A Walk with Christ: Day 4

Day 4                                                                                                                                

Shay Plays Baseball

  At a fund-raising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled children, the father of one of the school's student delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extollong the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a queston.

  "Everything God does is done with perfection. Yet, my son, shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as the children do, where is God's plan reflected in my son?"

  The audience was stilled by the query. The father continued. "I believe," the father answered, "that when God brings a child like Shay into the world, an opportunity to realize the Divine Plan present itself. And it comes in the way people treat that child."

  Then, he told the following story:

  Shay and I walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they will let me play?"

  Shay's father knew that most boys would not want him on their team. But the father understood that if his son were allowed to play it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging. Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay could play.

 The boy looked around for for guidance from his teammates. Getting none, he took matters into his own hands and said, "We are losing by six runs, and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him up to bat in the ninth inning." In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.

  At the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the outfield. Although no hits came his way, he was opviously ecstatic just to be on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands.

  In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.

  Now, with two outs and the bases were loaded, the potential winning run was on base. Shay was schelduled to be the next at-bat. Would the team actually let Shay bat at the juncture and give away their chance to win the game?

  Surprisingly,Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect it with the ball. However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher moved a few steps closer to lob the ball in softly so Shay would at least be able to make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly toward Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball to the pitcher.

  The Pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could easily have thrown that ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have ended the game.

  Instead, the pitchertook the ball and threw it on a high arch to right field, far beyond reach of the first baseman. Everyone started yelling, "Shay, run to first, run to first."

  Never in his life had Shay ever made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and statled. Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!" By the time Shay was rounding first base, the right fielder had the ball. He could have thrown the ball to the second baseman for a tag.

  Instead the right fielder understood what the pitcher's intentions had been, so he threw the ball high and far over the third baseman's head. Shay reached second base, the opposing shortstop ran to him, turned him in the direction of third base , and shouted "Run to third!" As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams were screaming, "Shay! Run home!" Shay ran home, stepped on home plate and was cheered as the hero, for hitting a "grand slam" and winning the game for the team. 

  "That day," said Shay's father softly, with tears now rollong down his face, "the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of the Divine Plan into this world."

Yellow Paper:

Today I will sow greater love and kindness to my friend and family.

Wednesday: Day of Rest

On this day, all taht is recorded in that sscriptures is that Jesus spent the day outside the city of Jerusalem in seclusion. Jesus probably spends a day of reast with his friends at Bethany.

Read:  John 15:4-17

Thought: The Lord had friends who provided comfort for Him. He askd that we do the same for others. Do we reach out with the hands of friendship to those who need comfort, in need of "rest"?

 

Loves Ya All1

Have a good day.

Till tomorrow.  

Shaylee, Me, and I 

A Walk with Christ: Day 3

Day 3     
                                                                                                                                                    

The Old Lamp

A lamp once hung in an ancien town

At the corner of a street,

Where the wind was keen, and the way was dark,

And the rain would often beat;

And all night long, its light would shine

To guid the traveler's feet.

The lamp was rough and plain and old,

And the storm had beatenit sore;

'Twas not a thing one would care to show,

Whate'er it been before,

But no one thought what the lantern was,

'Twas the light that, within, it bore.

The lamp is a text for young and old,

Who seek in a world of pride

To shine for their Lord and to show him forth,

And never their light to hide;

You are the lantern,

But Christ is the light inside.

The Black Balloon
  On the streets of New York City a balloon salesman knew how to attract a crowd. Before making his first sale, he took a white balloon, filled it with helium gas and it floated into the air on the sring. Next, he inflated a red balloon and then a yellow one. As children gathered around to buy his wares, a little black boy looked up at the balloons and eventually asked, "Mister, if you filled a black balloon, would it go up, too?" The man bent down and looked the boy in the eyes and said, "Of course. It's not the color of the balloon; it's what's inside that makes it rise."

The green paper.
Tuesday: Day of Teaching
Today I will let my light shine and let others come to know Christ through my actions.

The egg.
Tuesday: Day of Teaching
Jesus teaches in the temple and on the Mount of Olives.
Read: Matthew 25
Thought: If we take the teachings of the Savior into our hearts, we will be filled with light and become like him.

A Walk with Christ: Day 2

Day2                                                                                                                                                         

The Card Files

 In that palce between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in a room. There were no features except for the one wall covered by small index card files. These  files stretched from floor to ceiling and went endlessly in both directions. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read, "Boys I Have Liked" I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names on each one. I then realized where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalogue system of my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in every detail. A sense of wonder and curiosity mixed with horror stirred within me as I began opening files and looking at their contents. Some brought joy nad sweet memories, others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I looked ove my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

  A file named "Friend" was next to the one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed". The titles ranged from  the mundane to the weird, "Books I Have Read", "Lies I Have Told", "Comfort I Have Given", "Jokes I Have Laughed at", "People I Have Hurt". Some were almost funny in their exactness.

  "Things I Have Done in Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents". Often there were many more cards then I expected. Sometimes, fewer than I had hoped. I was overwhelmed by the volume of life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my young life to write each of these thousands  or millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

  When I pulled out the file marked, "Songs I Have Listened To", I realized the files grew to contain the contents. The cards were packed tightly, yet after two or three yards  I havn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much of the quality music, but more by the amount of time I knew it represented. When I came to a file marked, "Lustful thoughts", I felt a chill run through my body. I puled the file out inch by inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card.

  I shuddered at the setails. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. A rage broke through me. "No one must see these cards. Not one must ever see this room. I have to destroy them." In frenzy I yanked the file out . Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. I took it out and pounded it on the floor. Not a single card would come out. I desperately pulled out a card and tried to rip it, but it was as strong as steel.

  Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a sigh, and then I saw it. The title, "People I Have Shared the Gospel With". The handles were brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

  And then the tears came. I began to cry. Sobbing so deep it hurt my stomach. I fell on my knees and cried out in shame. The rows of shelves whirled around me. No one must ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hise the key. but as I pushed  away the tears, I saw Him.

  No, please, not here. Oh, anyone but jesus! I watched helplessly as he began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch his response. In the moments that I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to go to the worst boxes.

  Why dod he have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me with pity in his eyes.

  But this wasn't a pity that angered me. I dropped my head and began to cry again. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. then he got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a card and one by one He began to sign his name over mine.

  "NO!" I shouted, rushing at Him. All I could find to say was, "NO,NO", as I pulled the card from hi. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was , written in red so rich, so dark , so alive. The name JESUS covered mine. It was written with his blood.

  He gently took the cards back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign all the cards. I do not think I will ever understand how he did it so quickly. But the next instance it seemed, I heard Him close the last file and walkedd back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "IT is finished".

  I stood up and He led me out of the room. there was no lock on the door. There are still cards to be written.

The blue paper states:

Monday: Day of Authority                                                                                                              

Today I will choose one thing that I need to cleanse from my life and sincerely repent and strive to do better.

The Egg:

Day 2

Monday: Day of Authority

Jesus Christ returns to the temple and drives the moneychangers from the outer court.

Read:

Matthew 21:12-15

Thought:

We all have thoungs we need to cleanse from our lives each day. This is why our loving Heavenly Father provided us with the opportunity to repent. Are there things that you need to "cast out" of your "tempel"? 

A Walk with Christ: Day 1

Day 1
                                

                            What it Means to Know Christ

  A man passed away and was resurrected and waiting in a room to be interviewed. Another man was ahead of him. The door opened, the man entered, the door closed. the interviewer began: I want you to tell me what you know about Jesus Christ.

  Well, He was born of a virgin in Bethlehem; He lived thirty three years, spending the last three in His ministry, organizing His church, choosing His apostles to direct it, giving the gospel to direct our lives.

  The interviewer stopped him and said: Yes, yes, that's true, but I want you to tell me what you know about Jesus Christ.

  Well, He was tortured and crucifiedd that we might have eternal life. Three days later He was resurrected that we might return to our Heavenly Father.

  Yes, yes, that is true, but I want you to tell me what you know about Jesus Christ. The man, a little perplexed, again began: Well, He restored the gospel in its fullness to the earth through Joseph Smith, reorganized His church, gave us temples wherein we might do work to save our dead. He gave us family prayer and family home evening where we might unite with our families. He gave us the Priesthood to heal the sick and personal ordinances for out salvation and exaltation.

  The interviewer again stopped him and said: All of what you have said to me is true. The man was then invited to leave the room. After he left the door opened and the second man entered. As he approached the interviewer he fell upon his knees and cried "My Lord, My God."

On the violet and white paper it says:

Today I will think of Christ more often and make my prayers more meaningful so that I may come to know Him better. 

In the egg, the message is:

Day 1

Sunday: Day of Recognition

Jesus Christ rides through the city gates at Jerusalem and is greeted by followers waving palm fronds as a welcome to their King. He visits the temple...

Read: Matthew 21:6-11

Thought: Would we be one of those who cheered as Christ rode into the city or would we ask, "Who is this?" How well do you know the Savior?

Loves,

Shaylee, Me, and I

A Walk with Christ

  So I was at church in another ward then what my membership is in, and the gave me this 8 day walk with Christ. It consists of 8 envelopes with a message inside. Also their are 8 eggs (who would have guessed) with a scripture and thought in side. I decided I would share it with you for your Ester present from me. it started yesterday, so I will post two today.

                                     Here is what it looks like.

On the front says:

An 8 Day Walk with Christ

This 8 day walk with Christ activity is an opportunity for you to draw closer to Jesus Christ on a personal level. Through scriptures and stories, you will be led through the last week in the life of Christ. Beginning today, and for each day this week, take a few minutes out of each morning to open the numbered envelope and corresponding egg and read the contents. Have your scriptures handy and a scripture-marking pencil.

Read the indicated scriptures and write your insights in your journal. Think about the final satements and try to incorporate them into your day, keepong Christ in your thoughts. Put the card that we have put in each envelope on your mirror or somewhere to remind you.

The nature of this activity is such that you will get out of ot exactly what you put in. May you be blessed with a greater understanding of the savior's life and feel an increace in love and gratitude for his sacrifice.

Make Personal profress a part of this Journey.

~~~~

I don't know if you even want to read this but I wanted to post something, and this seems like a good thing to post.

Aren't These Lovely?

                                Aren't these some beuatiful photos? 

                    
      I wish that I had a rock path like that to my front door! Acually I wish I had a summer house here.
                                           

                                         
              Even if the water is green, I still think it would be fun to jump in. Don't you think?              

                                       I love to smell the flowers!



    So would any anyone believe me if I said I took these photos? Well if you do you might want to take another look. I could never take pic. like these. I wish I could but it would take me years to learn how to use a camera that way. But I'm glad that you thought I did.  If you did.

Thank You!

 I would like to send a shoutout to my fellow followers.


 To my YW (young women) leader, Lisa, for having the courage to be one of my followers.


 And to my cousin, Shanny, for forcing me to make a blog but always helping me write a post. Even if she doesn't know it.


And to all my future followers (notice the blue botton on the right)


Thank you!


Loves,

Shaylee Me and I