Five

Lord, I have been married five years and all the things I used to fantasize about being married have remained exactly that - a fantasy!

Marriage is not easy, especially when I don't get my way (all the time). I am used to getting what I want when I want it but of all the lessons I have learnt since being married is that to love someone is indeed a great thing! Sometimes the joys overshadow the bitterness of unspent anger and vice versa. But of late, the anger seems to be mounting a big come-back. Many times, I am reminded of the vows I took and humbled by the fact that I said I would be strong in good times and bad, in sickness and in health......you catch my drift?

My patience has definitely grown and my tolerance too. Compromise means just that! And boy is this ringing loud in my ears!

I resolve to keep on keeping on and to overlook the unpleasant. I am going to be a better wife because after taking stock, I have realised that I have lapsed a bit in one or two areas. Anyhow, the 'tug of war' continues and life goes on!

I salute those people who have been married for sixty odd years! Tell me the secret. please.

Time

There is a time to dig, and a time to plough
A time to sow, and a time to reap
A time to plant, and a time to harvest
A time to scatter, and a time to gather
A time to weed, and a time to water
A time to collect, and a time to distribute

A successful crop requires time
A successful outcome requires timed planning
A successful result may come after failure
Repetition to conquer shows motivation to succeed
So it's okay if things take time
As long as waiting time is not wasted time

by Pauline Okposi

Inner beauty

Don't be concerned about the outward beauty

that depends on

fancy hairstyles, expensive jewellery or beautiful clothes.

You should be known for the beauty that comes from within;

the unfading beauty of a

gentle and quiet spirit,

which is so precious to God.

1 Peter 3: 3-4

Those who need me

Please God, let those that need me always be able to recognise me and reach me,
no matter how good or bad I feel inside.
Amen.

Pat Caplin, of Colchester.

Promises

Never make promises

unless you are sure you will honour your word.

For people who make promises

that they don't keep

are like nimbus clouds

that bring no rain.

Guard your thoughts

Guard your thoughts;

for your thoughts become words;

your words become speech;

your speech becomes action;

your action becomes habit;

your habit forms your character;

your character determines your destiny;

your destiny forms your vision;

your vision becomes your purpose;

and your purpose tunes into what you do day after day!

This is evident from the following Bible passage therefore take heed:

Yes, as the rain and the snow come down from the heavens

and do not return without watering the earth,

making it yeild and giving growth to provide seed for the sower

and bread for the eating,

so the word that goes from my mouth does not return to me empty,

without carrying out my will and

succeeding in what it was sent to do.

(Isaiah 55:10-11)

Our Father

Our Father

who art in heaven

hallowed be thy name

thy kingdom come

thy will be done

on earth

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day

our daily bread

and forgive us

our trespasses

as we forgive those

who trespass against us.

Lead us not into

temptation

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

the power and the glory,

Forever and ever,

AMEN.