Inspiration

“They know not the hidden counsels of God. ” - Wisdom 2:22

I once heard a story about a successful architect. He worked in this large company and spent most of his productive years designing and building houses and structures. He was the pride of the company, but he wanted to retire early and expressed that intention to the owner.

The owner granted his wishes but made one last request. I wantyou to build a house. You are free to make your own design, accordingto what you want. You can choose the best materials, whatever the cost. The architect accepted. Considering this was his last project, he thought of building a house out of substandard quality materials and padding the expenses. The owner wouldn’t know anyway, he thought.

When the project was finished, the owner looked at his work then handed him an envelope. It was a Transfer Certificate of Title. Hesaid, I’m giving you the house which you have just built in appreciation for your dedication to your work and the company.

In life, if we really know our God, we would know that if we shortchange Him, we end up shortchanging ourselves. Let us be wise. Let us give to God that which He deserves. We will not be sorry.

Judith C.

REFLECTION: If we really know our God, we would know that if we shortchange Him,we end up shortchanging ourselves.Grant us Wisdom, Lord. Grant us Love.

A lways put God first in your life.
B e a true friend and you will have many friends.
C ount and thank God for your many blessings daily.
D iscipline yourself. Decide to make your life count.
E dify and encourage others consistently.
F ollow great leaders and then become one.
G ive liberally and joyfully of your time, talents and means.
H ave an attitude of gratitude.
I nvert any negatives thrown your way. Turn them into positives.
J ourney through life one step and one day at a time.
K eep written goals set ahead. Make specific plans to accomplish them.
L ove and forgive everybody.
M aximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.
N ever, never, never give up!
O pen the door wide when opportunity knocks.
P ractice patience. Promote peace.
Q uit bad habits by replacing them with good habits.
R ead God’s Word and other profitable material every chance you get.
S hare the Gospel whenever and wherever possible.
T ake time to appreciate everything and everyone God has given to you.
U se your God given common sense.
V isualize your dreams and stretch to reach for them
W atch, listen and pray without ceasing.
X amine your motives on a regular basis.
Y ield to the Holy Spirit when He prompts you.
Z oom in on God’s real purpose for your life.

– Author Unknown

Little One, Dearly Beloved,
At long last, you have ended my long wait.
Come, rest awhile and hear this?

When you were out there braving the stormy seas,
know that I , Your God was the inner calm
that enabled you to overcome.

Haunted by the uncertainties of your own choosing
I AM the gentle voice
that guided you back to understanding.

Hush ! Child, no need to explain.
Permit yourself to be vulnerable
lay down all your burdens
allow Your God
to heal your troubled soul.

Little One, Beloved Child,
open your heart as I knock
leave no room for hesitation.
The hour has comeAnd it is NOW.

Reach out Child
Touch AND be purified
by the LOVE
of the Onewho is the Source of All Good.

And when you are renewed,
Go Forth !
Be Brave!
Spread the LOVE that I have freely given you.

Offer it selflessly
to those who need
bring it to those who seek.

Always strive
to never forget
Goodness and Kindness
shall follow you
for the rest of your days.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Copyright March 27, 2002 Nellie Sonido Feng

There once was a Shakespearean actor who was known everywhere for his one-man shows of readings and recitations from the classics. He would always end his performance with a reading of Psalm 23.

Each night, without exception, as the actor began his recitation “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want”… the crowd would listenattentively. And then, at the conclusion of the psalm, they would rise in thunderous applause in appreciation of the actor’s incredible ability to bring the verse to life.

But one night, just before the actor was to offer his customary recital of Psalm 23, a young man from the audience spoke up. “Sir, doyou find if tonight I recite Psalm 23″?

The actor was quite taken aback by this unusual request, but he allowed the young man to come forward and stand front and center onthe stage to recite the Psalm, knowing that the ability of thisunskilled youth would be no match for his own talent.

With a soft voice, the young man began to recite the words of the Psalm. When he was finished, there was no applause. There was nostanding ovation as on other nights. All that could be heard was thesound of weeping. The audience had been so moved by the young man’s recitationthat every eye was full of tears.

Amazed by what he had heard, the actor said to the youth, “I don’tunderstand. I have been performing Psalm 23 for years. I have a lifetime of experience and training, but I have never been able tomove an audience as you have tonight. Tell me, what is your secret?”

The young man quietly replied, “Well sir, you know the Psalm. I know the Shepherd.”