Dear Friends,
Do you remember the story about the “Good Samaritan” in Luke 10:30-36? In this story we read how a priest and a Levite pass by a man who needs someone to care for his wounds. As we continue to read we hear of how a Samaritan comes by and helps the hurting man. I think this story can be seen not only as teaching us that we should have compassion on people, but I think it can also be viewed in a different light as well. Put yourself in the place of the man who was hurting. Have you ever been in need of help and yet everyone seems to pass you by, not offering to stop and help you? Well, when things seem to be going really wrong and no one seems to be there for you there is another One yet to come, who will stop and help you. Even as others pass you by, Jesus is there for you. He offers His love and comfort and He takes care of your wounds. When you feel as if everyone has left you, with your wounds, call on God. He is there. He is watching you and loving you. His power can cause your wounds to be completely healed. His compassion can help you to mend, because you will realize that someone cares about you. He is our All in All. Reach out and ask Him to help you. He’s waiting for you.
May God richly bless you! Have a wonderful day!
Your friend,
Heather :-)

Dear Friends,
In the parable found in John 2:13-16, we read-- “...and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.” I think we can apply this to our lives, by seeing ourselves as the temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16,17-- “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." Our bodies are a temple of God and we need to keep them clean of that which doesn’t belong. When He enters He will overturn the tables of sin that He finds, but we are responsible for keeping them clean. So, next time an ungodly thought or action seeks to be found in you, refuse to let it in. Read or quote a scripture, instead. Christ will help you in your goal of keeping “the temple clean.” Remember, you invited Christ in, so the least you can do is keep His room clean. :)
God Bless!
Your friend,
Heather :-)

Dear friends,
Sometimes it is easy to forget how special we are. We can feel like we aren't very good at something or wish that we were like someone else. However, God made us each the way we are. We each have a special purpose in our lives. No matter who you are, you are special. We are all unique and have our own wonderful qualities that we can share with others. Instead of looking at others disabilities, why not focus on others talents. We all have something to offer. We can share with each other and help each other grow, by sharing what we have and not worrying about what we don't have. Remember God made you! He knows what is best for you! He made you the way you are for a reason. Don't get down by what you aren't, but look up because of who you are! You are Special! Don't forget that! :)
Your friend,
Heather :)

One Of A Kind

Walter Rinder

you are
unique
a wonderful addition to life
for there is no one else like you

you are important
believe it. . . know it
allow your realization
to radiate among
your fellow man
for there is no one else like you

reflect your feelings
your hopes. . . your dreams
you have much to contribute
take your time
don't hurry
tomorrow will wait for you
for there is no one else like you

grow with your difference
be proud. . . be happy
like yourself
become a new experience
for other people
they can learn from you
for there is no one else like you

the world needs you
when you hold back
the world is that much less
for there is no one else like you

Who You Are Makes A Difference

by Helice Bridges

A teacher in New York decided to honor each of her seniors in high school by telling them the difference they each made. Using a process developed by Helice Bridges of Del Mar, California, she called each student to the front of the class, one at a time. First she told them how the student made a difference to her and the class. Then she presented each of them with a blue ribbon imprinted with gold letters which read, "Who I Am Makes a Difference."

Afterwards the teacher decided to do a class project to see what kind of impact recognition would have on a community. She gave each of the students three more ribbons and instructed them to go out and spread this acknowledgement ceremony. Then they were to follow up on the results, see who honored whom and report back to the class in about a week.

One of the boys in the class went to a junior executive in a nearby company and honored him for helping him with his career planning. He gave him a blue ribbon and put it on his shirt. Then he gave him two extra ribbons, and said, "We're doing a class project on recognition, and we'd like you to go out, find somebody to honor, give them a blue ribbon, then give them the extra blue ribbon so they can acknowledge a third person to keep this acknowledgement ceremony going. Then please report back to me and tell me what happened."

Later that day the junior executive went in to see his boss, who had been noted, by the way, as being kind of a grouchy fellow. He sat his boss down and he told him that he deeply admired him for being a creative genius. The boss seemed very surprised. The junior executive asked him if he would accept the gift of the blue ribbon and would he give him permission to put it on him. His surprised boss said, "Well sure."

The junior executive took the blue ribbon and placed it right on his boss's jacket above his heart. As he gave him the last extra ribbon, he said, "Would you do me a favor? Would you take this extra ribbon and pass it on by honoring somebody else? The young boy who first gave me the ribbons is doing a project in school and we want to keep this recognition ceremony going and find out how it affects people."

That night the boss came home to his 14-year-old son and sat him down. He said, "The most incredible thing happened to me today. I was in my office and one of the junior executives came in and told me he admired me and gave me a blue ribbon for being a creative genius. Then he put this blue ribbon that says 'Who I Am Makes A Difference' on my jacket above my heart. He gave me an extra ribbon and asked me to find somebody else to honor. As I was driving home tonight, I started thinking about whom I would honor with this ribbon and I thought about you. I want to honor you.

"My days are really hectic and when I come home I don't pay a lot of attention to you. Sometimes I scream at you for not getting good enough grades in school and for your bedroom being a mess, but somehow tonight, I just wanted to sit here and, well, just let you know that you do make a difference to me. Besides your mother, you are the most important person in my life. You're a great kid and I love you!"

The startled boy started to sob and sob, and he couldn't stop crying. His whole body shook. He looked up at his father and said through his tears, "I was planning on committing suicide tomorrow, Dad, because I didn't think you loved me. Now I don't need to."
 

Dear friends,
I want all of you to know that if I had blue ribbons galore each one of you would be honored. Each of you has blessed me by your friendship in your own special way. You are all special blessings from God. Why not bless someone today and share with them why or how they are special to you. You will be amazed at how much people enjoy hearing that. So bless someone today whether it is that grouchy cashier, a professor in one of your classes, a bus driver, a co-worker, a husband, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a brother, a friend, just anyone in general. Not only will the person be blessed by what you do, but you will be blessed by knowing that you also have made a difference. Have a wonderful day! May God's Love and Blessings Be Continually Poured Out on ALL of You!
Don't forget how special you are!
Your friend,
Heather : )

Dear friends,
Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. It is easy to lose sight of our priorities and put our daily walk with God on the back burner. When we do this, it becomes easier for the enemy to attack us where we are weak. We need to remember our priorities and remember that God should be number ONE in our lives. He is our Encourager, Comforter, Healer, our ALL in ALL. We can do all things through His power which is within us. So, next time when the stresses of daily life seem to get to you or if you're feeling blue, or even if you are feeling wonderful, why not take the time to talk to God and share with Him you're joys, your sorrows, whatever is on your heart. He is there waiting patiently for you. God Loves You!!!! Show Him your love of Him by talking to Him.
May All Of His Blessings Be Poured Out On You!
I hope that you all have a wonderful day in the Lord!!!
Your friend,
Heather

P.S. The author of the letter which follows on the next page is unknown.

Dear Friend,
How are you? I just had to send you this letter to tell you how I love and care about you. I saw you yesterday as you were walking with your friends. I waited all day hoping you would walk and talk with me also. As evening drew near, I gave you a sunset to close your day and a cool breeze to soothe you, and I waited. You never looked for me. Oh, yes, it hurt me, but I still love you because I am your friend. I saw you fall asleep last night and longed to touch your brow; so I spilled moonlight upon your pillow and face. Again I waited, wanting to rush down so we could talk. I have so many gifts for you. You awakened this morning and rushed off for the day, never looking my way. My tears were in the rain. Today you looked so sad, so alone. It makes my heart ache because I understand. My friends also let me down and hurt me many times. But I still love them and I love you. I try to tell you in the quiet green grass. I whisper it in the leaves and trees. I breathe it into the colors of the flowers. I shout it to you in the mountain streams and give the birds love songs to sing. I clothe you with warm sunshine. My love for you is deeper than the oceans and bigger than the largest want or need you could ever have. I know how hard it is on Earth. I really know, because I was there, and I want to help you. My Father wants to help you too. Just call me, ask me, talk to me. It is your decision. I have chosen you, and because of this I will wait, because I love you.
Your Friend,
Jesus

Dear friends,
It seems like it's easy to let things upset us or to let things turn our happiness and joy into sadness and sorrow. We may know that we shouldn't let ourselves worry about the things in the world, yet we can find ourselves worrying. We can get frustrated or upset or depressed or many other things which are not of God. Why do we do this? We should be rejoicing in the Love and Blessings we receive from our most wonderful Lord. Our Father didn't have Jesus die for us so that we could worry and be upset or sad, frustrated or angry. No, that act of love speaks of such great Care for us. He loves us so much and wants us to walk in His love, joy and peace that He was willing to have Jesus die for us and give us salvation. We are blessed to have such a Father. He cares for His children so much. We need to show Him love in return. Instead of focusing on what's going wrong we should focus on what's going right. Focus on what God has done for you and what He continues to do for you. He's got blessings galore for you and all you need to do is start receiving them. Open your heart. Let Him pour out His love and blessings on you. He wants only the best for you. Accept it. Don't let the world distract you into thinking about the troubles you have. Nothing at all is gained in worry, frustration and depression. You have everything to gain when instead you focus on peace, love and joy. I for one know that I would much prefer to enter into the loving embrace of our Father. He provides all things. He offers love. He offers peace. He offers us so many things that can bless us. We need to stop paying attention to the world so much and pay more attention to God. Focus your attention on all He is, all He's done and all He continues to do. He does so much for us and yet we too easily get caught up in our daily lives and forget to keep our focus on Him. When we lose our focus then it become easier to let things worry, frustrate or anger us. We need to turn this around and focus on Him. He's blessed us so much and the least we can do for Him is return this love by keeping our focus on Him and listening to Him. Take a break from your day and stop to notice and thank God for all He has done for you that day.
Have a joyful day! God Bless,
Your friend,
Heather

Dear friends,
At times it may seem easier to be sad or depressed rather than to be full of joy. However, don’t give in to this kind of thinking. This kind of thinking comes straight from the enemy and will only lead you to deeper sadness. Instead of this we need to REJOICE!! No matter how hard it may seem try looking for one good thing which the Lord has given you and then rejoice in it.
Deuteronomy 26:11 says, "And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house. . . "
Be joyful when trials and tribulations come against you. God didn't say be sorrowful and depressed. 2 Corinthinans 7:4--"..I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulations."
God wants us to be joyful just as Paul is mentioned in Corinthinans as being joyful in "all our tribulations." No matter how hard it may seem to be joyful it is possible because "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Phillippians 4:13).
Psalm 63:7 says, "Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy will I rejoice." The Lord is there to help us in everything we go through. Don't let circumstances weigh you down. Instead, rejoice in how the Lord has already and will continue to help you and bless you.
In other words, let's start rejoicing!!! No adversity is to great that we can't rejoice. It will of course be difficult at times, but it's possible to rejoice. I don't believe it would have been mentioned so often in the Bible if we were supposed to be sorrowful instead. I believe we are to rejoice--at least that is what my Bible says.
Phillipians 3:1--"Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord."
1 Thessalonians 5:16--"Rejoice evermore."
Let's be like Jethro was in Exodus 18:9 and "rejoice for all the goodness which the Lord hath done. . ."
Psalm 35:9--"And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord…"
Psalm 66:1--"Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands."
As we enter each new day let's remember Psalm 97:1 and "rejoice because the Lord reigneth. . ."
If you can find no other reason and even if you can find another reason, rejoice in knowing the Lord reigneth. That is a wonderful thing to rejoice in.
Have a great day! May God Bless You Abundantly!!
Your friend,
Heather

Dear friends,
It seems as if everyone at some point or another feels as if they don't have nearly enough money to meet their needs. When this happens we feel like we are not prospering. However, in Matthew 6:27-34 Jesus says, "And which of you being anxious can add a single cubit to his life's span? And why are you anxious for clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these, but if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? Do not be anxious then, saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? Or With what shall we clothe ourselves? For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek, for your heavenly Father knows that you need ALL these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and ALL these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

God cares about you and will meet all your needs. In fact, He will give you an abundance. He said ALL these things shall be added to you. He said All, not some, not just barely enough. No, He said ALL. He knew we would have needs for clothing, food and shelter so He has promised us He will provide. However, we sometimes let our possessions begin to possess us like the rich man did. In Luke 18:22 Jesus tells the rich man, "One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess, and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." However, instead of rejoicing in the thought of all this treasure he would gain by following Jesus, the rich man became very sad because he was letting his possessions possess him. Instead of following the world and worrying about having or not having money, follow Jesus who said He would supply ALL our needs.

If you followed the ways of the world would you have been able to wander in a desert for 40 years and survive? In all probability, no you wouldn't survive. Did God ever let a day go by where the Israelites got no food, or had no clothes? Definitely not. He cares about His people and knows we will have needs so He has promised to bless us. Did God say anything about wanting us to live in poverty? No, He wants us to live an abundantly blessed life.

Here are the lyrics to a song:
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks unto the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given us
Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say I am strong
and the poor say I AM RICH
because of what the Lord has done for us
Give thanks.

So, why declare you are poor. Instead, have a better confession and say you are rich. What has the Lord done that you can be thankful for? Well, do you have food to eat, or clothes to wear or somewhere to rest your head? Yes you do, no matter how meager your supplies may seem God has blessed you. Instead of worrying about your situation, thank God for all He has already provided. Whether it be for a piece of bread, clothes or anything, thank God for it and start making right confessions. Don't say you are poor, because it's not true. Does it say anywhere in the Bible that when you follow Jesus you will be poor? It sure doesn't say that in my Bible. Instead it says God will bless me in ALL things and I will be rich. So confess the truth rather than what appears to be a fact. The enemy is just trying to distract and get your mind off of heavenly thoughts and into worldly thoughts. However, I must say that I much prefer the heavenly thoughts of prosperity and blessing to worldly thoughts of worry and poverty. When a worldly thought comes in telling you that you are poor then rebuke it and quote a scripture verse right back which tells of your prosperity and blessings. No matter what seems to be happening keep believing and standing on these promises for prosperity, or for that matter keep believing for any promise God has given you in the Bible. It may appear to take a long time for you to reach a comfortable level of financial stability, but don't give up. Stand firm in your beliefs. Remember Abraham had to wait a long time for a son, but he did get a son. God is listening to you; it's the enemy who is trying to cause problems, but don't give the enemy the satisfaction of giving in. Rejoice instead in the promises of God and the enemy will flee and you will be blessed.
Your friend,
Heather :)

© May, 1998--Heather Dozier

glad_heart@yahoo.com

If my guestworld book is not working, please sign my dreambook. *smiles*

Read my Dreambook!
Sign my Dreambook!