Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:20,21

The following was written by Kelsey Harris who departed this life April, 2009, at the age of 16, after a long struggle against a malignant brain tumor.  Kelsey's life may have been short, however she learned more in 16 years than many of us will in an entire lifetime.

Kelsey may have died from an evil and ugly tumor -- but she realized that even in though her life was short... she wanted it to count... she made here short life worth living!

This year I want to…
-Author, Kelsey Harris

Write something worth reading
Read something worth sharing
Say something worth repeating
Give something worth getting
Choose something worth keeping
Sacrifice something worth giving up
Go somewhere worth seeing
Eat something worth tasting
Hug someone worth holding
Buy something worth treasuring
Cry tears worth shedding
Do something worth watching
Risk something worth protecting
Listen to something worth hearing
Teach something worth learning
Be someone worth knowing.

How much more should we as Christians... make our lives count for Jesus.  Take time to lend a hand or share a meal.  Make your life so Christ like that others want to know who you are!

Why not make 2014 a year that says, "My life in Christ Jesus is worth sharing!" Then do just that and share the love of God!

Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.  John 10:7

My dad introduced me to "covered bridges" a long time ago.  He loved them and he taught me to love them also.

The first time I encountered one, it was like I stepped into a time machine. Suddenly, I was transported back to the 18th or 19th centuries, when most covered bridges were built.  It wasn't just a wonderful landmark, now it became a major connection to other eras. 

The bridges were covered to protect their burly wooden trusses, from rotting in inclement weather.  However, many thought of these delightful bridges as romantic, winter-time passages, where one could steal a kiss from a beau.  Thus, the covered bridges were also known as "kissing bridges" to courting couples.

The bridges were also made to look like the entrances of a barn, which helped horses enter more willingly and without fear of the rushing waters below.  If the bridge sat on a winding approach, windows were placed at the ends of the bridges, other than that they could be quite dark inside.

While the floorboards might have moved a bit, these bridges were well made.  Still, they could be intimidating as you looked down and realized these boards were the only thing between you and a large drop to fast, flowing waters.  And, I found they could be a bit claustrophobic.

It was good to feel the ground below me and the kiss of sunshine on my face as I exited the covered bridge.  Still, I couldn't help but wonder who might have traveled the path I had just exited, many umpteen years before.

These old covered bridges tell a story.  A story from long ago, about how others lived and traveled.  Hopefully, they will be around for a long time to come, allowing others to experience just a little piece of history.

I couldn't help but think about what we will leave behind for future generations especially with social media so prevalent.  Cyber space keeps everything, nothing is ever truly deleted or gone.  I wonder... what will that tell us one hundred years or more from now??

If I am to leave a message to this world, I want it to be as useful as the covered bridges were -- I want it to be as lovely and beautiful -- I want it to relieve fears and bring peace and I want it to warm someone's heart with love and truth! 

I want people to know that I lived my life for Jesus!  I want my life to reflect my love for Him and more importantly -- His love for me.  He came into this world so that I might have life... and have it more abundantly.  

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly. 
John 10:10 

Jesus told us that He was the way to salvation.  There is no way to God, but by His Son Jesus Christ.  Any other way, will not do... it will just steal the sheep away from the shepherd. 

At this time of year we remember that... Jesus came as a baby -- loved and learned as a boy in the temple -- and then died as the "Son of God" so that we who come after Him, might have eternal life through Him!

In this Christmas season -- Do you know my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? 

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 
1 Corinthians 13:13

The Doll and the White Rose
- Author Unknown

  I was walking around in a store when I saw a cashier hand this little boy his money back saying, "I'm sorry, but you don't have enough money to buy this doll."

Then the little boy turned to the old woman next to him, "Granny, are you sure I don't have enough money?"

The elderly woman replied, "You know that you don't have enough money to buy this doll, my dear."  Then she asked him to stay there for 5 minutes while she went to look around.  She left quickly as the little boy stood there looking sad.

The little boy was holding a doll in his hand.  Finally, I walked toward him and I asked him who he wished to give this doll to.  "It's the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for this Christmas.  She was so sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her!"

I replied to him that maybe Santa Claus will bring it to her after all, and not to worry.  But, he replied to me sadly... "No, Santa Claus can't bring it to her where she is now.  I have to give the doll to my mommy so that she can give it to my sister when she goes to heaven."

His eyes were so sad as he told me his story.  "My sister has gone to be with God.  Daddy says that Mommy is going to see God very soon too, so I thought she could take the doll with her and give it to my sister."

My heart nearly stopped.  The little boy looked up at me and said, "I told daddy to tell mommy not to go yet.  I need her to wait until I come back from the mall."  Then he showed me a very nice photo of him where he was laughing and said, "I want my mommy to take my picture with her so she won't forget me."

"I love my mommy and I wish she didn't have to leave me, but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister."  Then he looked again at the doll with very sad eyes.

I quickly reached for my wallet and said to the little boy, "What if we checked again, just in case you do have enough money?"  His little eyes opened wide, "OK" he said, "I hope that I have enough!"

I quietly added some of my money to his without him seeing and we started to count it.  There was enough for the doll and even some spare money.  The little boy said, "Thank you God for giving me enough money!"

He then looked up at me and added, "I asked God yesterday before I went to sleep to make sure I have enough money to buy this doll, so mommy would have it to give to my sister... and He heard me!!"