Pick of the week

Memorial Day 2008

Freedom Is Not Free

I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze
A young Marine saluted it, and then
He stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought, how many men like him
Had fallen through the years?
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?

How many Pilots' planes shot down?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, Freedom is not free.

I heard the sound of taps one night,
When everything was still.
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times
That taps had meant "Amen"
When a flag had draped a coffin
of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard
at the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, Freedom isn't free!

April 23, 2008

What's In Your Sponge?

There are 5 sponges laying on your kitchen counter top. Each member of your family has been cleaning up different areas of your home, but all the sponges look the same. You are curious as to what was cleaned in your home, but you can't tell by looking...they all look the same....so what do you do?

You squeeze each sponge to see what comes out. As you squeeze the first sponge, you see that cola comes out, and so you decide that someone cleaned the kitchen with that one. Upon squeezing the second sponge, you find tub and tile cleaner - that one was used to clean the bathroom.

Next, in the third sponge, you find motor oil -- hubby was cleaning the garage!

In the fourth sponge, baby powder puffs out when it is squeezed -- yep, the baby's nursery was done with that one!

And finally, in the last one, is floor wax -- that was the one you used on the hall floor!

As you lay the last one down, you look again at their similarity - and they all look the same until they're squeezed.

Christians are the same way. As life squeezes us, different things come out - anger from one, a need for revenge from another, tears from one, remorse from yet another - also greed, untruth, lust - and finally, from one saint, pours forth the love of Christ.

Just like the sponge, we can only squeeze out what is put in - stay in the Word daily, and be in continuous prayer, so that when life puts the squeeze on you (and it WILL), Jesus, and Jesus ALONE will shine forth from you!

Pick of the week

April 18, 2008

Pope and the Lord's Prayer

After watching sales falling off for three straight months at Kentucky Fried Chicken, the Colonel calls up the Pope and asks for a favor.

The Pope says, "What can I do?

"The Colonel says, "I need you to change the Lord's prayer from, 'Give us this day our daily bread' to 'Give us this day our daily chicken'. If you do it, I'll donate 10 Million Dollars to the Vatican."

The Pope replies, "I am sorry. That is the Lord's prayer and I can not change the words." The Colonel hangs up.

After another month of dismal sales the Colonel panics and calls again. "Listen your Excellency. I really need your help. I'll donate $50 million dollars if you change the words of the daily prayer from 'Give us this day our daily bread' to 'Give us this day our daily chicken.'"

This time the Pope responds, "It is very tempting, Colonel Sanders. The church could do a lot of good with that much money. It would help us to support many charities. But again, I must decline. It is the Lord's prayer, and I can't change the words." The Colonel hangs up again.

After two more months of terrible sales the Colonel gets desperate and calls the Pope again. "This is my final offer your Excellency. If you change the words of the daily prayer from, 'Give us this day our daily bread' to 'Give us this day our daily chicken' I will donate $100 million to the Vatican."

The Pope replies, "Let me get back to you."

The next day, the Pope calls together all of his bishops and he says, "I have some good news and I have some bad news. The good news is that KFC is going to donate $100 million to the Vatican."

The bishops rejoice at the news. Then one asks about the bad news.

The Pope replies, "The bad news is that we lost the Wonder Bread account."

Pick of the Week

Tribute to Ric Flair April 4, 2008 D. Stevens

This past Sunday I watched one of my All Time Favorite Entertainers call it a career. For over 35 years he gave everything he had, every night, to make sure that the people who spent their hard earned money didn’t walk away disappointed. I myself have enjoyed watching this man perfect his craft on numerous occasions, but this past Sunday at Wrestlemania 24 was perhaps the hardest to watch, as it sinks in that neither my son nor I will get to watch Ric Flair wrestle again. Then to top that off, on Monday night’s TV Show, they wait til the very end and bring him out to the center ring and proceed to honor him by saying Thank You for all you gave. Today’s superstar wrestlers came out and hugged him, and even his fellow wrestlers from the past 35 years surprised him.

As I watched the tribute being given and felt a tear run down my face as I thought how great that had to feel at that moment to be Ric Flair. Then I started thinking about what it will be like when I have to walk away from Radio one day…..and wondering if I will have made that same kind of impact on just one person. Truth is, we may not get to have our tribute in the center ring, on primetime TV with millions watching. It may be like the Ray Boltz song where one day we see a long line of people in heaven who are waiting to say thank you for everything you gave, and how God used you to Bless them and you never even knew it!

So, from this day on…….it doesn’t matter what you have to give……entertainment in the squared circle or encouragement on the radio….just give God your very best and let him do the rest. Oh, and every once in a while it’s OK to throw your head back and let out a great big Whoooo Thank You Nature Boy!

Pick of the week March 20, 2008


RESURRECTION ROLLS

INGREDIENTS..... CRESCENT DINNER ROLLS
MELTED BUTTER / SOFT MARGARINE
CINNAMON / SUGAR MIXTURE
LARGE MARSHMALLOWS

PREHEAT OVEN ACCORDING TO DINNER ROLLS.

TAKE INDIVIDUAL DINNER ROLLS (THEY REPRESENT JESUS’ TOMB)

THEN SPREAD THE MELTED BUTTER / MARGARINE (REPRESENTING THE ANOINTING OIL) ON ROLLS.

NEXT, PLACE MARSHMALLOW (REPRESENTING JESUS) IN THE ROLL.

SPRINKLE WITH THE CINNAMON / SUGAR MIXTURE. (REPRESENTING THE ANOINTING SPICES USED IN BURIAL)

WRAP MARSHMALLOW TIGHTLY IN THE ROLL. (REPRESENTING WRAPPING JESUS IN THE TOMB)
MAKE SURE TO LEAVE NO CRACKS OPEN.....SO HE CAN’T ESCAPE!


BAKE ACCORDING TO CRESCENT ROLL DIRECTIONS.

THE TOMBS WILL BE OPEN AND EMPTY AS THE MARSHMALLOW MELTS, CREATING A DELICIOUS TREAT!

THIS REALLY WORKS! WE MADE THEM AS A FAMILY RECENTLY AND THE CHILDREN ENJOYED MAKING THEM! WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS WONDERFUL VISUAL STORY AS MUCH AS WE DID.

SINCERELY,
THE STEVENS FAMILY

March 3, 2008

Message From A Mom To Her Child....


I gave you life, but cannot live it for you.


I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.


I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe.


I can buy you beautiful clothes,but I cannot make you beautiful inside.


I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you.


I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.


I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honor.


I can advise you about friends, but cannot choose them for you.


I can advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure.


I can tell you about alcohol & drugs,but I cannot say "no" for you.


I can tell you about lofty goals, but I cannot achieve them for you.


I can teach you about kindness, but I cannot force you to be gracious.


I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.


I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life.


I can love you with unconditional love all of my life.... and I will.

February 27, 2008

Children's Bible in a Nutshell
A child was told to write a "book report" on the entire Bible. I wonder how often we take for granted that children understand what we are teaching??? Through the eyes of a child . . . .

In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that. Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did. Then God made the world.

He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet. Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden. Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.

Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his broth er as long as he was Abel. Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.

One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.

After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.

Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable. God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti.

Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff. Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother. One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.

After Joshua came David He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.

After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed upon the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.

After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of the New Testament. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn, too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')

During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Republicans. Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.

Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount. But the Republicans and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.

Any way's, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.

pick of the week for February 22, 2008


What is Within Your Clay Pot?



In the ancient world, pots made of clay were used to store

treasures—from documents to precious jewels. But jars of clay

were also used for far less noble purposes. There was no difference

between a pot that was used to hold gold and a pot that was used

for human waste.


The pot itself has no intrinsic value. It’s just a cheap, breakable,

replaceable container. The only worth a clay pot has is the worth of

what is contained inside it. Just as the power is not in the container

but in what it contains, the power is not in who you are but in whose

you are. The power is not in what you can do, but in the One who can

do all things through you.




Written by
Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

February 12, 2008

The Ben L. Smith High School Gospel Choir is one of 12 high school choirs chosen to perform in the 2008 International Gospel Choir Olympics on Feb. 15 in New York City for a weekend gospel competition.

But those students and their choir director are still $2,000 short of expenses. Their choir director is Deon Clark and is a Smith graduate.

My "Something to ponder" today is what can you do to help make sure these students get the opportunity to Praise God and enjoy this honor that's been given to them.

Checks should be made out to Ben L. Smith High School Gospel Choir and can be dropped off at the school’s office, 2407 S. Holden Road, or picked up by calling 254-6502.

I'm sure each and every one of them would tell you Thank You for your help!

Pick of the Week

February 8, 2008


The Mommy Test


I was out walking with my 4 year old daughter. She picked up something off the ground and started to put it in her mouth. I took the item away from her and I asked her not to do that. Why?" my daughter asked.

"Because it's been on the ground, you don't know where it's been, it's dirty and probably has germs" I replied. At this point, my daughter looked at me with total admiration and asked, Mommy, how do you know all this stuff?"

"Uh," I was thinking quickly. "All moms know this stuff. It's on the Mommy Test. You have to know it, or they don't let you be a Mommy"

We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently pondering this new information.

"OH...I get it!" she beamed. "So if you don't pass the test you have to be the daddy."

"EXACTLY," I replied back with a big smile on my face and joy in my heart.

When you're finished laughing, send this to a Mom.

February 4, 2008

Signs You Have a Cheap HMO Plan


Directions to the doctor's office include, "Take a left when you enter the trailer park."


When you enter the office, you see a dispenser with the sign "PLEASE TAKE A NUMBER."


Tongue depressors taste faintly of Fudgesicles.


The only psychiatrist in the plan is nicknamed "Joe the bartender."


The only item listed under Preventive Care feature of coverage is, "An apple a day."


Your "primary care physician" is wearing pants you gave to Goodwill last month.


"Patient responsible for 200% of out-of-network charges" is not a misprint.


The only expense covered 100% is embalming.


Your pills come in different colors with "M" on them.


And the number one sign you've joined a cheap HMO....


Your prescription for anti-depressant medication: A coupon for a double espresso at Starbucks.

January 31, 2008

IMAGES OF MOTHER

4 years of age: -My mommy can do anything!

8 years of age: -My mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 years of age: -My mother doesn't really know quite everything.

14 years of age: -Naturally, mother doesn't know that, either.

16 years of age: -Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.

18 years of age: -That old woman? She's way out of date!

25 years of age: -Well, she might know a little bit about it.

35 years of age: -Before we decide, let's get mom's opinion.

45 years of age: -Wonder what mom would have thought about it?

65 years of age: -Wish I could talk it over with mom....

January 29, 2008

I Forgot My Security System



A horrible thing happened to me today. A thief broke into my house. It happened shortly after I awoke this morning. I got up and began rushing about. I had a thousand things on my list and was already running behind. Quickly, I gulped down breakfast, took a shower and got ready for work. In my rush, I forgot to turn the security system on at my house. It was just about a half an hour later that the thief broke in.

Of course, he didn't make a sound. Just kind of snuck inside, not drawing any attention to himself. In fact, none of the neighbors ever saw him. But, I did. You see, I WAS HOME when the thief broke in. He naturally startled me, as I was unprepared for his visit. He, of course, didn't announce that he was coming and I certainly had not invited him over. And yet, I found myself face to face with danger and I felt so powerless. I also felt so very stupid, because this whole incident could have been avoided if I had just taken the time to turn the security system on. You better believe I'll be turning it on tomorrow morning! I thought I'd warn you about this guy, because he's still on the loose.

Chances are, he's in your area. Possibly even headed for your house. His name? Satan.

You see, this morning when I jumped up in my haste to get started on my busy day, I skipped my prayer time ~ opting to "pray later today." In other words, I DIDN'T TURN ON THE SECURITY SYSTEM. My defense wasn't on, my guard was dropped . . . and when the thief came into my home to attack me, I was unprepared to do battle. He tempted me and I felt powerless. Like I said, I also felt so very stupid, because I could have avoided the incident if I had just taken the time to pray.

My friend, the thief has come to "steal, kill and destroy." And, as a Child of God, you are on his "hit list." He'll probably pop over to your house today. He may be lurking outside your door right now, just waiting to catch you off guard. Take time to pray in the morning. Ask God to protect you and empower you to do battle. In short, don't forget to turn your security system on.

January 28, 2008

Five Balls

Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them - Work - Family - Health - Friends - Spirit, and you're keeping all of these in the air.

You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls -- family, health, friends and spirit are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered.

They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life. How?


Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special.


Don't set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you.


Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as you would your life, for without them, life is meaningless.


Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live ALL the days of your life.


Don't give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.


Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect. It is this fragile thread that binds us together.


Don't be afraid to encounter risks It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.


Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find. The quickest way to receive love is to give; the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly; and the best way to keep love is to give it wings.


Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only where you've been, but also where you are going.


Don't forget that a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.


Don't be afraid to learn. Knowledge is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily.


Don't use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved.

Ponder of the week January 26, 2008

Sleeping in Church


A man is sitting through the Sunday sermon, finding it long and boring he finally nods off.

The pastor has been watching him all along, and is getting upset. At the end of the sermon, the pastor decides to make an example of him.

He says to his congregation, "All those wishing to have a place in heaven, please stand."

The whole room stands up except, of course, the sleeping man.

Then the preacher says even more loudly, "And those who would like to find a place in hell, PLEASE STAND UP!"

The weary man, catching only the last part, groggily stands up, only to find that he's the only one standing.

Confused and embarrassed he says, "I don't know what we're voting on here, pastor, but it sure seems like you and me are the only ones standing up for it!"

January 21, 2008

Think about them one at a time BEFORE going on to the next one... hopefully it'll make you feel good.


Falling in love.


Laughing so hard your face hurts.


A hot shower.


No lines at the supermarket


A special glance.


Getting mail


Taking a drive on a pretty road.


Hearing your favourite song on the radio.


Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.


Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.


Chocolate milkshake. (or vanilla or strawberry!)


A bubble bath.


Giggling.


A good conversation.


The beach


Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.


Laughing at yourself.


Midnight phone calls that last for hours.


Running through sprinklers.


Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.


Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.


Laughing at an inside joke.


Friends.


Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.


Waking up and realising you still have a few hours left to sleep.


Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).


Making new friends or spending time with old ones.


Playing with a new puppy.


Having someone play with your hair.


Sweet dreams.


Hot chocolate.


Road trips with friends.


Swinging on swings.


Making eye contact with a cute stranger.


Making chocolate chip cookies.


Having your friends send you home-made cookies.


Holding hands with someone you care about.


Running into an old friend and realising that some things (good or bad) never change.


Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you.


Watching the sunrise.


Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.


Knowing that somebody misses you.


Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.


Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think.


Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.

Pick of the week January 18, 2007

Guilty of Hate??

This was written by My all time Favorite Author, Ted Dekker and you can read iton his Blog page by following the link below. Have a great Weekend!

Darren

http://www.teddekker.com/?em824=190783_-1__0_~0_-1_1_2008_0_0&em2145=&content=author_blog

January 15, 2007

Originally written by Craig R. Smith

"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll
> data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true, given the source,
> right?
>
> The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with
> the
> direction the country is headed, and 69 percent of the country is unhappy
> with the performance of the President. In essence, 2/3's of the citizenry
> just isn't happy and want a change.
>
> So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What are we so
> unhappy about?''
> Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a
> week?
>
> Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and
> heating in the winter?
>
> Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
>
> Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time, and see
> more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
>
> Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic
> Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through
> each state?
>
> Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the
> way that can provide temporary shelter?
>
> I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around
> the
> world is just not good enough.
>
> Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and
> provide services to help all, and even send a helicopter to take you to
> the
> hospital.
>
> Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may
> be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of
> trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to
> extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings.
>
> Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar
> or
> prowler intrudes , an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest
> will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.
>
> This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias
> raping
> and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers
> own cell phones and computers.
>
> How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy
> that are the envy of everyone in the world?
>
> Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.
>
> Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world
> has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U..S., yet has a great
> disdain
> for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in
> the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have , and what
> we
> hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
>
> I know, I know. What about the President who took us into war and has no
> plan to get us out? The President who has a measly 31 percent approval
> rating? Is this the same President who guided the nation in the dark days
> after 9/11? The President that cut taxes to bring an economy out of
> recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in
> the
> book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from
> terrorist attacks?
>
> The Commander-In Chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there
> defending
> you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk
> show?
> Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a
> look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?
>
> Think about it...are you upset at the President because he actually caused
> you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to
> kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.
>
> Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have
> volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom.
> There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go.
>
> They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general''
> discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario,
> a
> ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.
>
> So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of
> Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds,
> it
> leads; and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash
> with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the
> corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit
> corporations.
> They offer what sells , and when criticized, try to defend their actions
> by
> "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow
> a
> murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about "how he didn't kill his
> wife, but if he did he would have done it this way"...Insane!
>
> Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the
> TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird
> cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is
> exponentially more good than bad.
>
> We are among the most blessed people on Earth, and should thank God
> several
> times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.
>
> "With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding,
> severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and
> with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a
> good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"
>

January 9, 2008

I'd had a pretty hectic day with my four-year-old. When bed-time finally came, I laid down the law: "We're putting on your p.j.s, brushing your teeth, and reading ONE book. Then it's lights out!"

Her arms went around my neck in a gentle embrace, and she said, "We learned in Sunday school about little boys and girls who don't have mommies and daddies."

Even after I'd been such a grouch, I thought, she was still grateful to have me. I felt tears begin to well up in my eyes, and then she whispered, "Maybe you could go be THEIR dad?"

January 4, 2007

A Walking Sermon


Reporters and city officials gathered at a Chicago railroad station one afternoon in 1953. The person they were meeting was the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize winner. A few minutes after the train came to a stop, a giant of a man - six feet four inches - with bushy hair and a large mustache stepped from the train. Cameras flashed. City officials approached him with hands outstretched. Various people began telling him how honored they were to meet him.

The man politely thanked them and then, looking over their heads, asked if he could be excused for a moment. He quickly walked through the crowd until he reached the side of an elderly black woman who was struggling with two large suitcases. He picked up the bags and with a smile, escorted the woman to a bus. After helping her aboard, he wished her a safe journey. As he returned to the greeting party he apologized, "Sorry to have kept you waiting."

The man was Dr. Albert Schweitzer, the famous missionary doctor who had spent his life helping the poor in Africa. In response to Schweitzer's action, one member of the reception committee said with great admiration to the reporter standing next to him, "That's the first time I ever saw a sermon walking."

Ponder this....What do people see when they see you?