Summer, 2000

Where Thieves Break In

As you might guess, being a webmaster, my computer is one of my most essential earthly possessions. Indeed, when my old computer became schizophrenic a while back, I was thrown into a virtual tailspin. During the fairly brief interim between the old computer's mental illness and the acquisition of a new one, a mountain of e-mail and web work grew to astronomic proportions... I normally get about 700 e-mails a day, so after a few weeks, it became completely unmanageable.

Imagine my attachment to the new very fast Mac G-4 that now graces one end of our bedroom. Imagine further my dismay when coming home from church one Sunday evening to find our house had been broken into and the computer was all unhooked, monitor askew and wires, CD-ROMs and papers strewn everywhere. Something or someone had apparently startled the villains before they were finished with their heist... perhaps they heard us drive up...?

The whole house had been trashed... drawers pulled out and their contents scattered willy nilly; furniture tipped; closets raided... it was horrible! Yet there sat our two dogs, tails happily wagging. They probably enjoyed the robbers' company ;-)

I am still unable to adequately describe the sense of violation I felt. Some stranger(s) had invaded our home, pawed through my undies, invaded my personal space. Initially, I was too angry and frustrated to see past the moment, but within just a few minutes I began to see the bigger picture.

The thieves had gotten away with jewelry, money, and other valuables, but they didn't harm our beloved pets nor get out the door with my vital Mac... God had let them go so far and no further. My loving Father had put a hedge around what was really important to me. I soon found my lips full of praises to my merciful Lord.

But what if these invaders had taken all we own? What would I do than? How would I praise God then? With all my heart!

My real treasure is not in this house, nor anywhere on this earth... my most precious treasure is in heavenly spheres and can never be taken from me. Jesus warned against setting our heart on earthy, temporal treasures, for these will rot and rust and turn to dust... storing up heavenly treasures, that is wisdom!

The lure of material wealth and our easy dependence on it is a temptation to set our hearts and heads and hands on the corruptible rather than the eternal. Rather, set your heart on that which is imperishable, keeping the material things in their proper place.

Enjoy what God has so graciously placed in your hand, but should it be taken away, do not grieve over it. God is able to provide for you... and He loves you more than you'll ever know. Trust Him. Praise Him. Rely on His wisdom. Learn to be content with your material circumstance yet never satisfied with your spiritual endowments... ever seeking to be closer to your Lord.

I've been praying for those thieves who ransacked our home. At first my prayers for them were dutifully said but devoid of sincerity, but as I seek the Lord, the Holy Spirit has filled my heart with love for these wayward souls and my prayers are genuine. That's God's doing and I give Him the Glory!

Be Still And Know That I AM God
By Jan B. Coleman

God, what do you mean to be still and know you are God?
My child, what I mean is:
Though the earth be removed,
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with swelling,
Though the wind blow, though the storm rage;

IN OTHER WORDS:

Though your bills are due,
Though they give you a hard time on your job,
Though your husband won't act right,
Though your wife won't act right,
Though your children are disobedient,
Though there's sickness in your body,
Though your enemies get on your NERVES;

Stop your WORRIES!
Stop your COMPLAINING!
Stop your DOUBTING!
Stop your FROWNING!
Cease your fears, and dry up those tears!

For I'm right there to comfort you,
I'm right there to guide you,
I'm right there to hold you up,
I'm right there to heal you,
I'm right there to deliver you.

So cast your cares upon me for I careth for you.
My child this is what I mean by being still and knowing I AM GOD.
FOR I AM GOD ALL BY MYSELF!!!

Written by the I AM

Please pass this on to others, you don't know who maybe in need of these words. Peace be unto each of you, In the matchless name of Jesus.

Who Do You Remember?
Submitted by Julia Townsend

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier? The lesson?

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

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