This poem below of Longfellow is so pertinent today and every day.
I look at what he is teaching and know he is right on.
Life is real and that is why we need Jesus.
Life is earnest and it takes all that is within us to keep our eyes on the eternal life with God. We are here for a season and we must choose to make the best of it by eternal standards, not cultural standards. Read on and choose for yourself. May God bless you this day and every day.
"Tell me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream!
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.
Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.
Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each tomorrow
Find us farther than today.
Art is long, and Time is fleeting
And our hearts though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled dreams, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.
In the world’s broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of Life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle!
Be a hero in the strife!
Trust no future, howe’er pleasant!
Let the dead past bury its dead!
Act, act in the living present!
Heart within, and God o’erhead!
Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time;
Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o’er life’s solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.
Let us , then be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait."
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Spell Check, hum...
Do you have spell check on your computer? Do you like it? For me, it is indispensable. I simply can’t get along without it. Just now, as I wrote indispensable, it showed me I didn’t do it right. Of course, sometimes I’m on a roll and don’t want that red line under it to show up. Unfortunately it doesn’t know how I feel or if I have time to pay attention to it. It is just always there ready to help me. But it won’t correct it for me if I don’t ask it to either.
Does this bring to mind some other things than spelling? It does to me. When I was growing up my mom and dad where always there to check on me, only it was my life, not my spelling. They were indispensable in helping me get the right answers for growing up.
Can you put God in this position? I can. He is there to show me when things aren’t quite right. He doesn’t yell or scream, just that red line under the wrong answer. If you want to know how to spell it right, ask “spell check.” If you want the right answers for problems or situations in life, ask for “God check.” He too is there all the time just waiting to help in every situation. All you have to do is ask him. And he is available to all whether you have a computer or not.
Of course we could go one step further. If i wont let it gve me teh rite answr, it will leve me a lone. The choice is mine.
Does this bring to mind some other things than spelling? It does to me. When I was growing up my mom and dad where always there to check on me, only it was my life, not my spelling. They were indispensable in helping me get the right answers for growing up.
Can you put God in this position? I can. He is there to show me when things aren’t quite right. He doesn’t yell or scream, just that red line under the wrong answer. If you want to know how to spell it right, ask “spell check.” If you want the right answers for problems or situations in life, ask for “God check.” He too is there all the time just waiting to help in every situation. All you have to do is ask him. And he is available to all whether you have a computer or not.
Of course we could go one step further. If i wont let it gve me teh rite answr, it will leve me a lone. The choice is mine.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Psalm One
Praise the Lord.
Oh Lord, my Lord,
how awesome are your ways.
How precious is the relationship you have given me.
It is beyond my comprehension to know that you
have chosen me.
You, oh Lord, have made me your child and given
me your blessing; I am chosen, I am honored.
You have given me special assignments to do for you.
How awesome. How wonderful.
You prepare the path before me.
You order my steps.
You enable me to bring others into a knowledge
of you and a desire to do your will.
How precious you are to me. How blessed
you are to me.
I will praise you with all my soul, all my heart,
and all my strength.
How wonderful that you walk with me each day.
Oh lord I praise you. Oh Lord I love you.
Oh, make me useful to you today, this day.
My Lord and my God.
Praise the Lord.
10/8/2009 DT
Oh Lord, my Lord,
how awesome are your ways.
How precious is the relationship you have given me.
It is beyond my comprehension to know that you
have chosen me.
You, oh Lord, have made me your child and given
me your blessing; I am chosen, I am honored.
You have given me special assignments to do for you.
How awesome. How wonderful.
You prepare the path before me.
You order my steps.
You enable me to bring others into a knowledge
of you and a desire to do your will.
How precious you are to me. How blessed
you are to me.
I will praise you with all my soul, all my heart,
and all my strength.
How wonderful that you walk with me each day.
Oh lord I praise you. Oh Lord I love you.
Oh, make me useful to you today, this day.
My Lord and my God.
Praise the Lord.
10/8/2009 DT
Sunday, October 4, 2009
My Reward
What a great time I had last Thursday. It started with a phone call from a young lady saying she wanted to have lunch with me right now. You know how that is. I already had plans and didn't have time for this. But I put them aside and met her at Panera's. Actually she met me because when she saw me coming, she ran out to greet me. She was filled with excitment and joy because of what she was doing.
Yes, the day before she had run into a refugee family with a four month old very sick baby girl. She works in a children's hospital and was assigned to care for this baby. But she couldn't talk to the mother as she knew no English. The Dad and another child were there too but no English. Then she remembered what she had been reading. And this is where I get my reward. She had been reading my latest book, Faces in the Crowd. It teaches you how to see these internationals, how to have compassion for them, how to start a conversation, and move it on to a relationship. So that is where she started. She had compassion. Actually that probably wasn't hard when she found out they were refugees, had no money, no other clothes, no coats to help them in the cold, and very little food for their table. Plus their baby was so very sick too.
First she used the hospital resources and found a translater. What a blessing that was because now she would hear who this family was, where they had come from, when the baby got sick, and what their needs were. As the translator was revealing the circumstances, her heart took over and she wanted to do everything she could to help them. First of course, the baby, but also the other child, and the Mom and Dad. She had been on a mission trip to Kenya a couple of years ago and here this family was a refugee from Africa, actually Eritrea.
Today was her day off and she had been to Wal Mart to personally buy some clothes for the baby and for the little boy. But she couldn't stop and soon had her cart loaded with things she knew they needed. She was so excited to be doing this and as she was checking out she told the clerk who these things were far. Well, the clerk got excited too. The lady behind her in the check out lane over heard the story and came closer to hear it all. At the point the clerk said, "I want to help too. If you'll come back when I get a break, I'll give you some money to get more things they need." Wow! She was shocked and surprised. But there is more. The lady behind her said she wanted to help too and handed her some money to buy some of the other things that were on her list. Now you know why she was excited. This was plain FUN and it was doing what a Christian is supposed to do. She had never dreamed she could do something like this. And the story goes on.
A friend heard about it, invited her over and gave her a coat for the Mom, sheets, a blanket, and towels. Another friend handed her cash again. So off she was back to WalMart to get some food, and other essentials for this refugee family. She got the translater to go with her to take these gifts to the family and they were so very surprised and honored. Of course, they fixed some food for her. Well she didn't know what it was but knew it was their way of saying "Thank you."
The next day she called me again. Excitment was in every word as she took the story on to the next level. Now she is inquiring at some churches to see if they are willing to take responsibility for this family. She certainly isn't through helping them and she is enjoying every minute of it. She has a whole new outlook on life and what possibiltities the Lord has given her and the excitment of what he just might have ahead for her. Now she is noticing the internationals she encounters. Now she is anxious to be a 21st century disciple of Jesus Christ and follow his teaching and instruction. Now she is rejoicing in the opportunities the Lord had for her and the Lord has ahead for her. One happy young lady and all of 24 years old.
You like that story? Jesus would probably tell you, "Go and do likewise. I'll be right there with you."
Blessings,
Donna
Yes, the day before she had run into a refugee family with a four month old very sick baby girl. She works in a children's hospital and was assigned to care for this baby. But she couldn't talk to the mother as she knew no English. The Dad and another child were there too but no English. Then she remembered what she had been reading. And this is where I get my reward. She had been reading my latest book, Faces in the Crowd. It teaches you how to see these internationals, how to have compassion for them, how to start a conversation, and move it on to a relationship. So that is where she started. She had compassion. Actually that probably wasn't hard when she found out they were refugees, had no money, no other clothes, no coats to help them in the cold, and very little food for their table. Plus their baby was so very sick too.
First she used the hospital resources and found a translater. What a blessing that was because now she would hear who this family was, where they had come from, when the baby got sick, and what their needs were. As the translator was revealing the circumstances, her heart took over and she wanted to do everything she could to help them. First of course, the baby, but also the other child, and the Mom and Dad. She had been on a mission trip to Kenya a couple of years ago and here this family was a refugee from Africa, actually Eritrea.
Today was her day off and she had been to Wal Mart to personally buy some clothes for the baby and for the little boy. But she couldn't stop and soon had her cart loaded with things she knew they needed. She was so excited to be doing this and as she was checking out she told the clerk who these things were far. Well, the clerk got excited too. The lady behind her in the check out lane over heard the story and came closer to hear it all. At the point the clerk said, "I want to help too. If you'll come back when I get a break, I'll give you some money to get more things they need." Wow! She was shocked and surprised. But there is more. The lady behind her said she wanted to help too and handed her some money to buy some of the other things that were on her list. Now you know why she was excited. This was plain FUN and it was doing what a Christian is supposed to do. She had never dreamed she could do something like this. And the story goes on.
A friend heard about it, invited her over and gave her a coat for the Mom, sheets, a blanket, and towels. Another friend handed her cash again. So off she was back to WalMart to get some food, and other essentials for this refugee family. She got the translater to go with her to take these gifts to the family and they were so very surprised and honored. Of course, they fixed some food for her. Well she didn't know what it was but knew it was their way of saying "Thank you."
The next day she called me again. Excitment was in every word as she took the story on to the next level. Now she is inquiring at some churches to see if they are willing to take responsibility for this family. She certainly isn't through helping them and she is enjoying every minute of it. She has a whole new outlook on life and what possibiltities the Lord has given her and the excitment of what he just might have ahead for her. Now she is noticing the internationals she encounters. Now she is anxious to be a 21st century disciple of Jesus Christ and follow his teaching and instruction. Now she is rejoicing in the opportunities the Lord had for her and the Lord has ahead for her. One happy young lady and all of 24 years old.
You like that story? Jesus would probably tell you, "Go and do likewise. I'll be right there with you."
Blessings,
Donna
Monday, September 21, 2009
A Question
I have a question now for about anybody. It certainly gets their attention and makes them think. I didn't think it up or plan it either so I'm giving the Lord credit for putting it in my mind. It's one you want to answer yourself and then you can easily use it for others. Want to know what it is? It is simply six words, "what is your purpose in life?"
Today I was at my doctors office and I asked him that question. It certainly got his attention. He stopped what he was doing, looked at me, and said, "That's a great question. I like that. My purpose is to help people and enable them to have a good life. I know I can do this because the Lord has placed me here. I also want to live a good life and be a good father to my children. Yes, that's my purpose and I want to do what the Lord has in store for me." He went on to say nobody had ever asked him that question before.
So now I am asking YOU that question. What is your purpose in life? so you have fifty or twenty years ahead, what do you want to do during that time? Get your pen and paper and write it down. You can't start this any younger and you do have a future ahead. Make it worthy. Be a blessing. See what you can do with the Lord's help and guidance. Why not? You only travel this road once and this is your time. He did tell us in Jeremiah 29:11 "I have my plans for you,..." and in Isaiah 31:21 "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way; walk in it'"
Okay, what is your purpose in life?
Today I was at my doctors office and I asked him that question. It certainly got his attention. He stopped what he was doing, looked at me, and said, "That's a great question. I like that. My purpose is to help people and enable them to have a good life. I know I can do this because the Lord has placed me here. I also want to live a good life and be a good father to my children. Yes, that's my purpose and I want to do what the Lord has in store for me." He went on to say nobody had ever asked him that question before.
So now I am asking YOU that question. What is your purpose in life? so you have fifty or twenty years ahead, what do you want to do during that time? Get your pen and paper and write it down. You can't start this any younger and you do have a future ahead. Make it worthy. Be a blessing. See what you can do with the Lord's help and guidance. Why not? You only travel this road once and this is your time. He did tell us in Jeremiah 29:11 "I have my plans for you,..." and in Isaiah 31:21 "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way; walk in it'"
Okay, what is your purpose in life?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
How Is Your Heart?
Every one of us wants a healthy heart. Sure, Lord, keep it pumping. Mine seems to be in good shape. It keeps me going. Actually it pumped enough that I walked ninety miles in August. That was my goal and my heart helped me make it. I'm already at forty-five miles for September. Not bad, huh, considering my age.
We all have a spiritual heart too. Our spiritual heart is there to keep pumping and producing for the Kingdom of God. It pumps to make us melt. Actually melt for the people we see everyday. Melt with compassion for those people we come in contact with that don't know who Jesus really is. Jesus saw the multitudes and had compassion on them. So what is compassion? I think it is melting, caring enough that it troubles us, that we want to do something about it. It even makes us search for ways to show compassion. Yes, that we care enough to start a relationship so they can talk to us about their needs...that they will know they have a friend that cares and will know how to pray for them.
Why did they get in our line of vision anyway? The same reason the invalid got in Jesus' vision at the pool of Bethesda. The same reason the Samaritan woman did at the well. The same reason Nicodemus did in Jerusalem. Jesus saw, he had compassion, and he cared enough that their life changed. Hum... Is this what Jesus meant when he told his disciples to go and do likewise?
I keep reminding myself that I don't have to be successful but I do have to be obedient. I can plant the seed but I can't make the tree grow. Okay Lord, I'll look today asking to see people through your eyes and reach out to them as you would if you were walking beside me. I'll do my best to do my part, to be obedient. And Lord, you make this success. I sure am glad I don't have to do it all. Thanks for being with me in all of this. I couldn't do it by myself but it is fantastic to be your partner. (Wow, imagine having Almighty God as your partner today. Not bad, huh?)
Blessings,
Donna
We all have a spiritual heart too. Our spiritual heart is there to keep pumping and producing for the Kingdom of God. It pumps to make us melt. Actually melt for the people we see everyday. Melt with compassion for those people we come in contact with that don't know who Jesus really is. Jesus saw the multitudes and had compassion on them. So what is compassion? I think it is melting, caring enough that it troubles us, that we want to do something about it. It even makes us search for ways to show compassion. Yes, that we care enough to start a relationship so they can talk to us about their needs...that they will know they have a friend that cares and will know how to pray for them.
Why did they get in our line of vision anyway? The same reason the invalid got in Jesus' vision at the pool of Bethesda. The same reason the Samaritan woman did at the well. The same reason Nicodemus did in Jerusalem. Jesus saw, he had compassion, and he cared enough that their life changed. Hum... Is this what Jesus meant when he told his disciples to go and do likewise?
I keep reminding myself that I don't have to be successful but I do have to be obedient. I can plant the seed but I can't make the tree grow. Okay Lord, I'll look today asking to see people through your eyes and reach out to them as you would if you were walking beside me. I'll do my best to do my part, to be obedient. And Lord, you make this success. I sure am glad I don't have to do it all. Thanks for being with me in all of this. I couldn't do it by myself but it is fantastic to be your partner. (Wow, imagine having Almighty God as your partner today. Not bad, huh?)
Blessings,
Donna
Monday, September 14, 2009
From Scared to Praise!
Have you ever had a doctor scare you? I have had a cough for a couple of months and even lost my voice for a couple of days. So my doctor tried this and then tried that and then...he sent me to St. Vincent to take 3 tests for...guess what TB. Now that scared me. They put me in isolation and closed the door and kept their distance each time. I'm not used to this. Maybe it is what those lepers in India feel like when they have leprosy. Nobody wants to be around you. Go ahead and yell "unclean." This surely gives you pause as to what your future might really be like.
But the good news! About a half hour ago my phone rang and it was my doctor's nurse with wonderful news. All three tests were negative. Yeah!!! I can be back among the living. My life isn't over. I still have work to do. He's not finished with me yet.
Of course having TB isn't fatal but it would certainly put a big crimp in my style and put me out of commission for a long time. So you see why I am praising the Lord. Join me in praising him and thanking him for the way he directs my path and also for the way he directs yours. He has his plans for you as well as for me. This gives us expectancy and joy each morning as our feet hit the floor. Okay, Lord, what do you have in store for me today? I'm ready. Let's go.
But the good news! About a half hour ago my phone rang and it was my doctor's nurse with wonderful news. All three tests were negative. Yeah!!! I can be back among the living. My life isn't over. I still have work to do. He's not finished with me yet.
Of course having TB isn't fatal but it would certainly put a big crimp in my style and put me out of commission for a long time. So you see why I am praising the Lord. Join me in praising him and thanking him for the way he directs my path and also for the way he directs yours. He has his plans for you as well as for me. This gives us expectancy and joy each morning as our feet hit the floor. Okay, Lord, what do you have in store for me today? I'm ready. Let's go.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Time Marches On
I am amazed at how long it has been since I blogged anything. I know the reason though. It's because I don't know if anyone is reading these. Is this just for me to have something to do? If so, I don't need it, but on the other hand, maybe I do need to write my thoughts.
This has been a wonderful summer. Perfect weather here in Indiana. In July my grandson Bryson was married to Lexie, a wonderful young lady. I got to see all of my immediate family but one at the wedding . The Lord continues to give me speaking engagements. I am making progress on my husband's bio. The reason it has taken so long is that I have had to change the focus I was writing. I tried to make all the stories about him. The problem with that is that we did everything together. He always said that he thought up things to do and I made them work. We were a team, partners all the way. So now I have gone back in the stories and added some of my activity.
I started out too with his birth in Kentucky and that wouldn't really get anyones attention so now the first story is about our 40 passenger plane being forced down by Castro in Cuba. That does make quite a story and I hope it will get people interested enough to want to know just who this guy and his partner were. If you have any thoughts on this, please email me and let me know what you are thinking. My address is donnathomas29@att.net
My last book, Faces in the Crowd is attracting attention. A lady in Michigan read it, called me, and now I am speaking at their women's conference in Pontiac this coming Saturday. I love this. I love to help people see how they can be used by the Lord. I go with the aviation term...challenge and response. I challenge people to step out of their comfort zone and be a 21st century disciple for Jesus. Then I check on their response a few weeks later. My purpose--to help them. My joy--to see their joy as they do this.
Now if you read this, please let me know so I'll do it again. Okay?
Blessings my friend, and may the Lord give you a special blessing this very week.
Donna
This has been a wonderful summer. Perfect weather here in Indiana. In July my grandson Bryson was married to Lexie, a wonderful young lady. I got to see all of my immediate family but one at the wedding . The Lord continues to give me speaking engagements. I am making progress on my husband's bio. The reason it has taken so long is that I have had to change the focus I was writing. I tried to make all the stories about him. The problem with that is that we did everything together. He always said that he thought up things to do and I made them work. We were a team, partners all the way. So now I have gone back in the stories and added some of my activity.
I started out too with his birth in Kentucky and that wouldn't really get anyones attention so now the first story is about our 40 passenger plane being forced down by Castro in Cuba. That does make quite a story and I hope it will get people interested enough to want to know just who this guy and his partner were. If you have any thoughts on this, please email me and let me know what you are thinking. My address is donnathomas29@att.net
My last book, Faces in the Crowd is attracting attention. A lady in Michigan read it, called me, and now I am speaking at their women's conference in Pontiac this coming Saturday. I love this. I love to help people see how they can be used by the Lord. I go with the aviation term...challenge and response. I challenge people to step out of their comfort zone and be a 21st century disciple for Jesus. Then I check on their response a few weeks later. My purpose--to help them. My joy--to see their joy as they do this.
Now if you read this, please let me know so I'll do it again. Okay?
Blessings my friend, and may the Lord give you a special blessing this very week.
Donna
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Why not?
Are you as amazed as I am at the way the Lord walks with us and prepares the way ahead? Even sometimes when there are valleys, he is still right beside us. When I think, or try to imagine, how awesome God is, what all he has created, and the magnitude of the universe, and that there are nearly 7 billion people on this planet, I am in awe that he cares for each of us, you and me. Plus he tells us to call him Abba Father. When I think about all this, it certainly changes the perspective for each day. The day isn’t mine, it is his, and he is right beside me and you to walk through it step by step.
Yesterday I had a wonderful time at the Grace on Wings Gala. This medical aviation ministry takes the sick to where they can get help. They asked me to speak and tell my life story. (And all in 30 minutes too) I gave them the response to challenges that my husband always used…why not? That response is what has enabled me to do many of the things the Lord had ahead for me. Sure I’ve made mistakes but that is a part of life too.
After I finished speaking a young Chinese man came up to me. He is at Purdue Univ. and we discovered he knows Bryson, my grandson there. These are fun discoveries.
March is going to be another busy month. The Board meeting at Mid America Christian University is always in March so I’ll be there and also working with two churches in Oklahoma City. March is also when we can finally realize that spring will be coming. I love seasons and here comes the next one.
Another big surprise last night as I glanced through Outreach Magazine. There it was…the cover of my latest book, Face in the Crowd. It was chosen as one of the four best books in evangelism in 2009. It was certainly hard to put that magazine down and go to sleep.
Now for March. What does it hold? I don’t know but I know the Lord will be with me each step I take. He'll be with you too, just ask him.
Blessings,
Donna
Yesterday I had a wonderful time at the Grace on Wings Gala. This medical aviation ministry takes the sick to where they can get help. They asked me to speak and tell my life story. (And all in 30 minutes too) I gave them the response to challenges that my husband always used…why not? That response is what has enabled me to do many of the things the Lord had ahead for me. Sure I’ve made mistakes but that is a part of life too.
After I finished speaking a young Chinese man came up to me. He is at Purdue Univ. and we discovered he knows Bryson, my grandson there. These are fun discoveries.
March is going to be another busy month. The Board meeting at Mid America Christian University is always in March so I’ll be there and also working with two churches in Oklahoma City. March is also when we can finally realize that spring will be coming. I love seasons and here comes the next one.
Another big surprise last night as I glanced through Outreach Magazine. There it was…the cover of my latest book, Face in the Crowd. It was chosen as one of the four best books in evangelism in 2009. It was certainly hard to put that magazine down and go to sleep.
Now for March. What does it hold? I don’t know but I know the Lord will be with me each step I take. He'll be with you too, just ask him.
Blessings,
Donna
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Better Than a Cell Phone
I was in the car heading out on a trip and realized I had forgotten my cell phone. Wow! I can't go without it. I'd be lost. It tells me what route to take, and it is my security blanket if I run into trouble. Besides, with it I am always available to get messages and stay in touch. It's important to me and gives me comfort. I do have to recharge it at night and be sure it is turned on. I have learned to depend on it and feel secure because I have it with me.
Amazing. This is the kind of relationship I have all the time with my Heavenly Father. Yes, some similarities. Sure I have to recharge at night but I'm the one that has to recharge, not God. Yes, I have to remember he goes with me everywhere and be sure not to leave him behind. How wonderful. My Heavenly father is always with me, directing me, sending messages my way, always available. Besides he walks besides me or in the car I can say it sits beside me there. Why? Because he cares for me. I am his child and he has his plans for my life. I just have to take him with me and get my directions from him.
Amazing. This is the kind of relationship I have all the time with my Heavenly Father. Yes, some similarities. Sure I have to recharge at night but I'm the one that has to recharge, not God. Yes, I have to remember he goes with me everywhere and be sure not to leave him behind. How wonderful. My Heavenly father is always with me, directing me, sending messages my way, always available. Besides he walks besides me or in the car I can say it sits beside me there. Why? Because he cares for me. I am his child and he has his plans for my life. I just have to take him with me and get my directions from him.
What Christmas Isn't
Just before Christmas I had lunch with one of my Muslim friends. I've know him for a few years. Suddenly it dawned on me that he probably doesn't know the real meaning of Christmas. I needed to tell him what Christmas is not. It is not Santa Claus. It is not Christmas trees. It is not parties, not gifts, etc. Of course I got to what Christmas really is. He seemed to appreciate hearing all that. He is now married to a Christian and getting closer to choosing Jesus. It was an interesting time to clear the air as to the real celebration and focus on our Savior. After all, how would he know if someone didn't tell him?
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