I AM

~THE BIRTH OF THE SONG "PRECIOUS LORD"~

~Back in 1932 I was 32 years old and a fairly new husband. My wife,Nettie, and I were living in a little apartment on Chicago's Southside. One hot August afternoon I had to go to St. Louis, where I was to be the featured soloist at a large revival meeting.~

~I didn't want to go. Nettie was in the last month of pregnancy with our first child. But a lot of people were expecting me in St. Louis.~

~I kissed Nettie good-bye, clattered downstairs to our Model A and, in a fresh Lake Michigan breeze, chugged out of Chicago on Route 66.~

~However, outside the city, I discovered that in my anxiety at leaving, I had forgotten my music case. I wheeled around and headed back. I found Nettie sleeping peacefully. I hesitated by her bed; something was strongly telling me to stay. But eager to get on my way, and not wanting to disturb Nettie, I shrugged off the feeling and quietly slipped out of the room with my music.~

~The next night, in the steaming St. Louis heat, the crowd called on me to sing again and again. When I finally sat down, a messenger boy ran up with a Western Union telegram. I ripped open the envelope. Pasted on the yellow sheet were the words: YOUR WIFE JUST DIED.~

~People were happily singing and clapping around me, but I could hardly keep from crying out. I rushed to a phone and called home. All I could hear on the other end was "Nettie is dead. Nettie is dead." When I got back, I learned that Nettie had given birth to a boy. I swung between grief and joy.~

         ~Yet that night, the baby died. I buried Nettie and our little boy together, in the same casket. Then I fell apart. For days I closeted myself. I felt that God had done me an injustice. I didn't want to serve Him any more or write gospel songs. I just wanted to go back to that jazz world I once knew so well.~

~But then, as I hunched alone in that dark apartment those first sad days, I thought back to the afternoon I went to St. Louis. Something kept telling me to stay with Nettie. Was that something God? Oh, if I had paid more attention to Him that day, I would have stayed and been with Nettie when she died. From that moment on I vowed to listen more closely to Him. But still I was lost in grief.~

~Everyone was kind to me, especially a friend, Professor Fry, who seemed to know what I needed. On the following Saturday evening he took me up to Malone's Poro College, a neighborhood music school. It was quiet; the late evening sun crept through the curtained windows. I sat down at the piano, and my hands began to browse over the keys. Something happened to me then. I felt at peace. I felt as though I could reach out and touch God.~

I found myself playing a melody, one into my head-they just seemed to fall into place:         Precious Lord, take my hand,
     lead me on, let me stand,
     I am tired, I am weak, I am worn,
     Through the storm, through the night
     lead me on to the light,
     Take my hand, precious Lord,
     Lead me home.~

~As the Lord gave me these words and melody, He also healed my spirit. I learned that when we are in our deepest grief, when we feel farthest from God, this is when He is closest, and when we are most open to His restoring power. And so I go on living for God willingly and joyfully, until that day comes when He will take me and gently lead me home.~

~Tommy Dorsey/ "The Birth of "Precious Lord" by Tommy A. Dorsey, GUIDEPOST~

~WHY GOD GAVE US FRIENDS~

~God knew that everyone needs Companionship and cheer... He knew that people need someone Whose thoughts are always near.~

~He knew they needed someone kind to lend a helping hand... Someone to gladly take the time To care and understand.~

~That's why God gave us friends God knew that we all need someone To share each happy day... To be a source of courage When troubles come our way.~

~Someone to be true to us Whether near or far apart... Someone whose love we'll always hold And treasure in our hearts... That's why God gave us friends.~

~Author Unknown~

~WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING~

~When you thought I wasn't looking, by a Child. A message every parent should read, because your children are watching and doing as you do, not as you say.~

~"When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.~
~When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.~
~When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that little things can be the special things in life.~

~When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.~

~When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.~

~When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.~

~When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me good night and I felt loved and safe.~

~When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.~

~When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.~

~When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but its all right to cry.~

~When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.~

~When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be good and productive person when I grow up.~

~When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, 'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'~

~Each of us - parent, grandparent or friend - influence the life of a child.~

~Author Unknown~

~GRANDMA'S CAKE~

~A little boy is telling his Grandma how "everything" is going wrong. School, family problems, severe health problems, etc... Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks her grandson if he would like a snack, which of course he does. "Here, have some cooking oil." "Yuck" says the boy. "How about a couple raw eggs? " "Gross, Grandma!" "Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Grandma, those are all yucky!" To which Grandma replies, "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! Life works the same way. Many times we wonder why things are they way they are... and we must suffer such bad and difficult times. But God knows that in life, with these things all in order, they always work for the good. We just have to trust and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!"~

~Author Unknown~

~HE IS THE GREAT I AM~

~He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End! He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all! He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times. He always was, He always is, and He always will be... Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone! He was bruised and brought healing!~

~He was pierced and eased pain! He was persecuted and brought freedom! He was dead and brought life! He is risen and brings power! He reigns and brings Peace! The world can't understand him, The armies can't defeat Him, The schools can't explain Him, and The leaders can't ignore Him. Herod couldn't kill Him, The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and The people couldn't hold Him! Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him, The New Age can't replace Him, and Donahue can't explain Him away! He is light, love, longevity, and Lord. He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God. He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure. His ways are right, His word is eternal, His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me. He is my Redeemer, He is my Savior, He is my guide, and He is my peace! He is my Joy, He is my comfort, He is my Lord, and He rules my life! I serve Him because His bond is love.~

~His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life. I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise, the power of the powerful, the ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and the sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.~

~And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size. His goal is a relationship with ME! He will never leave me, never forsake me, Never mislead me, never forget me, never overlook me, and never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!~

~When I fall, He lifts me up! When I fail, He forgives! When I am weak, He is strong! When I am lost, He is the way! When I am afraid, He is my courage! When I stumble, He steadies me! When I am hurt, He heals me! When I am broken, He mends me! When I am blind, He leads me! When I am hungry, He feeds me! When I face trials, He is with me! When I face persecution, He shields me! When I face problems, He comforts me! When I face loss, He provides for me! When I face Death, He carries me Home!~

~He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time, and every way. He is God, He is faithful. I am His, and He is mine! My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world. So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this... He said it and that settles it. God is in control, I am on His side, and that means all is well with my soul. Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!~

~Author Unknown~

~PSALM 23~

~There was once 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 dramatic 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 listen attentively. 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, do you mind if tonight I recite Psalm 23?" The actor was quite taken back by this unusual request, but he allowed the young man to come forward and stand front and center on the stage to recite the Psalm, knowing that the ability of this unskilled 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 no standing ovation as on other nights. All that could be heard was the sound of weeping. The audience had been so moved by the young man's recitation that every eye was full of tears. Amazed by what he had heard, the actor said to the youth, "I don't understand. I have been performing Psalm 23 for years. I have a lifetime of experience and training -- but I have never been able to move 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."~

~Author Unknown~

~THE FAMILY BIBLE~

~Old brother Higgins built a shelf for the family bible to rest itself lest a sticky finger or grimy thumb might injure the delicate pages some. He cautioned his children to touch it not and it rested there with never a blot though the Higgins tribe were a troublesome lot.~

~His neighbor, Miggins, built a shelf, "Come children," he said, "and help yourself." His book is old and ragged and worn, with some of the choicest pages torn, where children have fingered and thumbed and read. But of the Miggins tribe I've heard it said, each carries a bible in their head.~

~Author Unknown~

~AN ANGEL?~

~Here in my lonely, pain-filled room My body....sore and weak; I just felt something....... Something just brushed my cheek!~

~I know not how to explain This very strange mystery. There is no rational answer, To what's happened....to me. Somehow, my body has been lifted .......I just cannot explain!!!!~

~But, for the first time...in many a day, I am completely free from pain. A new pill?.....some vaccine? The answers? In desparation, I seek; Because it all happened right after That 'something' brushed my cheek.~

~An angel?.......perhaps.~

@ copyrighted 2000/James Coombs

~DEAR MOTHER OF JESUS~

~Teach me how to pray! God was just your little boy, Tell me what to say!~

~Did you lift Him up sometimes, Gently on your knee? Did you sing to Him the way Mother does to me?~

~Did you hold His hand at night? Did you ever try Telling stories of the world? O! And did He cry?~

~Do you really think He cares If I tell Him things- Little things that happen? And Do the Angel's wings.~

~Make a noise? And can He hear Me if I speak low? Does He understand me now? Tell me--for you know!~

~Lovely Lady dressed in blue- Teach me how to pray! God was just your little boy And you know the way.~

~Author Unknown~

~FAITH~
~With a faith so weak and small, Your glory I pursued, But though persistent through it all, My flesh was not subdued.~

~Though I'd start my day out right, With my heart prepared to worship You, my Lord, my Light, My careful step would slip. And it tears my heart in pieces, For this cycle never ceases.~

~My heart, so broken be, For I am blind and cannot see. . . Why do You show such mercy, Lord? Why does Your love abound? When I have been so faithless, Lord Your grace is so profound.~

~Why are You so forgiving, Lord, Of this child, so full of sin? Even as I ask, You are forgiving me again.~

~Then Your power filled me up inside And Your anointing fell on me, And praise You, Lord, for I have died, And Your life has made me free.~

~And now I know why I'm forgiven, Lord, And my mind is not distressed -- Through my failures of the past, Lord, You have put me to the test.~

~And I know why You've such mercy, Lord, For You love Your children so, That by Your grace, we are forgiven, So Your life and Spirit flow.~

~And though we stumble, though we fall, By Your grace, we still may see That You forgive us through it all. You have not forsaken me.~