Ecclesiastes, chapter 3 verse 1-8

1: For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3: a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4: a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5: a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6: a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7: a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8: a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

 

Moments That Take Our Breath Away

 
I had a very special teacher in high school many years ago whose husband unexpectedly died suddenly of a heart attack. About a week after his death, she shared some of her insight with a classroom of students. As the late afternoon sunlight came streaming in through the classroom windows and the class was nearly over, she moved a few things aside on the edge of her desk and sat down there. 
 

With a gentle look of reflection on her face, she paused and said, "Before class is over, I would like to share with all of you a thought that is unrelated to class, but which I feel is very important. Each of us is put here on earth to learn, share, love, appreciate and give of ourselves. None of us knows when this fantastic experience will end. It can be taken away at any moment. Perhaps this is the powers that be way of telling us that we must make the most out of every single day." 


  Her eyes beginning to water, she went on, "So I would like you all to make me a promise. From now on, on your way to school, or on your way home, find something beautiful to notice. It doesn't have to be something you see it could be a scent perhaps of freshly baked bread wafting out of someone's house, or it could be the sound of the breeze slightly rustling the leaves in the trees, or the way the morning light catches one autumn leaf as it falls gently to the ground. 
Please look for these things, and cherish them. For, although it may sound trite to some, these things are the "stuff" of life. The little things we are put here on earth to enjoy. The things we often take for granted. We must make it important to notice them, for at any time...it can all be taken away." 

  The class was completely quiet. We all picked up our books and filed out of the room silently. That afternoon, I noticed more things on my way home from school than I had that whole semester. Every once in a while, I think of that teacher and remember what an impression she made on all of us, and I try to appreciate all of those things that sometimes we all overlook. 

  Take notice of something special you see on your lunch hour today. Go barefoot. Or walk on the beach at sunset. Stop off on the way home tonight to get a double-dip ice cream cone. For as we get older, it is not the things we did that we often regret, but the things we didn't do. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

 

  
 

 
 
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
Ever 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!

    Psalm 23

    The Lord is my shepherd;
    I shall not want.
    He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
    He leadeth me beside the still waters.

    He restoreth my soul:
    He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
    for His name's sake.

    Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil:
    for Thou art with me;
    Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
    Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies
    Thou anointest my head with oil;
    my cup runneth over.
    Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
    and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.