Tagged: stories for all

The Nail

As the story goes, they built a new church building and people came from far and wide to see it. They admired its beauty! Up on the roof, a little nail heard the people praising everything about the lovely structure-except the nail! No one even knew he was there, and he became angry and jealous. “If I am that insignificant, nobody will miss me if I quit!” So the nail then released its hold, slid down the roof, and fell in the mud. That night it rained and rained. Soon, the shingle that had no nail blew away, and the...

Another Day

Another day is dawning Another day’s begun Another day to turn to God And pray, “Thy will be done” A day to slay doubt’s dragon, To know within your soul That as you give yourself to Him He’ll bless and make you whole. A day to live with purpose A day to show you care When others turn to you distraught Confused or in despair A day to share God’s blessings In quiet countless ways That touch the heart with hope and joy And brighten cloudy days A day for sweet rejoicing For gratitude and praise Because His love enfolds...

Farming Forgiveness

Farming Forgiveness Once upon a time two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch. Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence. One morning there was a knock on John’s door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter’s toolbox. “I’m looking for a...

The Golden Chain of Kindness

Writer and philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, “Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together.” But I was not thinking about the golden chain of kindness one day when a dilapidated automobile, possibly held together with glue and wire, parked in front of my house. During those years, we lived in a small town just across the street from the church I served, and travelers in need constantly found their way to our home. I was growing weary of helping the numerous people who stopped by almost daily. I was frequently awakened in the middle of...

My Friend Jesus Christ

Let me tell you about My Friend in high places He’s there for me all day and night; Voluntarily on a twenty-four hour call. I bring him my joys; My cheerful moments and spectacular experiences, He smiles with me And reminds me these are his gifts to me. I bring him my troubles; My tattered life and shattered dreams, I bring him my fears; My many uncertainties and disquieting insecurities, He calmly assures me with His words of encouragement Reminding me that He’s in complete control. He died a cruel agonizing death for my sins, And rose again on that...