WANNA LAUGH?

WANNA LAUGH?

by Michelle Miller on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at 11:50am

Does your best friend make you laugh?  Do your favorite memories consist of much happiness and joy?  Do you find yourself smiling alot when you see particular things or spend time with certain people.  I dont know about you, but I sure do.  I love to laugh....I love to joke around.....I love to have fun.  For the past couple of days, the 'notes' I have writtin have been of a somewhat serious nature.....but not today.  Today, I wanna talk about laughter....happiness and joy...I have even included a photo, a cartoon, which inspired these words.  I thought it was really funny and it seems as though others do too.  I hope it makes you laugh as well.

So often, we allow the seriousness of life to bring us down.  We get stressed out, keyed up and angry.  We get into arguments and bring misery to others.  However, it is just as easy to lighten up, have fun and laugh under most circumstances.  We have all heard that laughter is the best medicine and I truly think it is.  Laughter adds joy to our lives, eases anxieties and fears and attracts others to us.  Life is full of funny situations.  It is up to us to find our laughter.

There are 42 references to laughter in the Bible.  Proverbs 14:30 tells us that a relaxed attitude lenghtens a man's life.  A relaxed attitude sure sounds like it would include laughter to me.  Esslesiastes 3:4 specifically tells us that there is a time to laugh.  Srah laughed (Genesis 18:12).  I have read of God's people laughing when they were led out of captivity.  I also feel sure that David laughed quite often as he danced before God. 

I wanna thank God for giving me the ability to laugh.  It brightens up my day and causes my heart to smile as well.  Lord, let me be quick to smile and laugh today.  Let me encourage others to do the same. 

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

We all might have a favorite shirt.  We might have a preference when it comes to the particular car we choose to drive.  Everyone has a favorite song, a favorite food or a favorite book.  Most of us usually have a favorite vacation destination as well.  However, there are some things in our lives that we typically have no control over when it comes to favorites.  For example, I have two children, Ross and Gina, both of whom I love very much and would never dream of choosing my favorite between the two.  This brings me to the point of my writing today.....

As Christians, we all see God as our heavenly Father.  He shows no preferences and loves us all equally.  God even sent Jesus, His only son, here to earth in order to teach us the ways of a perfect love.  Jesus Christ lived upon this earth for 33 years and displayed a true and perfect love to everyone....with no exception!  I feel confident to say that God would never show partiality to any of his children.  In Romans 2:11, we are told, FOR THERE IS NO PARTIALITY WITH GOD.  Galatians 2:6 also tells us that GOD SHOWS NO PERSONAL FAVORITISM TO NO MAN.  Doesn't it feel good to know that the God of all creation loves you just as much as He loves the next person?  Isn't it wonderful to know that God chooses no favorites?

Why then, do we tend to pick and choose.  What gives us the right to encourage one brother or sister in Christ, but ignore the next?  How will we justify our actions when the much awaited day of judgement finally arrives?  I did not write this as an attack on any one person in particular, that is not and will not ever be my style.  I wrote these words after much observation.... in our churches, in our stores, in our families...even on Facebook.  We all need to remember that our God will hold us accountable for every single act we have ever committed.  We claim to be Christians....let's act like it!  Let's encourage one another in true brotherly love.   Let us be Christlike in ALL of our ways.

Acts 10:34  God is no respector of persons

THIS IS FOR EVERYONE

What comes to your mind when you think of something dirty?  A garbage can?  The restroom at a gas station?  When I think of something dirty, I think of something hard to clean... something which refuses to become spotless....no matter how hard I scrub.  We can all identify with the words I am about to write today.  We all have experience at dealing with something dirty.

Our Bible is very descriptive when it comes to describing something unclean.  The Old Testament gave detailed descriptions of many things which were considered unclean and gave specific instructions on how to deal with such.  In the New Testament, Jesus often referred to leprosy as an indicator of the unclean.  The concept of leprosy was easily compared to the destructive damages of sin.  Although we might not have the physical symptoms of this once dreaded disease, we have all, at one time or another, had a touch of leprosy.  We have all been considered unclean.  As a matter of fact, in God's eyes, we will always appear unclean.  Even at our best moment, when we are confident that we are living a Godly lifestyle, we STILL appear filthy in the eyes of God (Isaiah 64:6). 

WE ARE ALL STILL SINNERS....WE ARE ALL LIKE AN UNCLEAN THING...OUR RIGHTEOUSNESSES ARE LIKE FILTHY RAGS....

This is such an important thing to always remember.  Not one of us is better than the other...nor will we ever be!  There is no chart to determine which sin is worse.  Each person upon the face of this earth is just as important as the next.  None of us have any reason whatsoever to look down upon another. In the eyes of God, a sin is a sin is a sin.  The ONLY way that we can possibly be considered righteous is through Jesus Christ!

Jesus healed the lepors through His touch.  It was the only way to cleanliness then, just as it is the only way to cleanliness now!  We must humble ourselves in the eyes of the Lord.  We must love in the way that He loves.  We must treat one another as though we would treat Him.  We must at all times remember that we are no better than anyone else.  Each one of us fights our own personal battle....NO ONE IS WITHOUT SIN. 

Lord, it is my prayer today that I truly be humble.  Let me honestly show love to each person who crosses my path.  Let me never forget that I am a lowly sinner, who needs you to guide my every step.  Let me not look down upon anyone.  Let me encourage others to live by your Word. 

Romans 3:23  For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS

...FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS...

by Michelle Miller on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 10:58am

If I decide to cook a gumbo this afternoon, should I leave out the roux?  If I was on a road trip to somewhere I had never been, would I need a map?  Could I mail a letter without using a stamp?  If I chose to erect a swing set, would instructions be necessary?  In each of these cases, I would run into problems if I chose to not follow directions.....dontcha think? 

Following directions is a requirement for every day life.  We would all have serious problems if we simply relied upon our own understanding or common sense, which I have been told I am without.  Thank God for directions!  In our spiritual lives, we are also equipped with a detailed set of directions or instructions, which comes in the form of The Holy Bible.  It truly provides us with everything we need to know in order to live a meaningful life here on earth and tells us specifically how to get to heaven.  At any given moment, I can pick up my Bible and be told immediately how to forgive...how to show brotherly love...to deal with anger...to live eternally...to fast...to build faith...to recognize a true friend...or even how to have a successful marriage!  Our Bible gives us the answer to EVERYTHING.  It even tells us about tattoos, dinosaurs and Halloween.  Where else could we ever find such a complete and total set of instructuions?

Psalm 119 clearly reminds us of the importance of following the directions of the Lord.  In fact, it is the longest chapter in the entire Bible....176 verses to be exact!  This psalm is very important, inspirational and an excellent reminder of how we should strive to become when living a Godly lifestyle.  The psalmist implores the Lord to help him walk in His ways....to help him keep His truths...to seek Him wholeheartedly.  This psalmist asks the Lord to be with him while he reads, absorbs and lives by His principles, something we all need to do.

Lord, let me be more like this psalmist today.  Let me grow in your ways, walk in your light and love like you do.  Let me forgive with a quickness, put the needs of others before that of myself and continue to grow in faith! 

Let me follow the directions!

HE KNOWS YOUR NAME

Earlier this morning, I read something written by a woman named Valerie.  I do not know her personally, but her words spoke to my soul and delivered a rush of inspiration to me.  The words that Valerie wrote clearly came from her heart and she humbly asked for prayer.  She asked that others please pray for her in that she might seek God first, hear His direction and follow His guidance as much as she possibly can.  Valerie provides assistance to abused and homeless families but feels that her role is very small....that what she does doesn't seem important......AND THAT'S WHEN THE LORD STEPPED IN.......

I think we all might have a little bit of Valerie in us....even if your name is Lisa, John, Kelli, Debbie, Robin, Ross, Gina, Blair, Bruce, Tom Or Jean....Mary, Kim, Terry, Kenneth or Ron....

We all have our own particular complexes.  We are prone to feel inferior at times.  We often feel that our best is not good enough.  We tend to see others as 'better' or more important in the eyes of man.Thats just it.......IN THE EYES OF MAN

God knows Valerie by name.  He know us all, as a matter of fact.  He knew us before we were even formed in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5).  Think about that for a minute.....Is that an awesome concept or what????   Every single thought and feeling that we experience is of the utmost importance to our God.  We are His children!!!  We are important!  He loves us!  He truly loves us, no matter what our job or position in life.  In fact, His word tells us that the last will be first, and the first last (Matthew 20:16).  It gets even better than that.......in Matthew 25:40, Jesus tells us, in His own words, "Inasmuch as you did it to one of my brothers, you did it to me."  WOW.....I am blown away this morning!

I dont know about you, but I feel special this morning....Today, I wanna thank God for loving me and for knowing me by name....Let me do what He tells me to do....Let me go where He sends me...Let me not feel small or unimportant...Let me know that I am a child of royalty! 

Am praying for you Valerie!  Please pray for me as well.

SHE KNEW WHAT SHE HAD TO DO

Are you one of those tremendously blessed people who have no problems, no worries, no concerns, no health problems, no current heartbreak and no stress?  I didnt think so.  Guess what, I am not either and that gives us all something in common.  No one is problem free, stressless or immune to the struggles of everyday life.  We all face issues and we all fight battles of some sort, be it financial, physical, relationships, addictions or just plain old discouragement.  Things change in our daily lives at the drop of a hat. It is what we CHOOSE to do in our times of trouble that makes all the difference. 

If you know anything about me, you know I LOVE the people of the Bible.  Today, I wanna write a little bit about the woman with the issue of blood.  Her story is found in Mark 5:24-35.  This woman had problems!  She faced an ongoing obstacle not for a few days, not for a month, but for 12 YEARS!  She knew about worries, health problems, heartbreak and stress.  This woman tried everything she knew to do in order to find relief from her torment.  Instead of getting better, her problems only worsened.  She expended all of her resources to no avail. 

But................

She knew what she had to do.  She made it her business to reach out to the one and only cure for her problems.  I am a very imaginative person and in my mind, I can see her making her way through the crowd in order to get to Jesus.  I can also imagine the desperation she felt.  Through her tremendous faith, she reached out and touched the very hem of His garment.....She knew that would be her cure!  She knew what she had to do!  Imagine her surpise and her fear when Jesus acknowledged the fact of her touch....Imagine her relief when He proclaimed that through her faith, she had been HEALED!!!!

People, thats what we all need to do.  We must exercise our faith!  When all else fails, GIVE IT TO JESUS!  Turn to God!  He performed miracles back in the day.....just as He is doing now!  I am a living, breathing example of His miraculous glory!  Nothing is too big for our God to handle.  I could go on and on and on about my Jesus and the wonders of faith.  Remember......ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE TO HIM WHO BELIEVES!

TAKE THAT FIRST STEP

I have often wrote about how quickly life, as we know it, can change within the blink of an eye.  Yes, my family has had it's share of heartache throughout this past week, but, as you all know, it happens to everyone and we are all so thankful for your prayers.  Today, I want to write a little bit more about this everchanging life we all live.  I hope you find it uplifting.  I hope it offers encouragement to someone.  If it does, I have accomplished what I have set out to do today!

I know lots of people who live with no excitement in their daily lives.  They go to work, do their job, go home, go to bed and get up and do it again, week after week after week.  I also know people who are afraid of getting out of their comfort zone, afraid of doing anything different.  I even know people who truly believe that their lives are somewhat cursed and that they are perhaps being punished for things which happened years ago.  I don't know about you, but I have been able to identify with every single situation I just listed. 

But.........

Life doesn't have to be that way.  Life was meant for us to enjoy.  Happy, not sad.  Exciting, never boring.  Emotional, not unfeeling.  I read a few quotes this morning and wrote a couple of them down in order that I might share them with you now.  Here goes:

~A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step....Lao Tzu
~The purpose of life is a life of purpose....Robert Bryne

While neither of these quotes make direct mention of God, they both clearly speak to my soul.  If we desire change in our daily lives, we must find the courage to get up and take that first step.  It is our responsibility to find our own unique purpose which God intended for our lives.  We are all here today, but could possibly be gone tomorrow.  Our very next breath is not even guaranteed. 

I am so grateful for all of the wonderful blessings which God has been showering down upon me from the windows of Heaven.  I have been blessed, blessed, blessed!  It is my wish that countless others experience the same sort of joy that I feel in my heart, in my soul and in my life in general.  I am happy today and I am so excited about my future.  I really cant wait to see whats going to happen next. 

At this time, I would like to encourage anyone reading these words to allow the love of the Lord into your life.  Get into His word!  Live by His principles!  Experience the sort of love which only He can provide.  When you line up to Him, watch and be amazed at how He will line up with you! 

Psalm 40:3  He has put a new song in my mouth- Praise to our God

Psalm 37:4  Delight yourself also in the Lord,  trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass

THE THREE MILLER BOYS

Every 'note' that I write holds a special importance to me.  I keep a file of them all and I can go back and look at any given one of them and recall exactly what I was feeling on any particular given day.  The one that I am writing today will be perhaps the one closest to my heart, for obvious reasons. 

I know you have all heard of The Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs, The Three Wise Men and Three Blind Mice.  Up until this moment, you might not have heard of The Three Miller Boys, but that is about to change.  I wanna tell you a little bit about Hammer, Bruce and Ben.  I listed their names in the order in which they were born, with my dad being in the middle.  As I grew up, all three of them played a huge part in my life.  Its hard to describe the closeness that these three brothers have always shared.  Yes, they have had their spats....yes, they often got 'hostile'.....but the fact of the matter IS......When it comes down to it.....at any given moment, each one of these three brothers would give their right arm, bend over backwards or face a stampede of angry elephants for one another!

Our Bible also tells us of three boys, three Hebrew boys, to be exact....Sharrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 3).  These three boys were thrown into a fiery furnace due to their belief in their one true God.  I am in no way implying that my dad and uncles are blameless, however they do share similarities to the three boys.  The three Hebrew boys withstood the flames together.  They were united and shared more than a measure of faith.  They were headstrong, determined and fearless in times of adversity.  They also shared a living, loving and strengthening God.  It is in these ways that the Three Miller Boys remind me of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

The Three Miller Boys have been through, done it all and have seen many things throughout their lives.  However, they are at this very moment facing a crisis like none other....the unimaginable....a life changing event.  Without going into details, my Uncle Ben has come upon a major hurtle.  He has been fighting a terminal illness for over two years and might actually be nearing the end of his battle.  The Three Miller Boys need your prayers today.  I love each one of them so very much and I just thought I would introduce you to the three of them today. 

Please pray for my family.

ALYSSA BROOKE

My friend, Kelli, had to be somewhere this morning so I offered to keep her 11 month old baby, Alyssa, here with me.  Alyssa is a beautiful baby girl.  Gina and I love to spend time with her.  Alyssa has been having a cold, so before Kelli left, she told me how much and which medicines to give to her.  Once Kelli left, I gave her the medicine and her bottle and I rocked her in the recliner until she went to sleep.  Kelli wasnt gone very long and she had to wake Alyssa up so that they could leave. 

As soon as Alyssa and I got settled into the recliner, I knew what I was gonna write about today.  God is truly awesome and I love the way He speaks to my soul.  Alyssa was such a happy baby this morning, smiling right up until she fell asleep.  I could tell she felt safe, that she felt secure, and that she knew her needs had been met.  As I watched her fall asleep, it was obvious that she didnt have a care in the world.  She didnt need or want for a single thing.  She slept what appears to have been the most peaceful, innocent sleep.

Our Bible tells us that in order to be considered worthy of His kingdom, we must first humble ourselves as a little child.  I learned so much from Alyssa this morning.  In the eyes of God, we must all go to Him in such a way as she came to me.  We must believe that He will meet our needs, have faith that we are secure, know that we are loved.  We must tell Him our troubles, let Him fight our battles and then rest in the knowledge that He is in control.  We are all His children.  Lets see Him as the loving Father that He is! 

Let's get lost in scripture.  Let's dig into His Word.  Let's remind ourselves of WHY Jesus was sent here to earth.  Let's all make it a point to go to Him as little children!  He loves us all so very much!

Thanks Alyssa!  God used you this morning........

Matthew 18:4  "Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven'

BAGGAGE

Gina and I went to the camp with my parents this weekend.  We love to go there and just get away from time to time.  We gathered up some clothes, threw them into a couple of tote bags and headed out Friday afternoon.  It didnt take long for us to pack, we brought only what we needed to bring and we had no excess baggage.  The mention of excess baggage brings me to the point of what I wanna write about today.....the emotional baggage we carry.....how carrying the load of our past prevents us from embracing the present, the here and the now!

I dont know about yours, but the baggage of my past consisted of quite a heavy load.  If I had to form a mental image of it, the baggage of my past would resemble huge, jagged chunks of cement, emormous hunks of steel and boulders made of brick....and I carried them everywhere I went.  My baggage found its way into every relationship I developed, every room I entered and even into every conversation I held.  I couldnt see the present because my sight was so clouded by the past.  I couldnt touch today because my hands were full.  We have all heard the saying, 'BLAST FROM THE PAST'.....well, the past held me captive!

When we live according to our past, we never truly live.  We cannot grab ahold to whats in front of us if we are holding on to whats behind.  God didnt create us to be captive.  Before we can be of any good to anyone else, we must first let go of the baggage which ties us down and completely surrender ourselves to the Lord.  Its not an option.  It is something we simply have got to do if we want to live life to the fullest. 

We must unload our baggage.  We cannot drag our past everywhere we go.  God is ready and willing to relieve our load.......if only we let Him. 

Matthew 11:30  "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light"

A MOMENT TO REMEMBER

I feel quite sure that everyone is aware of the upcoming 10th anniversary of that horrible day we simply recall as September 11th.  I also feel quite sure that you, the person reading these words, can remember exactly where you were when you first heard about what was happening.  It was a heartbreaking day for our country and for the world.  However, thats not what I intend to write about today.  My 'note' today involves what must have been another truly remarkable moment in time, an experience to never be forgotten...................

I wonder what it must have been like to be a person in the crowd when Jesus delivered His Sermon on the Mount, which is found in Matthew 5, 6, and 7 in the New Testament.  I wonder how it felt to watch Jesus Christ himself walk through this huge crowd, climb up on the mountainside, sit down and begin to speak what has been called the greatest sermon He ever delivered.....To have actually heard His voice with my own ears.....to have seen His smile....to have felt His human presence.

I would highly recommend that anyone going through storms, suffering confusion or feeling lost and disconnected read and absorb Matthew 5, 6, and 7.  In these Chapters, Jesus spoke of many awesome concepts.  He presented us with the "Beatitudes," regarding blessings, light of the world, salt of the earth, eye for an eye, turn the other cheek, instructions on prayer and fasting and gave us The Lord's Prayer.  He also instructed us on the importance of forgiveness, spoke against judgement, told us not to worry and warned of false profits.  In this sermon, He stressed the importance of building our foundations upon rock. 

I would have loved to have been a person in that crowd as he sat there and delivered His message, but for now, I am content to read about it in His love letter to us all, the Bible.  It is my prayer today that I not only read and understand the instructions He delivered, but that I make it my business to LIVE according to His words.  Let others see more of Him and less of me.  Let my light shine and reflect the love of God in my life. 

FEAR NOT

Once again, I woke up this morning and read my favorite devotional.  It's simple words made such perfect sense.  As I have said before, I am not one to worry about things and the words I am about to include only reinforced this statement. 

     "So far, everyday of your life you have had enough to survive.  Whether it was water, food or shelter, one way or another, you had enough.  Why would tomorrow be any different?  God has created an abundant world, live in appreciation of that."

Isnt that a beautiful thought?  I am 42 years old.  I have never gone without.  God has been faithful, even when I have not.  I have been blessed in so many ways.  Think about it....so have you! 

As I have said many times before, I love reading about and studying the people of the Bible.  God completely met their needs, just like He does for us today.  When Moses led the people of Isreal through the wilderness, they depended upon and asked God to fulfill their every need.  Those people lived through drastic conditions, conditions which we cannot even begin to imagine.  Yet, they survived and thrived.  When the woman at the well went to get herself a much needed drink of water, she had no idea Jesus would meet her there with an everlasting fountain.  I also feel quite sure that Mary Magdalene suffered from much worry and torment before she was delivered from the not one, but seven demons, which captivated her soul. 

Our Bible is full of instructions for any and all of life's situations, especially 'fear' and 'worry.'  In fact, 365 verses of the Bible begin with the words "FEAR NOT."  Isnt that something?  God loves us so dearly that He gave us a "FEAR NOT" verse for each day of the year.  How awesome is that? 

As Christians, it is God's plan that we not only survive, but that we thrive as well.  In order for us to thrive, our spiritual and emotional needs must be met.  We all require love, acceptance, security, identity and a purpose if we desire to truly LIVE!  God's love is unending and unconditional, no matter what we do.  His will never turn His back on us.  He will not leave us in times of trouble and will direct our very footsteps if only we allow Him to do so.  We are marvellously made Children of God and are individually a part of His eternal plan. 

Knowing these things, we should meet each day as a gift from our Heavenly father who loves ius all so much.  Lets thrive, not only survive.  Lets be confident and FEAR NOT.  Talk to Him, ask for His direction.  Share your happiness with Him and others.  Live life to the fullest.....it is what God intended for you to do

Psalm 34:10  Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing

LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING

A while back, I was talking to a casual acquaintance who just so happens to read the 'notes' that I write.  She has 'known' me for several years and said, "I never would have guessed that you had all of the problems you say that you had.  You always looked so happy, like you had it all together, like you didnt have a care in the world."  I had to laugh when she said those words to me. 

Little did she know........

My life was a complete and total mess.  I hid behind my laugh, smiled to keep from crying and talked excessively to keep myself from just screaming out loud.  There were days when I would stop my vehicle out in the country, get out and literally scream at the top of my lungs.......you can ask my mother, this is true!  I did anything that would make me feel better.  Physically, I looked pretty much the same as I do now, other than the fact that I have actually gained a few pounds.  On the inside, I was quite hideous.  It was the condition of my heart which made me ugly to the bone. 

The human heart is naturally selfish, self-centered and above all self-protective.  In fact, the Bible tells us that ALL sin starts in the heart.  Jeremiah 17:9 tells us that "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked."  Matthew 6:21 goes on to say, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." 

Even though I might physically look the same, my heart has been undergoing transformation.  I am still not perfect and will never be.  Through the grace of God I am a work in progress.  By reading, absorbing and doing His word to the best of my abilities, the stains on my heart are slowly fading away.  And for that, I am grateful this morning. 

ENJOYING THE BREEZE

I was finally able to sit outside and enjoy a beautiful morning.  It has been a terribly hot summer here in Louisiana and the act of sitting outside has been unthinkable for the past few months.  This morning has been a totally different story.  The sun is shining and a cool, gentle breeze is continuously blowing.  It was such a blessing just to sit there and feel the breeze.  It is that breeze which has put a message in my heart this morning. 

Before I honestly came to know Jesus,  my life resembled  a closed up room.  A room which had accumulated thick dust, a distinctive scent and a dry, dark, heavy feeling of oppression.  Nothing moved and nothing changed.  Day in, day out.......One day was just like all of the rest.  I had become quite content to sit in filth.  I thought it was normal.  None of my friends has a problem with it.....and neither did I!

One day, the door to my filthy room was thrown open.  You could say I was blinded by the light!  I was forced to acknowledge the thick particles of dust which really did linger in the air.  This sudden beam of light was torture to my eyes, but I couldnt help but to step out of that room and actually experience a decent breath of fresh air.  I was amazed at how good it felt to feel the sunlight on my face and to feel the breeze which touched my skin!  Needless to say, I realized once and for all that I had enough of that oppressive, depressive and stifling room.

And here I sit today.....I love my God!  I am so grateful for the way He speaks to my soul.  I encourage anyone reading this to step out into the sunlight.....to feel His breeze.....to enjoy the freshness that only comes to us through knowing Him as the Lord and Savior of your life!

John 3:8  The wind blows where it wishes, and you will hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from or where it goes.  So is every one who is born of the spirit

BE QUICK TO SAY I LOVE YOU

As we go about our daily lives, nothing is certain.  At any given time, life as we know it is subject to change.  What is routine and ordinary one moment can become both horrific and destructive the next.  I write this with a heavy heart this morning.  My thoughts and my prayers are going out to a family here in town whose lives changed forever yesterday evening.  My words arent coming out very easily, but my prayers for this family surely are.  Its hard for me to even imagine what these people are going through. Sudden and unexpected tragedy has never actually knocked upon my door in such a manner.  However, the point I am about to make is one that we all need to remember and practice at any and all times. 

Each day is a gift.  Every moment should be treasured.  No one is promised tomorrow and our next breath is not guaranteed.  We all need to love while we can, treasure the people in our lives and make sure they know how very much they are appreciated.  Life is too short.  We never know when someone might become a memory.

Be quick to say I LOVE YOU....take time to laugh and smile....forgive and move forward....encourage each other in every possible way.  Let those close to you know that you love them, let there be no doubt in their minds.  Dont end up full of regret. 

I made my point, said what I needed to say.  Yes, this 'note' has personal meaning to me.  I hope that a certain someone reads these words...................

Life is too short.....

James 4:14  Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow.  For what is your life?  It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away