaders and have wonderful spouses. (I really couldn’t ask for better children.) Psalm 127:3 Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.

God really loves you and wants to be part of your life. If you would like to discover how stress-free life can be by asking Jesus to be your savior, just say this prayer out loud from your heart. The Bible states in Romans 10:9: If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.)

Heavenly Father, I come to you, knowing that I am a sinner. I ask you to cleanse me of my sins. I believe that Jesus died on the cross to take away my sins. I also believe that He rose from the dead so that I might be forgiven and made Righteous through faith in Him. Be my Savior and the Lord of my life. Take my life and lead me in the plan you have for me. Thank you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

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The plain truth is that when I was a child, I ate lots of candy and didn’t brush my teeth as often as my parents instructed me. So at age 47, I paid for the folly of my youth – at the dentist.

I had the finest, most caring dentist anywhere, Dr. Art Siml, an efficient, excellent workman. He decided to cap 3 teeth and add a bridge to my mouth. He’d assure the job was done properly with a goal to have these new teeth last 20 years plus. Since his office was in suburban Chicago, and I’d have to drive from St. Louis, he scheduled to finish the job in only 2 appointments.

Frankly, the first visit was a breeze. I received a Novocain shot, he prepared my teeth quickly and efficiently, putting 3 temporary caps put on my teeth. This was not a pleasant experience by any means, but it saved me a great deal of pain. The second visit, however, was something else.

Upon entering the doctor’s office, I was told I wouldn’t need a shot since he wouldn’t be drilling. After I positioned myself in the dentist’s chair, he began. With his cold metal pick he removed the 3 caps, sending me nearly through the ceiling. He then proceeded to scrape the excess cement off each of these teeth. Oooooooooh Boy!

His next step was to meticulously prepare the teeth, so the caps would stay in place at least for the next 20 years. Then Dr. Siml said the famous “I need to dry your teeth off just a little” line! “It will only be ‘till the count of three.”

Now, Art is extremely honest. But, I think he has real problems counting. He aimed the jet of cold air and began counting “w-w-w-w-w-w-w-one, t-t-t-t-t- – - – - -two, (pause) (pause) (pause) threeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, and just a little more.” Well, I cannot truly explain the sensation I felt.

During those moments that felt like an eternity, I understood a real truth. This world is imperfect, so we’ve gotten into some horrible situations. God will lead us through them, but it may make us uncomfortable for a season. However in the long run, His guidance (like the Dentist’s) will save us from far worse pain and suffering!

Romans 8:28 says; And we know that ALL things work together for GOOD to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

But can I really trust God? Here’s what He said about Himself: For He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you, nor give you up, nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I WILL NOT in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down [relax My hold on you.] Assuredly NOT! Hebrews 13:5c Amplified Bible

He also said:

• For I am the Lord, I do not change – Malachi 3:6
• Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. – Hebrews 13:8
• But the Word of the Lord endures forever. – I Peter 1:25
• Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. – James 1:17

Like the dentist, God didn’t cause my problems. But there’s proof, he’ll solve them. But just like trusting the dentist, we need to put our complete trust in Him. A short time of discomfort will result in long-term peace in Him.

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