topic Re: Sunday's Positive Thread - I'm taking a break! in Among Friends

Sunday's Positive Thread - I'm taking a break!

gloriajean — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 18:05:46 GMT

Greetings my friends! I'll send out Sunday's thread now, and let you know that I'll be taking a break from the boards for until after we've moved. So much to get done, packing etc. and all, and the internet will be off for awhile then too until hooked up with the new apartment complex internet. So this is the first break I'm taking since I started this thread, but it's the first time I'm moving too since starting it. If anyone would like to receive the inspirations by email, just let me know and I'll send them to you. I'll be on email until we have to get off internet, but that's all. Praying for you all! You have all blessed me by knowing you!

gloriaflint2@msn.com

Knowing about God and knowing God are very different things.

Lord, may I recognize Your workings in my life so that I may

really know You.

S C R I P T U R E   F O R   T H E   D A Y

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they
may have life, and have it abundantly." ~John 10:10

M E D I T A T I O N   F O R   T H E   D A Y

We can have life and have it more abundantly--spiritual, mental,
physical, abundant life--joyous, powerful life. These we can have if we
follow the right way. Not all people will accept from God the gift of
an abundant life, a gift held out free to all. Not all people care to
stretch out a hand and take it. God's gift, the richest God has to
offer, is the precious gift of abundant life. People often turn away
from it, reject it, and will have none of it. We need not let this be
true of us.

P R A Y E R   F O R   T H E   D A Y

I pray that I may hasten to accept the gift of abundant spiritual life.
I pray that I may live the good life to the best of my ability.

The Unforgettable Ride

Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. It was a cowboy's life,
a life for someone who wanted no boss. What I didn't realize was that it was
also a ministry. Because I drove the night shift, my cab became a moving
confessional. Passengers climbed in, sat behind me in total anonymity, and
told me about their lives. I encountered people whose lives amazed me,
ennobled me, made me laugh and weep. But none touched me more than a woman I
picked up late one August night. I was responding to a call from a small
brick fourplex in a quiet part of town.

I assumed I was being sent to pick up some partiers, or someone who had
just had a fight with a lover, or a worker heading to an early shift at some
factory for the industrial part of town. When I arrived at 2:30 am., The
building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window. Under
these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a
minute, then drive away. But I had seen too many impoverished people who
depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation
smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be
someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself. So I walked to the
door and knocked.

"Just a minute", answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear
something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door
opened. A small woman in her 80s stood before me. She was wearing a print
dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a
1940s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as
if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with
sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the
counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and
glassware. "Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said. I took the
suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and
we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness.

"It's nothing", I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way
would want my mother treated". "Oh, you're such a good boy", she said. When
we got in the cab, she gave me an address, then asked, "Could you drive
through downtown?" "It's not the shortest way," I answered quickly. "Oh,
don't mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice".

I looked in the rearview mirror. Her eyes were glistening. "I don't
have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I don't have
very long." I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. "What route
would you like me to take?" I asked. For the next two hours, we drove
through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an
elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her
husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a
furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing
as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building
or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said,
"I'm tired. Let's go now." We drove in silence to the address she had
given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a
driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as
soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every
move.

They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small
suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. "How
much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse. "Nothing," I said.
"You have to make a living," she answered.

"There are other passengers," I responded. Almost without thinking, I bent
and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. "You gave an old woman a
little moment of joy," she said. "Thank you."

I squeezed her hand, then walked into the dim morning light. Behind
me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life. I didn't pick up
any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly, lost in thought.
For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had
gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I
had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a
quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my
life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great
moments. But great moments often catch us unaware--beautifully wrapped in
what others may consider a small one.

House Cleaning

Last Week I threw out WORRYING,
It was getting old and in the way.
It kept me from being me,
I couldn't do things my way.
I threw out those inhibitions,
They were just crowding me out.
Made room for my New Growth,
Got rid of my old dreams and doubts.

I threw out a book on MY PAST
(didn't have time to read it anyway).
Replaced it with New Goals,
Started reading it today.
I threw out childhood toys
(remember how I treasured them so)?
Got me a NEW PHILOSOPHY too,
Threw out the one from long ago.

Bought in some new books too,
Called I CAN, I WILL, and I MUST.
Threw out I might, I think and I ought.
WOW, You should've seen the dust.
I ran across an OLD FRIEND,
Haven't seen him in a while.
I believe his name is GOD,
Yes, I really like His style.

He helped me to do some cleaning
And added some thing's Himself.
Like PRAYER, HOPE and FAITH,
Yes I placed them right on the shelf.
I picked up this special thing
And placed it at the front door.
I FOUND IT - its called PEACE.
Nothing gets me down anymore.

Yes, I've got my house looking nice.
Looks good around the place.
For things like Worry and Trouble
There just isn't any place.
Its good to do a little house cleaning,
Get rid of the old things on the shelf.
It sure makes things brighter,
Maybe you should TRY IT YOURSELF.

Being a Christian - Is it Impossible?

"You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)....

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me" God says: I love
you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)

You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians
12:9& Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out" God says: I
will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28)

You say: "I can't forgive myself" God says: I
FORGIVE YOU (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians
4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II
Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated" God
says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I don't have enough faith" God says: I've
given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)

You say: "I'm not smart enough" God says: I give you
wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

You say: "I can't start all over again" God says: I
will be with you: You must be born again! (Matthew
28:19, John 3, Acts 2:38-39)

August 8 - Jesus Calling

I speak to you from deepest heaven. You hear Me in the depths of your being. Deep calls unto deep. You are blessed to hear Me so directly. Never take this privilege for granted. The best response is a heart overflowing with gratitude. I am training you to cultivate a thankful mind-set. This is like building your house on a firm rock, where life’s storms cannot shake you. As you learn these lessons, you are to teach them to others. I will open up the way before you, one step at a time.

Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me.
—Psalm 42:7 nkjv

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
—Psalm 95:1–2

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
—Matthew 7:24–25

Re: Sunday's Positive Thread - I'm taking a break!

Bobbi sue — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 18:23:38 GMT

Gloria, please send the inspirtations to me at my email addy. You have it , don't you? I will say a prayer for you while you are packing to move. I wish you well. Is there anything you need? God loves you and He will be with you. You will love your new apartment I'm sure. Take care and we'll miss you while you're gone.

Re: Sunday's Positive Thread - I'm taking a break!

spent2much — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 19:39:31 GMT

gloriajean, thank you, thank you and thank you. I'm also a believer. I received Jesus Christ as my Saviour when I was 16. I'm now 66. He has changed my life so completely... my heart, my mind, my motivations. He surely is the Prince of Peace, and since knowing Him I have the peace that passes understanding.

Re: Sunday's Positive Thread - I'm taking a break!

Puddles — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 21:06:20 GMT

Gloriajean, AF will not be same without your daily Positive Thread. We hope you return soon. Much luck with your move. We anxiously await your return.

Re: Sunday's Positive Thread - I'm taking a break!

Danky — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 22:44:43 GMT

Your faith and devotion have inspired me to believe in "something" and brought me comfort when I needed it the most. Thank you, Gloria, and much happiness and contentment in the next stage of your and Linus' life.

Re: Sunday's Positive Thread - I'm taking a break!

Midnight11 — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 02:00:38 GMT

Gloria I would like them emailed too, I think you have my email, Diane H. Thank you!

Re: Sunday's Positive Thread - I'm taking a break!

Bird mama — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 02:09:15 GMT

Gloria, may God bless you during all the hustle and bustle that comes with moving and may He bless your new home with peace and happiness.

Re: Sunday's Positive Thread - I'm taking a break!

HeresLucy — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 02:40:41 GMT

We will miss you,Gloria but I know you have a lot to do before your move. I pray it is uneventful and stress free, (as much as it can be). We will try to keep things going and look forward to your return.

I hope everyone has a good nite and a happy Sunday.

Peace and blessings.

Re: Sunday's Positive Thread - I'm taking a break!

gloriajean — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 03:10:44 GMT

Thank you all very much for your kind words and understanding. I treasure you all!

Those who want to be on the list, I've put you on already, so in the morning you will receive the inspirations.

God bless you all abundantly! See you later on!

Re: Sunday's Positive Thread - I'm taking a break!

LIG1 — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 03:18:42 GMT

"When I count my blessings, I count you twice." ~

Re: Sunday's Positive Thread - I'm taking a break!

gloriajean — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 03:39:00 GMT

How Sweet!!! I love Mother Teresa!! Thanks for your post!!

Re: Sunday's Positive Thread - I'm taking a break!

SleeplessinSD — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 03:50:31 GMT

You've touched more lives than you'll ever know....I am one. I come here to read every day. I've only posted once, and you were so kind. We all await you're return. May God bless you always🙏❤️......

Re: Sunday's Positive Thread - I'm taking a break!

gloriajean — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 03:56:11 GMT

Helen - please contact me - my email is on the thread, and I can send you the inspirations by email. That is if you want them.

Thanks so much for your wonderful, kind post, it's so touching!! I'm so glad that you were touched.

Re: Sunday's Positive Thread - I'm taking a break!

Drythe — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 06:01:10 GMT

I hope you have a safe and happy move.

Re: Sunday's Positive Thread - I'm taking a break!

marmot24 — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 11:56:34 GMT

Gloria, it goes without saying that you will be greatly missed. I also would like the daily email. Please take care of yourself. We will continue to pray for each other. Looking forward to your return and good news all around. Marmot

Re: Sunday's Positive Thread - I'm taking a break!

LTT1 — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 21:41:50 GMT

@Bobbi sue I'm trying to "find" you to 1) see how your eye surgery went and 2) to remind you that I see you have a birthday coming up pretty soon! Have a nice Sunday!

Re: Sunday's Positive Thread - I'm taking a break!

HeresLucy — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 13:38:21 GMT

I'm going to continue posting here until a new thread begins.

I told Gloria we'd try to keep it going. I'm using my tablet and sometimes it has a mind of its own so if sentences run together or paragraphs are off, don't blame me. LOL

Today is back to school for my grandsons. One is in 8th and the other 4th. The oldest is ready for school, the younger one, not so much. My daughter told me that in the same class this year is my youngest grandson and 3 of his pals. That poor teacher! They aren't bad boys, just rambunctious and stinkers. I told my daughter she should warn the teacher and she laughed and said, "oh, she already knows all about them." I can't wait to hear about his first day.

Well, I've rambled enough and have housework to do so I'll hush.

God bless, have a happy day.

Re: Sunday's Positive Thread - I'm taking a break!

lovestopaint — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 17:44:37 GMT

It's nice that you are keeping the thread going Lucy, so we could just chat with each other.

I hope your grandsons have a great 1st. day o f school.

Blessings to all..

Harlene(lovestopaint)