Character over credentials

Over the years, the value of credentials have vastly overcome the value of character. So many people now live their life in search of gaining as many credentials as they can whether it be through degrees, cars, jobs, friends or money. While there is nothing wrong with having a good job, lots of money, a good education and home, God called us to value character above all those. Credentials are transient; character is permanent. Credentials tell the world what we have accomplishes ourselves; character shows others how we should live. Credentials are for one person alone; character is for everyone to share. Credentials get us places; character keeps us there. Credentials evoke jealousy; character attracts respect and stimulates others to develop character as well. Jesus Christ came down to earth and made a difference not because of his credentials but because of his character, his love, kindness, mercy and grace. We have been called to be like him and during this stressful time of finals, let us not change our character.

Yellow Roses

My mom sent me this story called "yellow roses" as an encouragement to my faith. I found it to be quite inspiring and uplifting so I thought it would be nice to share. I you have the time, please read and then share with others.

"Yellow Roses" I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry. The pain of losing my husband of 57 years was still too raw.

And this grocery store held so many sweet memories.

He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special.

I knew what he was up to I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands.

He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave,

but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on. Shopping for one took time,

a little more thought than it had for two.

Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak.
Suddenly a woman came beside me.. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit.

I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket.. hesitated, and then

put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks.

She saw me watching her and she smiled. 'My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know.'

I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes.

'My husband passed away eight days ago,' I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands,

I fought to control the tremble in my voice. 'Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have together.'

She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away.

I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products.

There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream.

If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone..

I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front.

I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me.

In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile! I had ever seen.

I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine.

As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes.'These are for you,'

she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms.

'When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for.'

She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again.

I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the rose's meant, but still unable to speak,

I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision.

I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal.

How did she know? Suddenly the answer seem ed so clear.. I wasn't alone.

Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes.

He was still with me, and she was his angel.

Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are.
(Please read all of this, it is really nice)

This is a simple request. If you appreciate life, send this to your friends, including the

person that sent it to you !

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings.

Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible.

Thank you, Lord , that I can see. Many are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise.

There are many who are bedridden..

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned,

tempers are short, and my children are so loud.

Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced.

Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry

Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work.

There are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest.

Thank you, Lord, for life.

Full of God

My mind is always wondering and dreaming of new things. So much to the point that when I pray I must do it with my eyes open to stay focused. Recently one of my friends said over facebook "When we fill our mind and hearts with God, there's no room for anything else" This little line was just so inspiring to me and makes me want to work to fill my everyday, every thought and every breath with Jesus and when I do, I won't have time or room for sin to enter my life. I will never be perfect or even close to it but with this mindset, I can start going into that direction.

God listens

Oh what a wonderful day. The weather is absolutely gorgeous and just as i was starting to feel overwhelmed with school, my mother texts me with great news. I got into UIC!!! God answers prayers in due time and only when you put absolute trust in him. Not only that but God somehow managed to make my family more open to each other too. My family is usually the non intimate type. No hugging to say goodbye or say what's really on our mind but today my mother also texted me words of encouragement and to trust in the lord and to persevere to the end.

Look for God, even in the litle things.

We all know how great God is and how big and powerful he is. how he sent Jesus to die on the cross for us and was the ultimate sacrifice. So much that there is nothing we can bring as a sacrifice that will please God. Sometime's it's just nice to see God in his creations on earth. We are always so busy with the world weather it be school or life and never take the time out to just look around and see what God has made for us. How many mornings do we wake up complaining about how early it is and how tired you are and instead just look outside and see the sun that God has given us to keep us warm or nature that is so in balance. I might sound like a tree hugger right now but all those were created by God and have a part of him.

Walking alone or walkign with him?

Being a Christian, our walk with God is very important but how many times do we try to do it ourselves? God is right by our sides and he knows our struggles and weaknesses and is holding his hand out to help us. Yet so many times we ignore him and try to do things ourselves. How many times has God reached out to us and said take my hand and i will guide you but we try to do it ourselves and push him away. That's kinda opposite of what we are trying to do. We want to build a relationship with God and grow closer to him so we must seek him that much more and take his hand when he reaches out to us. Walk with God together.

How much longer till we are content

Greed is evident in every part of our lives and in the world that surrounds us. Money talks in the world and for those who do not know God, that's all they live for. More money, more cars ,more women ,more power and it never seems to satisfy their need for more. For those who do claim to be Christian, we are also guilty of this, me especially. I always want more or even just things that I don't have and during those times of greed I somehow forget that everything that I try so hard to get will just be of no value to me in a few years. When will I be able to realize that everything that I have is from Jesus and he himself is all that I need and he is the only thing that will last for eternity. Contentment frees the heart but my heart is still in shackles.