Never Changing

Days change. Times change. Seasons change. Months and years change. But, G0d NEVER changes. God says in The Holy Bible, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever," and "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last." (Hebrews 13:8; Revelations 22:13 NKJV) As we go into the new year, we can keep this hope and this promise treasured in our hearts, knowing that God has always been with us, is with us, and will always be with us. And, nothing about Him ever changes. We don't have to second guess Him. He is steadfast and steady, and we can always count on Him. No matter what you call Him, God is our rock and foundation, and will be with us through all eternity if we let Him. What a reassuring and comforting thought!! Love, Beau

Beau's Christmas Miracle - A Reason to Believe

"But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer." (Psalm 66:19)
Okay, I know this isn't about the baby Jesus, but it IS about the power of prayer, of miracles, and the goodness of people...which is what this time of year IS all about. It's also about friendship and caring. It all started when I got so very sick and bills started stacking up against mom's already stack of medical bills. We only asked for prayers for answers from the Cat Blogosphere. And, we prayed hard too. Instead of just prayers our friends rallied around us, auctions and raffles started, not just to help me but other sick friends as well. So, not only were we being helped but other friends as well. Mom found out Monday I HAD to go to the specialist to really find out what was wrong with me. She fretted and worried about how many green papers it was going to take to pay them. Tuesday night mom did a lot of crying, having very long talks with God, and crying some more. She knew it would all work out she just didn't know how. Wednesday we went in to my regular vet and they said someone had come in the day before and anonymous donated $200 toward Beau's vet bills, and the woman checking her woofies out was so touched by hearing that she donated an additional $50. Mom cried some more. THEN, we get home and check my email. A UnitedCats friend wanted to pay the entire amount of Beau's specialist bill. The specialist bill was covered, and most of the regular vet bill is being covered. And I was able to get the help I need to get better. Mom called the specialist place and verified it with them, and they said it was true. Mom cried some more. The first point of this story is that God heard our prayers, and answered them. Prayer DOES work, and is a powerful force! The second point of this story is miracles DO happen. They happen every day, and God often uses those around us to make them happen...and He could be working through you right this minute to make miracles happen! What a blessing and a joy! The third point is this, when you do good things, people do notice and it has a ripple effect. You never know how many lives you have changed for the better by one small act of kindness. Someone said I was the miracle this year. I brought all these people from everywhere together and created all this goodness. I beg to differ. God did it. And, yes it all started back when God gave us his only Son to redeem us. Now let's be the ripple effect. Amen. Love, Beau

Just Believe....!

"And they told him, saying, 'Joseph is still alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt.' And Jacob’s heart stood still, because he did not believe them." (Genesis 45:26) Miss Peach, and her mom, asked a good question last week. They wondered how Mary must have felt when she told Joseph she was pregnant, and the look of doubt, disappointment, hurt, pain, and probably feeling potrayed was in his eyes. She must have been devastated, felt all alone, and like he didn't really love and trust her. Just like when Jacob doubted those who said Joseph was still alive, Mary's Joseph doubted her. But, in both cases they were telling the truth. Sometimes it's hard to believe in miaracles and the least likely odds. The world, and our common sense tells us one thing, but God tells us another. He tells us anything is possible, and that He can do ALL things. He tells us just BELIEVE in miracles...and have faith. And then, He gives us the best gift of all...His son, our redeemer, through a virgin birth, no less. So, the next time someone tells you something hard to believe, before you totally count it out (using a little common sense)...just BELIEVE. It might just be a miracle! Love, Beau

Expecting

"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14 NKJV) God has promised the Hebrews that He would send them a saviour, and now this young teenage girl, Mary, was with child. Everything God had told them was coming to pass. The excitement and the joy in the air must have been electrifying. It must have been like a father pacing the floor in the waiting room waiting for his child to be born. The whole Hebrew community was pacing waiting for their savior and redeemer to be born. Surely celebrations of all kinds were being planned as well. It was also a time of awe and reverance. God was faithful and true, and was doing something no one else was capable of doing. While we wait for the birth day of Christ, will we continue to wait with great joy and anticpation that makes one feel tingly, or will it be just another holiday?? How will you prepare for the birth day celebration? Our Father is having a birthday party. Let us prepare with the same great joy. anticapatory exitement, awe and reverance! Love, Beau

Faith of a Child

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV) Imaigine being a poor, peasant, teenage girl living in a faith-based community. In the middle of the night an angel comes to you and says, "God wants to know if it's okay with you that you be pregnant, and give birth to His son." Now, I think that would be a little freaky to have happen in the first place.
Second, the implications of doing this would be HUGE. She could lose her family, her fiancee, her friends, she could be scorned and even get kicked out of the community...or worse. It would take an incredible amount of faith, trust, and courage to do that...but that is what she did. She told the angel, "Yes, if that is God's will for me then I will do it." She had no idea what she was getting herself into, or what was ahead, but despite the fears and anxiety she must have had, she was strong in her faith, trusted in God, and was at peace with her decision. How often do we fall short of having that kind of faith, trust, and courage in God. We need to have courage and strength for the unknown journey ahead, and we feel ourselves start to falter, think of Mary, mother of Jesus. Love, Beau

Praise and Thanksgiving

"Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." (Psalm 106:1) What things have God blessed you with lately..a warm home, clothes, having a job, a loving family, non tangilbes such as forgiveness, joy, strength, compassion, sensitivity, faith,
endurance, or His unshakable love? Whatever God has given you it is good, and important, to give thanks to God for these things. Life happens so fast, and we should not take any gift of any kind for granted...no matter how big OR small! We need to take time every day, not just once a year, to thank God, and praise Him, for His many blessings, His gifts, and for His eternal love and forgiveness. Love, Beau

Forks in the Road

"For we all stumble in many things." (James 3:2a) One of mom's present, favorite, Christian songs is Slow Fade by Casting Crowns. It speaks of stumbling and going down the wrong path. It states that a "slow fade" doesn't happen in a day, and that it happens with second glances (or thoughts), when one allows things to go into gray areas, choices are made, and the person gives onesself away. One can give onesself away in many ways...in any value, virtue, or belief one has where one allows it to be compromised you give yourself away. By not standing up for what you believe in, and or not speaking up when you see a wrong done, you give yourself away. It speaks of not letting flattery sway you in the wrong direction and also be careful with your own words that you don't speak empty, misleading, hurtful words to others. It also mentions there is a short distance between your mind/heart and head, to your hands. In other words, thoughts can quickly turn into actions, so you must be careful to continually guard your heart, mind and actions. The song also says people, daddies (or mommies), and families never crumble in a day. It's not one stumble or mistake that causes an avalance, it's the little day by day, ongoing minor stumbles that eventually build up into bigger things. And yes, it does state there are consequences for the choices we make. One of the last lines in the lyrics states be careful for our loving Heavenly Father is looking down. That's where the good news also comes in. Our Father loves and cares for us. He wants to help us get back on the right path. He's there to pick us up and hold onto us when we stumble...if we choose to let Him...and choose to get back on His path. Even though we are responsible for the choices we make and those consequences, stumbling doesn't have to lead to a "fade out" or dead end. God loves us and forgives us, and we can choose to let Him lift us and take hold of us...forever." Amen!! Love, Beau

Salt of the Earth

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men." (Matthew 5:13 NKJV) God says you are the salt of the earth, but what does that mean? Well, salt is a preservative, it shines things, it's a cleaner, flavor enhancer, weed killer, and prevents wilting...just to name a few things salt does. What God is telling us is that not only are we to be do-ers of the word, but also we are to have good character. It is not enough to go out there and show our faith by works. If we do not have the Christian character to back it up, others will see right through us and it will be bland like worthless salt. Or, another way of putting it is our "salt" will be "thrown out and trampled" on. When we go out on behalf of God, He wants us to present the whole package and not just the pretty wrappings and or the peanut stuffings. So, go out into the world as and be the spice of life! Love, Beau

Do-ers of the Word

"My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." (John 3:18 NKJV) God wants us to be doers of The Word, just not readers of it. As this verse states, we are to do more than just say we love someone, and or speak of our passions in life, we are to act on them. A favorite Christian hymn states, "And they will know we are Christians by our love." Love isn't just a warm fuzzy feeling, it's an action word. I don't know about you, but it doesn't mean as much to me if someone says something, but then doesn't put the actions behind it. God wants us to do more than testify to others about Him. He wants us to be living, DOing examples of what God can do, and of His love and compassion. God gave us the greatest example of all of this..He didn't just talk about how much He loves us, He backed it up by dying in our place. Let us all be mindful this week, and always, of how we present ourselves to others, and if we're truly living every second showing by our deeds of God's prescence in our lives. Love, Beau

Manna In the Desert

"He found him in a desert land And in the wasteland, a howling wilderness; He encircled him, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye." (Deuteronomy 32:10 NKJV) The Hebrews, after suffering many years of painful slavery were released just to wander in the desert for 40 years. And, when they were freed, I'm sure they left with only the clothes they could carry, and a minimum amount of food, water, and money. According to The Holy Bible it appears that at some point, while wandering in the desert, they ran out of food and water, and it was probably scorching hot. But, as always, God provided for their needs. He gave them water, meat, and manna. The current world conditions were are living in with a poor economic status, high prices, natural diseasters, and people losing thier jobs, homes, and all they have, could be looked at as living through a desert land. But, we all need to realize that God IS in control and that He will provide for our needs, even if we can't see how. Somehow it will all work out in the end. That is where faith and trust in God come in, and strength for the journey. God provided for His chlidren then, He will provide for us now, and in the future. That has not, and will never change. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8 NKJV) Love, Beau

What's In It For Me??

Some, who consider turning their lives over to God, wonder what's in it for me?? What do I get out of it? When one gives onesself to God, it is no longer about you, but about serving God and allowing Him to work through you. You are blessed by blessing others. In turn, if you have total faith and belief, you receive eternal life. That is what's in it for you. God wants to give you a piece of His kingdom. You become His heirs. And, this is what you inherit: "Then He who sat on the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new....It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.'" (Revelations 21: 5-7) The New Jerusalem: "The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass...The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life." (Revelations 21: 18-21. 23-27) What an awesomely, breathtaking gift! God seems to ask so little for us to receive so much. So, the next time time you're asked, or being asked, "What's in it for me" if I turn my life over to God think about this! Love, Beau

Living Peaceably

"Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9 NKJV) Here in the USA we are presently getting ready to vote for our new president. Mom hates voting times. The votees bicker and argue with each other and say not so nice things to and about each other. In every social blogging community we have been in, even the Christian ones, there have been disagreements and hurts at times. Mom just wishes, just for once, everyone would just get along and "PLAY NICE!" God wishes that too. It doesn't like it when His children fight, argue, and don't get along. We think it probably hurts Him and makes Him sad. God says lots of things about being peaceful and getting along, including the peace MAKERS are His children. He also says, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you." and "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 14:27, 15:12 NKJV) What God is telling us is that HE gives us a deeper peace that we can't find for ourselves on this earth; and, that we are to love and care for one another as HE loves us...
unconditionally and equally. God loves us all the same. To love like God, and to find His peace, we need to see and be above the worldy things. We need to love, care, and find peace at a divine level. I believe I said this last week, but it's worth repeating: Seeing others as God sees us will allow us to see others in a more positive way. So, the next time you are tempted to bicker with someone, and or get sucked into a situation, see the divine and be a peacemaker instead. As a famous singer once said, "All we are saying is give peace a chance..." (John Lennon) and let's all just play nice. Love, Beau

Beauty in the Maker's Eyes

"And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good...Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good." (Genesis 1:25, 31a) We all have things we don't like about ourselves...our looks, size, shape, personailty, mood, whatever. But God made us and, HE said it was good...VERY good. We are supposed to see others, including ourselves, through the eyes of God. So, when we look in the mirror and see our reflection we are seeing someone that is good just the way they are. Sure, there are things we can improve about ourselves...our weight, our hairstyle and color, being more patient and understanding, being more compassionate, etc.,...no one is perfect...but we are to like and love ourselves unconditionally just the way we are at this particular moment. So, the next time you look at yourself in the mirror see yourself as God sees you...beautiful...and say aloud to yourself, "I am a child of God and I am beautiful." (Yeah, you'll feel silly, stupd, weird, and embarassed saying it for a while, but eventually you'll start believing it if you say it enough.) Love, Beau

The Lord, My Rock

"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; M God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." (Psalm 18:2 NKJV) Think about this. God is your rock, therefore He is your foundation. And, foundations hold things up and keep them from sinking. Rocks are strong, and they shelter us. They can be tiny like the "still, small voice of God," or they can be massive all encompassing, and all around us. Rocks can also be inviting, after a lengthy climb, as a place to rest, reflect, and meditate. One of mom's favorite contemporary Christian songs says, "I will rest in you." God is your rock...your fortress, your strength, your shelter, your stronghold, your stability, and your place of peace. Think about all the many different ways you see God as your rock this week. Love, Beau

Always Rejoicing

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Phillipians 4:4 NKJV) God is always telling us to do this that and the other. Sometimes it seems that we are overwhelmed with His rules. In turn, that can make us want to rebel against God and His rules. One of those rules is to always rejoice in Him. He even repeated it. But. the way I see it is God does so much for us why wouldN'T we??? Always rejoicing in Him is just another way of thanking Him for all that He does for us and always being there for us no matter what. Who else does that for us? Most importantly, always rejoicing in God is a way of showing God how much you love Him? So, going back to my original question...Why wouldN'T we??? It should be automatic, spontaneous, and natural...just like breathing. Love, Beau

Halfhearted

"And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a loyal heart." (2 Chronicles 25:2 NKJV) In this verse the word loyal is generally translated as halfhearted. The verse is referring to the reign of Amaziah. He obeyed God, and did what was right but his heart wasn't in it. Amaziah only went through the motions. When we just go through the motions we are passionless, and when we are passionless we lose so much of what life has to offer us, and what we have to offer. God wants us to worship Him WHOLEheartedly and with passion. He wants us to worship with every fiber of our being. If we just go through the motions, halfheartedly, we aren't giving God all we can. And, it means our devotion to Him is split with something else. That is unfair to God, and also to ourselves. Ourselves? Yes, because we aren't living up to our full potentials. When we don't live up to our full potential, we hurt and cheat ourselves; and, we hurt and cheat God. This also extends to our family, friends, and our jobs. If we don't whole-heartedly give to each of these we aren't passionate about them and we aren't giving them our best. Jesus also said, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21 NKJV) In other words, it doesn't matter what/who you are working with at the moment, whether God, your boss, or your family give to them whole-hearted and with passion. God desires it. Love, Beau

Your Tour Guide Today is...

"Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared." (Exodus 23:20 NKJV) God doesn't let you go through the valleys, unknown territories, and rocky roads of life alone. He sends an angel to guide you, keep you on the right path, and in the right direction. Going to unknown territories without a tour guide can be dangerous and risky, and therefore unwise. The angel is also there to guard and protect you. Think back to when you went through problems that you thought you wouldn't get through. God and His angels were there helping you, You DID make it through. Whatever God has planned for you, you can be sure that God will help you get there. You are never alone.
Love, Beau

The Light in the Darkness

"For You are my lamp, O LORD; The LORD shall enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop; By my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him." (2 Samuel 22:29-31 NKJV) New Orleans and those that live in the Gulf area are being hit yet again with a hurricane. Gustav is categorized at a higher level than Katrina. Katrina was a level three hurricane, Gustav is forecasted to hit land at a level four. Gustav, and its aftermath, is the darkness for many. But, God says for those who trust in Him He will be their shield, they can run over walls, and against troops. In other words, no matter how many and or how difficult their past, present and future challenges are, God will get them through it. I know it may not seem like it or feel like it at the time but God will. It's promised to you. We can also be one's light in the darkness. We can reach out to those around us. Just giving someone a hug, a pat on the back, or a warm smile or touch can be the light in their darkness. We never know what one is going through and that might be just what they need. Because here we are directly north of Louisiana, we are expecting up to 6000 displaced humans and animals to arrive here. If possible, we are going to look for ways to volunteer. If you're not in an area receiving displaced families (for ANY reason) you can find others to help. At the very least you can pray for these people and their pets. I encourage you this week, on behalf of those affected by Gustav, to reach out to someone or a needy animal...help someone, donate a big bag of food to your local shelter(s), call someone, send someone a card, or just take a minute to pray for someone. And, if someone does something nice for you this week, thank them, pray for them (in secret), and then pay it forward. Love, Beau

More Blessed Than You Realize

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blesearth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven..." (The Beatitudes, Matthew 5:3-11a., Luke 6:20-23) Some of you think that being poor in spirit, mourning, hungry, thirsty, meekness, and being persecuted are NOT blessings. But, it is in our weaknesses, when we are most vulnerable and open to God's wisdom and help, that we are most blessed. God does His best work on us, within us, and through us, when we are at our weakest, most vulnerable, and suffering. There are also other blessings we do not see. How many times have you said or thought, "I am/was so lucky"? Change the word lucky to blessed and see how your awesomely positive your perspective, and attitude, changes. For example, one might think they were lucky to have won a lottery. Another way of looking at is I am so blessed to have won and come into that money to pay that unexpected bill. Or, "I was lucky that driver didn't hit me" might be changed to I am blessed God was protecting me, I didn't get hit, wasn't delayed, and have no damage to my car and or no one was injured. Perception is EVERYTHING. Jesus teaches us in The Beatitudes to see the glass as half full, not half empty, to see the silver lining in the clouds, and to look for the blessing in everything. So, the next time you start to say you're lucky say you're blessed, and see the blessings in the suffering...and always know Jesus is with you 24/7, 365 days of the year. Love, Beau

Always Held

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep." (Psalm 121: 1-4 NKJV) We never know what is going to happen while we are asleep. Mom has a fear of being put under anethesia because she hates that feeling of losing control as it takes effect, and not knowing what will happen while she's unconscious. The good news is that God is in control and He is never sleeps, He is always awake. And, God is always watching over you. We are always in God's sight being held up by Him. You can let go of your worries, fears, concerns, and anxieties because God is on the job even when you're sleeping, or even when you're a bit "spacey" during the day. So, if you're tired, struggling, or whatever has you less aware right now, and before you drift off to sleep, let go of all those things and let God. Be at peace! Love, Beau

The Tour Guide

"I cry out to the LORD with my voice; With my voice to the LORD I make my supplication. I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path. In the way in which I walk They have secretly set a snare for me." (Psalm 142:1-3 NKJV) We go through the path of life with many things getting in our way. Some of these are our own weaknesses, bad habits, failing relationships. We can't work them out, we can't see solutions, and some things in life we just can't fix. We are also stubborn and hesistate to ask God for help and guidance. We don't think about the fact that the moment we turn to God for help things get easier. We find hope, insight, strength, guidance, encouragement and peace. God created everything, and knows the path you should take. He is our "tour guide" through life, and if you let Him lead you He will show you the way you should go. Just stay with Him, and let Him lead you through your path. Love, Beau

Resting for a Day

"Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work on it; it is the Sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings." (Leviticus 23:3) The word Sabbath means to stop. Stop working, stop cleaning the house, stop cooking, stop running around like a crazy person trying to get everything done...just STOP. God created the sabbath, not us. God in His infinite wisdom knew we needed a day to rest, reflect, renew and recharge. Otherwise, we would burn out and not be as effective. But so many of us today go 24/7, and we're tired, stressed, anxious, and burnt out. Consequently we are not as effective as we could be. What do you think would happen if, for just one day, you didn't do anything. Well, the laundry would still get done, the house might not be spotless but it would still be clean, and deadlines would still get met. Even better yet you would probably feel better, have more energy, and get even more accomplished. The Holy Bible says six days you shall work, and rest on the seventh. It didn't say it had to be on a Sunday. Many religions rest on Friday or Saturday. Pick YOUR sabbath. Now, here's the catch..it's a day of solemn rest, a HOLY day...so while you're resting remember it is also a day set aside to worship and praise God. Go to the church, synagogue, or temple of your choice, or how you praise God, and be sure to thank Him for your day of rest. Love, Beau

God Feels Your Pain

"My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning? O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear; And in the night season, and am not silent." (Psalm 22:1-2) Not only did Jesus suffer physically only the cross from the tremendous pain of nails, severe dehydration, suffocation, probably severe sunburn, bug bites, and other things. But, he also suffered emotionally and psychologically. He cried out to God thinking and believing God had abandoned Him at the worst time of His life. That had to be heartbreaking, lonely, frustration, and even terrifying. Even though His family and friends were there, at least at first, I'm sure He felt totally alone. We all go through times of loneliness, grief, despair, hopelessness, and searching just as Jesus did. When you're searching for God know this, God is always with you and He's already there. Cry out to Him and He will answer. Also know this: God wants you to share your honest feelings and emotions no matter how angry, upset, and or in pain you are. He's waiting for you and He will never abandon you. Love Beau

Loved Always

"But You are He who took Me out of the womb; You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts. I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother’s womb You have been My God." (Psalm 22:9-10) God has and is always with us. He created us and He has been with us ever since. We don't have to ask God to be with during our trials, tribulations, and even our joys. He's already with us. We don't have to seek Him for He is already here. Instead, we need to ask for insight, and be mindful, that God is always and already wtih us. God is literally only a heartbeat away. All you have to do is be still and know. Love, Beau

Pleasing God

"But when it pleased God,..." (Galatians 1:15a) We are workers for God, not His boss. And, God likes to come and go as He pleases, so we need to give God plenty of elbow room. It is not our place to plan, guess, and or assume how He will make things happen. That is His job. We are only to look for Him, and do as He says...but always expect the unexpected...God is full of surprises, and in the most unexpected ways. We need to be in constant contact with God, always be expecting Him, and move over and give God room so that His power may flow through in full force. Love, Beau

Exalt His Name!

"And in that day you will say: ' Praise the LORD, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted.'" (Isaiah 12:4 NKJV) Did something good happen to you today? Have your prayers be answered lately, or have you been blessed by God? Well, Praise Him! Thank Him by name! Go shout it to the world, tell everyone you know, even those you don't, but that you come into contact with. (Yeah, they may think you're crazy but they don't know you, and it will feel awesome.) Part of our witness for God is to share the good news of all kinds of things He has done for us, and to tell of His good works! It is the first thing we are supposed to do before we even tell others how they can have a relationship with God. God loves great publicity! So, what are you waiting for?! I challenge you to tell at LEAST 5 people today something God has done for you lately. Get up, get out, and start sharing! Love, Beau

Law of the Garbage Truck

"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12 NKJV)
The following came to us in an email and it illustrates this Bible verse very well. It is called The Law of the Garbage Truck. How often do you let other people’s nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you’re the Terminator, you’re probably set back on your heels. However, the mark of your success is how quickly you can refocus on what’s important in your life. Sixteen years ago I learned this lesson. And I learned it in the back of a New York City taxi cab. Here’s what happened. I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his breaks, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!" This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck." He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around with full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it on you. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You will be happy you did. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets. It was the day I decided, I ain't gonna do it anymore. I began to see garbage trucks. Like the movie 'The sixth sense' the little boy said, "I see dead people". Well now, "I see garbage trucks". I see the loads they carry. I see them coming to dump it. And, like my taxi driver, I don't fret. I just smile, wish and wave and move on. Roy Baumeister, a psychology researcher from Florida State University, found in his extensive research that we remember bad things more often than good things in our life. We store the bad memories more easily, and we recall them more frequently. So the odds are against you when a Garbage Truck comes your way. But when you follow The Law of the Garbage Truck™, you take back control of your life. You make room for the good by letting go of the bad. The best leaders know that they have to be ready for their next meeting. The best sales people know that they have to be ready for their next client. And the best parents know that they have to be ready to welcome their children home from school with hugs and kisses, no matter how many garbage trucks they might have faced that day. All of us know that we have to be fully present, and at our best for the people we care about. The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. What about you? What would happen in your life, starting today, if you let garbage trucks pass by. "Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't." Love, Beau

Don't Cheat on God!

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25) Be careful where you put God in your life. If we allow other things to doubt our faith in God, He is not where He should be. Not only that, if we doubt God, we are not being faithful to His word. Not being faithful is infidelity. Infdelity creates confusion in our lives. We start to worry that God can't properly provide for us and or handle the little details of our lives, so we start trying to do them on our own. Then things really become a mess and we get even more off balance. The solution is to put God back first in your life, have total obedience to Him and His words, always staying faithful and trusting. In this, you can't go wrong. Love, Beau

Becoming New

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." (James 4:10) Before God can bring you up to your full potential, you have to strip yourselves of everything that is in the way. You have to rid yourselves of old habits and old ways of doing things, and of thinking. You have to let go of every premise of how you think things should go or be done, and how much time it should take. You have to literally strip yourself bare and become nothing in the eyes of the world. This is so God can take you, mold you, and create in you a new being more wonderful and beautiful than you can ever imagine. He creates in you someone in His own image and that is glorious to behold. Not only that, He gives you the ability to achieve more and do more, if you will totally trust in Him, have patience and faith, and allow Him to mold you into His will for you. Love, Beau

Pray Without Ceasing

"praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18 NKJV) We ought to pray in all circumstances, all situations, no matter what is going on...bad OR good. We also need to stay alert as there are people and things all around us that could distract us from concentrating on serving God the way we should. God wants us to stay focused on Him, and not the ways of the world. Prayer is a way of communicating with God, and He wants us to constantly be in contact with Him so He can help us and lead us. Prayer can even be a way of expressing our thanksgiving and praise to God, and for things. God loves us and wants us to share with Him what's going on in our world and how we feel about it. He also wants us to be mindful of one another, and praying for one another's needs and wants. I don't know about you, but I can never have enough prayers! Prayer is a powerful force, and it DOES change things for the better. Everywhere we look around us there are people and things we can pray about and for, so "pray without ceasing." Love, Beau

If You Could Turn Back Time

Everyone has times when they wish they could turn back time and erase a mistake they made. Well, the good news is that you can! God gives you that opportunity and that chance. He says,
"Come now, and let us reason together,' Says the LORD, 'Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.'" (Isaiah 1:18) That means if you tell God you're genuinely really, really sorry, repent of your sins, and ask forgiveness, He blots them out and it's as if they never happened! You could be the most horrible person on earth, but if you genuinely ask God's forgiveness and turn your life around you truly are a new person in Christ, including the washing away of past sins! It is by the grace of God you are forgiven. So, don't despair if you keep on making mistakes...no one is perfect. Just try to learn from them, do better in the future, and genuinely ask God to forgive you!
Love, Beau

God's Promises

“And now, O Lord GOD, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant... Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised through His servant Moses." (2 Samuel 7:28: 1 Kings 8:56 NKJV) God keeps all of His promises. Everything God says He will do, He does...whether it be good or bad. So on the one paw we ought to fear God and obey His commandments. On the the other paw, we can have the assurance that whatever we ask in His name, and whatever we need God will provide. We also have the reassurance that God will protect us and God is steadfast and faithful to the end. God is our rock, our safe hold, and helper through all of our days! Fear God! PRAISE God! Love, Beau

A Clouded Mirror

"For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known." (1 Corinthians 13:12) I believe that God doesn't want us to have all the answers, even about Him. If we did, WE would be God. Instead, He wants us to turn to Him with all our questions, inquiries, and for direction. Gid wants us to lean on Him for direction and find the answers through Him. He even supplied us with an instruction manual called The Holy Bible. God doesn't want us to be able to see everything now. He wants us to take that leap of faith, when we move forward, trusting in Him. Sometimes, He wants us to gradually see the big picture so that as the big picture unfolds we can see His workmanship in it.
Some day we will have all the answers and be able to see things more clearly, but for now God wants us to lean on Him, have faith and read The Holy Bible. Love, Beau

For the Beauty of the Earth

"And one cried to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!'” (Isaiah 6:3 NKJV) Everywhere you turn there are glorious and wonderful things handcrafted by God...trees, sky, clouds, flowers, birds, grass, bodies of water, cats, dogs, other humans...just to name a few. The earth, and the entire universe is full of His glory! All are amazing miracles of God! If you have ever taken to stop to meditate on the wonders of nature, ANY life, or just the universe in general, you might have thought how amazing everything is. I know I have! It feels my heart with wonder, praise, and thankfulness for everything around me. The earth is full of the beauty of God, His glory, and the miracles He created! So, the next time you stop to admire a flower, blooming tree, or just star gaze, also take a minute to thank God for them (and for ALL He created)! Love, Beau

Choose

"...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, ... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15 NKJV) God wants your undivided attention. When you try to serve more than one master your loyalties are divided. You know how it is when you're pulled in several directions at once! You cannot give one or the other your undivided attention, therefore properly serving any of them. You have to choose. There's no other way. If you pay more attention to money, your job, popularity, or anything else over God, THAT is your master. Even though God doesn't make you and gives you a choice, God wants you to choose HIM, and follow HIM. All He ask in return is that you have faith, trust and believe in Him, and let Him lead the way. What He will give you in return is eternal life, glory, honor, and a share in His kingdon. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me! (But, it's YOUR choice.) "...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...." Choose God, choose eternal life! Love, Beau

Heirs to the Kingdom

"For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus...And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise...The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together..." (Galatians 3:26, 29; Romans 8:16-17) If you follow God, and have faith, then you are a child of God. If you are a child of God, then you, along with Jesus, also inherit the kingdom of God!! Yep, it's true! The Holy Bible says so!! You will inherit the kingdom, and everything that comes along with it...all the glories and riches and powers of the kingdom! What an awesome blessing and a gift! I don't know about you, but that takes my breath away. Rejoice and be glad, for yours is the kingdom of God!! Love, Beau

Follow Jesus - Inherit a Kingdom, Live Forever!

"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:" (John 1:12 NKJV) God states that all you have to do to enter the kingdom of Heaven is to accept Christ into your heart, make Him your personal savior, and follow His ways. That's it! Follow Jesus. However, Until you completely lose your life and yield your life to God, then you have not yet totally given your life to Him. You must give yourself totally over to Him, so that He can work through you. If you do profess God as your savior, follow only Him, then you will have a place in Heaven! "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven." (John 10:32-33 NKJV) If this is what you truly desire, and haven't already, then take a moment now and pray, "God I believe in You and I completely trust in You. I give my life completely to you to do Your will. It is no longer I that lives, but You that lives and works through me. Use me, mold me. In Christ's name, I pray. Amen."

Through It All

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Phillipians 4:19 NKJV) God made you and He is also all knowing. Even before you ask God knows what your needs are and has already anticipated for them. However, make no mistake that a need is different from a want. God says He will supply all your NEEDS. He never says He will supply all your wants. Also, even when God says no, he anticipates your NEEDS for that response. And, if He says no, and God knows it will be hard, cause tribulation and hardship, and upset, He is prepared and will help you get through it. God gets you through EVERYTHING whether or not it's by something He chose..or not. "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." (Romans 15:4 NKJV) So, no matter what is going on, hang on to God's word and be comforted. Love, Beau

"Love One Another (And Yourself)..."

"You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether one of your brethren or one of the aliens who is in your land within your gates...What then? Are we better than they? Not at all...Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself " (Deuteronomy 24:14; Romans 3:9a; Phillipians 2:3) God sees everyone of us as equal. He does not go by race, wealth, or any other way we have of judging ourselves better than others, or that someone is better than us. We are ALL equal in God's eyes. We are not to look down on others and treat them poorly. It is a very haughty and self-righteous attitude if we do...something God hates! We are to treat each other with love, respect, compassion, sensitivity, and compassion. "Love others even as I have loved you." The reverse is also true. We should hold ourselves up to be equal as others, and have the same esteem for ourselves as we do others. Everyone is equal in God's eyes!! So, love one another, but love yourself just as much!! Love, Beau

Prescence of the Lord

"And the priest said to them, 'Go in peace. The presence of the LORD be with you on your way.'" (Judges 18:6 NKJV) God is always with you. He was with you even before you were born. He "formed your inward parts." God is with you whereever you go, whatever you do. He is with you through good times and bad. No matter what's ahead and what you're going through, even if you screw up badly, even abandoning God, HE is always with you. He is ALWAYS with you...even to the end of times. I don't know about you, but always knowing God is with me no matter what is very comforting. So ''go in peace." Love, Beau

Easter Sunday - The Ressurection

"Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.' So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, 'Rejoice!' So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, 'Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.'" "...Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?" (Matthew 28:1-10 NKJV, 1 Corinthians 15:54b,55 ASV) Hallelujah!! Jesus is risen! He was crucified, buried, and on the third day He did RISE!! Jesus died for our sins and He has beaten death! And, if we give our lives to Him and follow Him and His ways, we, too, shall overcome death and live forever (with Him). What a glorious gift He has given us! Jesus is risen! Hallelulah!! Love, Beau

No One Can Seperate Us

"The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: 'Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! The King of Israel!' Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: 'Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey’s colt.'" (John 12:12-14 NKJV) Jesus makes a triumphant journey into Jerusalem. He has already triumphed over all those who have tried to stop people from following and believing in Him. They saw His miracles and believed in Him. His actions made believers out of the people. No one could seperate Jesus from His followers no matter how hard they tried. In fact, the harder they tried, the more followers He had!! This is also true of the love of God...nothing can seperate us from the love of God (except ourselves). Isn't that a beautiful thought!! Love, Beau

Dying to the Old Way

"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." (John 12: 24,25) Many plants die off every year in order for them to flourish the next. The same is true when it comes to following God, we have to die to the old way of life, to be reborn and flourish in the new life. As Jesus had to lose His life to overcome death and save us, we must also lose our lives to Jesus. If we die to the earthly world, and the things that are in it, and follow Jesus allowing Him to live through us than we shall live. We will be given eternal life and God will honor those who honor Jesus. And, like Jesus' death the process can be extremely painful but when you get to the other side it's beautiful, glorious, and well worth it!! Amen! Love, Beau

God's Way the True Way

"Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power." (Colossains 2:4-9) There are many people in the world that try to give you false beliefs of what you should belive about God and how you should practice those beliefs. Some are sheep in wolves' clothing. They may appear to be honest and good on the surface, but at a closer look they are not as God would want. And, they will try to persuade you that there way is right. Beware of those people, especially the stronger they try to persuade you. For a truly God fearing servant of God will yield his way to the way of The Holy Bible. The best way to know whether or not a way is the right way is to read The Holy Bible and ask yourselves these questions: Does this go with what The Holy Bible says?? Is this something God would want for me/for me to believe? And, in a modern cliche, "What would Jesus do?" God's words to us through The Holy Bible are complete and full, and therefore we can root ourselves completely in Him, and, we are to bind ourselves to His teaching and not those of the world. Love, Beau

Put On the Love of Christ

"where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." (Colossians 3:11-13 NKJV) There is so much hatred and unkindness in the world. Not just major things, as in wars, gangs, and other major violence...but just in everyday little things. People can be so unkind to one another, without even realizing it...hurting each other with hurtful words, actions, even looks we give each other. I think we all have snapped at someone before when we were stressed, tired, frustrated, angry, or even down. But there is so much unkindness, hatred, and hostility in the world today that we need to remember that Jesus says, "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12 NKJV) He tells us ALL to be tenderhearted, kind, humble, meek, longsuffering, forgiving, and bearing one another's burdens. He doesn't just tell us, He COMMANDS us. And, if we obey God like we're supposed to, by thinking about what we say and do, and how we respond to others, then we could all become more passionate, caring, kind, and forgiving, and make this world a better place by our example. Love, Beau

Loving With Grace

"...to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love." (2 Peter 1:7) God not only wants us to be kind to one another, but also to love one another as He loved us. God's nature is to love those who seem, and sometimes are, unlovable. And He does this continually without end. Are we prepared to go out into the world and love those we feel are unlovable, and then keep on loving them no matter what. How often do we get irritated and annoyed with those we claim to love, and or stop loving someone just because of something they did and or said? This is NOT the kind of love God shows us and gives us. God loved us so much that He died for us even though we were sinners. We continually screw up because we are imperfect humans. No matter what we do, what we say, and or how unlovable we are, He still loves us. That is the grace and love He shows us. If we stop short of this we fail to grow in grace, and we don't show others the kind of love He wants us to give. Being totally committed to God often means stretching ourselves out to a point we don't think we can. But, when we have totally committed ourselves, and are totally connected to Him we CAN give that kind of grace and love toward others if we work on it. Love, Beau

Take No Thought

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25) We are not supposed to worry about everyday things. And, we are not supposed to let worldy things take over and enter our lives like weeds that have taken over a garden, and choke it. If we allow the things of the world, including mundane daily living, to overtake us, we lose site of the the most important purpose of our lives. It chokes our relationship with God, and all that He has planned for us. God knows our circumstances better than we do and He's got it all under control. He tells us we are not supposed to think about these things to the point that they are a bigger priority than He is. God wants you only to focus on Him and He will handle the rest. Your relationship with God, and what He wants, is always to come first. Love, Beau

Feed My Sheep

“Feed My sheep"...."But Jesus said to them, 'They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat' And they said to Him, 'We have here only five loaves and two fish.' He said, 'Bring them here to Me.' Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children." (John 21:17; Matthew 14:16-21) Jesus said to feed His sheep. In The Holy Bible it often talks about phsycially feeding the multitudes, but one can also feed a person's soul and mind. In the parable of the feeding of the 5000, Jesus not only fed them physically but he first preached to them feeding their souls and minds. He took care of ALL their needs. Also, when he went to feed them physically he didn't count how many there were first and try to figure how five loaves and two fish were going to feed that many. He blessed the food and told the disciples to feed them...and there was much leftover. When we go out into world to share the word of God and tend to others we ask God to bless our work, and we don't look at how many there are and or how we're going to do it. We just tend to them, making sure that ALL their needs are met...mind, body and soul. This is what serving God is all about. Love, Beau

God With Us

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31 NKJV) God does not say I was with you, or I will be with you. God says He IS with us. God is always with us in the present moment, no matter where we are and or what we are going through. He's there for us in all that we say, do, and feel. There is strength in knowing we always have Him by our side helping us, cheering for us, and listening to us. Remember the last time you wished you had someone to tell something? You did and you do. God. Yeah, He already knows but it mays Him really happy when YOU share it with Him. So the next time you having something to celebrate, need a listening ear, or are just dying to tell someone something...give God that "high five," or tell HIM. He's your best friend anyway. Love Beau

(sermon idea taken from Everyday Blessings by Max Lucado.)

Truly Loving God

"And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.... He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also." (Mark 12:30; John 12:24-25 NKJV) If you truly love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength you will not be truly attached to the things of this world. Instead, you will be ready and willing to let go of all that you have, paying more attention to your relationship with God, and follow Him. You will "lose your life" here, to have an eternal life with God. Our time on earth is only temporary anyway, so "choose whom this day you will serve." Love, Beau

(not) BEAU'S SUNDAY SERMON

This is another that was sent to me through email I thought was worth sharing. It's called "To Meet Such A Person." I sat, with two friends, in the picture window of a quaint restaurant just off the corner of the town-square. The food and the company were both especially good that day. As we talked, my attention was drawn outside, across the street. There, walking into town, was a man who appeared to be carrying all his worldly goods on his back. He was carrying, a well-worn sign that read, 'I will work for food.' My heart sank. I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief. We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We finished our meal and went our separate ways. I had errands to do and quickly set out to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square, looking some what halfheartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing him again would call some response. I drove through town and saw nothing of him.. I made some purchases at a store and got back in my car. Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me: 'Don't go back to the office until you've at least driven once more around
the square.' Then with some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As I turned the square's third corner, I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the store front church, going through his sack. I stopped and looked; feeling both compelled to speak to him, yet wanting to drive on. The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an invitation to park. I pulled in, got out and approached the town's newest visitor. 'Looking for the pastor?' I asked. 'Not really,' he replied, 'just resting.' 'Have you eaten today?' 'Oh, I ate something early this morning.' 'Would you like to have lunch with me?' 'Do you have some work I could do for you?' 'No work,' I replied. 'I commute here to work from the city, but I would like to take you to lunch.' 'Sure,' he replied with a smile. As he began to gather his things, I asked some surface questions. Where you headed?' 'St. Louis .' 'Where you from?' 'Oh, all over; mostly Florida ..' 'How long you been walking?' 'Fourteen years,' came the reply. I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the same restaurant I had left earlier. His face was weathered slightly beyond his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet clear, and he spoke with an eloquence and articulation that was startling. He removed his jacket to reveal a bright red T-shirt that said, 'Jesus is The Never Ending Story.' Then Daniel's story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early in life. He'd made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences. Fourteen years earlier, while backpacking across the country, he had stopped on the beach in Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a large tent and some equipment. A concert, he thought. He was hired, but the tent would not house a concert but revival services, and in those services he saw life more clearly. He gave his life over to God 'Nothing's been the same since,' he said, 'I felt the Lord telling me to keep walking, and so I did, some 14 years now.' 'Ever think of stopping?' I asked. 'Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me but God has given me this calling. I give out Bibles. That's what's
in my sack. I work to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out when His Spirit leads.' I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless. He was on a mission and lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and then I asked: 'What's it like?' 'What?' 'To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show your sign?' 'Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments. Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that certainly didn't make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people's concepts of other folks like me.' My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered his things. Just outside the door, he paused. He turned to me and said, 'Come Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I've prepared for you. For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a stranger and you took me in.' I felt as if we were on holy ground. 'Could you use another Bible?' I asked.. He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not too heavy. It was also his personal favorite. 'I've read through it 14 times,' he said. 'I'm not sure we've got one of those, but let's stop by our church and see.' I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed very grateful.
'Where are you headed from here?' I asked. 'Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon.' 'Are you hoping to hire on there for awhile?' 'No, I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star right there needs a Bible, so that's where I'm going next.' He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his mission. I drove him back to the town-square where we'd met two hours earlier, and as we drove, it started raining. We parked and unloaded his things. 'Would you sign my autograph book?' he asked. 'I like to keep messages from folks I meet.' I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my life. I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of scripture from Jeremiah, 'I know the plans I have for you,' declared the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you; Plans to give you a future and a hope.' 'Thanks, man,' he said. 'I know we just met and we're really just strangers, but I love you.' 'I know,' I said, 'I love you, too.' 'The Lord is good!' 'Yes, He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?' I asked. 'A long time,' he replied And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and I embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed. He put his things on his back, smiled his winning smile and said, 'See you in the New Jerusalem.' 'I'll be there!' was my reply. He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his bedroll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, 'When you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?' 'You bet,' I shouted back, 'God bless.' 'God bless.' And that was the last I saw of him. Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and reached for the emergency brake, I saw them... a pair of well-worn brown work gloves
neatly laid over the length of the handle. I picked them up and thought of my friend and wondered if his hands would stay warm that night without them. Then I remembered his words: 'If you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?' Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office. They help me to
see the world and its people in a new way, and they help me remember those two hours with my unique friend and to pray for his ministry. 'See you in the New Jerusalem,' he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will...'I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.' (Love, Beau)

Born for Greatness

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8 NKJV) Christ loves us and wants us just as we are, with all are sins and faults. He wants us NOW not later. God did not say Christ came for us AFTER we became perfect and AFTER we got our our act together and quit making mistakes. No, He said Christ came while we were still sinners. He wants to make us whole. If we were already whole there would be nothing for Him to do. Also, God uses the lowliest of people to show the greatest of His glory. If you don't believe me, read the entire Holy Bible! Two of the most significant people in The Holy Bible, David and Solomon, were far from perfect, but God used them in amazing ways. So, the next time you think that you're not good enough for God, remember God loves and cares about you just the way you are...and he will use you just the way you are in the most amazing ways for His glory! And that makes you special!! Love, Beau