Be a tidal wave of happiness (the little girl at the airport story)

I was reminded today of a recent airport experience I had. I was walking through the airport and decided to utilize one of those movable walkways, a kind of flat escalator. I was standing there as the walkway moved me along, when all of a sudden I heard the thump, thump, thump of little feet running. I turn to look behind me as a little girl, probably no more than 8 years old comes running past me. A look of sheer joy on her face as she ran, pink backpack on, and hair blowing in the wind. She was running with all of her might, laughing as she ran, and clearly having fun.

This scene was in stark contrast to the dozens of travelers around with their disgruntled looks of travel-frustration. However, as the little girl ran by I noticed couples and businessmen turn and smile as this girl ran passed them enjoying the simple pleasure of running through the airport. This girl was a tidal wave of happiness that took hold of everyone she passed by. Her joy was contagious, which was clearly evident on the faces of each person she passed. Faintly behind me I could hear her parents calling her to come back, at which point she stopped turned around and ran with the same blissful energy back to her parents. I believe all who witnessed this little girl's excitement and happiness, no matter how bad a mood they were in, had to smile.

Children often see joy in the simplest of things. Let us be a tidal wave of happiness for others. Let us live our lives not afraid of the constraints of adulthood, and live our lives to the fullest, seeing each day as a new adventure filled with wonders and laughter.

Just another thought to consider.

T.J. Martin

Opelika, AL

www.tjmartin.org

Let us reflect Christ

One glimpse of the Lord's glory, one vision of his precious holiness, and
Stephen could no longer be hurt. The stones and the angry cursing were all
harmless to him because of the joy set before him. One glimpse of Christ's
glory places you above all your circumstances. Keeping your eyes on Christ,
consciously reaching out to him every waking hour, provides peace and serenity
as nothing else can.

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are
changed into the same image from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord"
(2 Corinthians 3:18). Stephen caught the rays of the glorified Man in heaven
and reflected them to a Christ-rejecting society.

How true that we become what we behold. The proper translation should read, "We
all, with open face mirroring the glory, are changed!" The idea is that the
Christian reflects, like a mirror, the glory on which he gazes continually. It
is we who are "in the glass"—a mirror—looking on Christ, the object of our
affection and becoming like him in the process of beholding.

When the enemy comes in like a flood and troubling circumstances get us down,
we need to both amaze and condemn the world around us by our sweet, restful
repose in Christ. Since we see by our spiritual mind, this is accomplished by
keeping our minds stayed on Christ.

 

taken from "David Wilkerson Today"

Read the complete devotion online: http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/devotions/2010/a-mirror

 

 

T.J. Martin

Opelika, Al

www.tjmartin.org

Speak hope

Our children are effected by the motivation we give them. Many of our children are constantly surrounded by negative demotivational talk and attitudes. My mother used to tell me to be careful what I said because I may speak it into existence. The same goes for parents when they speak to their children. We should build our children up, not talk down to them or call them negative names, especially if we're adults. How we speak to our children will have a lasting effect in their lives. Speak hope, be constructive, show love, build up, and don't tear-down.

Just another thought to consider.

T.J. Martin
Auburn, Al
www.tjmartin.org

Cherish, Live, & Dream

T.J. Martin

Opelika, AL

www.tjmartin.org

random thought on my mind

Live with purpose . . . For a purpose

We were put on this earth to live, enjoy life, and make a difference.

We are here for a reason, and  we never know when we will be called home.

Don't continue to put off tomorrow what you should do today!

Cherish yesterday's memories. Live today to the fullest. Dream for tomorrow.

Love God, Love your family, Love your friends

Live and love so you have no regrets!

 

T.J. Martin

Deland, FL

www.tjmartin.org

Early morning chorus

It's early in the morning. I'm listening to the birds chirp away. I hear them more clearly now with my bedroom window open, they are singing away, welcoming the day.

The sun has yet to rise, but as I listen to the chorus being sung outside my window I realize it is a familier tune. One I've heard before. In fact one I've heard many times before from this exact spot. I am transported through memories, memories from years ago, yet seem so recent.

Sleeping late on a weekend, on a holiday, or when family was visiting and being awakened by this same delightful melody outside my window. Or listening to nature's symphony laying in the grass on a sunny summers day filled the trios and duets of songbirds nearby.

As I lay here I am reminded that this is my home. A home that through the years has been filled with love, warmth, and music. An early morning reminder of the many beautiful blessings God has provided. 

T.J. Martin
Opelika, AL