(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
Not long ago a friend shared this airport experience with me. “I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together. They had announced her flight’s departure and standing near the security gate, they hugged and he said, “I love you. I wish you enough.”
She in turn replied, “I wish you enough, too. Daddy, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I’ve ever needed.” They kissed, and she left.
He walked over to the window where I was seated and I could see he wanted, and needed, to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy but he welcomed me in by asking,
“Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?” Remembering my father, I replied, “Yes, I have.” Recognizing that his days were limited, I took the time to tell him face to face how much he meant to me. To express my love and appreciation for all he had done for me. “Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?” I asked.
“I am old and she lives much too far away to visit often. I have challenges ahead, and the reality is, her next trip back will be for my funeral,” he replied.
“When you were saying good-bye I heard you say, ‘I wish you enough.’ May I ask what that means?”
He smiled and said, “that’s a wish that has been handed down for generations. My parents used to say it to everyone. When we say ‘I wish you enough,’ we are wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.” He paused, remembering, and then continued, “It means:
- I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
- I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
- I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
- I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
- I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
- I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
- I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-byes.”
-
His tears could no longer be held back and he walked away.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name. (Psalms 100:4)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
IT IS NEVER TOO LATE
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
One man wrote of his destiny this way, “I am seventy years old and suddenly I realize how much I have wasted my life. All the little minutes, the little hours, that have grown into a lifetime. I have cluttered my life with little deeds of selfishness until I created a giant called greed that now rules me. I trampled the hearts of my mother and father and wife by a thousand different little acts of meanness. I have, for a lifetime, been building a house called ME; stone by stone by stone and it is too late to reshape the stones. Too late to rebuild the house.”
But he was wrong. It is never too late. It is never too late to add a little act of kindness, a small words of encouragement, a tiny unselfish deed that will never make the headlines, but can begin to remake a life. The challenge of making our destiny of little things better or worse is with us as long as we live. With our destiny of little things it is really possible to do a lot with very little. It is also possible to nothing with a lot.
Do not waste your destiny "... that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in you (us) Romans 8:3, NKJV
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
One man wrote of his destiny this way, “I am seventy years old and suddenly I realize how much I have wasted my life. All the little minutes, the little hours, that have grown into a lifetime. I have cluttered my life with little deeds of selfishness until I created a giant called greed that now rules me. I trampled the hearts of my mother and father and wife by a thousand different little acts of meanness. I have, for a lifetime, been building a house called ME; stone by stone by stone and it is too late to reshape the stones. Too late to rebuild the house.”
But he was wrong. It is never too late. It is never too late to add a little act of kindness, a small words of encouragement, a tiny unselfish deed that will never make the headlines, but can begin to remake a life. The challenge of making our destiny of little things better or worse is with us as long as we live. With our destiny of little things it is really possible to do a lot with very little. It is also possible to nothing with a lot.
Do not waste your destiny "... that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in you (us) Romans 8:3, NKJV
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
ARE YOU AFRAID TO EXTEND YOURSELF?
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
In the days of the Spanish Inquisition, when an inquisitor wanted to break a man’s spirit, they would put him in a dungeon that was so small he could neither fully stand up nor lie down. In fact, he simply could not extend himself in any direction. They would leave him in this condition until he did one of two things; he either gave in or went mad.
This is what life is all about. We were made for extension, for improvement, for being a little closer to God and godliness today than yesterday. When we do not extend ourselves, we go a little mad.
Thoreau used to say that he always returned a borrowed axe sharper than when he received it. When your last pulse beat has ended, when your last breath has been taken, when your soul goes up as your body lies down, will you have taken the life given you and made it sharper than when you received it?
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
(Use in your personal or church newsletters)
In the days of the Spanish Inquisition, when an inquisitor wanted to break a man’s spirit, they would put him in a dungeon that was so small he could neither fully stand up nor lie down. In fact, he simply could not extend himself in any direction. They would leave him in this condition until he did one of two things; he either gave in or went mad.
This is what life is all about. We were made for extension, for improvement, for being a little closer to God and godliness today than yesterday. When we do not extend ourselves, we go a little mad.
Thoreau used to say that he always returned a borrowed axe sharper than when he received it. When your last pulse beat has ended, when your last breath has been taken, when your soul goes up as your body lies down, will you have taken the life given you and made it sharper than when you received it?
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
DO YOU TANGLE TRUTH?
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
The man was at confession and he said, “Father, I have stolen a rope.” And he told the truth. He only neglected to mention that there was a cow at the other end of that rope.
And Pontius Pilate asked, “What is truth?” But why ask the question? It is a seldom thing when we do not know what truth is…very seldom, indeed.
A woman hired an author to write her biography. The author discovered that one of her grandfathers had died in the electric chair. He knew he could not leave this fact out of his writing but he was also aware she would want this fact couched in as elusive terms as possible. His description of the event was priceless. “Her grandfather occupied the chair of electricity in one of America’s most noted institutions. He was very much attached to his position and literally died in the harness.”
In World War II, Winston Churchill spelled it out so very well when explaining whether or not a political decision he had made could be trusted as a good decision. He was at least honest when he said, “I prefer to leave the judgment on that to history… especially as I propose to write that history myself.”
We do have to be careful, now don’t we? Interpreting truth in a manner that can make us right when deep down inside we know we may well be wrong. Are you always objective when it comes to moral choices or describing yourself to yourself? Or are you subjective? Which is another way of asking, “How often do you lie to yourself, make excuses when you don’t have a leg to stand on, try to justify the unjustifiable?”
Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk and live in Your truth; direct and unite my heart [solely, reverently] to fear and honor Your name. (Psalm 86: 11)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
The man was at confession and he said, “Father, I have stolen a rope.” And he told the truth. He only neglected to mention that there was a cow at the other end of that rope.
And Pontius Pilate asked, “What is truth?” But why ask the question? It is a seldom thing when we do not know what truth is…very seldom, indeed.
A woman hired an author to write her biography. The author discovered that one of her grandfathers had died in the electric chair. He knew he could not leave this fact out of his writing but he was also aware she would want this fact couched in as elusive terms as possible. His description of the event was priceless. “Her grandfather occupied the chair of electricity in one of America’s most noted institutions. He was very much attached to his position and literally died in the harness.”
In World War II, Winston Churchill spelled it out so very well when explaining whether or not a political decision he had made could be trusted as a good decision. He was at least honest when he said, “I prefer to leave the judgment on that to history… especially as I propose to write that history myself.”
We do have to be careful, now don’t we? Interpreting truth in a manner that can make us right when deep down inside we know we may well be wrong. Are you always objective when it comes to moral choices or describing yourself to yourself? Or are you subjective? Which is another way of asking, “How often do you lie to yourself, make excuses when you don’t have a leg to stand on, try to justify the unjustifiable?”
Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk and live in Your truth; direct and unite my heart [solely, reverently] to fear and honor Your name. (Psalm 86: 11)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
CAN YOU WALK IN THE SUNSHINE AND STILL PROJECT A POOR SHADOW?
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
Her father was a Christian and because of how mean, thoughtless, dishonest and neglectful he was, she gave up on Christ. With sadness she related how it had been and how it still was. “Dad often spoke of Christ’s love, but he did not give it. He spoke of Christ’s commandments for decent behavior, but he never followed them. So I decided, how can I trust the faith of a man who does not act like he speaks?” To this day, she expresses sorrow at her cynicism, but it will not go away.
”He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”
(1 John 2:6 KJV)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
Her father was a Christian and because of how mean, thoughtless, dishonest and neglectful he was, she gave up on Christ. With sadness she related how it had been and how it still was. “Dad often spoke of Christ’s love, but he did not give it. He spoke of Christ’s commandments for decent behavior, but he never followed them. So I decided, how can I trust the faith of a man who does not act like he speaks?” To this day, she expresses sorrow at her cynicism, but it will not go away.
”He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”
(1 John 2:6 KJV)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
Monday, October 26, 2009
FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
There was a man named Rollen Stewart who developed a novel idea to constantly receive what Andy Warhol called his fifteen minutes of fame. He would attend major sporting events and then at the right time jump in front of a TV camera wearing an oversized, rainbow-colored wig. This was his goal in life, to shine the spotlight of public attention on himself. To try to make his name, Rollen Stewart, a household name.
And then one day he was converted. His personality did not change. He did not sell his oversized, rainbow-colored wig. He just added something. Now he appeared at not just sporting events but anywhere and everywhere, even appearing in the crowd during the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Di, where he duly leaped in front of a TV camera wearing his oversized, rainbow-colored wig…along with holding a sign that read “John 3:16.”
He got himself thrown out of any number of events. He was arrested, and while in jail his followers continued his placard-raising ministry. Not everyone understood. At one football game a man looked very perplexed as he was being surround by signs that read “John 3:16” “What is this John 3:16 thing?” he asked. And that the shame of the matter. He had no idea. He had no idea, but he may well have gone looking for an answer and that is the point of Mr. Stewart’s rather bizarre actions. The Lord works in strange and wonderful ways to make Himself known to his wandering children.
I’m obviously not suggesting that you wear outlandish wigs and jump in front of TV cameras but that isn’t the point, is it? The point is that when Rollen Stewart learned about the love of God he was overwhelmed. And he couldn’t keep quiet about it. And overwhelming the world with placards that read “John 3:16” made perfect sense to him.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
There was a man named Rollen Stewart who developed a novel idea to constantly receive what Andy Warhol called his fifteen minutes of fame. He would attend major sporting events and then at the right time jump in front of a TV camera wearing an oversized, rainbow-colored wig. This was his goal in life, to shine the spotlight of public attention on himself. To try to make his name, Rollen Stewart, a household name.
And then one day he was converted. His personality did not change. He did not sell his oversized, rainbow-colored wig. He just added something. Now he appeared at not just sporting events but anywhere and everywhere, even appearing in the crowd during the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Di, where he duly leaped in front of a TV camera wearing his oversized, rainbow-colored wig…along with holding a sign that read “John 3:16.”
He got himself thrown out of any number of events. He was arrested, and while in jail his followers continued his placard-raising ministry. Not everyone understood. At one football game a man looked very perplexed as he was being surround by signs that read “John 3:16” “What is this John 3:16 thing?” he asked. And that the shame of the matter. He had no idea. He had no idea, but he may well have gone looking for an answer and that is the point of Mr. Stewart’s rather bizarre actions. The Lord works in strange and wonderful ways to make Himself known to his wandering children.
I’m obviously not suggesting that you wear outlandish wigs and jump in front of TV cameras but that isn’t the point, is it? The point is that when Rollen Stewart learned about the love of God he was overwhelmed. And he couldn’t keep quiet about it. And overwhelming the world with placards that read “John 3:16” made perfect sense to him.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
800 PACOS
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
Ernest Hemingway is one of my favorite authors and in one of his stories he tells of a father who had a rebellious son named Paco. Ultimately, Paco became a modern-day prodigal son and ran away from home. Overwhelmed with grief and concern, the father finally, in one last desperate attempt to find his son, put an ad in the local newspaper. It read:
“Dear Paco, meet me in front of the newspaper office at noon. All is forgiven. I love you.” The next day 800 Pacos showed up. They all were responding to the fact their father loved them and forgave them.
And God says, Dear John, Jane, James, Nancy meet me in the front of your soul any time during your life. All is forgiven. I love you.”
I like the way God’s love is described in 1 John 3:1 “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
Ernest Hemingway is one of my favorite authors and in one of his stories he tells of a father who had a rebellious son named Paco. Ultimately, Paco became a modern-day prodigal son and ran away from home. Overwhelmed with grief and concern, the father finally, in one last desperate attempt to find his son, put an ad in the local newspaper. It read:
“Dear Paco, meet me in front of the newspaper office at noon. All is forgiven. I love you.” The next day 800 Pacos showed up. They all were responding to the fact their father loved them and forgave them.
And God says, Dear John, Jane, James, Nancy meet me in the front of your soul any time during your life. All is forgiven. I love you.”
I like the way God’s love is described in 1 John 3:1 “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
RUSH TO OBLIVION
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
In a novel, The Way of All Flesh, a young ministerial candidate has a nervous breakdown. He is on a too fast treadmill, caught between a traditionalist view and a more liberal view of looking at things. In rushing in a crazy-quilt life, back and forth between the two he has worn himself out. Then comes on the scene the wise, old doctor prescribing a cure. “Go to the zoo and daily study the elephants,” advises the physician. Willing to try anything the young man follows the instructions. Day after day he observes and studies the slow but steady movements of these ponderous pachyderms.
Not far away from the elephants he has also observed the tigers frantically pacing back and forth. Rushing to nowhere. Impatient, and rightly so. Nervous, and without restraint. But nevertheless, rushing to nowhere.
And bit by bit the message fights through and sinks in. He begins to understand that he must slow his pace. Find a new rhythm. Find a proper balance in his life.
"I have come that (YOU) may have life, and that (YOU) may have it more abundantly." —John 10:10
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
In a novel, The Way of All Flesh, a young ministerial candidate has a nervous breakdown. He is on a too fast treadmill, caught between a traditionalist view and a more liberal view of looking at things. In rushing in a crazy-quilt life, back and forth between the two he has worn himself out. Then comes on the scene the wise, old doctor prescribing a cure. “Go to the zoo and daily study the elephants,” advises the physician. Willing to try anything the young man follows the instructions. Day after day he observes and studies the slow but steady movements of these ponderous pachyderms.
Not far away from the elephants he has also observed the tigers frantically pacing back and forth. Rushing to nowhere. Impatient, and rightly so. Nervous, and without restraint. But nevertheless, rushing to nowhere.
And bit by bit the message fights through and sinks in. He begins to understand that he must slow his pace. Find a new rhythm. Find a proper balance in his life.
"I have come that (YOU) may have life, and that (YOU) may have it more abundantly." —John 10:10
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
Friday, October 23, 2009
A MOST UNUSUAL FUNERAL SERVICE
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
Once upon a time, a church extended a call to a minister. The necessary amenities took place and he accepted the call. However, he had not long been at his labors before he decided that if the church was not dead, it at least was as close to this condition as possible. Therefore, exactly one month after his arrival, he sent out the following letter to the members of the congregation.
“Dear Members:
On next Sunday morning, a funeral service will be held for our church. You are urged to attend and pay your last respects.”
Needless to say, on the next Sunday morning, church attendance looked like Easter, Christmas and Judgment Day all rolled up into one. Curiosity as to exactly what a funeral service for a dead church might be like had stirred up, shaken out and brought forth members who hadn’t been seen for years. As each entrant moved through the doors into the sanctuary, the very first thing they saw was a plain, gray closed casket just beneath the pulpit and at the head of the aisle. There were no flowers. The music was played so soft one had to strain to hear it. Soon there no longer room inside so chairs were set up on the lawn and a makeshift loud-speaker system was activated.
At last, the minister entered from a side door, moved forward and began to speak;
“Dear friends, it does my heart good to see this church had so many who cared and that it has not been forgotten in this time of sorrow.”
He made several other comments about its untimely death and how the community would feel its loss and then he said, “I will now ask the undertaker to remove the lid from the casket so that you may each view the remains of your dead church.”
Slowly the members of the congregation came down the aisle and to the casket and looking down each one saw his or herself reflected in a mirror.
“I pray that your hearts will be flooded with lights so that you can see something of the future He has called you to share. I want you to realize that God has been made rich because we who are Christ’s have been given Him! “ Ephesians 1: 18 TLB
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
Once upon a time, a church extended a call to a minister. The necessary amenities took place and he accepted the call. However, he had not long been at his labors before he decided that if the church was not dead, it at least was as close to this condition as possible. Therefore, exactly one month after his arrival, he sent out the following letter to the members of the congregation.
“Dear Members:
On next Sunday morning, a funeral service will be held for our church. You are urged to attend and pay your last respects.”
Needless to say, on the next Sunday morning, church attendance looked like Easter, Christmas and Judgment Day all rolled up into one. Curiosity as to exactly what a funeral service for a dead church might be like had stirred up, shaken out and brought forth members who hadn’t been seen for years. As each entrant moved through the doors into the sanctuary, the very first thing they saw was a plain, gray closed casket just beneath the pulpit and at the head of the aisle. There were no flowers. The music was played so soft one had to strain to hear it. Soon there no longer room inside so chairs were set up on the lawn and a makeshift loud-speaker system was activated.
At last, the minister entered from a side door, moved forward and began to speak;
“Dear friends, it does my heart good to see this church had so many who cared and that it has not been forgotten in this time of sorrow.”
He made several other comments about its untimely death and how the community would feel its loss and then he said, “I will now ask the undertaker to remove the lid from the casket so that you may each view the remains of your dead church.”
Slowly the members of the congregation came down the aisle and to the casket and looking down each one saw his or herself reflected in a mirror.
“I pray that your hearts will be flooded with lights so that you can see something of the future He has called you to share. I want you to realize that God has been made rich because we who are Christ’s have been given Him! “ Ephesians 1: 18 TLB
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
DON'T CARE?
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down to read previous One A Days.)
Back in the old days when you got a soda at one of those long marble soda fountain counters a soda didn’t have ice cream in it…just flavoring. Chocolate soda, vanilla, sarsaparilla, strawberry soda and then way over at the end of the all the lovely options, IN SOME STORES, there was a knob labeled “Don’t Care.”
When anyone would come in and couldn’t make up their mind, they’d say, “Don’t care” and that’s what they get.
So…when you approach life,, you need to ask yourself “What do I want?” And realize that if you don’t care … that opens up a lot of possibilities and that opens up a whole bunch of cans of worms.
How does that scripture read, “Whatever you shall truly seek, that you shall surely find.”
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
Back in the old days when you got a soda at one of those long marble soda fountain counters a soda didn’t have ice cream in it…just flavoring. Chocolate soda, vanilla, sarsaparilla, strawberry soda and then way over at the end of the all the lovely options, IN SOME STORES, there was a knob labeled “Don’t Care.”
When anyone would come in and couldn’t make up their mind, they’d say, “Don’t care” and that’s what they get.
So…when you approach life,, you need to ask yourself “What do I want?” And realize that if you don’t care … that opens up a lot of possibilities and that opens up a whole bunch of cans of worms.
How does that scripture read, “Whatever you shall truly seek, that you shall surely find.”
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Or type in the URL http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com/
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Or type in the URL http://oneadayyourspiritualvitamins.blogspot.com/
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU ENJOY THESE WRITINGS COULD YOU CALL ATTENTION TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
A MAN WELL WORTH GETTING TO KNOW
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
Let me share with you a note written by a dying man? This man was sick the greater part of his life, and now he was hemorrhaging to death.
He wrote, “Mr. Dumbleigh presents his compliments, and praises God that he is sick, so that he can be cared for by two tender, loving angels. No man was ever so blessed as I.” And signed it Mr. Dumbleigh.
The man’s real name was Robert Louis Stevenson. This author of so many masterpieces never lost his sense of humor or his sense of God even up until and through the day of his death.
Early in life he mastered self-pity. Early in life he decided that while there was not much he could do about his body, there was a great deal he could do about his soul.
He used to write some of his stories a few lines at a time. He would have to stop and put his pen down and rest, sometimes 60 times an hour.
I would have liked to have looked into his eyes. I would have liked to have known Robert Louis Stevenson. It would have been a privilege.
I suppose what I am saying is that we all need to work at the being the kind of people that when other people get to know they consider it a privilege.
Just remember that an ounce of example is better than a gallon of advice.
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
Let me share with you a note written by a dying man? This man was sick the greater part of his life, and now he was hemorrhaging to death.
He wrote, “Mr. Dumbleigh presents his compliments, and praises God that he is sick, so that he can be cared for by two tender, loving angels. No man was ever so blessed as I.” And signed it Mr. Dumbleigh.
The man’s real name was Robert Louis Stevenson. This author of so many masterpieces never lost his sense of humor or his sense of God even up until and through the day of his death.
Early in life he mastered self-pity. Early in life he decided that while there was not much he could do about his body, there was a great deal he could do about his soul.
He used to write some of his stories a few lines at a time. He would have to stop and put his pen down and rest, sometimes 60 times an hour.
I would have liked to have looked into his eyes. I would have liked to have known Robert Louis Stevenson. It would have been a privilege.
I suppose what I am saying is that we all need to work at the being the kind of people that when other people get to know they consider it a privilege.
Just remember that an ounce of example is better than a gallon of advice.
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
ANYONE CAN DO IT
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
Allow me to tell you a story about the great magician Houdini. As you most likely know this great escape artist claimed there was no jail in America that could hold him, and he always proved he was right.
Until, one day, he was locked in a jail in a small mid western town where everything went terribly wrong. It was very cold, below freezing really, and when the jail cell doors clanged shut he hoped he would be able to get out in record time because despite his self-discipline he was increasingly uncomfortable.
Left to himself, he extracted from a secret place in his belt a small piece of metal, strong and flexible. Then time lengthened and he could not pick the lock. He grew frantic. It was two hours and his fingers were stiff and no longer functioning very well. Soon he was bathed in sweat and feeling increasingly miserable but still the lock would not open. Finally in frustration he leaned against the door and as he did it swung open. It had never been locked.
That is the message of our faith.. Christ has come to the door of our souls and unlocked it. It doesn’t take any special magic to open it. All we have to do is open it ourselves and welcome Him in.
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
Allow me to tell you a story about the great magician Houdini. As you most likely know this great escape artist claimed there was no jail in America that could hold him, and he always proved he was right.
Until, one day, he was locked in a jail in a small mid western town where everything went terribly wrong. It was very cold, below freezing really, and when the jail cell doors clanged shut he hoped he would be able to get out in record time because despite his self-discipline he was increasingly uncomfortable.
Left to himself, he extracted from a secret place in his belt a small piece of metal, strong and flexible. Then time lengthened and he could not pick the lock. He grew frantic. It was two hours and his fingers were stiff and no longer functioning very well. Soon he was bathed in sweat and feeling increasingly miserable but still the lock would not open. Finally in frustration he leaned against the door and as he did it swung open. It had never been locked.
That is the message of our faith.. Christ has come to the door of our souls and unlocked it. It doesn’t take any special magic to open it. All we have to do is open it ourselves and welcome Him in.
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
Monday, October 19, 2009
ARE DISAPPOINTMENTS GOOD OR BAD?
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
When you face a big bag of disappointments and discouragements with a side order of disgust hanging on to your coat tails, don’t just try to get rid of them. Also learn from them.
Henry Ford went broke five times before he finally succeeded. John Bunyan didn’t write Pilgrim’s Progress on a patio. He wrote it in prison. A young Hungarian won a gold medal in the 1955 Olympics with a steady right arm and hand. Four years later, because his right arm was now useless because of an accident he won another medal…this time with his left. Beethoven wrote some of his finest music while imprisoned by a personal wall of silence.
"Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it (the heart) are found the issues of life. For as a man thinketh in his heart so is he." (Proverbs 4:23, Proverbs 23:7)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
When you face a big bag of disappointments and discouragements with a side order of disgust hanging on to your coat tails, don’t just try to get rid of them. Also learn from them.
Henry Ford went broke five times before he finally succeeded. John Bunyan didn’t write Pilgrim’s Progress on a patio. He wrote it in prison. A young Hungarian won a gold medal in the 1955 Olympics with a steady right arm and hand. Four years later, because his right arm was now useless because of an accident he won another medal…this time with his left. Beethoven wrote some of his finest music while imprisoned by a personal wall of silence.
"Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it (the heart) are found the issues of life. For as a man thinketh in his heart so is he." (Proverbs 4:23, Proverbs 23:7)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
A DRUDGE
A DRUDGE!
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
Paderewski was one of the greatest pianists who ever walked God’s green earth. One day, after he had played before Queen Victoria in England she was for a time absolutely speechless. When finally she could speak the only thing she could think to say was, “You are a genius.” His reply was priceless, “Before I was a genius, I was a drudge.”
All the geniuses of the world, all the saints of the world, all of those who stand tall and sun crowned above the crowd had to first fumble and stumble on their way to being exceptional.
Would you improve so much in this next year that your improvement might be called the work of a genius? Then, first be willing to pay the price of drudgery before you reap the reward of an exceptional life.
“Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
Paderewski was one of the greatest pianists who ever walked God’s green earth. One day, after he had played before Queen Victoria in England she was for a time absolutely speechless. When finally she could speak the only thing she could think to say was, “You are a genius.” His reply was priceless, “Before I was a genius, I was a drudge.”
All the geniuses of the world, all the saints of the world, all of those who stand tall and sun crowned above the crowd had to first fumble and stumble on their way to being exceptional.
Would you improve so much in this next year that your improvement might be called the work of a genius? Then, first be willing to pay the price of drudgery before you reap the reward of an exceptional life.
“Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
LET JOHN DO IT
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
Do you have a jar of Smuckers jam in your refrigerator? Did you know that if you weighed it, it would weigh more than the label says it does? You see, Smuckers doesn’t care whether their customers weigh it or even some heavenly set of scales might one day weigh it, all they care about is doing their best and then a little more…no matter who knows it.
Would you live in a garden rather than a garbage dump? Get this kind of attitude and your life will smell of roses rather than stink with rot.
I try to make it a habit to often ask what have I done to make this world a better place? What have you done?
There is a word, responsibility, that is normally thought of as one word. Try thinking of it as two; response and ability. In short, how you have trained your abilities to respond to life is essentially who you really are. When things go wrong some people just respond by doing nothing and being nothing. Others take the initiative and try to solve whatever the problem is.
Just remember that the words “I must do something” always solves more problems than “Something must be done.”
“For each one should carry his own load.”
Galatians 6:5 (New International Version)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
Do you have a jar of Smuckers jam in your refrigerator? Did you know that if you weighed it, it would weigh more than the label says it does? You see, Smuckers doesn’t care whether their customers weigh it or even some heavenly set of scales might one day weigh it, all they care about is doing their best and then a little more…no matter who knows it.
Would you live in a garden rather than a garbage dump? Get this kind of attitude and your life will smell of roses rather than stink with rot.
I try to make it a habit to often ask what have I done to make this world a better place? What have you done?
There is a word, responsibility, that is normally thought of as one word. Try thinking of it as two; response and ability. In short, how you have trained your abilities to respond to life is essentially who you really are. When things go wrong some people just respond by doing nothing and being nothing. Others take the initiative and try to solve whatever the problem is.
Just remember that the words “I must do something” always solves more problems than “Something must be done.”
“For each one should carry his own load.”
Galatians 6:5 (New International Version)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
Friday, October 16, 2009
.DO YOU WANT TO MEET UP WITH MEDIOCRITY?
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
H. L. Menchen, long-time editor of the famous American Mercury magazine, one day charged into the room where the excellent magazine was being put to bed, and began to shout, “It’s coming in the doors!” Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at their boss.
“It’s up to the bottom of the desk! It’s up to the seats of our chairs.”
“What are you talking about?” one man dared to ask.
H.L. gave no answer. He just kept shouting, “It’s all around us. Now, it’s up to the top of our desk.”
By now everyone was perplexed and some had decided their boss had just gone completely mad. Finally another man summoned up the courage to ask, “What do you mean?”
Finally, an answer, “Mediocrity. We’re drowning in mediocrity!”
Do you think God gave you life so you could spend your days drowning in mediocrity? Do I think God means for me to take the easy way out until one day I would know no other way? Is commitment a great word that everyone understands but few want to follow? H.L. Mencken refused to be associated with any cause, any organization, any project, any person who was bogged down by mediocrity. He believed that anything worth doing was worth doing right.
There is an answer to all of this, you know. Just make a sign and hang it over your front door. “All who live within are no worse than anyone else.”
Would you fulfill your destiny to its finest? Then do not make excuses that the storms of life have beat you down, even though they may well have done just that.
Rather shout out to your soul the words of Isaiah, “Renew your strength and soar on wings like eagles.” (Isaiah 40:31) Earthbound, life can seem hopeless. With you feet in the mud and your head down you certainly will never see a star. But just remember, above the storm is an endless sky and beyond that an eternal, loving, caring Father who can infuse you with more power than you can imagine.
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
H. L. Menchen, long-time editor of the famous American Mercury magazine, one day charged into the room where the excellent magazine was being put to bed, and began to shout, “It’s coming in the doors!” Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at their boss.
“It’s up to the bottom of the desk! It’s up to the seats of our chairs.”
“What are you talking about?” one man dared to ask.
H.L. gave no answer. He just kept shouting, “It’s all around us. Now, it’s up to the top of our desk.”
By now everyone was perplexed and some had decided their boss had just gone completely mad. Finally another man summoned up the courage to ask, “What do you mean?”
Finally, an answer, “Mediocrity. We’re drowning in mediocrity!”
Do you think God gave you life so you could spend your days drowning in mediocrity? Do I think God means for me to take the easy way out until one day I would know no other way? Is commitment a great word that everyone understands but few want to follow? H.L. Mencken refused to be associated with any cause, any organization, any project, any person who was bogged down by mediocrity. He believed that anything worth doing was worth doing right.
There is an answer to all of this, you know. Just make a sign and hang it over your front door. “All who live within are no worse than anyone else.”
Would you fulfill your destiny to its finest? Then do not make excuses that the storms of life have beat you down, even though they may well have done just that.
Rather shout out to your soul the words of Isaiah, “Renew your strength and soar on wings like eagles.” (Isaiah 40:31) Earthbound, life can seem hopeless. With you feet in the mud and your head down you certainly will never see a star. But just remember, above the storm is an endless sky and beyond that an eternal, loving, caring Father who can infuse you with more power than you can imagine.
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
I KNOW IT ISN'T EASTER YET BUT...
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
This story is longer than most of the stories I share but I believe you will find it well worth the extra time it takes you to read it.
I know it isn’t Easter yet but can a timeless message be held up by a calendar.
Her name was Edith Burns and she lived in San Antonio, Texas. Her doctor’s name was Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle loving doctor who saw people as people and not as a number on his HMO chart. One morning he walked into his office with a very heavy heart.
Later, he went to the waiting room to call Edith in for a talk. He wanted to do it this morning himself rather than have her called in by his nurse. She was sitting there with her big heavy Bible resting in her lap talking to a young mother. He knew exactly how the conversation had begun,. “Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?” Then after she had gotten many of the usual answers that it was egg hunts and going to church and dressing up, Edith would keep pressing about the real meaning of Easter and continued to lead dozens of people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
It was what Edith was. It was what she did all the time. Too everyone she met. Reticence was not a part of her vocabulary.
When Doctor Phillips and Edith sat down Edith looked at him and said, “Why are you so sad doctor?
“Well,” he replied, knowing it would be easier to get his unpleasant task behind him, “Your tests came back Edith and you have inoperable cancer and that you are not going to live long.”
“Will Phillips, shame on you for looking so morose. Do you think God makes mistakes. You have just told me I’m going to see my precious Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just told me that I am going to celebrate Easter Forever, and here you are having difficulty giving me my ticket!”
Dr. Phillips thought to himself, “What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns is.”
Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and went. Then late one afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said she would have to be moving her story to the hospital. Then she asked favor, “Dr. Phillips, would you make sure they put women next to me in my room who need to know about Easter?”
Well, he did just that and as they came and went, not Edith, she just stayed there, she would meet each new patient with the words, “Hello, my name is Edith. Do you believe in Easter?”
After awhile all the staff members on the floor began to call her Edith Easter, that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse. Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because she was a “religious nut.”
Then, one morning, the two nurses who normally attended to Edith were sick. Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot. When she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said, “Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for you.”
Phyllis angrily responded, “Well, you can stop carrying on with such nonsense. I don’t believe in prayer. It won’t work. I’m not interested.”
Edith just smiled and said, “Well, I have prayed for you and I will keep on praying for you and I have asked God not to let me go home until you come into the family.”
Phyllis answered, “Then you will never die because that will never happen.”
With the other nurses still sick, every day when Phyllis walked into the room Edith would smile and say, “God loves you and I’m praying for you.”
One day Phyllis will tell you she was literally drawn to Edith’s room like a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said to her, “I’m so glad you have come, because God told me that today is your special day.”
Phyllis answered, “Edith, you have asked everybody here the question, “Do you believe in Easter? But you have never asked me.”
“Phyllis,” replied Edith, “Many times I have wanted to, but God told me to wait until you asked and now that you have asked…” Edith took her Bible and shared with Phyllis the Easter story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And then softly, for the first time she asked this nurse who had been cold and hard and just did everything by the book, “Phyllis, do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your heart?”
And Phyllis answered, “Oh, I want to believe. With all my heart I want to believe.” And they talked awhile longer and when Phyllis walked out of that hospital room it was as if she were being carried out on the wings of angels.
Some days later, Phyllis walked in for she came now many times, and Edith said to her, “Do you know what day it is?” And Phyllis replied, “Why Edith, its Good Friday.”
And Edith replied, with a smile so wide it tickled her soul, “Oh no Phyllis, it is Easter. Now, for you…every day is Easter. Happy Easter Phyllis.”
Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis came into work, did some of her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easter lilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easter lilies and wish her a Happy Easter.
When she walked into Edith’s room, Edith was in bed. That big black Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet smile on her face. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith’s hand she realized that Edith was dead.
Her left hand was on John 14: “In my Father’s house are many mansions. I go to prepared pa place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”
Her right hand was on revelation 21:4, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her face toward heaven, and with tears streaming down her cheeks, said, “Happy Easter, Edith—Happy Easter!”
Phyllis Cross left Edith’s body, walked out of the room, and over to a table where two student nurses were sitting. She sat down and turning to them asked a question, “My name is Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?”
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
This story is longer than most of the stories I share but I believe you will find it well worth the extra time it takes you to read it.
I know it isn’t Easter yet but can a timeless message be held up by a calendar.
Her name was Edith Burns and she lived in San Antonio, Texas. Her doctor’s name was Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle loving doctor who saw people as people and not as a number on his HMO chart. One morning he walked into his office with a very heavy heart.
Later, he went to the waiting room to call Edith in for a talk. He wanted to do it this morning himself rather than have her called in by his nurse. She was sitting there with her big heavy Bible resting in her lap talking to a young mother. He knew exactly how the conversation had begun,. “Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?” Then after she had gotten many of the usual answers that it was egg hunts and going to church and dressing up, Edith would keep pressing about the real meaning of Easter and continued to lead dozens of people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
It was what Edith was. It was what she did all the time. Too everyone she met. Reticence was not a part of her vocabulary.
When Doctor Phillips and Edith sat down Edith looked at him and said, “Why are you so sad doctor?
“Well,” he replied, knowing it would be easier to get his unpleasant task behind him, “Your tests came back Edith and you have inoperable cancer and that you are not going to live long.”
“Will Phillips, shame on you for looking so morose. Do you think God makes mistakes. You have just told me I’m going to see my precious Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just told me that I am going to celebrate Easter Forever, and here you are having difficulty giving me my ticket!”
Dr. Phillips thought to himself, “What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns is.”
Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and went. Then late one afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said she would have to be moving her story to the hospital. Then she asked favor, “Dr. Phillips, would you make sure they put women next to me in my room who need to know about Easter?”
Well, he did just that and as they came and went, not Edith, she just stayed there, she would meet each new patient with the words, “Hello, my name is Edith. Do you believe in Easter?”
After awhile all the staff members on the floor began to call her Edith Easter, that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse. Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because she was a “religious nut.”
Then, one morning, the two nurses who normally attended to Edith were sick. Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot. When she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said, “Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for you.”
Phyllis angrily responded, “Well, you can stop carrying on with such nonsense. I don’t believe in prayer. It won’t work. I’m not interested.”
Edith just smiled and said, “Well, I have prayed for you and I will keep on praying for you and I have asked God not to let me go home until you come into the family.”
Phyllis answered, “Then you will never die because that will never happen.”
With the other nurses still sick, every day when Phyllis walked into the room Edith would smile and say, “God loves you and I’m praying for you.”
One day Phyllis will tell you she was literally drawn to Edith’s room like a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said to her, “I’m so glad you have come, because God told me that today is your special day.”
Phyllis answered, “Edith, you have asked everybody here the question, “Do you believe in Easter? But you have never asked me.”
“Phyllis,” replied Edith, “Many times I have wanted to, but God told me to wait until you asked and now that you have asked…” Edith took her Bible and shared with Phyllis the Easter story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And then softly, for the first time she asked this nurse who had been cold and hard and just did everything by the book, “Phyllis, do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your heart?”
And Phyllis answered, “Oh, I want to believe. With all my heart I want to believe.” And they talked awhile longer and when Phyllis walked out of that hospital room it was as if she were being carried out on the wings of angels.
Some days later, Phyllis walked in for she came now many times, and Edith said to her, “Do you know what day it is?” And Phyllis replied, “Why Edith, its Good Friday.”
And Edith replied, with a smile so wide it tickled her soul, “Oh no Phyllis, it is Easter. Now, for you…every day is Easter. Happy Easter Phyllis.”
Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis came into work, did some of her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easter lilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easter lilies and wish her a Happy Easter.
When she walked into Edith’s room, Edith was in bed. That big black Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet smile on her face. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith’s hand she realized that Edith was dead.
Her left hand was on John 14: “In my Father’s house are many mansions. I go to prepared pa place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”
Her right hand was on revelation 21:4, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her face toward heaven, and with tears streaming down her cheeks, said, “Happy Easter, Edith—Happy Easter!”
Phyllis Cross left Edith’s body, walked out of the room, and over to a table where two student nurses were sitting. She sat down and turning to them asked a question, “My name is Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?”
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
A TIME FOR BEING KNOWN AND A TIME FOR...
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
At an afternoon tea for officers and their wives, the Commanding General stood up to speak. An hour later he was still rambling on and on. A lieutenant who by then could hardly keep his eyes open turned to the woman at his side and commented, “How long is that unbearable old windbag going to keep talking?”
“Do you know who I am?” asked the woman.
“No, I don’t,” replied the officer.
“I am the wife of that unbearable old windbag?”
“Do you know who I am?” countered the Lieutenant, rapidly growing red in the face.
“No, I don’t,” replied the woman.
“Thank God,” muttered the young lieutenant and melted into the crowd.
Thank God, and that is a prayer, that Jesus does know who you are, and loves you and forgives you and does not want you to melt into the crowd that ignores Him at the cross. Sometimes it is good not to be known, but when it comes to Jesus, it is the other way around.
“Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, my love will never leave you nor my covenant of peace be shaken, says the Lord, who has mercy on you.” Isaiah 54:10
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
At an afternoon tea for officers and their wives, the Commanding General stood up to speak. An hour later he was still rambling on and on. A lieutenant who by then could hardly keep his eyes open turned to the woman at his side and commented, “How long is that unbearable old windbag going to keep talking?”
“Do you know who I am?” asked the woman.
“No, I don’t,” replied the officer.
“I am the wife of that unbearable old windbag?”
“Do you know who I am?” countered the Lieutenant, rapidly growing red in the face.
“No, I don’t,” replied the woman.
“Thank God,” muttered the young lieutenant and melted into the crowd.
Thank God, and that is a prayer, that Jesus does know who you are, and loves you and forgives you and does not want you to melt into the crowd that ignores Him at the cross. Sometimes it is good not to be known, but when it comes to Jesus, it is the other way around.
“Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, my love will never leave you nor my covenant of peace be shaken, says the Lord, who has mercy on you.” Isaiah 54:10
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT IT? GOD!
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
He was a lonely survivor on an uninhabited island and he was afraid. Wreckage lay strewn on the beach and from the bits and pieces he built a small hut. He foraged for food. It was not an easy existence but he managed to survive while he prayed that somehow a passing ship would discover him. He even piled wood high on the beach for a bonfire in anticipation.
Then one day, when he was many miles away from his humble home, a great storm suddenly erupted. Lightning struck all around him and he feared for his life. When finally he returned to his hut he found that it had been struck by lightning and had burned to the ground.
Lifting his eyes to the heavens he cried out, “God, how could you do this to me?”
He then fell into a troubled sleep. Some-time later he was awakened by the sound of a boat full of men who had come to rescue him.
“How did you know I was here?” he asked.
“We saw your smoke signal,” came back the reply.
“Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven._ Matthew 6:10
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
He was a lonely survivor on an uninhabited island and he was afraid. Wreckage lay strewn on the beach and from the bits and pieces he built a small hut. He foraged for food. It was not an easy existence but he managed to survive while he prayed that somehow a passing ship would discover him. He even piled wood high on the beach for a bonfire in anticipation.
Then one day, when he was many miles away from his humble home, a great storm suddenly erupted. Lightning struck all around him and he feared for his life. When finally he returned to his hut he found that it had been struck by lightning and had burned to the ground.
Lifting his eyes to the heavens he cried out, “God, how could you do this to me?”
He then fell into a troubled sleep. Some-time later he was awakened by the sound of a boat full of men who had come to rescue him.
“How did you know I was here?” he asked.
“We saw your smoke signal,” came back the reply.
“Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven._ Matthew 6:10
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
Monday, October 12, 2009
ALMOST 90 YEARS OF A CANCER AND THEN IT WAS GONE
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
He was almost 90 as he told me his story. By the time he finished tears were streaming down his face. “I was only seven years old when my father died. The small, private plane he had been given a ride in had crashed at the local airport. I had been out riding my bicycle when my mother received the terrible news so I wasn’t aware of the tragedy when a boy, who had always disliked me, came riding by.
‘Your daddy is dead. Your daddy is dead. You don’t have a daddy anymore. Ha ha ha…’ He gleefully enjoyed my pain and rode away. That was how I learned about my father’s death.”
The old man continued, “It is why I have been consumed with hate all these years for that boy. We’re both old men now and it is time I forgive him.”
And as we prayed, he did. It had taken him a long time, too long, but finally he did what he would have been the better for if he had forgiven MANY YEARS earlier.
It had been a cancer and now it was gone.
I hope you pray to Jesus to have the wisdom that the Apostle Paul had when he wrote, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
He was almost 90 as he told me his story. By the time he finished tears were streaming down his face. “I was only seven years old when my father died. The small, private plane he had been given a ride in had crashed at the local airport. I had been out riding my bicycle when my mother received the terrible news so I wasn’t aware of the tragedy when a boy, who had always disliked me, came riding by.
‘Your daddy is dead. Your daddy is dead. You don’t have a daddy anymore. Ha ha ha…’ He gleefully enjoyed my pain and rode away. That was how I learned about my father’s death.”
The old man continued, “It is why I have been consumed with hate all these years for that boy. We’re both old men now and it is time I forgive him.”
And as we prayed, he did. It had taken him a long time, too long, but finally he did what he would have been the better for if he had forgiven MANY YEARS earlier.
It had been a cancer and now it was gone.
I hope you pray to Jesus to have the wisdom that the Apostle Paul had when he wrote, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
ANGER IS NOT MUCH FUN
(These ONE A DAYS are added to each new day. Scroll down and check out previous additions.)
A man was in a checkout line at the grocery store and his face was getting redder by the second. The veins on his neck and forehead were expanding. His voice was more than strident. “You are trying to cheat me and I will not stand for it. I demand that all the items on this receipt be checked as against what is in my basket.” Dutifully the manager, showing remarkable composure, did so. When he was finished, no mistakes had been found. And how did the less than gentleman react? He stormed out of the store shouting at the top of his lungs, “I will never shop at this store again.” At the same time all the customers looked at one another and some even said out loud, “I hope not.”
When ancient theologians listed the seven deadly sins, pride was number one; anger was not far behind.
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:8
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
A man was in a checkout line at the grocery store and his face was getting redder by the second. The veins on his neck and forehead were expanding. His voice was more than strident. “You are trying to cheat me and I will not stand for it. I demand that all the items on this receipt be checked as against what is in my basket.” Dutifully the manager, showing remarkable composure, did so. When he was finished, no mistakes had been found. And how did the less than gentleman react? He stormed out of the store shouting at the top of his lungs, “I will never shop at this store again.” At the same time all the customers looked at one another and some even said out loud, “I hope not.”
When ancient theologians listed the seven deadly sins, pride was number one; anger was not far behind.
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:8
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
GOD GAVE US MEMORIES SO WE COULD ENJOY THE FLOWERS AS WELL AS LEARN FROM THE THORNS
(These thoughts are added to each day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
There is an ancient Greek legend told about a ferryman on the River Styx, the river across which the dead must traverse, and how he is asked by a woman about to be ferried across some rather piercing questions.
She has learned that if she drinks from the waters of the river she will forget everything that has happened in her life on earth. And so she asks, “If I drink of these waters, will I forget all my suffering?” “Well, yes, you will,” comes back the reply. “And will I forget all my joys,” she responds. “Well, yes.” “And will I forget all my failures?” “Yes.” “And will I forget all my triumphs?” “Yes, you will forget all your triumphs.” “And will I forget how much I have been hated?” “Yes.” “And will I forget how much I have been loved?” “Yes.” “Then”, she says with a voice firm and a mind made up, “I will not drink.”
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”. And hopefully they will make this site a favorite and visit it every day.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
There is an ancient Greek legend told about a ferryman on the River Styx, the river across which the dead must traverse, and how he is asked by a woman about to be ferried across some rather piercing questions.
She has learned that if she drinks from the waters of the river she will forget everything that has happened in her life on earth. And so she asks, “If I drink of these waters, will I forget all my suffering?” “Well, yes, you will,” comes back the reply. “And will I forget all my joys,” she responds. “Well, yes.” “And will I forget all my failures?” “Yes.” “And will I forget all my triumphs?” “Yes, you will forget all your triumphs.” “And will I forget how much I have been hated?” “Yes.” “And will I forget how much I have been loved?” “Yes.” “Then”, she says with a voice firm and a mind made up, “I will not drink.”
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”. And hopefully they will make this site a favorite and visit it every day.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
Friday, October 9, 2009
HIDE AND SEEK
(These One A Days are added to each new day. Scroll down and read previous One A Days.)
There is an old story told about the soul of man. The spirits of the air, the earth, the waters and fire came and stole away the soul of man. Now a great argument ensued as to who would actually possess it. For the rest of the day and long into the night they argued, but none of the four spirits would cede their ownership. Since they could not agree, they decided they would hide man’s soul, but where?
“Hide the soul of man within me,” cried out the earth.
But the spirit of water replied, “That will never do. Man will devise some way to find out what is beneath the earth and he will find his soul. Rather, hide the soul of man deep beneath my shifting surface. Hide it 10,000 fathoms down in the deepest, darkest corner of my great expanse. Then surely, he will never find his soul.”
“No,” answered the spirit of the air, “man will discover a way to sail beneath the seas and he will find his soul. Hide it high in the heavens, beyond even the furthest star, and then surely he shall never find his soul.”
“Man will learn to fly,” cried out fire. “He will create a way and then he will find his soul even beyond the furthest star. Hide his soul in my white consuming flame. There he surely will never find it.”
And so the soul of man was put into the flame, but the intense heat distilled out its evil, melted away its arrogance, made it pure and clean with a wonderful beauty and clearness it had never had before.
This was the last thing they wanted. So perplexed and confused, they took it out of the fire and returned to Hell to discuss their problem with the Devil. When they explained their predicament, Satan rocked back on his heels with laughter so loud that even his horns shook with the greatness of his roar. “My poor, stupid, plodding friends, I will tell you where to put the soul of man so that he will never find it. PUT IT WITHIN HIMSELF.”
I do not know who wrote this, but I quote it for it captures what this is all about…oh how well it captures it.
He did not come to judge the world.
He did not come to blame;
He did not only come to seek,
It was to save He came;
And when we call Him Saviour,
We call Him by his name.
(Anonymous)
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:13)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
There is an old story told about the soul of man. The spirits of the air, the earth, the waters and fire came and stole away the soul of man. Now a great argument ensued as to who would actually possess it. For the rest of the day and long into the night they argued, but none of the four spirits would cede their ownership. Since they could not agree, they decided they would hide man’s soul, but where?
“Hide the soul of man within me,” cried out the earth.
But the spirit of water replied, “That will never do. Man will devise some way to find out what is beneath the earth and he will find his soul. Rather, hide the soul of man deep beneath my shifting surface. Hide it 10,000 fathoms down in the deepest, darkest corner of my great expanse. Then surely, he will never find his soul.”
“No,” answered the spirit of the air, “man will discover a way to sail beneath the seas and he will find his soul. Hide it high in the heavens, beyond even the furthest star, and then surely he shall never find his soul.”
“Man will learn to fly,” cried out fire. “He will create a way and then he will find his soul even beyond the furthest star. Hide his soul in my white consuming flame. There he surely will never find it.”
And so the soul of man was put into the flame, but the intense heat distilled out its evil, melted away its arrogance, made it pure and clean with a wonderful beauty and clearness it had never had before.
This was the last thing they wanted. So perplexed and confused, they took it out of the fire and returned to Hell to discuss their problem with the Devil. When they explained their predicament, Satan rocked back on his heels with laughter so loud that even his horns shook with the greatness of his roar. “My poor, stupid, plodding friends, I will tell you where to put the soul of man so that he will never find it. PUT IT WITHIN HIMSELF.”
I do not know who wrote this, but I quote it for it captures what this is all about…oh how well it captures it.
He did not come to judge the world.
He did not come to blame;
He did not only come to seek,
It was to save He came;
And when we call Him Saviour,
We call Him by his name.
(Anonymous)
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:13)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
BRANCH OUT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTIONS FOR THE RIGHT REASONS
(These One A Days are added to each new day/ Scrolls down and read previous One A Days.)
It was a century ago and a little more, and the blacksmith had just repaired a rake and a hoe for one of his regular customers. He was then offered a dollar for his efforts, but refused the payment. When asked why, he replied, “Every once in awhile a man has to do something just to stretch his soul.”
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in Him, bears much fruit for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Everyday we have many opportunities to get or give, to stretch our souls or shrink them…and yes, if we have a love affair going with selfishness we may be guaranteed a full pocketbook but at the cost of an empty heart.
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, we hope you make visiting this site a daily habit.
It was a century ago and a little more, and the blacksmith had just repaired a rake and a hoe for one of his regular customers. He was then offered a dollar for his efforts, but refused the payment. When asked why, he replied, “Every once in awhile a man has to do something just to stretch his soul.”
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in Him, bears much fruit for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Everyday we have many opportunities to get or give, to stretch our souls or shrink them…and yes, if we have a love affair going with selfishness we may be guaranteed a full pocketbook but at the cost of an empty heart.
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, we hope you make visiting this site a daily habit.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
MAY WE BE OUR BEST DREAMS AND NOT OUR WORST NIGHTMARES
(These One A Days are added to each new day. Scrolls down and read previous One A Days.)
When I had a rural pastorate in my mid-twenties, I would sometimes drive much too fast on those lonely country roads. I once skidded off a wet highway, through an open fence gate and came to a halt, upright and unharmed, some 200 feet into a hayfield. The Lord takes care of fools and preachers and often I was more the fool. Be that as it may, there were times I did not speed along those dusty or muddy non-paved country roads. There were times when I would pull over and gaze at hazy mountain beauty far in the distance. Quietly sit and let my soul inherit the special peace that can come from contemplation of God and His wonders to behold.
And a far better philosopher than me felt the same way when he, Socrates, one day was speaking to a friend who was also a philosopher. “I hear Acheus had a very unhappy trip to Athens.” “Yes,” came back the reply, “He had no choice. He had to take himself along on the trip.”
The world is full of people who are earth-bound with ostrich wings when the wings of an eagle lay folded in their hearts.
We deposit many things in our hearts and all of them are not good. But the Bible puts it perfectly, “Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) If we would have the abundant life on a more regular basis, then we must care more about God’s opinion of us than public opinion.
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings
When I had a rural pastorate in my mid-twenties, I would sometimes drive much too fast on those lonely country roads. I once skidded off a wet highway, through an open fence gate and came to a halt, upright and unharmed, some 200 feet into a hayfield. The Lord takes care of fools and preachers and often I was more the fool. Be that as it may, there were times I did not speed along those dusty or muddy non-paved country roads. There were times when I would pull over and gaze at hazy mountain beauty far in the distance. Quietly sit and let my soul inherit the special peace that can come from contemplation of God and His wonders to behold.
And a far better philosopher than me felt the same way when he, Socrates, one day was speaking to a friend who was also a philosopher. “I hear Acheus had a very unhappy trip to Athens.” “Yes,” came back the reply, “He had no choice. He had to take himself along on the trip.”
The world is full of people who are earth-bound with ostrich wings when the wings of an eagle lay folded in their hearts.
We deposit many things in our hearts and all of them are not good. But the Bible puts it perfectly, “Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) If we would have the abundant life on a more regular basis, then we must care more about God’s opinion of us than public opinion.
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
LATCH ON TO THE BEST ADMONITION IN THE WORLD
(These One A Days are added to each new day)
Two comics were discussing the fact that one of them did nothing but worry. Finally, the worrying comic came up with a solution. He asked his fellow comedian, “How would you like a job at fifty dollars a week to do all my worrying for me?”
“I can do that,” came back the reply, “but when do I get my fifty dollars?”
“That’s your first worry.”
When it comes to Christ, it is not a joke. It is a reality. Are you worried about your attitude which you know is more often an enemy than a friend? Do you suffer from pangs of guilt? Would you change all this?
Then latch on to His admonition to put your problems in His hands; to latch on to His forgiveness. And do not waste time debating about religion…rather, get busy living it so that at least a majority of your actions have the touch of eternal truths about them.
The Psalmist wrote, “Thy word have I hid in my heart…” (Psalm 119:11)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, hope you make visiting this site a daily habit.
Two comics were discussing the fact that one of them did nothing but worry. Finally, the worrying comic came up with a solution. He asked his fellow comedian, “How would you like a job at fifty dollars a week to do all my worrying for me?”
“I can do that,” came back the reply, “but when do I get my fifty dollars?”
“That’s your first worry.”
When it comes to Christ, it is not a joke. It is a reality. Are you worried about your attitude which you know is more often an enemy than a friend? Do you suffer from pangs of guilt? Would you change all this?
Then latch on to His admonition to put your problems in His hands; to latch on to His forgiveness. And do not waste time debating about religion…rather, get busy living it so that at least a majority of your actions have the touch of eternal truths about them.
The Psalmist wrote, “Thy word have I hid in my heart…” (Psalm 119:11)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, hope you make visiting this site a daily habit.
Monday, October 5, 2009
WHAT IS MERCY NOT?
(These One A Days are added to each new day)
The young soldier was a deserter and Napoleon ordered that he be shot. His mother continued to plea for the life of her son, “Please have mercy on him,” she cried. “He doesn’t deserve mercy,” came back Napoleons reply. There was a moment of silence and the woman grew strangely quiet. Then in a voice that was hardly more than a whisper she looked into the eyes of the leader of her land and said, “If he deserved it, it would not be mercy.”
What God gives is a gift of mercy because we do not deserve it but He gives it anyway. How does the Psalmist put it, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:11)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
The young soldier was a deserter and Napoleon ordered that he be shot. His mother continued to plea for the life of her son, “Please have mercy on him,” she cried. “He doesn’t deserve mercy,” came back Napoleons reply. There was a moment of silence and the woman grew strangely quiet. Then in a voice that was hardly more than a whisper she looked into the eyes of the leader of her land and said, “If he deserved it, it would not be mercy.”
What God gives is a gift of mercy because we do not deserve it but He gives it anyway. How does the Psalmist put it, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:11)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, maybe they will back track a few weeks to read other of my musings.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
IF YOU HAD ONLY ONE CALL TO MAKE
(These One A Days are added to each new day/ Scrolls down and read previous One A Days.)
The comedian Richard Pryor was critically burned a number of years ago. Before it happened, his ego and his income had been as high as the Himalayas. However, afterwards, when he appeared on the Johnny Carson Show, he shared the following, “When I was so seriously ill I was sure I was about to die, all I could think of was to call on God. I didn’t call the Bank of America one single time.”
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” John 14:27
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Scroll down and read previous writings.
The comedian Richard Pryor was critically burned a number of years ago. Before it happened, his ego and his income had been as high as the Himalayas. However, afterwards, when he appeared on the Johnny Carson Show, he shared the following, “When I was so seriously ill I was sure I was about to die, all I could think of was to call on God. I didn’t call the Bank of America one single time.”
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” John 14:27
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Scroll down and read previous writings.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT ANGELS?
(These One A Days are changed daily. Scroll down and read previous One A Days)
I do not know how you feel about angels and God’s willingness to use them in His relationship with man, but Bethlehem should shatter any doubts or wonderings you might have. And, besides Bethlehem, there is this other story.
It happened at the Battle of Marne in World War I. Many will say it was impossible, but many who were there claim it happened anyway.
The world’s fate hung in the balance.
Tiny, neutral Belgium and a few British regulars were all that stood before an over- whelming defeat by the German army. Great gaping holes in the battle-line offered the Germans, with their new fast moving tanks and fresh platoons, more than ample opportunity for slaughter and victory.
Then the incomprehensible happened. Where there were no allied troops in the thin-as-paper line of defense, the tanks seemed to hit the empty spaces and bounce back. Then the German troops began to drop their bayonets and flee in the opposite direction.
Some of the allies, at first haltingly and then in torrents, began to tell of seeing angels and archangels fill in the empty places in their thin red line of heroes.
Afterwards, many military authorities and leaders sought more logical explanations. But all came to agree that while it took four more years before the war was won, the Battle of Marne was the turning point.
In all battles, both sides have often prayed to God for victory. Yet, sometimes what is evil and what is good is so crystal clear I think God, for whatever are His reasons, simply steps in and finally takes over. Yes, I believe in guardian angels, God’s emissaries to earth.
And that the God who made every atom that has ever existed can do His wonders at a battle in Marne, or a verbal battle in your living room, or on any street in Miami or your own home town.
Do it everywhere and anywhere. And He has, and He does, and He will.
“For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” Luke 4:10-11
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, hope you make visiting this site a daily habit.
I do not know how you feel about angels and God’s willingness to use them in His relationship with man, but Bethlehem should shatter any doubts or wonderings you might have. And, besides Bethlehem, there is this other story.
It happened at the Battle of Marne in World War I. Many will say it was impossible, but many who were there claim it happened anyway.
The world’s fate hung in the balance.
Tiny, neutral Belgium and a few British regulars were all that stood before an over- whelming defeat by the German army. Great gaping holes in the battle-line offered the Germans, with their new fast moving tanks and fresh platoons, more than ample opportunity for slaughter and victory.
Then the incomprehensible happened. Where there were no allied troops in the thin-as-paper line of defense, the tanks seemed to hit the empty spaces and bounce back. Then the German troops began to drop their bayonets and flee in the opposite direction.
Some of the allies, at first haltingly and then in torrents, began to tell of seeing angels and archangels fill in the empty places in their thin red line of heroes.
Afterwards, many military authorities and leaders sought more logical explanations. But all came to agree that while it took four more years before the war was won, the Battle of Marne was the turning point.
In all battles, both sides have often prayed to God for victory. Yet, sometimes what is evil and what is good is so crystal clear I think God, for whatever are His reasons, simply steps in and finally takes over. Yes, I believe in guardian angels, God’s emissaries to earth.
And that the God who made every atom that has ever existed can do His wonders at a battle in Marne, or a verbal battle in your living room, or on any street in Miami or your own home town.
Do it everywhere and anywhere. And He has, and He does, and He will.
“For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” Luke 4:10-11
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
And, yes, hope you make visiting this site a daily habit.
Friday, October 2, 2009
THE LAST ONE STANDING
(These One A Days are added to each new day)
A new teacher, trying to make use of her psychology courses, started out her first day in class by saying, “Everyone who thinks you are stupid, stand up!”
After a few seconds, Little Johnny stood up. The teacher said, “Do you think you’re stupid, Little Johnny?”
“No, Ma-am, but I hate to see you standing there all by yourself.
You know the real reason more people don’t improve their way of being? It’s because they see other people’s stupid faults much more easily than they see their own. They forget that “in every human heart is an arena where a hero and coward wage a continuous conflict for the mastery of their lives.” (L.P. Jacks)
And I tell you this; upon the outcome of such a battle rests your happiness, your self-respect and your usefulness to yourself, your God and your fellowman. If you decide to be a hero you will say, “Here I am, God; take me.” If you decide to be a coward you will say, “Not now Lord, I’m not ready yet.”
“Wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 24:14)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
A new teacher, trying to make use of her psychology courses, started out her first day in class by saying, “Everyone who thinks you are stupid, stand up!”
After a few seconds, Little Johnny stood up. The teacher said, “Do you think you’re stupid, Little Johnny?”
“No, Ma-am, but I hate to see you standing there all by yourself.
You know the real reason more people don’t improve their way of being? It’s because they see other people’s stupid faults much more easily than they see their own. They forget that “in every human heart is an arena where a hero and coward wage a continuous conflict for the mastery of their lives.” (L.P. Jacks)
And I tell you this; upon the outcome of such a battle rests your happiness, your self-respect and your usefulness to yourself, your God and your fellowman. If you decide to be a hero you will say, “Here I am, God; take me.” If you decide to be a coward you will say, “Not now Lord, I’m not ready yet.”
“Wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 24:14)
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
OH WHAT SHE SAW!!!
(These One A Days are added to each new day)
In Bridgeport, Connecticut, there is a small grave stone that reads, “Aunt Fanny—She Hath Done What She Could.”
Her birth certificate officially listed her as Fanny Crosby. And though you may not recognize the name, most of you have spent your life singing many of her hymns. She wrote over 9,000 hymns; Blessed Assurance; All the Way My Savior Leads Me; I am Thine O Lord; Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross; Rescue The Perishing; To God Be The Glory; Tell me the Story of Jesus; and Praise Him, Praise Him.
When she wrote “Praise Him, Praise Him,” she wrote it from a life that had started out behind the eight ball, and never could see around it, because she went blind at the age of six weeks. Like all of us, she was given the gift of Time. Like all of us, she had choices to make. Her choice was to make the best of the worst.
Her hymn words were set to music by every popular American tunesmith of the nineteenth century. She was the guest of six Presidents and a personal friend to Grover Cleveland.
And because she believed “I am but one, but I am one, I cannot do everything, but I can do something; therefore, what I can do, by the grace of God, I will do.” (author unknown) she went out and did it.
Sightless but filled with heavenly insight she supped at the table of the Lord and rose back up filled with spiritual energy beyond compare.
She was blind but she was able to see what many people never see.
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
In Bridgeport, Connecticut, there is a small grave stone that reads, “Aunt Fanny—She Hath Done What She Could.”
Her birth certificate officially listed her as Fanny Crosby. And though you may not recognize the name, most of you have spent your life singing many of her hymns. She wrote over 9,000 hymns; Blessed Assurance; All the Way My Savior Leads Me; I am Thine O Lord; Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross; Rescue The Perishing; To God Be The Glory; Tell me the Story of Jesus; and Praise Him, Praise Him.
When she wrote “Praise Him, Praise Him,” she wrote it from a life that had started out behind the eight ball, and never could see around it, because she went blind at the age of six weeks. Like all of us, she was given the gift of Time. Like all of us, she had choices to make. Her choice was to make the best of the worst.
Her hymn words were set to music by every popular American tunesmith of the nineteenth century. She was the guest of six Presidents and a personal friend to Grover Cleveland.
And because she believed “I am but one, but I am one, I cannot do everything, but I can do something; therefore, what I can do, by the grace of God, I will do.” (author unknown) she went out and did it.
Sightless but filled with heavenly insight she supped at the table of the Lord and rose back up filled with spiritual energy beyond compare.
She was blind but she was able to see what many people never see.
Have you visited my “Life Is Not What It Is But What You Make It” site. Go to Google and where it says “Google Search” type in “Wyrick’s Writings”
Have you considered sharing this site with family or friends? Just have them go to Google Search and type in “Neil Spiritual Vitamins”.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
