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 the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree the woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to a 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 of 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.

Jesus had no servants, yet He was called Master;
He had no university degree, yet they called Him Teacher;
He dispensed no medicine, yet they called Him Healer;
He had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
All believers should fee honored that such a one loves us!

What great love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called 'children of God.'  1 John 3:1

When a major disaster occurs in the continental United States, the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort immediately responds by sending truckloads of emergency food, water, cleaning, and other supplies to disaster victims.  Imagine the impact of aid being given to hurting people and the honor and glory being given to God!

Only fifteen employees are paid in the entire organization.  Unpaid volunteers are the secret to success of their organization.  Christians pray, work, travel, serve, and donate resources to keep this good work going.

The elders have set aside February 21 as the day for a special contribution.  All funds donated on Sunday, February 21, will be directed to Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort.

Please pray for this work and consider how you would like to participate in the special contribution.  The sacrifices you make are a sweet aroma to God and a blessing to many people.

For Nashville, it was unusual to have two weekends in January that started with schools closed due to snow.  The first weekend, I was a little surprised, but I do not live where some folks live.  This las weekend I could certainly understand the reasoning.  We had a substantial snowfall for this area.

I appreciate the elders' wisdom in asking you not to get out on the roads to try to drive to downtown Nashville.  Faith and I made a hospital visit to St. Thomas on Saturday afternoon, and we were surprised at the condition of the roadways.  The newspaper was reporting several accidents on Monday morning.

Special Contribution Postponed.

I am sure that the elders will tell us how that they would like to handle the special contribution that was planned for this past Sunday.  We appreciate the plans that you have made to participate and your prayers.  So many good works that bring glory to God constantly ask for our help.  When we can pitch in and share our blessings to honor God and to serve others, it is an honor and privilege.

Therefore, be listening for an announcement in the near future.  We appreciate your giving hearts!

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Faith and I walked to an area store on Saturday morning to purchase some grape juice for communion.  On Sunday morning, we were able to make it out of our subdivision to attend worship and Bible study at Woodson Chapel.  We missed seeing you and look forward to our next time of assembling together.

The snow is so beautiful.  Yet, we also missed the beauty of the fellowship we share with you.  Be careful until God allows us to meet together again.

The Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort immediately responds to any major disaster in the continental United States by sending truckloads of emergency food, water, cleaning, and other supplies to disaster victims.

They are a non-profit corporation, tax-exempt - state taxes and federal income tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code as an organization described in section 501(c)(3).

Only fifteen employees are paid in the entire organization.

Unpaid volunteers are the secret to success of their organization.

All funds donated on Sunday, January 31, will be directed to Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort.

Please pray for this work and consider how you would like to participate in the special contribution.

For as long as I can remember, I have been a huge fan of animated art.  I would spend hours as a child drawing different cartoon images.  One of my favorite characters to draw was Captain Hook from the Disney movie, Peter Pan.

This morning, I am thinking about Captain Hook's relationship with the infamous crocodile.  The crocodile had swallowed an alarm clock, so Captain Hook could always sense when an enemy he feared was near.  As a child, it was entertaining to watch Captain Hook's reaction to the incessant sound of the alarm clock: "Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock..."

I must admit that as an adult, the clicking of the clock is getting louder in my ears.

Time is not my enemy, but I am more aware that time is passing quickly.  By the time you read this article, almost five percent (5%) of 2010 will be history.  Were we not just enjoying the holidays?

We are all closer to eternity than we have ever been.

So... how will I manage myself with respect to time?  Will I devote my attention to what is most important, or will the urgent rule the day?  Have I taken the time recently to evaluate the values that govern my life?  Does my schedule and daily "To Do" list represent that my values are truly the foundation for my life?  Are godliness and contentment the bases for my values?

As I listen to the clock tick, I have some important questions to answer.  How about you?

Slow to suspect - quick to trust.
Slow to condemn - quick to justify.
Slow to offend - quick to defend.
Slow to expose - quick to shield.
Slow to reprimand - quick to forbear.
Slow to belittle - quick to appreciate.
Slow to demand - quick to give.
Slow to hinder - quick to help.

Quarterback Sneak: Church members quietly leave during the invitation.
Halftime: The period between Bible Class and worship when many choose to leave while others choose to arrive.
Bench Warmer: Those who do nothing but just sit and act bored.
Backfield in Motion: Making a trip to the back (restroom or water fountain) during service.  They forget they are supposed to do this before service begins.
Staying in the Pocket: What happens to a lot of money that should be given to the Lord's work.
Two Minute Warning: The point at which you realize the sermon is almost over and you begin to gather up your children and belongings.
Sudden Death: What happens to the attention span of the congregation if the preacher goes into "overtime."
End Run: Getting out of the church building quick, without speaking to any guest or fellow member...
Flex Defense: The ability to allow absolutely nothing said during the sermon to affect your life in any way.
Halfback Option: The decision of 50% of the congregation not to return for the evening service.
Blitz: The rush for the restaurants following the closing prayers.

PEACE IS...

-gazing at the stars with the knowledge that you know their Creator.

-closing your eyes in sleep without fear of tomorrow.

-the stillness in you heart when trouble swirls around you.

-a quiet mind in a raging world.

Praise the LORD.  Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
His love endures forever.

(Psalm 106:1)


Be joyful always; pray continually;
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

(I Thessalonians 5:16-18)

"Thank you, dear God
For all You have given me,
For all You have taken away from me,
For all You have left me."

(author unknown)


Thanksgiving like contentment is a learned attribute.  The person who hasn't learned to be content will not be thankful for he lives with the delusion he deserves more or something better.

(Robert Flatt)

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise;
be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

(Psalm 100:4)

What if God couldn't take the time to bless us today because we couldn't take the time to thank Him yesterday?
What if God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today?
What if we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the rain?
What if God didn't walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as His day?
What if God took away His message because we failed to listen to the messenger?
What if God didn't send His only begotten Son because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin?
What if the door of the church was closed because we did not open the door of our heart?
What if God stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?
What if God would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him yesterday?
What if God answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?
What if God met our needs the way we give Him our lives?

I cannot say OUR if my religion has no room for others and their needs.
I cannot say FATHER if I do not demonstrate this relationship in my daily life.
I cannot say WHO ART IN HEAVEN if all my interests and pursuits are in earthly things.
I cannot say HALLOWED BY THY NAME if I, who am called by his name am not holy.
I cannot say THY KINGDOM COME if I am unwilling to give up my own sovereignty and accept the righteous reign of God.
I cannot say THY WILL BE DONE if I am unwilling or resentful of having it in my life.
I cannot say ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN unless I am truly ready to give myself to his service here and now.
I cannot say GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD without expending honest effort for it or by ignoring the genuine needs of my fellow men.
I cannot say FORGIVE US OUR TRESSPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US if I continue to harbor a grudge against anyone.
I cannot say LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.
I cannot say DELIVER US FROM EVIL if I am not prepared to fight in the spiritual realm with the weapon of prayer.
I cannot say THINE IS THE KINGDOM if I do not give the King the disciplined obedience of a loyal subject.
I cannot say THINE IS THE POWER if I fear what my neighbors and friends may say or do.
I cannot say THINE IS THE GLORY if I am seeking my own glory first.
I cannot say FOREVER if I am too anxious about each day's affairs.
I cannot say AMEN unless I honestly say, "Cost what it may, this is my prayer."

Take time to think; it is the source of power.
Take time to read; it is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to play; it is the secret of staying young.
Take time to be quiet; it is the opportunity to seek God.
Take time to be aware; it is the opportunity to help others.
Take time to love and be loved; it is God's greatest gift.
Take time to laugh; it is the music of the soul.
Take time to be friendly; it is the road to happiness.
Take time to dream; it is what the future is made of.
Take time to pray; it is the greatest power on earth.

took the time to go see someone who lives alone?
wrote a letter to someone you haven't seen in years?
read the Bible to someone too ill to read it for themselves?
encouraged someone who was having a hard time living the Christian life?
prayed earnestly for someone who was faltering?
told a teen that you were proud of their efforts to live for Christ?
spent more time on your knees praying than on the telephone talking?
informed your family of your love and appreciation of them?

Every Christian can do something to encourage someone else!

Ken Burns has produced a new documentary on the National Parks.  The title of the film series is The National Parks: America's Best Idea.  Burns reports on the work of John Muir in relation to Yosemite National Park.  While in Yosemite, Muir made the following journal entry:

How little is taken of the deeds of Nature!  What paper publishes her reports?  If one pine were placed in a town square, what admiration it would excite!  Yet who is conscious of the pine-tree multitudes in the free woods, though open to everybody?  Who publishes the sheet-music of winds, or the written music of water written in river lines?

Muir's musing swept me away to times past when I sat by such streams and was enthralled by their symphonies.  Though captivated by nature, I have not reported much as I should have on her beauty or her message.  But the psalmist was aware of the good news that creation proclaims, and the psalmist does report on the deeds of nature:

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.  There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. (Psalm 19:1-3)

My football coach in junior high school took Labor Day literally.  It was not a holiday from football practice.  As a matter of fact, his annual goal was that practice on this day would be the hardest practice of each football season.

I believe what the Bible says about grace--For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast (Eph. 2:8-9).  I know that by my works, I cannot save myself.

I also believe what the Bible says about work--For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Eph. 2:10).  I know that if I truly appreciate what God has done for me in Christ Jesus, that I will be busy doing good works.

Once Jesus was questioned about what caused a blind man's inability to see.  Jesus explained to his disciples that the man was not blind due to his sin or his parent's sin.  He also used this occasion to glorify his Father by healing the man born blind of his blindness.  Part of Jesus' teaching was: As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me.  Night is coming, when no one can work (Jn. 9:4).

Knowing that you are created to do good works and that the night is coming when no one can work, what will you offer as a labor of love today to glorify God?

(September 6, 2009)

This past winter and spring I became frustrated with some underwriters at my mortgage company.  When you combine all the new government regulations for the housing industry with the low rates that have been available, you sort of create the "perfect storm."  Many mortgage companies appear to be swamped with people wanting to refinance their homes.  My frustration was with newly hired underwriters that I am sure were striving to do their best, but they kept making mathematical errors or incorrectly entering income figures.

My experience has made me all the more grateful for the debt I owe, but that Jesus paid on my behalf.  People should be swamping heaven with requests for salvation, but Jesus said the numbers who would desire to walk through the narrow gate will be few.  I am grateful that I do not have to attempt to walk through the narrow gate on my own merits.  Jesus has fully underwritten and approved my application for salvation with the payment that only He could make on my behalf.  I appreciate the fact that He has paid my debt in full.

--Gary

 

Eastern European Missions (EEM) is providing Bibles to people who do not possess a copy of God's Word.  EEM Bibles in the schools, provides them to youth camps, orphanages, churches, and prisons in response to the thousands of requests to the weekly television show, and to families and individuals.

Now, EEM need many more Bibles than they thought because of the new requests from many teachers.  EEM is attempting to meet this request.

The elders are asking us to help EEM by providing funds necessary to quickly give the teachers the additional Bibles for which they are asking.  It costs $10.00 per Bible to print, ship and deliver them to the teachers.  You can give the Bible to a teacher who has asked for it.  It is that direct.  Requests are still coming in.  How many would you like to reach with God's Word?

Thank you in advance for considering how you will respond quickly and generously in prayer and, if you choose, financially.  You are great partners in the Word.

Ten Little Christians came to church all the time;
One fell out with the preacher, then there were nine.
Nine Little Christians stayed up late;
One overslept on Sunday, then there were eight.
Eight Little Christians on their way to Heaven;
one took the low road, then there were seven.
Seven Little Christians, chirping like chicks;
One didn't like the singing, then there were six.
Six Little Christians seemed very much alive;
One took a vacation, then there were five.
Five Little Christians pulling for Heaven's shore;
One stopped to take a rest, then there were four.
Four Little Christians each as busy as a bee;
One had his feelings hurt, then there were three.
Three Little Christians couldn't decide what to do;
One couldn't have his way, then there were two.
Two Little Christians each won one more;
Now don't you see, two plus two equals four.
Four Little Christians worked early and late;
Each brought one, now there were eight.
Eight Little Christians if they double as before;
In just seven Sundays, we have one thousand twenty four.
In this jingle there is a lesson true;
You belong either to the building, or to the wrecking crew.

Be careful of your thoughts
for your thoughts become your word.

Be careful of your words
for your words become your actions.

Be careful of your actions
for your actions become your habits.

Be careful of your habits
for your habits become your character.

Be careful of your character
for your character becomes your destiny.

It was a cold winter's day that Sunday.  The parking lot was filling up quickly.  I noticed as I got out of my car fellow church members were whispering among themselves as they walked in the church.

As I got closer I saw a man leaned up against the wall outside the church.  He was almost laying down as if he was asleep.  He had on a long trench coat that was almost in shreds and a hat topped his head, pulled down so you could not see his face.  He wore shoes that looked 30 years old, too small for his feet, with holes all over them, his toes stuck out.

I assumed this man was homeless, and asleep, so I walked on by through the doors of the church.  We all fellowshipped for a few minutes, and someone brought up the man laying outside.  People snickered and gossipped but no one bothered to ask him to come in, including me.

A few moments later church began.  We all waited for the Preacher to take his place and to give us the Word, when the doors were opened.  In came the homeless man walking down the aisle with his head down.

People gasped and whispered and made faces.  He made his way down the aisle and up onto the pulpit where he took off his hat and coat.  My heart sank.  There stood our preacher... he was the "homeless man."  No one said a word.  The preacher took his Bible and laid it on his stand.  "Folks, I don't think I have to tell you what I'm preaching about today.  If you judge people, you have no time to love them."

I knelt to pray when day was done
And prayed, "O Lord, bless everyone,
Lift from each saddened heart the pain
And let the sick be well again."
And then I woke another day
And carelessly went on my way,
The whole day long I did not try
To wipe a tear from any eye.
I did not try to share the load
Of any brother on the road.
I did not even go to see
The sick man just next door to me.
Yet once again when day was done
I prayed, "O Lord, bless everyone."
But as I prayed, into my ear
there came a voice that whispered clear,
"Pause now, my son, before you pray.
Whom have you tried to bless today?
God's sweetest blessing always go
by hands that serve him here below."
And then I hid my face and cried,
"Forgive me, God, I have not tried,
But let me live another day
and I will live the way I pray."

A young man was getting ready to graduate from college.  For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.

As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car.  Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study.  His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him.  He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box.  Curious, and somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embrossed in gold.  Angry, he rose his voice to his father and said, "With all your money, you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business.  He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him.  He had not seen him since the Graduation Day.  Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son.  He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.

When he arrived at his father's house, a sudden feeling of sadness and regret filled his heart.  He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still gift-wrapped Bible, just as he had left it years ago.  With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages.  His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matthew 7:11, "And if you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father who is in heaven, give to those who ask Him?"

As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible.  It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired.  On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words PAID IN FULL.

How many times do we miss God's blessings because we can't see past our own desires?

Dear GOD, Instead of letting people die and having to make new ones, why don't you just keep the ones you have? -Jane
Dear GOD, Maybe Cain and Abel would not kill each other so much if they had their own rooms.  It works with my brother. -Larry
Dear GOD, If You watch me in church on Sunday, I'll show you my new shoes. -Mickey
Dear GOD, I bet it is very hard for you to love all of everybody in the whole world.  There are only 4 people in our family and I can never do it. -Nan
Dear GOD, In school they told us what you do.  Who does it when you are on vacation? -Jane
Dear GOD, I read the Bible.  What does "beget" mean?  Nobody will tell me. -Love, Alison
Dear GOD, Are you really invisible or is it just a trick? -Lucy
Dear GOD, Is it true my father won't get in heaven if he uses his bowling words in the house? -Anita
Dear GOD, Did you mean for the giraffe to look like that or was it an accident? -Norma
Dear GOD, Who draws the lines around the countries? -Nan
Dear GOD, I went to this wedding and they kissed right in church.  Is that okay? -Neil
Dear GOD, What does it mean you are a jealous God?  I thought you had everything. -Jane
Dear GOD, Did you really mean "do unto others as they do unto you?"  Because if you did, then I'm going to fix my brother. -Darla
Dear GOD, Thank you for the baby brother, but what I prayed for was a puppy. -Joyce
Dear GOD, It rained for our whole vacation and is my father mad!  He said some things about you that people are not supposed to say, but I hope you will not hurt him anyway.  Your friend, (But I am not going to tell you who I am).
Dear GOD, Why is Sunday school on Sunday?  I thought it was supposed to be our day of rest. -Tom L.
Dear GOD, Please send me a pony.  I never asked for anything before.  You can look it up. -Bruce
Dear GOD, If we come back as something, please don't let me be Mary Horton because I hate her. -Denise
Dear GOD, If you give me a genie like Aladdin, I will give you anything you want, except my money or my chess set. -Raphael
Dear GOD, You don't have to worry about me.  I always look both ways. -Dean
Dear GOD, I think the stapler is one of your greatest inventions. -Ruth M.
Dear GOD, I think about you sometimes even when I'm not praying. -Elliott
Dear GOD, Of all the people who work for you I like Noah and David the best. -Rob
Dear GOD, My brother told me about being born but it doesn't sound right.  They're just kidding, aren't they? -Marsha
Dear GOD, I would like to live 900 years like the guy in the Bible. -Love, Chris
Dear GOD, We read Thomas Edison made light.  But in Sunday school they said you did it.  So I bet he stole your idea. -Sincerely, Donna
Dear GOD, The bad people laughed at Noah - "You made an ark on dry land you fool."  But he was smart, he stuck with you.  That's what I would do. -Eddie
Dear GOD, I do not think anybody could be a better GOD.  Well, I just want you to know but I am not just saying that because you are GOD already. -Charles
Dear GOD, I didn't think orange went with purple until I saw the sunset you made on Tuesday.  That was cool. -Eugene

The boy walked along the ocean shore... trying not to stray.
He looked up to his Father saying, "Dad, I want to play."
His Father looked upon him, with love showing in his eyes.
"Do what you want to, my son... but do not leave my side."
"I would never leave you daddy, I love you way too much."
But the boy took a step away, out of his Father's range of touch.
He walked through the surf, the waves tickling one toe.
"If I take one more step in..." he thought, "Father will never know."
His Father called out to him, "Son, to me remain true."
The boy thought with glee... "At the moment, I don't need you."
His Father felt a sadness, but he held his tongue.
Sometimes lessons need to be learned... even when so young.
The boy stepped out a little further... the water covering his waist.
His Father spoke with urgency... his Father spoke with haste.
"My Son, come back to me, " he said, "The day is almost done."
"Not yet, Dad," the boy yelled, "I'm having too much fun!"
But the boy did not have his Father's sight... so he coult not tell...
The tide was coming in fast... there would be no time to yell.
"Father!" he tried to scream as the water covered his head.
"I need you now, daddy!" was what the boy had said.
And in a single instant his Father was by his side.
"I thought you left me daddy... I thought you went to hide."
The Father looked upon his son... a tear streaming down his cheek.
The boy looked upon his Father, and cried the sobs of the meek.
"I wold never leave you son... for I love you just the same."
"I was only waiting... for you to call upon my name."

As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird behind it.  By flying in a V-formation, the whole flock adds 71 percent more flying range than if each bird flew alone.
Lesson: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier when they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down.  They stay with the goose to help and protect it until it is able to fly again or dies.  Then they launch out with another formation to catch up with the flock.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other.

Whenever a goose falls out of the formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go.

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point of position.
Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership.

The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Lesson: We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging--not something less than helpful.

Once upon a time, Satan was having a garage sale.  There, standing in little groups were all of his bright, shiny trinkets.  Here were tools that make it easy to tear others down for use as stepping stones.  And over there were some lenses for magnifying ones own importance, which, if you looked through them the other way, you could also use to belittle others, or even one's self.  Against the wall was the usual assortment of gardening implements guaranteed to help your pride grow by leaps and bounds: the rake of scorn, the shovel of jealousy for digging pit for your neighbor, the tools of gossip and backbiting, of selfishness and apathy.  All of these were pleasing to the eye and came complete with fabulous promises and guarantees of prosperity.  Prices, of course, were steep; but not to worry!  Free credit was extended to one and all.  "Take it home, use it, and you won't have to pay until later!" old Satan cried, as he hawked his wares.

The visitor, as he browsed, noticed two well worn, non descript tools standing in one corner.  Not being nearly as tempting as the other items, he found it curious that these two tools had price tags higher than any other.  When he asked why, Satan just laughed and said, "Well, that's because I use them so much.  If they weren't so plain looking, people might see them for what they were."  Satan pointed to the two tools, saing, "You see, that one's Doubt and that one's Discouragement--and those will work when nothing else will."