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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/13/2008 9:55:00 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13514
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
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This has been posted before but just received it again in an email. Worth reading again.
****Hanky Alert****
Isaiah 65:24
>
> Written by a doctor who worked in South Africa :
>
> One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died leaving us with a tiny premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive, as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator).
>
> We also had no special feeding facilities. Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in.
>
>
> Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates). 'And it is our last hot water bottle!' she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways.
>
> 'All right,' I said, 'put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm.'
>
> The following noon , as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died
>
> During prayer time, one ten -year old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children. 'Please, God' she prayed, 'send us a water bottle. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon..'
>
> While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, 'And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?'
>
> As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say, 'Amen'. I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything, the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever received a parcel from home. Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator! Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door.
>
> By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there, on the veranda, was a large twenty-two pound parcel. I felt tears ****ing my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children.
>
> Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box.. From the top, I lifted out brightly colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the....could it really be? I grasped it and pulled it out - yes, a brand-new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried.. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could. Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, 'If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly too!'
>
> Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted!
>
> Looking up at me, she asked: 'Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?'
>
> That parcel had been on the way for five whole months. Packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child - five months before, in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it 'that afternoon.'
>
> 'Before they call, I will answer' (Isaiah 65:24) This awesome prayer takes less than a minute. When you receive this, say the prayer, that 's all you have to do. No strings attached. Just send it on to whomever you want - but do send it on. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards.
>
> Let's continue praying for one another. Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this right now. I am asking You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubt, release a renewed confidence to work through them. Where there is spiritual stagnation, I ask You to renew them by revealing Your nearness, and by drawing them into greater intimacy with You. Where there is f ear, reveal Your love, and release to them Your courage. Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up leaders and friends to support and encourage them. Give each of them discernment to recognize the evil forces around them, and reveal to them the power they have in You to defeat it. I ask you to do these things in Jesus' name.
>
> P.S. Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both. Passing this on to one not considered a friend is something Christ would do.
>
> 'Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you're not willing to move your feet.'
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
Cookie Recipes: http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/cat0001.html
The place to be in the Smokies: www.hiddenmountain.com
CHRISTmas time's a comin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/13/2008 11:12:58 AM
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GVfan
Posts: 17322
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: The Peach State
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That was absolutely wonderful, Santa!!!!
_____________________________
Donna Hefner
Acworth, Ga.
<--- Gerald introduces Jacob to Georgia, Aug. 2008
Come visit at http://www.myspace.com/donnashappenings
And my BLOG, Keepin' An Eye on Greater
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/13/2008 12:50:53 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13514
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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From HeartWarmers:
BACK FROM DESPAIR
by Lynn Perrier
A year ago I went through one of the most difficult times in my life.
I had lost my family and my business all within a month. The
heartache was numbing.
I decided to go to Mexico and see if I could renew my
perspective and outlook on life. To say I arrived in Mexico with a
heavy heart is an understatement. I booked a hotel on the Baja
choosing one of the less populated areas for tourists.
It was in late February which also happens to be when the grey
whales swim down to have their babies.
I decided that I may as well do something other than sit in the
sun and feel sorry for myself so I booked a day trip to see the
whales.
I was not prepared for what happened.
On arrival at the marina, we were chaperoned into little motor
boats. I have seen pictures of people out whale watching and at
least they had boats larger than the whales. Not here. Each boat
seated 6 people and off we went in search of whales.
We soon saw a couple of water spouts which our guide said were
whales. The captain of our boat took off in that direction. Soon
there were a number of grey whales swimming close enough to get a
look and some pictures.
Our guide alerted us to a huge spot moving closer to the boat.
We were a little apprehensive because these whales were at least
twice as long as our boat.
To my utter amazement, all of a sudden one surfaced right in
front of my face. It had swum under the boat and came up on my side.
I thought I was imagining that it took a very good look at me.
Well, let me tell you that was some sight. Everyone was trying
to take pictures of her under the water before she swam away. Within
a few minutes she was back. Once again surfacing right beside me.
Once again, she looked me right in the eye.
The next time I was ready for her. She surfaced in front of my
eyes and I reached out to touch her. She stayed on top of the water
long enough for me to rub her beautiful barnacle covered, scarred
head and snout. She did that twice. Incredible.
Everyone was busy taking pictures while I got soaked. I didn't
care. It was a miraculous feeling. She swam away and the captain
steered the boat toward other whales we could see in the distance.
Then the guide yelled again that two were coming close to the boat.
There was my new found friend with her baby. It was
unbelievable to see how she nudged her baby toward our boat. She was
bringing her baby to meet me!
Before long, I was within 5 feet of the most beautiful baby
whale you can imagine. The mother swam just on the other side of her
and after I had long enough to absorb what I was seeing, she guided
her baby away from the boat and out into the waters.
That was the last we saw of her.
On the bus trip back everyone was cheerfully talking about the
experience and my "bonding." The guide told us that in 18 years of
conducting tours to see whales, only once before had they witnessed a
whale allowing someone to touch them.
Why did this happen?
I have no explanation why she chose me for the privilege. Maybe
the mother whale sensed my sadness. It was a humbling experience.
She helped me to see the light even though I was in a very dark
place. To describe it as a religious experience is the best I can
do. It brings tears to my eyes when I remember the day I came back
from the pit of desperation and bonded with that whale.
I appreciated the obstacles that mother whale had to overcome on
her long journey to the place she would have her baby. That magical
encounter paved the way for me to put life back into perspective and
I came home a much wiser person.
That huge beautiful creature made me understand, that despite
the obstacles life puts in your way, there is always an opportunity
for a new beginning.
You must never give up.
-- Lynn Perrier <petpntr at yahoo.com>
____________________________________________
Lynn is a Canadian writer whose life has lead her down many paths
opening her mind and heart to the important things in life. With an
often humorous slant, her writing will leave you with food for
thought and a smile on your face especially the articles about her
cats. For those of you who have lost a pet Lynn extends a welcome to
visit her newly launched memorial site and explore having your own
free memorial webpage here: http://www.tributememorial.net
____________________________________________
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
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The place to be in the Smokies: www.hiddenmountain.com
CHRISTmas time's a comin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/13/2008 1:39:45 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13514
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
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Another "Inspirational" story from HeartWarmers:
TABLE FOR TWO
by Nancy B. Gibbs
I remember quite well a day 17 years ago.
That day our twin sons, Chad and Brad, loaded their car and left
home to attend college. I got up early that morning and cooked
breakfast while wiping away tears. I sat our "table for five" and
realized how all of our lives were about to change.
I noticed how quietness engulfed our kitchen that morning. The
five of us sat down to breakfast. Nobody had anything to say,
however. Not one of us knew what to say. Sure, the boys would be
coming home on the weekends, but even so, I knew our family life
would never be exactly the same again.
The boys rambled around each room of the house to make sure they
hadn't forgotten anything they needed. I packed a cooler with drinks
and their favorite cold snacks. I found a box and filled it with
essential food items. When my mind tricked me into thinking they
might go to bed hungry that night, I emptied my wallet and placed the
little bit of cash I had in their hands.
We all walked outside. Chad and Brad gave me big hugs and
quickly got into their car. I waved as they drove away. When I
couldn't see their car any longer, I began to sob. I sat down on the
driveway, placed my face in my hands and cried harder than I had
cried in a long time. My husband Roy tried to console me, but I
could see grief in his eyes, as well.
Five years later, we went through many of the same emotions when
our daughter, Becky moved away from home. We had become somewhat
accustomed to our "table for three." We were sad that it would soon
become a "table for two."
There are many parents dreading this time of year. Bittersweet
feelings will be present.
While these parents feel pride and joy for their children, they
will also feel a sense of grief. Painful moments will fill their
minds. While I cannot adequately explain the feelings, I can still
remember how I felt when we began that new chapter in our lives.
The new chapter meant the telephone didn't ring as much. The
house was quieter. I longed to see messy bedrooms once again. I
would have loved to referee another sibling squabble.
The worse feeling I had was the thought I was no longer needed.
Of course, I was proud that my children were self-sufficient. I
knew down deep they wouldn't starve. But I would have loved to have
gotten up early and prepared lunches just one more time. I needed to
be needed.
Time rocked on, however. Roy and I are now accustomed to the
quaintness of our table for two and we enjoy our lives together.
Every night is date night for us. Our dinner table is usually at
someone's restaurant. As an added bonus "dinner for two" is much
more affordable than dinner out for an entire family.
I have to admit I still miss our children and the old times we
had together. But I also have to say I better enjoy the time I spend
with the man of my dreams than ever before.
Change is not always easy. If you are one of those parents who
have just said goodbye to a child headed off to college, let me
prepare you for some hard and lonely days, weeks and even months.
But let me also say that a new chapter in your life is just
ahead. Hold on tight until then. Look to God for direction and
strength. Renew your vows to the one you love. And when you go to
your favorite restaurant say with a strong voice and a great deal of
courage, "Table for two, please."
Roy and I have always enjoyed each other's company, but after
the children moved away, we found a great amount of strength in each
other. Some things have changed over the years. Our love for one
another has grown stronger with each passing day.
Together, Roy and I are now doing things we never dreamed
possible. Our children oftentimes talk about how we are busier and
happier than we have ever been before. Could it be because we fell
deeper in love as we spent quality time together at our table for two?
We can find good in every situation when we give every situation to God.
-- Nancy Gibbs <Nancybgibbs at aol.com>
____________________________________________
Nancy and Roy, from Georgia, work together in the ministry. Nancy is
a writer, author and Christian motivational speaker. Roy is a
pastor, evangelist, musician and is currently running for state
representative. They have raised three wonderful children and are
now enjoying being grandparents to three lovely little ladies. Nancy
speaks at women's conferences, teas and banquets across the country.
You can visit her website here: http://www,nancygibbs.com
____________________________________________
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
Cookie Recipes: http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/cat0001.html
The place to be in the Smokies: www.hiddenmountain.com
CHRISTmas time's a comin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/14/2008 12:24:59 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13514
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
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Maxine says:
IF MY BODY WERE A CAR...
If my body were a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish and my paint job is getting a little dull ... But that's not the worst of it.
My headlights are out of focus and it's especially hard to see things up close.
My traction is not as graceful as it once was. I slip and slide and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather.
My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins.
It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed.
My fuel rate burns inefficiently.
But here's the worst of it:
Almost every time I sneeze, cough or laugh.....
either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
Cookie Recipes: http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/cat0001.html
The place to be in the Smokies: www.hiddenmountain.com
CHRISTmas time's a comin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/14/2008 1:02:23 PM
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GVfan
Posts: 17322
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: The Peach State
Status: offline
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ROFLOL!!!!!
_____________________________
Donna Hefner
Acworth, Ga.
<--- Gerald introduces Jacob to Georgia, Aug. 2008
Come visit at http://www.myspace.com/donnashappenings
And my BLOG, Keepin' An Eye on Greater
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/15/2008 6:32:34 PM
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robertyork
Posts: 7247
Joined: 3/23/2006
From: Marietta, GA
Status: offline
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Every generation has its most popular names. In the Bible, the one that pops up the most - shared by 32 people in the Old Testament and one person in the New Testament - is Zechariah.
_____________________________
NEXT CONCERT - DEC. 6 - POWDER SPRINGS, GA
BRIAN FREE & ASSURANCE &
< < < TRIUMPHANT QUARTET
My wife never agrees with me an' neither does her cookin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/17/2008 12:26:48 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13514
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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Refer to post #2180
RE:From HeartWarmers:
BACK FROM DESPAIR
by Lynn Perrier
Received an email from Lynn Perrier today in regards to the post I made about her article listed above. I emailed her to see if she would give me permission to post the email from her and she has given me permission. So the permission email is first followed by the one about me using her article:
Email:
That would be fine. You may want to mention that if someone doesn't know the authors name they should at least put "author unknown" so it doesn't appear they are trying to take credit. That was what one person used as an excuse. He said he "didn't know who the author was" and posted another article of mine directly under his own name. It's really so frustrating because of course an author can sue for infringing on copyright material but we all know it takes a lot of money to do that so these people get away with it. The preacher was the only person who got angry for having been caught. I reminded him that one of the commandments is "Thou Shalt Not steal" but I think he feels these silly guidelines don't apply to him.
Thank you again for your consideration.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The first email:
Hello:
I am the author of the article you posted entitled Back From Despair. The real title is I Bonded With aWhale. Sporatically I have to go on the internet and Google my name to see if anyone is using my work without permission. I found that you had posted it on the WPITAM site. I don't restrict use of my work but I do have criteria. One that my full name appears with it and two that my website url is included.
I would like to thank you for copying in its entirety and giving proper credit. You would not believe the number of people I have had who used that piece and not only did not give me credit but let others believe they were the ones who wrote it. There are other articles this happens with and I guess that has to do in large part with our new cyber world. If someone sees it on the internet they believe it is theirs to use freely. I had one "Preacher" who has an online ministry with over 5000 members who sent it out as one of his daily inspirations without my name or any indication that it didn't come from him. When I challenged him on it he told me it was a shame God gave me such a wonderful talent and I wasted my time on the computer complaining about it! Incidentally he had written a couple of books himself and was well aware of copyright infringement.
So, I thank you for being so honest. I hope that your readers enjoyed the story as it is very close to my heart.
Lynn Perrier
Toronto, Ontario
CANADA
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
Cookie Recipes: http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/cat0001.html
The place to be in the Smokies: www.hiddenmountain.com
CHRISTmas time's a comin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/19/2008 9:06:38 PM
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rogasinger4Him
Posts: 871
Joined: 5/1/2008
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This was the benediction that Gary Grogg our Associate Pastor gave today:
As you go forth today, look for God in the most unlikely places, and you will find Him.
_____________________________
Psalm 108: 1-5
Psalm 146: 1-2
http://www.myspace.com/rogasinger4him
Dana
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/20/2008 12:18:30 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13514
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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Information everyone needs to know:
STROKE: Remember
The 1st Three Letters.... S.T.R.
A friend sent this and encouraged me to post it and spread the word.
I agree.
If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks.
Seriously..
Please read:
STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
It only takes a minute to read this...
A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours
he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke.... totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.
RECOGNIZING A STROKE
Remember the "3" steps, STR . Read
and Learn!
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately,
the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S * Ask the individual to SMILE.
T * Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(i.e. It is sunny out today)
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 999/911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue
NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue.. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other , that is also an indication of a stroke.
A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this would sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
Cookie Recipes: http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/cat0001.html
The place to be in the Smokies: www.hiddenmountain.com
CHRISTmas time's a comin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/22/2008 9:17:29 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13514
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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All stories copyright 2008 Bob Perks
Today's message:
"Everything begins with a knot"
By Bob Perks
I'm not a very crafty person. I want to be. I mean
it's not that I want to make napkin holders, or
styrofoam wreaths.
I want to paint. I bought all the stuff I need, but
I haven't started. I even have a video called, "How
to get started."
I need one that says "how to get started to get started."
I do spend time in craft stores. Mostly the big chain
stores where they mark everything up and then give you
a big discount, bringing the cost down to where it should
be before discounts.
Anyway, it was there that I learned a big lesson.
Sitting in the aisle near the yarn was an older woman.
Apparently she lives there because her name was painted
on the back of the wooden rocking chair.
I pretended to be shopping for something nearby because
I wanted to hear what she was saying to a lady who
joined her. I guess she was there to teach.
"No! That's not how I showed you!" she scolded.
The woman she was teaching giggled nervously.
She wasn't being mean. I believe she was related to my
sixth grade teacher who would throw a chalk eraser across
the room to hit a kid in the head who fell asleep.
It was her "teaching style." Now teachers just need
to be psychologists, parents, guards and babysitters.
The world's so much better now.
Anyway, the woman finally got nerve enough to leave.
"Okay, I got it. I'll be back tomorrow to buy the things
I need," she said.
"Will you remember what I told you?" the teacher asked.
"Yes."
"What's the most important thing?" she quizzed her.
She paused too long to answer. I believe a second went by.
I leaned in to pick up on this. I mean, if ever I decided
to take up knitting, I would need to know "The most important
thing."
But what she said triggered an entirely different response in
me.
Ready?
"Everything begins with a knot!" she said.
Then holding both her index fingers up she added,
"Two soldiers!"
The student ran off.
I quickly turned away when she glanced at me. I was having
six grade flashbacks.
Still, I smiled. I loved what I heard.
It registered in my mind like this...
"Everything begins with a "NOT."
Everything I want to change has to begin with a "not."
"I'm NOT going to quit!"
"I'm NOT going to complain, I'm going to do something about it."
"I'm not going to win if I don't lose once in awhile."
"I'm not going to succeed unless I keep trying."
"I'm not going to lose weight until I gain good eating habits."
A long time ago I learned another "Not." I kept hearing
from people about the many ways they tried to accomplish
something without succeeding.
I began asking them, "What is it you're NOT willing to do?"
The answer to most failed attempts lies not in what you are
doing, but in what you are NOT willing to do.
If self employment requires commitment 24/7 but you want a 40
hour a week job, You are NOT willing to do what it takes.
If reaching your goal means you will fail several times first
and you give up after one or two tries, then you are not willing
to persevere.
Stop looking at what you do and ask what you are NOT willing to do.
Everything begins with a "Not!"
I'm not taking knitting lessons from that woman!
"I believe in you!"
Bob
I encourage you to share my stories but I do ask that you
keep my name and contact information with my work.
If you would like to receive Bob's Inspirational
stories, please visit http://www.IWishYouEnough.com
and submit your email address.
*****************
"I Wish You enough!"
© 2001 Bob Perks
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear
much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."
Bob Perks, P.O. Box 1702, Shavertown, PA 18708-1702, USA
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
Cookie Recipes: http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/cat0001.html
The place to be in the Smokies: www.hiddenmountain.com
CHRISTmas time's a comin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/28/2008 12:00:34 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13514
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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No I did not check this story out on Snoops.com or truthorfiction.com. I just like the story so much I wanted to share it with all of you. It may or may not be true BUT it very well could have happened. I hope it did:
The Sack Lunches
I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad
I have a good book to read Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.
Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. 'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.
'Chicago - to Great Lakes Base. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Iraq'
After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached Chicago, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time.
As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to Chicago '
His friend agreed.
I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'
Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?'
'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. 'This is your thanks.'
After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.
Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, an said, 'I want to shake your hand.'
Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.
Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.
When we landed in Chicago I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!
Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'
Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals.
It seemed so little...
A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'
That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.'
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
Cookie Recipes: http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/cat0001.html
The place to be in the Smokies: www.hiddenmountain.com
CHRISTmas time's a comin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/28/2008 11:28:40 AM
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BBfan
Posts: 11187
Joined: 9/13/2007
From: SC Low Country
Status: offline
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I love that Santa. I did something similiar a few years ago...my son was in Marine boot camp. One morning I was in a McDonald's drive-thru. I saw behind me a gov.'t tagged car and a young man dressed in his Marine dress uniform...a Marine on recruiting duty. Anyway...I pulled up to the window to pay for my order. I told the girl to add his on to mine. She looked at me funny and asked if I knew him. I told her no...but that my son was in the Marines and since I couldn't buy his I would buy that young man's meal. She said okay and added his $3.89 meal to mine. As I was pulling off I looked back to see the astonished look on that young man's face when the girl told him I had paid for his breakfast. I'll never forget that look. You know it doesn't take much to show God's love and our appreciation to others.
_____________________________
~Lynn
Pray for our country and our public schools... Remember God is in control!
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/28/2008 7:15:23 PM
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BelovedHandMaiden
Posts: 4165
Joined: 3/17/2007
From: Tennessee
Status: offline
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Hanky Alert!
Battle Hymn
_____________________________
The Rapture -- true separation of church and state.
<--So blessed!!!
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/29/2008 9:28:07 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13514
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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Big Hanky Alert!
JUST CHECKING IN
Minister passing through his church, in the middle of the day.
Decided to pause by the altar and see who had come to pray.
Just then the back door opened, a man came down the aisle.
The minister frowned as he saw, the man hadn't shaved in a while.
His shirt was kind a shabby and his coat was worn and frayed.
The man knelt, he bowed his head, then rose and walked away.
In the days that followed, each noon time came this chap.
Each time he knelt just for a moment, a lunch pail in his lap.
Well, the minister's suspicions grew, with robbery a main fear.
He decided to stop the man and ask him, 'What are you doing here?'
The old man said, he worked down the road, lunch was half an hour.
Lunchtime was his prayer time, for finding strength and power.
'I stay only moments, see, cause the factory's so far away.
As I kneel here talking to the Lord, this is kinda what I say.'
'I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN.
SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHERS FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN.
DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.
SO, JESUS THIS IS JIM, CHECKING IN TODAY.'
The minister, feeling foolish, told Jim, that was fine.
He told the man that he was welcome to come and pray just anytime.
'Time to go', Jim smiled, said 'Thanks.' He hurried to the door.
The minister knelt at the altar, he'd never done it before.
His cold heart melted, warmed with love, and met with Jesus there.
And as the tears flowed, in his heart, he repeated old Jim's prayer:
''I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHERS FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN.
I DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.
SO, JESUS, THIS IS ME CHECKING IN TODAY.'
Past noon one day, the minister noticed that old Jim hadn't come.
As more days passed without Jim, he began to worry some.
At the factory, he asked about him, learning he was ill.
The hospital staff was worried, but he'd given them a thrill.
The week that Jim was with them, brought changes in the ward.
His smiles, a joy contagious.. Changed people, were his reward.
The head nurse couldn't understand why Jim was so glad,
when no flowers, calls or cards came, not a visitor he had.
The minister stayed by his bed, he voiced the nurse's concern.
No friends came to show they cared. He had nowhere to turn.
Looking surprised, old Jim spoke up and with a winsome smile said,
'the nurse is wrong, she couldn't know, that he's in here all the while.'
'Everyday at noon He's here, a dear friend of mine you see.
He sits right down, takes my hand, leans over and says to me:'
'I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, JIM, HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND THIS FRIENDSHIP, AND I TOOK AWAY YOUR SIN.
ALWAYS LOVE TO HEAR YOU PRAY, I THINK ABOUT YOU EACH DAY
AND SO JIM, THIS IS JESUS, CHECKING IN TODAY.'
If this blesses you, pass it on.
Many people will walk in and out of your life,
but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.
May God hold you in the palm of His hand and Angels watch over you.
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
Cookie Recipes: http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/cat0001.html
The place to be in the Smokies: www.hiddenmountain.com
CHRISTmas time's a comin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/29/2008 9:38:16 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
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