The Cross Room

A young man at the end of his rope groaned in distress as he prayed."Lord, I can't go on. My cross is too heavy to bear."  

"My son, " the Lord replied with compassion, "if you can't bear its weight, come with me to the cross room. There you may exchange you cross for any other cross you choose."

 Filled with relief, the young man sighed, "Thank you, Lord." Briskly entering the cross room, he mindlessly discarded his own cross and searched for one he'd rather carry. He saw many other crosses, some so large the tops weren't even visible. After winding in and out of the rows of crosses, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against the far wall. "I'd like that one, Lord,"he whispered.

  And the Lord replied, "My son, that is the cross you brought in."

The Cross Room

A young man at the end of his rope groaned in distress as he prayed."Lord, I can't go on. My cross is too heavy to bear."  

"My son, " the Lord replied with compassion, "if you can't bear its weight, come with me to the cross room. There you may exchange you cross for any other cross you choose."

 Filled with relief, the young man sighed, "Thank you, Lord." Briskly entering the cross room, he mindlessly discarded his own cross and searched for one he'd rather carry. He saw many other crosses, some so large the tops weren't even visible. After winding in and out of the rows of crosses, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against the far wall. "I'd like that one, Lord,"he whispered.

  And the Lord replied, "My son, that is the cross you brought in."

1st Published Article

BIRTH OF THE FLOWER CHART

Once upon a time, there was a florist named Naomi, who lived in a small country town. She planted her magnificent flower seeds every year and experienced so much joy when displaying beautiful bouquets in her church sanctuary. The entire congregation raved that she grew the best flowers around!

However, Naomi was so disappointed this year. Insects, which inundated the blooms and leaves, damaged almost her entire crop. She contemplated what she was going to do, since she signed up to bring flowers to church that Sunday, but due to the bugs, she had no flowers to bring. Unbeknownst to her, somehow word got out to all her friends in church regarding her predicament. 

That Sunday, she showed up late without any flowers and sat in a back pew, hoping no one would notice. The church was crowded, so you could not see the pedestal where flowers usually sat for all to admire and enjoy.

During the announcements, a long-time member stood up and began to speak.  "I have a joy to share today with my fellow sisters and brothers in Christ.  The flowers in church are exquisite!  I'm curious who brought them?"  Naomi sunk very low in her pew. She felt like quietly slipping out.  She felt as though she had let everyone down and felt horrible. Then, the pastor asked for the person who supplied the flowers to raise their hand.  One hand after another shot up into the air until every person's hand was up.

The pastor began to speak, “Naomi, all of us here want to thank you for your blessing today." Naomi had a blank look on her face.  The pastor continued.  You have given the congregation a beautiful gift.  Each year you graciously shared your flower seeds with all of us. Now we have a chance to contribute to the service today by providing flowers grown from your seeds on your behalf.  Because of your gift to us, we have a wonderful opportunity to share our flowers here.  Naomi was speechless.

Thus, the flower chart was born.  Will you please be willing to nurture it and watch it flourish?   There are many spaces still available for you to sign up.  It is not too late so please hurry! 

1st Published Article

BIRTH OF THE FLOWER CHART

Once upon a time, there was a florist named Naomi, who lived in a small country town. She planted her magnificent flower seeds every year and experienced so much joy when displaying beautiful bouquets in her church sanctuary. The entire congregation raved that she grew the best flowers around!

However, Naomi was so disappointed this year. Insects, which inundated the blooms and leaves, damaged almost her entire crop. She contemplated what she was going to do, since she signed up to bring flowers to church that Sunday, but due to the bugs, she had no flowers to bring. Unbeknownst to her, somehow word got out to all her friends in church regarding her predicament. 

That Sunday, she showed up late without any flowers and sat in a back pew, hoping no one would notice. The church was crowded, so you could not see the pedestal where flowers usually sat for all to admire and enjoy.

During the announcements, a long-time member stood up and began to speak.  "I have a joy to share today with my fellow sisters and brothers in Christ.  The flowers in church are exquisite!  I'm curious who brought them?"  Naomi sunk very low in her pew. She felt like quietly slipping out.  She felt as though she had let everyone down and felt horrible. Then, the pastor asked for the person who supplied the flowers to raise their hand.  One hand after another shot up into the air until every person's hand was up.

The pastor began to speak, “Naomi, all of us here want to thank you for your blessing today." Naomi had a blank look on her face.  The pastor continued.  You have given the congregation a beautiful gift.  Each year you graciously shared your flower seeds with all of us. Now we have a chance to contribute to the service today by providing flowers grown from your seeds on your behalf.  Because of your gift to us, we have a wonderful opportunity to share our flowers here.  Naomi was speechless.

Thus, the flower chart was born.  Will you please be willing to nurture it and watch it flourish?   There are many spaces still available for you to sign up.  It is not too late so please hurry! 

BREAKING NEWS FLASH…

I have clawed my way to the top of the highest mountain… I have sailed through the raging seas of shark-infested waters.  My luxurious yacht has sustained much wear and tear during this great voyage known as life.

 Is that?  Could that be?  Do my eyes deceive me, as I shield them from the blazing rays of the sun?  It could be a mirage, or maybe not.  I cut the engine and drift closer, the invisible veil lifts from my eyes.  One door has finally closed as another opens.

It's official, I've graduated from "PHYSICAL THERAPY BOOT CAMP" today!  WHOO HOO…  Yah baby!  I have been kicked out!  Can you imagine that?  I've never been kicked out of anything before.  My physical therapist, said, I'm doing great, she can tell that I have been really working hard and that massages would be greatly beneficial.  Now I need to continue working out and walking daily!

So, how are all of you today?

BREAKING NEWS FLASH…

I have clawed my way to the top of the highest mountain… I have sailed through the raging seas of shark-infested waters.  My luxurious yacht has sustained much wear and tear during this great voyage known as life.

 Is that?  Could that be?  Do my eyes deceive me, as I shield them from the blazing rays of the sun?  It could be a mirage, or maybe not.  I cut the engine and drift closer, the invisible veil lifts from my eyes.  One door has finally closed as another opens.

It's official, I've graduated from "PHYSICAL THERAPY BOOT CAMP" today!  WHOO HOO…  Yah baby!  I have been kicked out!  Can you imagine that?  I've never been kicked out of anything before.  My physical therapist, said, I'm doing great, she can tell that I have been really working hard and that massages would be greatly beneficial.  Now I need to continue working out and walking daily!

So, how are all of you today?

Positive Spin

I choose to be happy and live with purpose regardless of my circumstances! 

“Stay busy, stay active, just live.”  ~Kathleen Mollohan