Enabled Not Disabled

Oscar Pistorius: ‘The Fastest thing on no legs’

By Nico Bougas
Special to ASSIST News Service

SOUTH AFRICA (ANS) -- Oscar Pistorius is an inspiration and one of the world’s great sporting icons who was voted in Time Magazine's top 100 People of Influence.

Oscar Pistorius in action

This 25-year old South African, described as “the fastest thing on no legs”, is a real-life champion, and no fictional figure.

He was born with missing fibulae in both his legs due to a congenital condition. Before his first birthday, his legs were amputated below the knee.

At school he excelled in rugby and water polo, but a knee injury terminated his rugby career.

He was introduced to athletics while undergoing rehabilitation.

Oscar’s first major competition was the 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens. He came third overall in the T44 100 m event, which included single amputees.

According to www.google.co.za,  he qualified for the final after falling in the preliminary round for the 200 m, but Oscar has a different version of the truth. “I did not fall. There were several false starts and the starter didn’t give us enough time to pause on the set position before starting the race so when he fired, I presumed that he had false started again.”

But there was nothing accidental about the final. Pistorius went on to win it in a world record time of 21.97 seconds, beating single amputee American runners Marion Shirley and Brian Frasuee.

Oscar runs on carbon-fiber and steel blades attached to his knees. They were especially developed  and are called Cheetahs.

Recently, Pistorius finished a 100 m race in a magnificent time of 10.91 seconds.

By the way, Oscar does not perceive himself as disabled. “I don’t see myself as disabled. I just don’t have lower legs.”

In 2007, Pistorius took part in his first international competitions for able-bodied athletes. However, his artificial lower legs, while enabling him to compete, have generated claims that he has an unfair advantage over able-bodied athletes. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) amended its competition rules to ban the use of “any technical device that incorporates springs, wheels or any other element that provides a user with an advantage over another athlete not using such a device”. The federation claimed that the amendment was not specifically aimed at Pistorius. After monitoring his track performances and carrying out tests, scientists took the view that Pistorius enjoyed considerable advantages over athletes without prosthetic limbs. On the strength of these findings, on 14 January 2008 the IAAF ruled him ineligible for competitions conducted under its rules, including the 2008 Summer Olympics. This decision was reversed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on 16 May 2008, the Court ruling overall there was no evidence that Pistorius had any net advantage over able-bodied athletes.

Pistorius is annoyed about allegations that his so-called bionic legs give him an edge over other runners. “I train as hard if not harder than many athletes. I diet, sleep and base my life around athletics and it is a shame as too when either spectators or critics try and base my success on my apparent bionic body or my prosthetic feet.”

The 25-year old athlete is extremely popular internationally. In March 2007, journalists of a German magazine, Der Spiegel, spent two days in South Africa to do an extensive article on Pistorius. There are plans to write a biography on him.

But he keeps his feet firmly on the ground, and he knows who the source of his strength is.

“God is the most important person in the world to me. If I’m on the right patch spiritually, it helps with everything else.”

He grew up in a Christian home, and accepted Christ as His savior “more or less before I could remember.”

Asked why he needs Christ in his life, he says: “Because He is the reason for my success and the one that takes me from strength to strength.

“Christ makes all the difference. He aids me in my struggles and makes my glories that much greater.”

To other athletes, Pistorius has this advice: “Believe in yourself. In the final seconds before a race, I tell myself: I wouldn’t be here unless I qualified, and I know I can do this.”

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Nico Bougas is the International Development Director for Hellenic Ministries.He has a master's degree in communications from Wheaton Graduate School and M. Div and D. Min degrees from Trinity Theological Seminary. He is the author of five books. He previously worked for Youth for Christ in South Africa and was Editor of In Magazine and Christian Living TODAY and currently serves as Consulting Editor for JOY Magazine and is an Associate of Sports Outreach Africa. For further, information contact: nico@bougas.info

Beware of Vows in Election Campaigns

Photo: Associated Press

The 2012 Republican Primary campaigns have been as ruthless as ever in their negative attacks against each other and as wreckless as ever in the promises made by candidates.

 Just this morning I saw two headlines that read "Romney Vows to be Pro-life President if Elected," and "Rick Santorum Assures Conservatives He Won't Move to The Center." We know the definition of insanity, yet every four years we listen and respond to the promises made and then suffer through four years of disappointment from promises broken. We fall for the same old lies expecting a different result.

We Christians, I think, are especially easy prey for political wolves in sheep's clothing because we really want to believe that things will get better. After all, doesn't love hope all things? As Christians, and as the Church, we have a responsibility, though, to cast our vote in a way that honors God and His Kingdom. We cannot base our decision to support any candidate on what that candidate tells us about himself or about his opponent. We can base our decision on the "fruit" of their lives and careers.

To the Christian, a vow is a solemn oath that must be honored at all cost. But to a politician, it is simply the means to an and -- a way to get your vote. We don't take the vows we make lightly. After all, as Bronislaw Malinowski said, "You utter a vow or forge a signature and you may find yourself bound for life to a monastery, a woman or a prison." But a politician has no such conviction and can see no further than the election. He only sees the end and will use any means to get there. Heed the words of Richard Brinsley Sheridan: "He who vows the most are the least sincere," and you will be less likely to find yourself repeating the words of Thomas Otway: "let us embrace, and from this moment vow an eternal misery together."

The transformation of a Reluctant, Self-sufficient Missionary

By Georgia Johnson
Special to ASSIST News Service


KIEV, UKRAINE (ANS) -- I was arguing with God, a foolish thing to do if you are a believer in Jesus Christ and want Him to be Lord of your life. After three short-term trips to Ukraine visiting a Christian orphanage, I was now feeling God pulling me to live there full time.

Dinner at my rented apartment with three Ukrainian orphan teens

How could God ask me to leave my family and home? I was not ready to take that giant step. I prayed that God’s desires would become my desires, believing quite the opposite! In just a few months, I was amazingly preparing to go. My American life was packed into a 10 by 10 storage unit and my new Ukrainian life in 3 suitcases. I needed only 3 suitcases, because I would be there for only one year. Just long enough to learn Russian, right?


From my previous visits, I thought I knew what I was getting into. I had to focus my mission work on the Christian orphanage where the children had made a remarkable impact on my heart, learn the language, then return to America and resume my short-term mission trips. Since I had it all figured out, there was no need to raise support or get training or find a missions team to join or any of the normal things that missionaries do before they go marching off to the mission field. I was a self-starter therefore I would be a self-supporter. Wasn’t I going to be there for only one year?


My first exposure to Ukraine had been a shock. My friend, who had been in missions work there for 8 years, raved about how beautiful it was. Driving in from the airport, my eyes saw only tall, ugly, concrete buildings with dilapidated balconies and windows. Arriving at the apartment where we would stay, we were greeted with the odor of urine, garbage and cigarettes in the tiny elevator and hallways. The apartment, thank goodness, was clean and airy but the beds and chairs were hard and uncomfortable. Could I do this for a year?

Marschrutka (minibus) ,my transportation around town

The first few full-time months were more than challenging. Adjusting to and shopping for new food, using the phone, learning to take public transportation, exchanging money, and starting language lessons confronted me daily. I was stressed and each time I left the apartment I prayed, “Jesus, please don’t let anyone ask me any questions and please don’t let me get lost.” In all my Christian experience, I had never been more dependent on God’s guidance and protection. Could I trust God to truly take care of me?


Through Bible studies, church and language studies, I was beginning to meet more and more wonderful, hospitable, warm-hearted Ukrainians. Many spoke a little English and wanted to practice when they realized I was American. They were interested in why I had come to their country. Often they had stories of relatives who live in America or Canada. They were always willing to help, give directions or answer my questions if they could.


I am reminded of my first excursion on a marshrutka, a small mini bus. My friend had given me the Russian phrase to ask the driver to please tell me when I needed to get off. After boarding, I valiantly approached him and haltingly asked my question. He just shrugged his shoulders. I was panic stricken. By now the bus was moving away and I had no idea where I was going. I stood, rooted to the spot, and prayed, “God please send me an angel, someone to help me.” I felt Him telling me to take a seat. There was only one left. I made my way down the aisle and sat down. I turned to the lady next to me and softly asked my question in Russian once again. Her answer was like music to my ears. Not only was she going to the same place I was but I UNDERSTOOD the words that she used!! That was one of many confirmations from the Lord that I was safely in His Hands. He was beginning to show me just how dependable He could be.

My Russian language class

Unexpectedly, my roommate situation did not work out and I was forced to find an apartment and live alone. Fortunately, there were other American missionaries to help me with language, documents and the move. Now life got harder. This was a Ukrainian apartment, not modified to American standards. Would I be able to live here? Could I afford it? Would I be able to manage all alone? God again and again reminded me, “I am with you, I will never leave you or forsake you.”


The challenges were increasing daily. Taking a small bus to and from my language lessons, purchasing food in the open market and paying for it with foreign looking money was scary. Because I did not understand the amount owed, I would hold out a handful of coins and let the vendor take what he or she required. Taking the bus was scary too. Often there was standing room only on a jerky, bumpy ride. Recognizing when to get off was especially challenging with dirty, steamy windows as the cold weather arrived. Paying the bus fare was interesting too. If you got on and the bus aisle was full of standing riders, you just passed your money to the person in front of you and hoped it would eventually get to the driver. Amazingly, it usually did and often change was sent back down the line to the originating fare payer. Life was a daily humbling experience. More than once, I was yelled at when I did not respond or looked confused by what was said to me. God, what am I doing here?


God was stripping me of all my self-sufficiency. I desperately needed HIM!! I prayed and read my Bible every day looking for comfort and peace in this strange world. But the biggest challenge was yet to come. Hearing from other missionaries about needing to move every few years, because the owner of the apartment wanted to move back in or sell, caused me some concern. I did not have a team of people who could help me do that. And now, living alone, I had purchased a washing machine, dishes, pots and pans and other necessary apartment stuff. The next move would be more than 3 suitcases. My apartment landlord spoke only Ukrainian and I had great difficulty communicating with him. He also had some strange, drunken friends who came to my door one afternoon asking for him. My rented space was cold and drafty in the minus winter temperatures. Already I had discovered that Russian was going to take more than a year to learn. It was time to think about owning a place of my own. Was this what God wanted me to do?


Some friends of mine were searching for an apartment to purchase. Inviting myself along with them as they visited potential places, I saw one that I really liked. It was on the 14th floor, an end unit, meaning that I would have windows facing in two directions with cross breezes and only two neighbors rather than 4 or 5. When my friends eventually decided against it, I made an offer. Is this the right decision, Lord? Dealing with the apartment buying process was another challenge. Fortunately, my real estate agent spoke English and had worked with other missionaries. She was confident and competent.


I, however, was not. Transferring funds from one bank to another in the US is one thing. Crossing the Atlantic is quite another, especially if your money is in a credit union with no experience doing this. It turned out that they had programed their interbank system to require 9 digits for the bank ID, since all US banks use 9 digits. The Kiev bank used only 8 digits. After three days of trying to make it work, I was frantic and running out of time. Emailing my daughter in America, 10-hour time difference, I desperately prayed she could transfer the money from her bank. She emailed the next day saying it was done but that it would take 5 to 6 business days. Monday was a holiday in America and my funds were due in Kiev on Wednesday. I prayed even more fervently.


God’s affirmation for buying the apartment arrived on Monday morning with a call from the Kiev bank. The money had arrived! It was a day of rejoicing, proving once again – “Nothing is impossible with God!” (Luke 1:37), including the transformation of a reluctant, short-term, self-sufficient missionary into a long-term, God-dependent servant. God’s plan, apparently, was for more than just a year. OK, Lord, I accept that!

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Georgia Johnson is a missionary to Ukraine ministering to adult orphans. While living in Kiev, she started a mission work for orphans who were preparing for independent living and higher education in the university. Her ministry is now helping the adult orphan children of a Christian Ukrainian family in Mariupol, Ukriane. She is a grandmother of 6, five boys and one girl, and mother of 2 daughters. Georgia has a BS in Management Information Science from Sacramento State College and a MA in Marriage Family Therapy from San Francisco State. She is a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in the state of California. She can be contacted by e-mail at: helivz4u@yahoo.com.
 

God Heals an Angry Heart

By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service


ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (ANS) -- Kevin Turner's once stable and predictable life was about to change dramatically.

Kevin Turner

Turner had been living in Florida for 58 years. Married for 17 years to the same woman, they had been living in the Tampa area since 1993 in a doublewide trailer. He was a local trucker.Turner said, "I was a fuel hauler and made good money."

In 2005, Turner said, his wife had brain surgery for an aneurysm. It was a long surgery, seven hours, but she made a full recovery. She was in perfect health - apparently.

However, on June 21 2006, Turner said his wife passed away from an apparent heart attack.

Turner said, "I remember thinking, 'How can this happen? She was just at the doctor's office and she was fine."
That's when, Turner recalled, his world fell apart.

He became extremely depressed and angry and bitter towards God.

He recalled thinking, "To hell with it. I don't want to live. I even contemplated suicide. It was 17 years with her, and my life was jerked out from under me."

With the anger and depression eating at him, he left the home he had shared with his wife, and began living out of his Jeep.

Around his birthday, August 2008, Turner said he got tired of the way he was living, and decided he would take the first job offered to him, no matter where it was.

A position in Albuquerque New Mexico became available, driving locally.

Turner said, "I didn't have anything left for me in Florida, so I figured I'd venture out a bit. (After all), I was supposed to have a job waiting for me."

Turner sold his Jeep and everything else, and bought a plane ticket to Albuquerque. All he had with him was what he could carry on the plane. Kevin arrived in New Mexico and moved into a studio room in 2008 with the meager funds he'd been able to gather.

He said, "I had about $800.00 with me, which didn't last long."

Turner said when he arrived at the job site, he found the company had been seized by the Drug Enforcement Agency. Not really having anything to go back to in Florida, and not being exactly flush with cash, he decided to stay in Albuquerque.

He recalled, somewhat caustically, "My life felt like it had turned into a B-grade movie."

He worked out of a labor pool until he got a job with a local security company, which stationed him at a variety of locations around the city. He was able to save some money and move into a different apartment.

However, Turner said, the security company lost all its government contracts and he was laid off. It was time to look for work again. Jobs weren't forthcoming, and Turner's savings didn't last long.

Turner said he applied for unemployment, which took about ten weeks to reach him. Turner said the apartment manager had agreed to let him stay for a while, knowing that money was coming in. Unfortunately, after two months the manager decided that it was time for him to move.

Now homeless and unemployed, Turner said he stayed in a local park for a couple of weeks. It was winter, and cold.

During the day, he said, he would panhandle, pick up cans, wander around, and look for jobs. Picking up cans and panhandling was how he managed to eke out money for food.

During this time period, Turner said, his unemployment benefits kicked in, and he was able to move into a local motel served by Joy Junction's Lifeline of Hope outreach.

Turner said, "I saw the truck come in, and a whole bunch of people hanging around it. I was told they would feed me. So I went over there, and got a few bags of lunches and drinks. (The driver) talked to me about Joy Junction."
He added, "Of course, I was hard headed then, and I didn't want to come to Joy Junction."

Every time the Lifeline came by, Turner was there. He had received his unemployment, which was basically taking care of the room. He had not received his EBT card (food stamps), so he was relying on the Lifeline of Hope for all his food.

He was always looking for a job. He said, "I even offered to work for Joy Junction, if they were hiring. I was desperate."

After about two weeks of depending on the Lifeline of Hope for food, Turner said his unemployment benefits ran out.

He said, "That meant the room over my head was going to be gone. I talked to (the Lifeline driver), and she reminded me that Joy Junction is always able to help."

Turner said he called Joy Junction's main office and talked to a receptionist to get more information. From what he heard, though a bit apprehensive, he saw no other choice.

Turner said, "I actually borrowed a dollar from the hotel to catch a city bus to get to the Greyhound station, where Joy Junction picks up."

He said, When I got here, it looked like an institution ... I was scared and didn't know what I was getting into."
However, his fears diminished as he met Joy Junction staff. He was able to eat, had a tour of the campus, and signed in for the evening.

Shortly after arriving, due to an upper respiratory infection, Turner went to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where he was admitted for five days.

In the interim, Turner said, his on again off again unemployment restarted. He returned back to the motel where he had been staying, and was there for about 13 weeks.

The money ran out again. Turner returned to Joy Junction for the second time.

Three days after arriving, Turner joined Joy Junction's Christ in Power Program (CIPP). The nine month program, based on Tyndale House's Life Recovery Bible, is one of the many services Joy Junction offers.

He said, "On June 16 I came back to Joy Junction, with the sole purpose of using the program for what I believed it was designed to be for. To help me off the streets, help me get back on my feet, and provide a lifestyle without having to worry about the basics. I can focus on getting my license put in order. I could get what I needed to get a job. Joy Junction gives me the opportunity to save up money and get my documents in order. I couldn't do that while on the streets."

Turner is now in his second month of the life recovery program. He is doing well. His volunteer assignment is shelter security.

Always ready to assist anyone in need, residents and staff alike, he is helping to dispel some of the fear and apprehension he felt when first coming through the guard shack gate.

What does Turner hope to do after Joy Junction?

He said, "I hope I can get a good job. I hope to just restart my life. This is my rebirth here. I am using Joy Junction to be born again. I have God in my heart, the Bible in my reading, and a new outlook on life. I wouldn't be able to get that out there on the streets."

Turner added, "Joy Junction is helping me spiritually. They have helped me with my anger towards God. I am reading the Bible more than I have ever done, and I am learning from it."

My Take


Kevin, we are proud of you and believe that the Lord will help you accomplish the special plan He has for your life. Our prayers are with you.

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Jeremy Reynalds is Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service, a freelance writer and also the founder and CEO of Joy Junction, New Mexico's largest emergency homeless shelter,http://www.joyjunction.org He has a master's degree in communication from the University of New Mexico, and a Ph.D. in intercultural education from Biola University in Los Angeles. His newest book is "Homeless in the City." Additional details on "Homeless in the City" are available at http://www.homelessinthecity.com. Reynalds lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For more information contact: Jeremy Reynalds atjeremyreynalds@comcast.net.

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How a King's Concubine in Cameroon Became a Light to Her People

By Rev. Robert Adamou Pindzié
Edited by Mark Ellis

FOUMBAN, CAMEROON (ANS) -- She flashed like a lightning bolt out of the darkness with a brilliance that instantly lit up the court of King Njoya in Cameroon. Her light burned brightly, blazing a path down country lanes and city streets as a remarkable evangelist who proclaimed a new and living faith.

Lydia

Lydia Mengwelune was the second and most beautiful daughter born to a nobleman. In spite of her young age, she was given as a bride to Bankumbu, one of the king's leading military men. Since she had not yet reached the required age for marriage, she entered the harem of her fiancé.

The king discovered that Bankumbu was part of a group that was plotting against him. The king had him killed, even though he had served the king for a long time, and protected him from many attacks. In his anger, the king killed Bankumbu's mother and brother on the same day. The entire town of Foumban was terribly upset by this slaughter.

Lydia had barely overcome the pain and fear caused by this brutal act when another, even more violent tragedy struck. Her father was falsely accused of having killed his neighbor. The accusation came from a soothsayer who consulted the trapdoor spider, considered to have the power of revealing secrets.

Upon hearing of the matter, the king sentenced Lydia's father to hang immediately. As a result of that judgment and execution, Lydia's family was banished, and were liable to be sold to anyone, according to the king's wishes.

However, the Queen Mother intervened on the family's behalf so that Lydia's mother and her children, as well as all of their possessions, would come to no harm.

Lydia began to accompany her mother on visits to the palace. Having noticed Lydia's beauty and intelligence, the Queen Mother asked if she could keep her there and see to her education. Lydia's mother gratefully accepted.

Dancer to the king

While she lived at the palace, Lydia received all the benefits of being under the care of the Queen Mother. She was given clothing, shoes, finery, beauty oils - even a special diet. She lacked nothing. People began to admire Lydia's grace, courtesy and intelligence.

Since the king visited his mother every day, he soon saw the incredibly beautiful Lydia and began to love her in spite of the edict against such things within an extended family. Even with the power the king enjoyed, he could not marry her, as he would be accused of incest. Nonetheless, he was unable to resist her charms. For this reason, the Queen Mother advised him to make Lydia his concubine.

Note:  Rev. Robert Adamou Pindzié is a Project Luke Fellow, Faculté de Théologie Évangélique du Cameroun (FACTEC) The editor gratefully acknowledges the use of this material from the Dictionary of African Christian Biography

MORE

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Mark Ellis is a senior correspondent for ASSIST News Service and the founder of www.Godreports.com.  He is available to speak to groups about the plight of the church in restricted countries, to share stories and testimonies from the mission field, and to preach the gospel. mark@Godreports.com

Three Short Devotional Stories of Faith

By: Author With Joy! 

1. You changed my mourning into dancing; you took off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness. With my whole being I sing endless praise to you. Oh God my God, forever will I give you thanks. Psalms 30:13 (New American Bible)

Angela is a Latin-American in her mid-forties who lived a very difficult life. Angela tried to commit suicide many times. It is amazing that she is still alive. She has much potential, even after being in the mental health system for many years. She has many questions about Jesus and has a hunger to know Him.. She knows He cares and that she will be loved and cherished, no matter what. When asked about her faith, Angela quickly responded, without Jesus, she wouldn’t be alive today. She encouraged me to start a non-denominational faith group in our program.

I contacted my supervisor and explained how I would not emphasize my own faith, but let members talk about theirs. I gave my supervisor an agenda of what I would cover, and the proposal received approval. Angela wanted to lead the group, and I encouraged her to do so. I talked with her before the group met, to explain how this would be a safe place for people to talk about their faith without judgement.She seemed enthusiastic, and shared her excitement with the group. Now since she has been the facilitator she has made no major suicide attempts. She mentioned to me that being able to share her faith and being with others has helped her feel understood. She feels like she fits into the world. She sees herself not as a “mental patient” but a woman of faith. She helped me realize spiritual wisdom can come from anybody at any time if we are open to the light of Christ.

Prayer

You have the light of Christ

within and around you

Shine your light for all to see!

2. “Jesus said, ‘I give praise to you, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, you have revealed them to the childlike.” Mathew Chapter 11: 25 (New American Bible)
‘

John was an African American man about 55 years of age. Due to his Schizophrenia it was difficult for him to express himself clearly. Each day he would have roses tucked in all of his pockets. They were many colors and he seemed to take pleasure in picking certain roses. Even thought they became wilted when he put them in his pocket, to him they were a priceless treasure. Each day John would come to me and say,” What color rose would you like today?” His face would show his eager anticipation of giving me this wonderful gift from his heart. Even though the flower would be wilted I always was go grateful that he would share his greatest treasure.

Unfortunately John passed away last year. I saw him the day before he died. Now it was my turn to give him a rose. I brought the brightest roses I could find. Even though he was in a coma I think somewhere is his subconscious mind he knew I was there. I told him I loved him and how much his roses meant to me. Then the most amazing thing happened. I sensed a bright light surrounding John and I felt peace and holiness.
John taught me to share my spiritual treasures and also give the best of myself to others – even if I feel like a wilted rose that day.

Prayer

When the night is dark

and the world seems to

be passing us by

There is a light which

can give us courage and hope

This light is filled with love

and comes from Jesus

We have this light within us

We can have joy, peace

understanding and forgiveness

He is waiting for us

Come to the wonderful

light of Jesus!

Let this Holy light

shine for all the see!

3. “The Lord raises up the needy from the dust, lifts the poor from the ash heap.” Psalm 113:7, (New American Bible)

I was working with adults who had profound disabilities. They weren’t able to feed themselves, walk, talk, or have the basic skills we take for granted. I provided assistance with feeding, changing diapers, activities, and going into the community. One of the people I assisted was Jean. Each morning when I saw Jean she would welcome me with a smile and her legs would move as if she was very excited, and then she would start laughing. There was never a day that she failed to welcome me with this greeting.

One day my supervisor called me in the office to tell me she had to let me go because of the budget. Of course I felt many emotions, including shock. I went out of the office feeling down and Jean was in the room. She looked at me as though she understood. Then with her usual smile she started laughing.

In spite of myself I couldn’t help but laugh with her. I looked at Jean clearly for the first time and became mindful of all the challenges she had yet every morning she seemed to be thankful and joyful for another day. I had lost a job, but I was still able to do many things she would never be capable of. She would always need someone to feed and change her diapers, yet she still smiled. Maybe physically she wasn’t able to talk, but spiritually she spoke volumes. I realized I have much to thank God for and to find at least one thing to smile and laugh at each day.

Prayer

How can I thank you?

Are their words?

Are their actions I can do?

I ponder many ideas and thoughts

on how to try and give you thanks

when really all you are wanting

is my heart. You don’t need a lot

of words or even a lot of planning

of how I can show my gratefulness

You just ask that I follow my heart

Article Source: http://christian-topics.info

Would love to write in magazines and publish a devotional with a traditional publisher. I have one book titled Finding the Light of Jesus which is published by CrossLink- a traditional published. I'v been published in thirteen peridicals and facilitate spiritual retreats and provide uplifting presentations to groups and churches. I am also currently writing for San Francisco Examiner in the spirituality section. You can read my articles at www.examiner.com/christian-living-in-sacramento/cindy-tuttle