Daily Devotions

The Consequences of Jealousy

• AUGUST 21, 2017

Romans 13:13

In learning about the nature of jealousy, perhaps you realize that you do, in fact, struggle a bit with this problem. Maybe you envy a friend, neighbor, or coworker in a way you’ve never really considered. If so, it’s important to recognize this is a danger in your life that must be addressed.

As we realize how envy corrupts various aspects of our life, we can learn to identify when we have a problem. Prayerfully review this list of some consequences of jealousy:

Fear. You’re afraid of not getting what you want or of losing what you have.

Competitiveness. You aggressively strive to outperform others.

Critical spirit. Undermining the success of others becomes a goal.

Comparison. You measure your success against others’ accomplishments.

Divided mind. Someone else’s success becomes a constant distraction.

Anger. Hostility is a natural product of jealousy and bitterness.

Insecurity. You never feel as if you have enough, because you place a higher value on what someone else has.

Lack of peace. Jealousy and peace can stand in opposition to each other; you simply can’t have both.

Illness. Emotional turmoil can take a toll on physical health.

Remember that jealousy is a land mine that maims or destroys whoever triggers it. However, recognizing its destructive consequences may encourage you to remove this issue in your life. Then, with the Lord’s help, you can begin the journey toward healing and restoration.

Forgive Me

Forgive me my friend I've failed you
I should have realized you were watching me
Hoping for a glimpse of the Christ I know
Is all you've seen just patterns
Mere routines and pious words
When what you sought was love
Forgive me my friend I've let you down
I haven't really shown what you wanted to see
A glimpse of Christ living in me
Forgive me and I'll try my friend
Forgive me and I'll pray
That he will live his life in me
Shining for each day
So you will see the joy that he gives
So you will feel the peace that I know
So you will find the love He can bestow
So please forgive me my friend
For Jesus loves you so

by Jimmy & Carol Owens
Song on their album "Show Me Jesus"
This album was used for a Salvation Army Youth Council in the 70's.
Here is a link to listen to it on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9RUl6mf3q8

The Villagers of Stiltsville - by Max Lucado

Mom thought I said "Mash Potato"... um, close... I like reading books by Max Lucado.

(pg. 17-20 & 27 of "Fearless" by Max Lucado)

The Villagers of Stiltsville

Perhaps you don't know
then, maybe you do,
about Stiltsville, the village,
(so strange but so true)

where people like we
some tiny, some tall,
with jobs and kids
and clocks on the wall

keep an eye on the time
For each evening at six,
they meet in the square
for the purpose of sticks,

tall stilts upon which
Stiltsvillians can strut
and be lifted above
those down in the rut:

the less and the least,
the Tribe of Too Smalls,
the not cools and have-nots
who want to be tall

but can't, because
in the giving of sticks,
their name was not called.
They didn't get picked.

Yet still they come
when villagers gather;
they press to the front
to see if they matter.

to the clique of the cool,
the court of high clout,
that decides who is special
and declares with a shout,

"You're classy!" "You're pretty!"
"You're clever" or "Funny!"
And bequeath a prize,
not of medals or money,

not a freshly baked pie
or a house someone built,
but the oddest of gifts -
a gift of some stilts.

Moving up is their mission,
going higher their aim.
"Elevate your position"
is the name of their game.

The higher-ups of Stiltsville
(you know if you've been there)
make the biggest to-do
of the sweetness of thin air.

They relish the chance
on their high apparatus
to strut on their stilts,
the ultimate status.

For isn't life best
when viewed from the top?
Unless you stumble
and suddenly are not

so sure of your footing.
You tilt and then sway.
"Look out bel-o-o-o-w!"
and you fall straightaway

into the Too Smalls,
hoi polloi of the earth.
You land on your pride -
oh boy, how it hurts

when the chic police
in the jilt of all jilts,
don't offer to help
but instead take your stilts.

"who made you king?"
you start to complain
but then notice the hour
and forget your refrain.

It's almost six!
No time for chatter.
It's back to the crowd
to see if you matter.

Stiltsvillians still cluster,
and crowds still clamor,
but more stay away.
They seem less enamored

since the Carpenter came
and refused to be stilted.
He chose low over high,
left the system tip-tilted.

"You matter already,"
he explained to the town.
"Trust me on this one.
Keep your feet on the ground."

Others

This is a poem that my grandmother had as a bookmark in her Bible. It fit her life so incredibly well. I just have to share it.

“Others”
By Charles D. Meigs (written sometime between 1890 and 1902)

Lord help me live from day to day
In such a self-forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray
My prayer shall be for – Others.

Help me in all the work I do
To ever be sincere and true
And know that all I do for you
Must needs be done for – Others.

Let “Self” be crucified and slain
And buried deep; and all in vain
May efforts be to rise again
Unless to live for – Others.

And when my work on earth is done
And my new work in heaven’s begun
May I forget the crown I’ve won
While thinking still of – Others.

Others, Lord, yes others
Let this my motto be
Help me to live for others
That I may live like Thee.

Need

Remember those in need ...

Because need knows no season, we ring.
Because seniors are lonely, we ring.
Because men are out of work and have no place to sleep, we ring.
Because women are forced to raise their children on their own, we ring.
Because children go hungry, we ring.

This poem was written by Kevin Bickford, Dec. 2010. I understand it is being made into a commercial! Way to go Kevin!

Merry Christmas Everyone !!!

I'm sharing this because I'm honored to be Kevin's sister and I love him for who he is and for being there for so many others! I also love the Salvation Army for what they stand for.

Freedom OF Religion not Freedom FROM Religion

Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth. - Habakkuk 1:4

A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work. - Proverbs 16:11

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*This story was checked at snopes.com and it is true. Here is the link to check it for yourself or read about it's origins:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/mcloud.asp


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Speech of Tennessee High School Principal, Jody McLoud:

(This is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at Roane County High School, Kingston, Tennessee by school Principal Jody McLoud, on Septerber 1, 2000.)


"It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games, to say a prayer and play the National Anthem, to honor God and Country.

Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a Prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law.

As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it an alternate life style, and if someone is offended, that's OK.

I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity, by dispensing condoms and calling it safe sex. If someone is offended, that's OK.

I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a viable means of birth control. If someone is offended, it's no problem.

I can designate a school day as earth day and involve students in activities to religiously worship and praise the goddess, mother earth and call it ecology.

I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depict people with strong, traditional, Christian convictions as simple minded and ignorant and call it enlightenment.

However, if anyone uses this facility to honor GOD and to ask HIM to Bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law is violated.

This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical.

Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone except God and His Commandments.

Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules that they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical. I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression.

For this reason, I shall render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, and refrain from praying at this time. However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank God, and ask Him in the name of Jesus to bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that's not against the law--yet."

AND ... one by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with one another, and began to pray. They prayed in the stands. They prayed in the team huddles. They prayed at the concession stand. And they prayed in the Announcer's Box. The only place they didn't pray was in the Supreme Court of the United States of America--the seat of "justice" in the one nation under God.

Somehow, Kingston, Tennessee, remembered what so many have forgotten...we are given the Freedom OF Religion, not the Freedom FROM Religion.


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Important Recall

RECALL NOTICE:

The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.

This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.

Some of the symptoms include:

1. Loss of direction

2. Foul vocal emissions

3. Amnesia of origin

4. Lack of peace and joy

5. Selfish or violent behavior

6. Depression or confusion in the mental component

7. Fearfulness

8. Idolatry

9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.
The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.
The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.

Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:

1. Love

2. Joy

3. Peace

4. Patience

5. Kindness

6. Goodness

7. Faithfulness

8. Gentleness

9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!

Sincerely,
GOD

P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'!

Because He Lives!

On Letting Our Kids Down by Carol Orsborn, Ph. D.

A friend sent this article to me and I just have to share it. I hope it helps someone who's too hard on themselves to find some peace and serenity in the midst of their struggles. Love is so powerful! We WANT to give so much more than we are able. Just remember God knows our hopes and desires and He is the one in control. One day He will restore all things! - Acts 3:21.
God Bless You, - Just Me.


"On Letting Our Kids Down" - by Carol Orsborn, Ph.D.:

Once a month, I gather with a group of us who are on track to being trained as spiritual directors. While we come from different ages and stages in life, when we dig deep enough, we find we have much in common.

Sometimes, what we address are the joyful themes. But at this weekend's gathering, our conversation turned somber, as we began sharing about various flavors of disappointment regarding our relationships to our children.

Of course, there are children who haven't fulfilled their potential, having difficulty establishing an adult life, doing drugs and worse. But disappointment goes both ways. Adult children as well as their parents express sadness over having lost the closeness they had as a family growing up — or never having been close in the first place. Some feel estranged from family members who live across the country. And then, there are those who do live in close proximity but who still find ways to disappoint one another.

Frankly, by the session's end, I was disturbed. What are we supposed to do with all this disappointment? I asked the group leader if we could speak privately for a few minutes. She readily agreed. We walked together from the meeting room to her private office. I immediately noticed that there were framed photos of her adult children and grandchildren lovingly scattered about. Surely, she would have the answer.

And in fact, she did. But it wasn't what I expected.

"You hope to find the direction you can turn in regards to your children that will not carry with it some degree of disappointment. But no matter how hard you try, it won't be enough. For beneath the push and pull of all the, I wants, I didn'ts, and if onlys, there is an existential disappointment that underlies all the others."

In a nutshell, here's what she told me. There are limitations to what any one can do for anybody else, including one's beloved child. We can not stop them from having pain; create for them a safe, easy world. In fact, we can't deliver on virtually any of the hopes and promises we made in our hearts for our children as we birthed, raised and grappled with the challenge of releasing them to their destinies. The only hope and promise that we can hold onto, through all the disappointments of life, is that we love them no matter what.

I heard her, and it was a lot to take in. But it was getting late, and my guide indicated that it was time to go. As I lingered in front of one of the framed photos, she realized that I still wasn't sure.

We stood there quietly for a moment, and then she started to talk.

"This one..." she said pointing to the photo "is disappointed in me because I'm not as available to her to baby sit as often as she'd like. This one..." she said pointing to another "needs more financial support than I'm able to give. I'd love to be able to send my grandchild to private school, and it hurts that I've had to say I can't." She sighed deeply.
"That is what we women do...our particular greatness. We endure."

I suddenly got what she was trying to tell me. The time had come for me to stop trying to address the problem of disappointment by attempting to defy the core limitations that are built into the human condition.

The only way to do this is to stop attempting to solve disappointments as if they were a problem, and to willingly provide loving space for everything — including our disappointments — in our hearts.

It wasn't the answer I'd been hoping for, but as I noted the unshakeable look of peace on her face as she studied the photos, patted her own heart and hugged me goodbye, strangely, it did not disappoint.

My Name Is Pride - by Beth Moore

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.

I cheat you of your God-given destiny . . . because

you demand your own way.

I cheat you of contentment . . . because you

"deserve better than this."

I cheat you of knowledge . . . because you already

know it all.

I cheat you of healing . . . because you're too full of

me to forgive.

I cheat you of holiness . . . because you refuse to

admit when you're wrong.

I cheat you of vision . . . because you'd rather look

in the mirror than out a window.

I cheat you of genuine friendship . . . because

nobody's going to know the real you.

I cheat you of love . . . because real romance

demands sacrifice.

I cheat you of greatness in heaven . . . because you

refuse to wash another's feet on earth.

I cheat you of God's glory . . . because I convince

you to seek your own.

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.

You like me because you think I'm always looking

out for you. Untrue.

I'm looking to make a fool of you.

God has so much for you, I admit, but don't worry . .. .

If you stick with me

You'll never know.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I Needed The Quiet

This poem was such a comfort to me when I was very ill. I'm posting it to share with others who may know someone that's going through a difficult time and can use some loving encouragement.

God is always closest when you need Him the most! God Bless, Just Me.

I NEEDED THE QUIET

I needed the quiet so He drew me aside,
Into the shadows where we could confide.
Away from the bustle where all the day long
I hurried and worried when active and strong.

I needed the quiet though at first I rebelled,
But gently, so gently, my cross He upheld,
And whispered so sweetly of spiritual things.
Though weakened in body, my spirit took wings
To heights never dreamed of when active and gay.
He loved me so greatly He drew me away.

I needed the quiet. No prison my bed,
But a beautiful valley of blessings instead--
A place to grow richer in Jesus to hide.
I needed the quiet so He drew me aside.

Alice Hansche Mortenson

Mom's Empty Chair

A woman's daughter had asked the local minister

To come and pray with her mother.

When the minister arrived,

He found the woman lying in bed with her head

Propped up on two pillows.

An empty chair sat beside her bed.

The minister assumed that the woman

Had been informed of his visit.

'I gues you were expecting me,' he said.

'No, who are you?' said the mother.

The minister told her his name and then remarked,

'I saw the empty chair and I figured you knew

I was going to show up.'

'Oh, yeah, the chair,' said the bedridden woman.

'Would you mind closing the door?'

Puzzled, the minister shut the door.

'I have never told anyone this,

Not even my daughter,' said the woman.

'But all of my life I have never

Known how to pray.

At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer,

But it went right over my head.'

'I abandoned any attempt at prayer,'

The old woman continued.

Until one day four years ago, my best friend said to me,

Prayer is just a simple matter

Of having a conversation with Jesus.

Here is what I suggest.

Sit down in a chair,

Place an empty chair in front of you,

And in faith see Jesus on the chair.

It's not spooky because he promised,

'I will be with you always'.

'Then just speak to him in the same way

You're doing with me right now.'

'So, I tried it and I've liked it so much

That I do it a couple of hours every day.

I'm careful though. If my daughter saw me talking

To an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown

Or send me off to the funny farm.'

The minister was deeply moved by the story and

Encouraged the old woman to continue on the journey.

Then he prayed with her, anointed her

With oil,

And returned to the church.

Two nights later the daughter called

To tell the minister that her mama

Had died that afternoon.

'Did she die in peace?' he asked.

'Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock,

She called me over to her bedside,

Told me she loved me and kissed me on the cheek.

When I got back from the store an hour later,

I found her.

But there was something strange about her death.

Apparently, just before Mom died,

She leaned over and rested her head on the chair

Beside the bed. What do you make of that?'

The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said,

'I wish we could all go like that.'

- Author Unknown -

Daddy's Poem

Her hair was up in a pony tail.
Her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
And she couldn't wait to go.

But her mommy tried to tell her,
That she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
If she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid.
She knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
Of why he wasn't there today.

But still her mother worried,
For her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
She tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school
Eager to tell them all,
About a dad she never sees,
A dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall in back,
For everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
Anxious in their seats.

One by one the teacher called
A student from the class,
To introduce their daddy,
As seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name,
And every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
For a man who wasn't there.

'Where's her daddy at?'
She heard a boy call out.
'She probably doesn't have one,'
Another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back,
She heard a daddy say,
'Looks like another deadbeat dad,
Too busy to waste his day.'

The words did not offend her,
As she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher,
Who told her to go on.

And with hands behind her back,
Slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
Came words incredible unique.

'My Daddy couldn't be here,
Because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
Since this is such a special day.

And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know
All about my Daddy,
And how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories.
He taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
And taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes,
And ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him,
I'm not standing here alone.

'Cause my Daddy's always with me,
Even though we are apart.
I know because he told me,
He'll forever be in my heart.

With that, her little hand reached up,
And lay across her chest
Feeling her own heartbeat,
Beneath her favorite dress.

And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads,
Her mother stood in tears;
Proudly watching her daughter,
Who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love
Of a man not in her life,
Doing what was best for her,
Doing what was right.

And when she dropped her hand back down,
Staring straight into the crowd,
She finished with a voice so soft,
But it's message clear and loud.

I love my Daddy very much,
He's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
But heaven's just too far.

You see he's an American soldier
And he died just this past year,
When a roadside bomb hit his convoy
And taught Americans to fear.

But sometimes when I close my eyes,
It's like he never went away.'
And then she closed her eyes,
And saw him there that day.

And to her mother's amazement,
She witnessed with surprise,
A room full of daddies and children,
All starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them,
Who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
They saw him at her side.

'I know you're with me Daddy.'
To the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
Of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it,
For each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
Was a fragrant long-stemmed rose.

And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,
By the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing,
That heaven is never too far.

I received this poem in an email and although no author's name was given me, I just had to share it.

A Woman and a Fork

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things "in order", she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.

She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.

Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.

"There's one more thing," she said excitedly.

"What's that?" came the Pastor's reply.

"This is very important," the young woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."

The Pastor stool looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.

"That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked.

"Well to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the Pastor.

The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along it's message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep dish apple pie. Something wonderful and with substance!"

So, I just want people to see me there in the casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder: "What's with the fork?" Then I want you tell them: "Keep your fork, the best is yet to come."

The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the youong woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She 'KNEW' that something better was coming!

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled.

During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either.

He was right...So the next time you reach down for your fork, let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come.

AND..."Keep your fork."

Poem I Copied When At The Gosnell Hospice House

There is sacredness in tears

They are not the mark of weakness

But of power.

They speak more eloquently

Than ten thousand tongues.

They are the messengers of grief,

Of deep contrition

And unspeakable love.

- Washington Irving

The Sneeze

They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two students filing into the already crowded auditorium. With their rich maroon gowns flowing ..... and the traditional caps, they looked almost .. as grown up as they felt.

Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Moms freely brushed away tears. This class would NOT pray during the commencements----not by choice, but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it.

The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families.

The speeches were nice, but they were routine.....until the final speech received a standing ovation. A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then, it happened.

All 92 students, every single one of them, suddenly SNEEZED!!!!

The student on stage.. simply looked at the audience and said, 'GOD BLESS YOU,
each and every one of you!' And he walked off stage...

The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class had found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future with or without the court's approval.

A Little Encouragement Goes A Long Way

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name.

Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down under their names.

It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in their paper.

That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate piece of paper and listed on each student's paper what the classmates had said about that individual.

On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long the entire class was smiling. "Really?" she heard whispered. "I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!" and "I didn't know others liked me so much." were some of the comments.

No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished it's purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of students moved on.

Several years later, one of those students was killed in Viet Nam and the teacher attended the funeral. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature.

The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin.

As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as a pallbearer came up to her. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. She nodded "yes". Then he said "Mark talked about you a lot."

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon and the teacher also went. Mark's mother and father were there and waited to speak to the teacher. "We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket. "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it."

Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher realized right away that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things that each of Mark's classmates had said about him.

"Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said, "as you can see, Mark treasured it."
All of Marks' former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home." Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album." "I have mine too," Marilyn said, "it's in my diary."

Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. "I carry this with me at all times," Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued: "I think we all saved our lists." That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.

The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day and we don't know when that one day will be.

So please tell the people you love and care for that they are special and important. Tell them before it is too late. Don't pass up wonderful opportunities to say or do something nice, or beautiful, to or for the people around you.

You Are Priceless!

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, ' Who would like this $20 bill? ' Hands started going up.

He said, ' I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this. He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill. He then asked, ' Who still wants it? ' Still the hands were up in the air.

Well, he replied, ' What if I do this? ' And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. ' Now, who still wants it? ' Still the hands went into the air.

My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you.

The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE and WHOM WE ARE.

You are special - Don't EVER forget it!

Count your blessings, not your problems.

And remember: amateurs built the ark ... professionals built the Titanic.

If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.

Your Bank Account

A 92 year old, petite, well-poised and proud
man, who is fully dressed each morning by
eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably
combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is
legally blind, moved to a nursing home today.

His wife of 70 years recently passed away,
making the move necessary. After many hours of
waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing
home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.

As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I
provided a visual description of his tiny
room, including the eyelet sheets that had
been hung on his window.

'I love it!' he stated with the enthusiasm of
an eight year old having just been presented
with a new puppy.

'Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait.'

'That doesn't have anything to do with it,' he replied...

'Happiness is something you decide on ahead
of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't
depend on how the furniture it arranged...
it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided
to love it. It's a decision I make every
morning when I wake up. I have a choice: I can
spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty
I have with the parts of my body that no
longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful
for the ones that do.

Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes
open, I'll focus on the new day and all the
happy memories I've stored away. Just for this
time in my life.

Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw
from what you've put in.

So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot
of happiness in the bank account of memories.'



Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank.
I am still depositing.


Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

Kevin, You Rock!

New England Patriot’s Community MVP Award Nomination 2009

For: Kevin Bickford

Date: March 13, 2009

Name of Non Profit served by Nominee: Sweetser

Description of Non-profit:

Sweetser provides quality treatment, support and hope to children, adults and families through a network of mental health, behavioral health and educational services.

As Maine’s most comprehensive mental health network, Sweetser promises to do whatever it takes to connect adults and children to the mental health treatment and related support that they need and deserve. Nationally recognized and accredited, Sweetser has nearly 200 years of experience caring for adults and children who are living with mental illness, behavioral disorders, or substance abuse problems.

Sweetser is a nonprofit organization serving approximately 16,000 adults and children annually throughout Maine. For more information about Sweetser, visit www.sweetser.org. For access to mental health services call the Sweetser Promise Line at 800.434.3000.

Nominated by: Linda Danielson, Volunteer Manager, Sweetser

How long have you known the nominee? 8.5 years

In what capacity do you know the nominee? Kevin has served as a mentor and volunteer at Sweetser, in several locations.

Description of Nominee’s Volunteer Work:

Capacity and length of service.

Kevin has been volunteering at Sweetser since 2001, using his passion for helping young people succeed and overcome difficult challenges. He gives without concern for himself.

The key to Kevin’s mentoring skill is his listening – he relates to kids on their level about music, friends and teen lifestyles. Whether it’s instigating a rowdy game of basketball, taking young people to lunch or a movie, reading poetry, making CDs of favorite music, or attending a church service, Kevin establishes a solid, healthy role model presence in the lives of young people that cross his path.

He has mentored more than 35 children enrolled in Sweetser programs, often helping four or five of them at the same time. His commitment, enthusiasm and compassion are exemplary.

Kevin has improved the lives of others by his unselfish gift of his time and rapt attention during his volunteer work. He makes himself available as a stable, supportive adult in the life of his mentees.

“It’s great to be able to collaborate with some of the outstanding residential staff at Sweetser,” says Kevin. “They fight to help kids get the guidance they need, and as a mentor, I am able to connect with teens on levels that work for them.”

His mentoring services have been badly needed because Sweetser’s residential adolescents in group living have experienced a severe emotional disturbance. Sweetser’s educational services meet the needs of teens who are unable to function safely in a public school setting. Having a steady, fun and dependable adult to help them understand the complex world around them has been immeasurably beneficial to them.

The impact on these students who received Kevin’s mentoring, sometimes, is not seen for years after the teens have left Sweetser services. Three recent letters from former mentees of Kevin’s makes the point beautifully. Two young adults wrote to Kevin saying that they were doing great and were employed. They wanted him to know what it meant to them to have his support. A third asked for his help, many years after mentoring ended.

Said Kevin:

“You never know what impact you might have when mentoring. There are times when you wonder, 'Am I making a difference?'

But every now and then, I get a reminder of why I do what I do. Sometimes it comes from a smile or a letter, thanking me for being there. One time, a parent of one of the students came up to me years later and hugged me. Tears of gratitude were rolling down, but not a word was spoken. That's why I do what I do.”

Being a male has accelerated the impact on these youngsters, many of whom grew up with no healthy male role models.

Another major impact of his volunteer work is the founding of a non-profit called “Give Kids a Chance,” which Kevin created on the belief that kids who are given an opportunity, can and will succeed.

In what ways has the nominee demonstrated a strong commitment to community service?

Mentoring at Sweetser is an extension of Kevin’s other work in his community. He worked as a prison ministry director for the Salvation Army in Portland, and still spends much time teaching young people who are incarcerated, or who are awaiting trial at Long Creek Youth Development Center. Some individuals there eventually transition to Sweetser services, or go from Sweetser to Long Creek, so this has been a natural fit for Kevin to mentor teens in both places.

When the program that he managed at the Salvation Army closed for lack of funding, Kevin took the financial risk and founded his own agency. He deeply believes in kids and wants to do what he can to help youngsters create promising futures. He still enjoys the twice-a-week visits to Long Creek, where he lays the groundwork, by listening and guiding troubled youth.

“Many of the teenagers I mentor at Sweetser are kids I have known for years,” says Kevin. “That can help me make connections with the ones who are the toughest to reach.”

Having mentored more than 35 youths since 2004, Kevin has watched them make great strides. Sure, some end up in legal trouble of one kind or another, but others have gone on to college or raised families of their own. They like to keep in touch with Kevin and call him often.

“It’s great when they stay in touch,” Kevin says. “Whether I’m working with them now, or have mentored them in years past. It helps them stay on the right track and out of jail.”

One young mentee is a girl from an abusive family, who was incarcerated as a youth and came to Sweetser with low self respect.

“The staff at Sweetser really worked as a team to help her,” says Kevin. “Within a few months, she was reading and writing poetry, which she never would have done in the beginning of her stay.”

As her mentor, Kevin forged a close connection to help her through times of crisis. Over the years, since then, she has stayed in touch with him. She has since married and is raising a child.

Another young man puts his relationship with Kevin this way, “Having Kevin as a mentor is awesome! He takes the time to take us out into the community. It’s fun and it makes me feel good to have someone around who cares a lot.”

What sets Kevin Bickford apart and makes him so deserving of recognition is that he is so willing to juggle his busy schedule in such a way that each child he works with knows true support and caring that only Kevin can give. He is one man who knows that he gets as much out of the relationships he creates as the young mentees.

“Any program involved in working for kids would be lucky to have him,” said Linda Danielson, Sweetser Volunteer Services Director. “We are privileged to count him among our volunteers and all the Sweetser kids he has worked with love Kevin. His efforts have truly made a difference in their lives and he is an irreplaceable, valuable member of our team. The respect that the kids have for him shows as soon as Kevin walks in the door.”

Kevin has faced many challenges in his volunteer work.

“The hours can be long,” he explained, “and not everyone understands why I mentor. The world of young people is different from ours. They don't run on a 9 to 5 schedule. Their needs are in the now. As a result, I decided to set up a new cell phone so that I could be reached at all hours. My wife encouraged me to answer the calls.

One night, a young woman had become stranded and abandoned around 2 a.m., and called for help. With my help, we located her and brought her to a safe place.

Another time, one youth that I mentor, had gone home for a weekend visit and called me at 6 a.m. All I heard on the phone were her sobs and a mother (who was high on drugs) screaming obscenities at her. I was able to get her safely back to the Sweetser program.”

Stethoscope