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My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry – James 1: 19 (NIV)

This verse serves to remind us to be careful in everything we say. That we should think before saying things or before talking to other people especially when problems are being resolved.

When we are trying to resolve problems with people, more often with our loved ones, we should always be calm and think that we should avoid hurting them by the way we talk and the things we say should always reflect that we still love them inspite of our differences.

Let the poem below by C.A. Lufburrow be our guide…

The Echo

I shouted aloud and louder

While out on the plain one day;

The sound grew faint and fainter

Until it had died away.

My words had gone forever.

They left no trace or track,

But the hills nearby caught up the cry

And sent an echo back.

I spoke a word in anger

To one who was my friend,

Like a knife it cut him deeply,

A wound that was hard to mend.

That word, so thoughtlessly uttered,

I would we could both forget,

But its echo lives and memory gives

The recollection yet.

How many hearts are broken,

How many friends are lost

By some unkind word spoken

Before we count the cost!

But a word or deed of kindness

Will repay a hundred fold,

For it echoes again in the heart of men

And carries a joy untold.

Let us live with the love of God in our hearts. God bless you all.

This poem of encouragement is written by Jennifer Kulp for all the precious souls with cancer.

PERSEVERANCE

Lord, my spirit is willing,
But my flesh is so weak;
God, every day I cry out to you,
Yet I don’t hear you speak.

I’ve been beaten so many times.
You know what I’ve been through;
I can’t overcome this giant.
Yet it’s the only thing I must do.

I fought this trial too many times.
I used all the strength in me;
Yet I lost in every battle,
And once again I’m not free.

Lord, I’m tempted to just call it quits,
And lay here on the ground;
I will let the giant win again.
I have fought too many rounds.

As I am now at my lowest,
Tears flow down my cheeks;
I cry out to God again,
“Jesus, I am just too weak!”

Suddenly I felt my body
Being lifted up by my Lord;
He helped me back on my feet,
And said, “Lets do this once more.”

I stood up to that giant,
And fought as hard as I could;
He used old tactics to make me give up.
Yet he only thought I would.

I was determined to not back down.
I had been here long enough;
It’s not the number of times I get hit.
It’s the number of times I get up.

- Jennifer Kulp -

Teach me to love, just like a child.
Remind me every day to smile.
To trust you as I take each step.
Erase old wounds and past regrets.
Teach me to swallow pride and greed,
and trust you’ll supply all of my needs.
Show me how to schedule my day.
To learn from You and to always pray.
Let me hunger for spiritual growth.
Not gossip or words to speak in boast.
Teach me forgiveness when I am offended.
Responding in love…all hate will be ended.
For mercy and grace are gifts we receive.
If we only open our hearts and believe.
Childlike faith will grow and become…
A reflection of Jesus, my Savior, God’s son.
~ Author Unknown

What comes to your mind when you hear the abbreviation ASAP in your workplace, at home or anywhere else. People tend to be stressed out and be in a hurry and worry. As Christians we need not to be in a hurry or worry…Read along this poem to know why…

There’s work to do, deadlines to meet;
You’ve got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry-
ASAP – ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

In the midst of family chaos,
"Quality time" is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest-
ASAP – ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather-
ASAP – ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our cares,
And He’ll respond to all your needs
A.S.A.P. – ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

When it seems that things are all messed up…stop think and remember…GOD WILL MAKE A WAY…to turn things in order and in their proper place again.

Source: Christian Life Stories

Let us always be ready for the coming of Christ is getting nearer and nearer and nearer…let us not waste time.

‘Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed.
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
When out of the East there arose such a clatter.
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!
The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said "it’s not here" my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound.
While all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There’s only one life and when comes the last call
We’ll find that the Bible was true after all!
*Author Unknown

Ten little Christians standing in a line,

One disliked the pastor, then there were nine.

Nine little Christians stayed up very late,

One slept in on Sunday, then there were eight.

Eight little Christians on their way to heaven,

One took the low road, then there were seven.

Seven little Christians chirping like chicks,

One disliked the music, then there were six.

Six little Christians seemed very much alive,

But one lost his interest, then there were five.

Five little Christians pulling for Heaven’s shore,

But one stopped to rest, then there were four.

Four little Christians, each busy as a bee,

One got her feelings hurt, then there were three.

Three little Christians knew what to do,

One joined the sports crowd, then there were two.

Two little Christians, our rhyme is nearly done,

Differed with each other, then there was one.

One little Christian can’t do much ’tis true;

Brought his friend to Bible study, then there were two.

Two earnest Christians, each won one more,

That doubled their number, then there were four.

Four sincere Christians worked early and late,

Each won another, then there were eight.

Eight little Christians, if they doubled as before,

In just a few short weeks, we’d have 1,024.

In this little jingle, there’s a lesson true,

You belong to the building, or the wrecking crew.

~ Author Unknown