Purpose Of Hope

I'm Not A Random Act Of

Mathematical Improbabilities

But Rather A Precious

Created Human Being

That Has A Purpose And A Life Beyond The Flaws

Of Humanity And Understanding.

God Created Me With A Purpose

And With His Amazing Grace

And I'm Loved Beyond My Mistakes,

Beyond My Accolades

And Far Beyond

My Present Understandings.

Whatever This Life Holds,

It's Like Shifting Sands That Suddenly Fade

With The Winds Of Change.

The Beauty Is Knowing The Life You Have

Is A Tremendous Gift

And The Time To Invest In

The Joy Of That Very Blessing

Is Now.

                                                               By Ernie Kasper

Beyond The Pain

There I was, quivering, shaking uncontrollably...

     I felt a lightening bolt surge through my body and the next thing I knew, I was on the ground shaking. I just fought to walk just a few feet and it took everything in me to do it and then I found out seizures became another battle I would surely have to face on a regular basis. The daily tasks that so many people take for granted, I took for granted, now they were mountains of trials; journeys I never new that would test my determination. I felt often frustrated, taxed by new challenges that would face my life. 

     The stroke took everything from me except one thing, my determination, it simply couldn't find a way to remove that very thing that would lead me to where I am today!

Yesterday was a monumental moment, I ran a huge distance along a winding trail with so many ups and downs and there I was, persistent to the very end. I finished my goal and after 8 long years I came to this very point! VICTORY!!!

God always has a plan and when we feel like He isn't there, He is the very one who is sustaining us, challenging us, encouraging us softly. My roots have grown deeper than ever, my understanding of what really matters in life is far greater than before and my joy for life, thankfulness in the simple things makes me one happy guy!

Thankfulness is an art and its returns are endless...