A NOTE TO GOD from Khiara

 A Short prayer note that my 11 year old daughter wrote for God concerning her 3 Thai friends. Be blessed as you read along and may we have this kind of LOVE and CARE as well as PRAYER as this young girl have.

These are Khiara's Thai friends ANN and BEN, these are just the two of the three girls that she prayed for on her note.

Three Trees

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with Intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."

Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."

Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter"... and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree a woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true.

One of the Woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree so I'll take this one," and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.

The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.

The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark.

The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts.

Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

Keep this moving... share it with others, so it could inspire more people on His way.

Sometimes the heart sees what the eyes can't.

A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR JESUS

By

Richard and Esther Provencher

Website: www.wsprog.com/rp/

 Christmas music surrounded Matthew, like a magic blanket. Children and adults of all shapes and sizes hurried and shouted throughout the mall. It was exciting to see Christmas trees dressed in all colors, hockey equipment and trains. Video games and toy soldiers scattered like snowflakes across display tables.

"Stop crying, I can’t afford that!" one adult said. In the parking lot, Matthew could not shut out angry voices. "Hey you, that's my spot!"

Now it was Christmas Eve and Matthew stood by his bedroom window. From his second floor window Victoria Park looked peaceful. "This should be a happy time," Matthew said, patting his cat, Boots. “Tomorrow is Jesus’ birthday.”

Victoria Park was in the center of town, filled with hiking trails and a Reservoir, the size of a little lake.

Mom gave him a huge smile as she leaned over and kissed him goodnight. "What special gift would you like for Christmas Matthew?" she asked.

"Peace on earth," he whispered.

"Where did you get such a serious thought?" she asked.

His answer was a monster hug. He knew wishes were supposed to be secret, but mom was special.

Sleepy eyes closed as the clock ticked towards midnight. Around 11:00 PM Matthew heard a sound downstairs. Being a curious boy, he got out of bed and went to investigate.

It sounded like a dog, whining outside the front door. Was it a hungry stray? After getting a plate of leftover supper from the fridge, he opened the door. Matthew almost fell backwards as he saw a gray wolf. Its huge mouth was open with a sort of happy panting.

For some strange reason, Matthew wasn’t afraid. 

Boy and animal stared at each other. Matthew knew in his heart he was to go somewhere with this creature. He quietly returned upstairs, put on boots, and warm clothes. Don’t forget mitts and a hat.

By the time he returned, three more wolves waited outside. And this young boy, surrounded by four wolves headed down the street.

A neighbor peeked out her window, and let out a loud GASP. After receiving her phone call, the Truro Police Department sent an urgent message: "Boy kidnapped by wolves!"

A Cab driver yelled into his CB radio, “Wolves on the street!” Late night walkers rushed to their homes and locked the doors. Loud shouting began between neighbors up and down Park and Rosewyn Streets.

The wolf leader crossed the street and entered Victoria Park, with its 1,000 acres of woods. Matthew followed. He knew this path led to the little lake.

By now a crowd had gathered on the sidewalk. "That way!" someone shouted, pointing to the Park Entrance. Officers from two Police cars parked then joined everyone heading for the park.

Christmas eve celebrations were swept from their minds like dust balls. Saving a little boy from wild animals was much more important.

Not far ahead, four wolves waited as Matthew rested against a birch tree. Within his heart Matthew knew he was on a special mission. The wolves seemed to know exactly where they were going.

They began to run when they heard the tramp of many feet. Shouting words were part of a growing mob of people. Some carried thick branches; others had baseball bats.

Fear was in their hearts. Matthew learned in Sunday school people should have love in their hearts instead.

It was as if the whole town was on the move. They left behind fancy Christmas treats and pretty decorations. Even getting ready for Santa was forgotten. What was more important now than rescuing a little boy on Christmas Eve?

Matthew noticed large number of animals on the side of the trail. Feathers from crows, chick-a-dees and ducks fluttered everywhere.

Why weren't they flying away? Matthew wondered.

"Creatures in the forest are usually nervous around people," dad once said.

Suddenly, the wolf leader stopped then raised his snout. A piercing "OWWWOOUUU" was his signal for the other wolves to join in.

Matthew could see the forest filling up with more animals and birds. Larger trees were like a clothesline for canaries, partridges, and owls.

Every animal and bird he knew from his school library seemed to be here. Behind shrubs and trees were coyotes, rabbits and beaver, even mice and deer. Bear and moose were also here.

An army of people from the town was amazed to see so many wildlife sights. "OOHS" and "AAHS" came from people of all ages, shapes and sizes. There were too many animals and birds to count.

As if on a signal, each adult placed sticks and baseball bats on the ground. This special hush in the forest was something they did not want to mess up. They could see Mathew and the wolves on a grassy field, beside the town’s little lake.

And they listened as four wolves howled greetings to the night sky. The moon shone its flashlight beam upon Matthew and the wolves. Everyone could see the boy was fine. And he wasn’t afraid beside four shaggy wolves.

Very softly, a humming arose from thousands of trees.

Flapping wings lifted slowly, then rapidly, causing echoes of 'Whooshing' throughout the woods.

Every limb quivered, almost as if Royalty was expected to come to this part of the park.

Birds and animals joined in with their own calls, creating a musical symphony. Loon melodies lifted majestically into the sky. Deer added 'blowing' sounds meant to soothe their young.

And dozens of beaver slapped muscled tails as they dove like arrows into the reservoir of water.

Men, women and children gasped in wonder as a mixture of enchanting sounds captured their ears. Music was about a love of the forest, to live in peace, one with another.

It was a message felt by each human, filling empty space in their hearts. Everything was peaceful as mist drifting through the trees. 

Then silently as if a baton had been raised, all animals and birds were still. Their singing, reaching far into the sky and beyond the hills, ended.

Patient adults could barely hold in their excitement. 

As if that same unseen baton twirled, an army of children’s voices began to sing. They proudly stood and sent their own message of peace. It arose from the forest as a magnificent wave.

Adults joined in, wishing to be part of this great symphony. As if by magic, animals, and birds also came together in harmony.

The forest shook with powerful sounds, strange in their delivery, but rising as a stairway to the stars. Creatures of fur, and feathers, along with humans carried a message of love and peace on earth. It was now Christmas morning.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!” Matthew and his mom and dad yelled out.

For more of this Writers contact:

© Richard & Esther Provencher 2011

81 Queen Street, Unit 6, Truro, Nova Scotia

Canada B2N 2B2 Phone (902) 897-2344 

E-mail: richardprov1@netscape.net   

Posted April 2011

Christ4Thailand

A Humble Gift for a Teacher

By Amanda Krug 

 Submitted by Richard

It is the last day of the school year and I stand empty-handed with no gift to give you.

It isn’t that I haven’t tried to think of something thoughtful and kind… quite to the contrary. For months, I have combed catalogs, browsed specialty shops and department stores, inquired of novelty shops, and even searched the Internet only to realize that no bauble or trinket or card could measure up to the feelings of a mother’s grateful heart and a teacher’s loving dedication.

How I wish a colorful bundle of fresh wildflowers could reflect the beauty of your way with children — the constant patience and nurturing, the gentle encouragement. A keepsake basket laden with soothing soaps and bath oils would eventually serve only as a common gift were its sturdy, woven walls not filled to overflowing with examples of the individual ways you have touched the lives of your students.

Jewelry would surely be nice, but what can I afford that would not soon tarnish or grow quickly out of style? You deserve the gems of royalty for your perseverance and creativity, your devotion and talent. During the past year, I have given you many small gifts, mostly intangible ones.

At the moment the first school bell rang last August, I placed in you my trust, believing you would teach my child and reserve respect for me as a parent. I added to that my constant and fervent prayers that you would be objective and fair with the ability to set limitations while offering my child a chance to learn self-control and to soar a bit in the process. I sincerely petitioned that your classroom would be a safe haven for my child to grow and learn, lending itself to the crazy, yet somehow perfect, mixture of self-discipline and controlled instruction. I prayed for your health and your happiness, and your ability to be supplied with the tools necessary to complete your task as teacher and educator and mentor. I offered you my time as often as I could, and my support for your endeavors. Occasionally, I even offered you a challenge when I spoke my mind, sometimes standing firm, sometimes backing down with a renewed assurance or a “wait and see” attitude!

I wish with all my heart I could put a delicate ribbon on a gaily wrapped package and give you a “something” to express my appreciation and affection, but I have nothing to give you that would surpass the most precious gift I have ever had to offer and which you already so graciously accepted months ago — the one you have held close to your heart, laughed with and probably cried with, applauded and scolded, lifted and encouraged, molded and shaped — my child!

And today, as my child returns to my side for the summer, the gift I humbly give to you is found deep within my heart…

I give to you my thanks.