The Hug

Being a nursing aid in a home for the elderly, one never seemed to be amazed at anything. Acool September morning the minister’s wife and her daughter came to the home to visit the residents. The residents always looked forward to the minister’s wife visit but this was special, she was bringing her daughter. Sitting in a corner of the living area was an elderly lady named Grace. Grace was so unhappy and it seemed that nothing could comfort her. Her families had brought her here over a year ago and have visited only once. Many families did that but some of the residents could deal with it while Grace could not.

Grace’s chin was on her chest and her white hair fell forward covering her face where silent tears rolled unto pale cheeks. The young girl looked over at her and walked over to the darkened corner. She kneeled down and looked into moist blue eyes. A wide smile crossed her face as she said, “Hello, I am Beth, what is your name?” Grace lifted her head and looked at the beautiful young girl who stood in front of her. She wiped the moisture from her cheek and whispered. “I am Grace, my dear it is so nice to meet you.” A soft smile appeared on her face as she looked into the excited green eyes of the young lady standing before her. Beth leaned over and gave Grace a big hug.

We all stood there with mouths wide open. Beth hugged Grace, and Grace hugged her back. In the whole year of her being in the home no one could ever remember her smiling let alone give a hug. Wow! The aids were amazed and even tears fell freely. That one act of kindness from a young girl who was only 8, made a big difference in another’s life. Beth visited with her mother often and always went straight to Grace for her hug. They would visit and smile and laugh, they became such wonderful friends.

Over four years passed and Beth was always there for her visit with Grace. The one day she came Grace was not in her corner. She skipped down to her room thinking she was resting. The room was dark and empty. The head nurse seen her and walked slowly towards her. “Beth, I so wanted to catch you before you came and I did call but you had already left. Honey, Grace passed away late last night” Beth looked at the nurse and said, “Oh my, Grace told me that she would soon be with her Lord. She has gone home to be with Jesus. She was so looking forward to that. Told me she would miss me but for me not to worry for she would be so very happy.”

A tear ran down Beth’s cheek, as she added, “I shall so miss her. I did so love her.” The nurse watched Beth as she walked away. She wondered if that young lady had any idea of just how many lives she had touched with one hug. Beth walked slowly she was filled with so many emotions. Yes, she would so miss her Grace but she was so happy that Grace was home with Jesus. Grace’s family made the arrangements for the funeral but Beth was not told where or when. This broke her heart. Still every week she would go to the nursing home and chat and hug the beautiful people there.

Years later, Beth was in charge of a large nursing home in the state of Ohio. She loved her work and she insisted that anyone working there would treat the residents with respect and dignity. Beth always told those who asked that she is working in the nursing home because of a wonderful precious lady named Grace. Grace had shown her how important all people are. Today was a special day for Beth and the residents; Beth was bringing her daughter Grace to work with her. Everyone was looking forward to that.

One Hug an Angel Story by Sharon Niese.

Making Preparations

“…Prepare the way for the Lord;- Isaiah 40:3

Everyone goes through seasons of waiting. A lot of times, people just sit back and wait for God to do everything. But you have to remember to do your part and make preparations. You have to talk like it’s going to happen and act like it’s going to happen. Some people might say, “Well, what if I do this and it doesn’t happen?” But I say what if you do and it does happen? And even if things don’t turn out the way you had hoped, you’d still be better off living your life positive and hopeful than you would to go around down and discouraged.

I love what David said in the Bible, “God, my times are in your hands.” He was saying, “God, I don’t know when it’s going to happen, but I know you know what’s best for me.” So I’m going to go out today expecting good things. And even if it doesn’t happen, I’m not going to go to bed all disappointed. I’m going to go to bed knowing that I’m one day closer to seeing my dreams and desires come to pass!

The God of More than Enough

“…the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am Almighty God…” – Genesis 17:1

Do you need more peace, joy, or any provision in your life? Friend, we serve a God who is more than enough and He has more than enough!

The original Hebrew word in this verse is El Shaddai which means “the All-Sufficient One” or the God of plenty. In other words, our God is simply more than enough! He’s not worried about how He’s going to meet your needs. He’s not wondering how He’s going to provide for you; He’s already overflowing with everything you need in this life, and He longs to bless you. Do you know why? He wants to bless you abundantly so that you can turn around and be a blessing to other people. He wants you to be His reflection in the earth. But you have to first receive what He wants to do in your life. You can’t go around with a negative, self-defeating attitude and expect to see the blessings of God pour in. No, the Bible tells us that it is our faith that pleases God.

Today, keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Remember, you serve the Almighty God. He promises to supply all your needs because He is El Shaddai, the God of more than enough!

Forgiveness

As narrated by aurthor

One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets
of town, taking those extra precautions necessary when the
roads are wet and slick.

Suddenly, my daughter, Aspen,
spoke up from her relaxed position in her seat. “Dad, I’m
thinking of something.”

This announcement usually meant she had been pondering some
fact for a while, and was now ready to expound all
that her six-year-old mind had discovered. I was eager to hear.

“What are you thinking?” I asked.

“The rain!” she began, “is like sin, and the windshield
wipers are like God wiping our sins away.”

After the chill bumps raced up my arms I was able to respond.
“That’s really good, Aspen.”

Then my curiosity broke in. How far would this little girl take
this revelation? So I asked… “Do you notice how the rain
keeps on coming? What does that tell you?”

Aspen didn’t hesitate one moment with her answer:
“We keep on sinning, and God just keeps on forgiving us.”

I will always remember this whenever I turn my wipers on.

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

Healing Power of Laughter

One of the greatest stress relievers God has given us is laughter. It not only makes us feel better, but it actually releases healing throughout our system. When we laugh, it restores and rejuvenates what the pressures of life have taken out.

Proverbs 17:22 puts it like this, “A happy heart is like a good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing.” Notice, when we’re good-natured and full of joy, taking time to laugh and play, it’s like taking a good medicine. That’s what helps us to stay healthy. People that laugh regularly are 40% less likely to have a heart attack than people that don’t laugh regularly. Laughter triggers the right side of the brain, which helps release creativity and helps us to make better decisions.

There is too much sickness in our world today. Much of it is related to sadness. It’s directly related to the fact that we don’t smile enough. We live uptight and stressed out. But even during trials and hard times, God says to us, “I’ve got a solution. In difficulties, cheer up. In famine, laugh. Keep your joy.” You can laugh your way to victory, to better health and to more energy.

God knows the end of the story. He knows the final outcome, He knows the beginning from the end. The good news is you and I win. God always causes us to triumph. We should have a spring in our step, a smile on our face, joy in our hearts and unshakeable faith. God’s plan for our lives is for good and He has the answer to our every question. Knowing this, we can laugh at the days ahead!