The Potter And The Clay

by: Author Unknown,

The story is told of a couple who went to England to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary and shopped at a beautiful antique store. They both liked antiques and pottery,and especially tea-cups,and so spotting an exceptional cup,they asked "May we see that? We've never seen a cup quite so beautiful."As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the tea-cup spoke... "You don't understand." It said, "I have not always been a tea-cup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled me pounded and patted me over and over and I yelled out, Don't do that. I don't like it! "Let me alone," but he only smiled, and gently said; "Not yet!!" "Then, WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. "Stop it! I'm getting so dizzy! I'm going to be sick!" I screamed.

But the master only nodded and said, quietly; 'Not yet.'He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit himself and then...he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door."Help! Get me out of here!" 'Not yet.' When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute, the door opened. He carefully took me out and put me on the shelf, and I began to cool.

Oh, that felt so good! "Ah, this is much better," I thought. But, after I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible.. "Oh, please, Stop it! Stop it!" I cried. He only shook his head and said. "Not yet..."Then suddenly he put me back into the oven. Only it was not like the first time. This time it was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged... I pleaded... I screamed...I cried... I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up and just then the door opened and he took me out and again placed me on the shelf, where I cooled and waited and waited, wondering "What's he going to do to me next?"An hour later he handed me a mirror and said "Look at yourself."And I did... I said, "That's not me, that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful!"Quietly he spoke: "I want you to remember, then," he said, "I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled."I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life."And if I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't have survived for long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you."

The Barber Shop

by: Author Unknown,

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation and talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: "I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer."Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things."The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist."

"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber."I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"

"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me."

"Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! Because people do not look to God for help is why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

Just Do It

by: Author Unknown,

Just walk it.

Just talk it.

Just preach it.

Just teach it.

Just tell it.

Just live it.

Just give it.

Just wear it.

Just share it.

Just shout it.

Just sing it.

Just proclaim it.

Just prove it.

JUST DO IT.

Live For Jesus!

I am God

by: Author Unknown,

Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help. If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. It will be addressed in My time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on to it. If you find yourself stuck in traffic; Don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege. Should you have a bad day at work; Think of the man who has been out of work for years. Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return. Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children. Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk. Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine. Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity. Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, things could be worse. You could be them!!!! Should you decide to send this to a friend; You might brighten someones day!

Be Still

by: Author Unknown,

Be Still, and Know that I Am God, My Father said to Me, And I will fill you with My Peace, And set your Spirit Free. You are my Own; I've Chosen You: You are Precious in My Sight. Give Me your Heart and I Promise You I'll be Your Guiding Light. My Love for you will Never Fade By your side I'll Always Stay. My Joy will be your Strength and Shield, If you'll let Me have My Way. I'm Standing here with Arms Outstretched I want to Touch and make You Whole. Of My Living Waters, Come and Drink, And I will Quench your Thirsty Soul. Peace! Be Still! I am with You now, And no-one could Love You More. My Love for you will never Die Of that You can be sure. That's what my Father said to Me And I know His Words are true. I know that He has Set me Free And He'll do the Same for You. So just Reach Out, ask Him to Forgive And Pardon all your Sin. Ask Him to be your God and King And He will take You In. (Psalms 46:10)

The Stranger

by: Author Unknown,

At Christmas time there was a man who looked so out of place as people rushed about him in a hurried sort of pace. He looked at all the Christmas light, the tinsel everywhere, the shopping center, Santa Claus with children gathered near.
The Mall was packed with shoppers who were going to and fro. Some with smiles, and some with frowns and some too tired to go. They rested on the benches or they hurried on their way to fight the crowd for purchases to carry home that day.
The music was playing loud and clear of Santa and snowman and funny nosed reindeer. He heard people talk about the good times on the way, of parties, fun and food galore, and gifts exchanged that day. " I'd like to know what is going on," the man was heard to say, " There seems to be some sort of celebration on the way, and would you tell who this is all dressed in red and white? And why are children asking HIM about a special night?"
The answer came in disbelief, I can't believe my ears. I can't believe you do not know that Christmas time is here. The time when Santa comes around with gifts for girls and boys. When they are asleep on Christmas Eve, he leaves them books and toys. Thet man you see in red and white is Santa Claus. so sly. The children love his joyful laugh, and twinkle in his eye. . His gift packed sleigh is pulled along by very small reindeer's. As he flies quickly through the air, while darting here and there. The children learn of Santa while they are still quite small. When Christmas comes HE is the most IMPORTANT one of all.
The stranger hung his head in shame, and he closed a nail-pierced hand. His body shook in disbelief, he did not understand. A shadow crossed his stricken face, his voice was low but clear, and Jesus shed a tear.
Give Jesus the Gift of Your Heart!
May you always love Jesus
as He loves you.
Talk to Him. Trust Him.
Make time for just the two of you.
Ask Him. Listen to Him.
Invite Him along on your dreams.
Celebrate with Him. Thank Him.
Believe in Him. Imitate Him.
share His wisdom and love
with every living thing.

Grandpa's Hands

by: Author Unknown,

Grandpa, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. He didn't move, just sat with
his head down staring at his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my
presence and the longer I sat I wondered if he was OK. Finally, not really wanting to disturb
him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was OK.
He raised his head and looked at me and smiled. Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking,
he said in a clear strong voice.
I didn't mean to disturb you, grandpa, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands
and I wanted to make sure you were OK I explained to him.
Have you ever looked at your hands he asked. I mean really looked at your hands?
I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and
then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure
out the point he was making.
Grandpa smiled and related this story:
Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served
you well throughout your years.
These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used
all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.
They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor.
They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother
taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots.
They dried the tears of my children and caressed the love of my life. They held my
rifle and wiped my tears when I went off to war. They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.
They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son.
Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special. They wrote the letters home and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and walked my daughter down the aisle.
Yet, they were strong and sure when I dug my buddy out of a foxhole and lifted a plow off of my best friends foot. They have held children, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer. These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life.
But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ.
I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandpa's hands and led him home. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and wife I think grandpa. I know he has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel his hands upon my face.

LAUS DEO... A History Lesson

by: Author Unknown,

In Washington DC, there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument... this is a LAW.

On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington DC, are two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less.

These words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.
Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, un-noticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.

So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say... "Praise be to God!" Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, "Laus Deo... Praise be to God!" From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with it's division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant... a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west. A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution. So, read on . How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice. Praise be to God! Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message! On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Praise be to God! When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848, deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy ."One Nation, Under God." Washington's prayer, have you ever read it? If not, do so now..."Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United states at large." And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Laus Deo! When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look. You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo," it's location, or the architects... but no one who reads this will be able to forget it's meaning, or these words: "Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." -- Psalm 127:1
We are a nation under God!!! Laus Deo!

Sweet Jesus

by: Author Unknown,

Sweet Jesus, Sweet Jesus,What a wonder You are!You are brighter than the morning star.You're fairer, yes, fairer than the lily that grows by the way.You are precious, more precious than gold.

And I love You, I love You. I love You with all of my heart!

You're the best thing that ever happened to me.You're worth more, so much more

Than anything this world can afford.You're my Jesus, my Savior, my Lord.You're like the rose, mighty 'Rose of Sharon',You're the fairest of the fair.You are all my heart could ever desire, ever desire.

Sweet Jesus, Sweet Jesus, what a wonder You are!You are precious, more precious than gold.

And I love You, I love You, I love You with all of my heart.You're the best thing that ever happened to me.

Sweet Jesus, Sweet Jesus, what a wonder You are!You are precious, more precious than gold.Yes, You are precious, more precious than gold.

24 Hour Period

by: Author Unknown

God: "Whew! I just created a 24-hour period of alternating light and darkness on Earth."
Angel: "What are you going to do now?"
God: "Call it a day."

"God Speaks" Billboards

by: Author Unknown,

Some new billboards are getting attention in Cleveland. Some reported seeing one or two messages, but the newspaper listed all of them. Here's a list of all variations of the "God Speaks" billboards.
The billboards are a simple black background with white text. No fine print or sponsoring organization is included.
Here they are:
Let's meet at my house Sunday before the game. -God
C'mon over and bring the kids. -God
What part of "Thou Shalt Not..." didn't you understand? -God
We need to talk. -God
Keep using my name in vain, I'll make rush hour longer. -God
Loved the wedding, invite me to the marriage. -God
That "Love Thy Neighbor" thing... I meant it. -God
I love you and you and you and you and... -God
Will the road you're on get you to my place? -God Follow me. -God
Big bang theory, you've got to be kidding. -God
My way is the highway. -God
Need directions? -God You think it's hot here? -God
Have you read my #1 best seller? There will be a test. -God
Do you have any idea where you're going? -God
Don't make me come down there. -God

Who Really Loves God?

by: Author Unknown,

An angel was walking down the street of a nearby town. In the angel's right hand was a torch and in the left was a bucket of water. "What are you going to do with that fire and water?" a passerby inquired.
The angel replied, "With the torch, I'm going to burn down the mansions of heaven, and with the bucket of water, I'm going to put out the fires of hell. Then we'll see who really loves God."

The Sneeze

by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-three students filing into the already crowded auditorium. With 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 he delivered his speech... an astounding SNEEZE!.
The rest of the students rose immediately to their feet, and in unison they said, "GOD BLESS YOU."
The audience exploded into applause. The graduating class found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future .... with or without the court's approval.

The Secret

by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

One day, one friend asked another, "How is it that you are always so happy? You have so much energy, and you never seem to get down."
With her eyes smiling, she said, "I know the Secret!"
"What secret is that?"
To which she replied, "I'll tell you all about it, but you have to promise to share the Secret with others."
"The Secret is this:I have learned there is little I can do in my life that will make me truly happy.I must depend on God to make me happy and to meet my needs.When a need arises in my life, I have to trust God to supply according to HIS riches.I have learned most of the time I don't need half of what I think I do.He has never let me down.Since I learned that 'Secret', I am happy."
The questioner's first thought was, "That's too simple!"But upon reflecting over her own life she recalled how she thought a bigger house would make her happy, but it didn't!She thought a better paying job would make her happy, but it hadn't.When did she realize her greatest happiness?Sitting on the floor with her grandchildren, playing games, eating pizza or reading a story, a simple gift from God.
Now you know it too!We can't depend on people to make us happy.Only GOD in His infinite wisdom can do that.Trust HIM!And now I pass the Secret on to you!So once you get it, what will you do?
YOU have to tell someone the Secret, too!That GOD in His wisdom will take care of YOU!But it's not really a secret...We just have to believe it and do it...Really trust God!

The Cross

by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

A young man was at the end of his road , seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer.
"Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have too heavy a cross to bear."
The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear its weight, just place your cross inside this room.
Then, open that other door and pick out any cross you wish."
The man was filled with relief and said, "Thank you Lord," and he did as he was told.
Upon entering the other room, he saw many crosses; some so large the tops were not visible. Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall.
"I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered. The Lord replied, "My son, that is the cross you just brought in."
When life's problems seem overwhelming, it helps to look around and see what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself far more fortunate than you imagined.
YOUR CROSS
Whatever your cross Whatever your pain There will always be sunshine After the rain
Perhaps you may stumble Perhaps even fall But God's always thereTo help you through it all

That's God

by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

Have you ever been just sitting there and all of a sudden you feel like doing something nice for someone you care for? THAT'S GOD. . . He talks to you through the Holy Spirit.
Have you ever been down and out and nobody seems to be around for you to talk to? THAT'S GOD . . . He wants you to talk to Him.
Have you ever been thinking about somebody that you haven't seen in a long time and then next thing you know... you see them or receive a phone call from them? THAT'S GOD. . . There ! is no such thing as "coincidence. "
Have you ever received something wonderful that you didn't even ask for? Like money in the mail, a debt that had mysteriously been cleared, or a coupon to a department store where you had just seen something you wanted,but couldn't afford? THAT'S GOD. . . He knows the desires of your heart. . .
Have you ever been in a situation and you had no clue how it is going to get better, but now as you look back on it, you got through it? THAT'S GOD. . . He passes us through tribulation to see a brighter day.

Teach Me To Pray

by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

Please teach me, Lord ...I want to know

Exactly how to pray.
I need some words

Which ones are right?

Please tell me what to say.
I've bowed my head

I have knelt down,

But ...should I be upright?
I've closed my eyes,

I've raised my hands,Or ...should I fold them tight?
Do I stand up?

Should I sit down?

Dear Lord ... what do you like?
Are lights turned on

Or are they off?

Maybe ...candle light?

Wear my glasses?
Take them off?

Be at my desk or table?

Should I whisper?

Speak out loud?
Do I quote the Bible?

What do you think about the time?

Do You prefer the dawn?
Should I pray fast,Or keep it slow?

Better short ... or long?
I'm new at thisWhat are the rules?

I want to do it right.
How do I knowYou'll even hear

That I am in Your sight?
And while I sat there quietly,Waiting for some sign,I heard a gentle voice say,
"Oh, dearest child of mine ...Do you think I really careAbout the time of day,Or whether you are standing up,Or kneeling when you pray?"
"I don't care about your posture,Or about the place you choose;Just open up your soul to me,I have no other rules.
Tell me what is in your heart,

And tell me what you seek;Tell me of your sorrows,

And of those things that made you weak."
"Speak to me in private

About what concerns you most;I know about your good deeds ...You have no need to boast.
My child, you don't need lessons,

Just talk to me each day;Tell me anything you want, dear child,Anyone can pray."

Science & God

by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

"Let me explain the problem science has with Jesus Christ." The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.
"You're a Christian, aren't you, son?
"Yes sir," the student says.
"So you believe in God?"
"Absolutely."
"Is God good?"
"Sure! God's good."
"Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?"
"Yes."
"Are you good or evil?"
"The Bible says I'm evil."
The professor grins knowingly. "Aha! The Bible!" He considers for a moment.
"Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?"
"Yes sir, I would."
"So you're good...!"
"I wouldn't say that."
"But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't."
The student does not answer, so the professor continues.
"He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?"
The student remains silent.
"No, you can't, can you?" the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.
"Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?"
"Er...yes," the student says.
"Is Satan good?"
The student doesn't hesitate on this one. "No."
"Then where does Satan come from?"
The student falters. "From...God..."
"That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?"
"Yes, sir."
"Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?"
"Yes."
"So who created evil?"
Again, the student has no answer.
"Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness. All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?"
The student squirms on his feet. "Yes."
"So who created them?"
The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question.
"Who created them?"
There is still no answer
Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized.
"Tell me," he continues onto another student. "Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?"
The student's voice betrays him and cracks. "Yes, professor. I do."
The old man stops pacing. "Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?"
"No sir. I've never seen Him."
"Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?"
"No, sir. I have not."
"Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter."
"No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't."
"Yet you still believe in him?"
"Yes."
"According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?"
"Nothing," the student replies. "I only have my faith."
"Yes, faith," the professor repeats. "And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith."
The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of His own.
"Professor, is there such thing as heat?"
"Yes," the professor replies. "There's heat."
"And is there such a thing as cold?"
"Yes, son, there's cold too."
"No sir, there isn't."
The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain.
"You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than -458 degrees. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it."
Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.
"What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?"
"Yes," the professor replies without hesitation. "What is night if it isn't darkness?"
"You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light.. but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word. In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?"
The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester.
"So what point are you making, young man?"
"Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with and so your conclusion must also be flawed."
The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time. "Flawed? Can you explain how?"
"You are working on the premise of duality," the student explains. "You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it."
"Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?"
"If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do."
"Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?"
The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going.
A very good semester indeed.
"Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?"
The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided.
"To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean."
The student looks around the room. "Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?" The class breaks out into laughter. "Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir. So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?"
Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.
Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. "I guess you'll have to take them on faith."

No God

by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

A college student was in a philosophy class, where there was a class discussion about whether or not God exists, The professor had the following logic:
"Has anyone in this class heard God?" Nobody spoke.
"Has anyone in this class touched God?" Again, nobody spoke.
"Has anyone in this class seen God?" When nobody spoke for the third time, he simply stated, "Then there is no God."
The student did not like the sound of this at all, and asked for permission to speak. The professor granted it, and the student stood up and asked the following questions of his classmates:
"Has anyone in this class heard our professor's brain?" Silence.
"Has anyone in this class touched our professor's brain?"
Absolute silence.
"Has anyone in this class seen our professor's brain?" When nobody in the class dared to speak, the student concluded, "Then, according to our professor's logic, it must be true that our professor has no brain!"

Lunch with God

by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

There once was a little boy who wanted to meet God.He knew it was a long trip to where God lived,so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies & a six-pack of root beer, and he started his journey.
When he had gone a few blocks from home,he met an old man.He was sitting in the park near the waterjust staring at some birds .
The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase.He was about to take a drink from his root beer,when he noticed that the old man looked hungry,so he offered him a Twinkie.
The old man gratefully accepted it and smiled at him.His smile was so incrediblethat the boy wanted to see it again,so he offered him a root beer.
Once again, he smiled at him.The boy was delighted!They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling,but they never said a word.
As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was,and he got up to leave, but beforehe had gone more than a few steps;he turned around, and ran back to the old man, and gave him a hug.
The old man gave him his biggest smile ever,When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face.She asked her son: "What did you do today that made you so happy?"
The child replied: "I had lunch with God."But before his mother could respond, he added:"You know what?He's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!
Meanwhile, the old man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home.His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and asked:"Dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?"He replied: "I ate Twinkies in the park with God."But before his son responded, he added:"You know, He's much younger than I expected.
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch,a smile, a kind word, a listening ear,an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring.All of which have the potential to make someone's day a very special one, or even turn someone's life around.