Marion Gaskins

The following story was authored by Joanna Weaver.... "The story is told of a man who met God in a lovely valley one day. "How are you this morning?"  God asked the fellow. "I'm fine, thank you," the man replied.  "Is there anything I can do for you today?"    "Yes, there is," God said.  "I have a wagon with three stones in it, and I need someone to pull it up the hill for me.  Are you willing?"    "Yes, I'd love to do something for you.  Those stones don't look very heavy and the wagon's in good shape.  I'd be happy to do that.  Where would you like me to take it?"    God gave the man specific instructions, sketching a map in the dust at the side of the road.  "Go through the woods and up the road that winds up the side of the hill.  Once you get to the top, just leave the wagon there.  Thank you for your willingness to help me today."    "No problem!" the man replied and ...

Our 2020 Vision Age brings perspective...... Quotes "Life is able to rise above mere existence when Jesus Christ is central in our thinking." "Robert J. Waldinger.  Psychology and Aging  Vol 25(2), 422–431.    Heterosexual couples that were surveyed reported their marital satisfaction, time spent with others, and perceived happiness. The results.....more time spent with one’s spouse, is linked to greater happiness. " "Enjoying your life is a significant contributor to healthy aging." Our 2020 Vision is  to "envision" ( transitive verb   -   to picture to oneself ) -  verb -  to picture mentally, especially some future event or events. " Within the past month we, as a couple attained a personal, distinguished and noteworthy achievement...... 50 years together - in love .  There were no medals of honor, stars or ribbons but we are truly blessed.   We "see clearly" and are "going for the GOLD! ...

God has called us to "action".  "Living" for Christ is not getting for ourselves but,  "doing"  His work, "being" His hands and feet, for others!                                                                                    We aren't to live in a bubble of Christianity,  stirring up emotions of feel good goose bumps and petitioning God for His blessings.                                                                                                            ...

God - the Refiner! "Do you feel like fuel has been added to fire in your life? Be advised ,  God is working to reveal Jesus in and through you.     Be encouraged!                                                                            When a refiner purifies gold, he melts it in a pot over a fire. He keeps turning up the heat until the dross, or impurities, rise to the surface. He then bends over the gold to skim off the dross and continues doing so, until he can see his face reflected in the surface of the liquid gold. Gold refined in the fire is a meaningful visual of how God refines us. ( Malachi 3:2-3 ) So, when God, the Refiner turns up the heat, we need to fix our eyes on Him, totally trusting Him to know exactly what He’s doing!      ...

Grandpa's Letter  One day, a young man was cleaning out his late grandfather’s belongings when he came across a bright red envelope. Written on the front were the words, "To my grandson." Recognizing his grandfather’s handwriting, the boy opened the envelope.  A letter inside read: "Dear Grandson, Years ago you came to me for help. You said, "Grandpa how is it that you've accomplished so much in your life? You're still full of energy, and I'm already tired of struggling. How ca n I get that same enthusiasm that you've got?" I didn't know what to say to you then. But knowing my days are numbered, I figure that I owe you an answer. So here is what I believe. I think a lot of it has to do with how a person looks at things. I call it 'keeping your eyes wide open.' First, realize that life is filled with surprises, but many are good ones. If you don't keep watching for them, you'll miss half the exciteme...

Who do you trust? What do you trust? Don't know.....  we retreat to isolation and eventually in to depression. Guard up! I'm not nameless. I am not hungry. I'm not invisible! I just want someone to talk to. I sure would love to have a friend. The streets are crowded.....actually, overcrowded. Can someone just befriend me? I have past hurts, wounds. Words like "bad, ugly, not good enough...... Is there anyone who is honest - authentic? Take off your blinders - I know all about Jesus. He can help! He is watching my back. He will bring justice. I can trust Him. He is safe! I remember - "more abundantly" I remember - "peace on earth". Taking a risk. Trusting....... Not in anyone - but, Him. Compiled - Unknown Authors

Grandpa's Hands Father's Day is nearing and I can't help but always remember my Dad's hands.   They were always kind and gentle.                                                                      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 yo...