The five finger prayer

This is known as the five finger prayer. It is so simple to remember and so powerful. Try it and you will be blessed as you bless others.

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a 'sweet duty.'

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all - which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, 'The least shall be the greatest among you.' Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

God bless! Cal.

Thank you for our freedom!

We take a lot of things for granted. I mentioned this on Sunday as we paused to remember those who gave their lives in defense of our country. In many places around the world people cannot worship the God of their choice. If you are a Christian or a Jew you could be imprisoned for sharing your faith. A Bible is considered the same as a dangerous weapon.

I heard one speaker at a conference last year say that maybe the oppressive governments are on to something. The Bible has the power to transform lives, cultures, societies and the world if it is unleashed. It is dangerous in the wrong (right) hands.

Our country was founded on religious principles. The first settlers came seeking religious freedom and established a place where we could be free to worship and express our faith. Today we can't really say much about this in public. The freedom to express our religious views are being pushed aside because they aren't always politically correct. We are told that it isn't right because we could offend someone.

On Saturday at the Memorial Day Ceremony in Lebanon, the guest speaker shared his gratitude to God for the freedoms we have. He was open and honest about his faith as he shared a bit about his service in Afghanistan. As he spoke, I looked at the veterans who were seated in the front row of the crowd. Each and every one of them echoed his sentiments.

A few minutes later the First Selectman invited all of the veterans and all of the active duty servicemen and women to come forward. As they did the crowd began to clap and for the next four plus minutes the applause continued. It was the most moving event I have been to in years. There were veterans from all the wars present. World War II, Korea, Viet Nam, The Balkins, Dessert Storm and the current battle in Afghanistan and Iraq. There were tears in some eyes and it wasn't only the veterans.

Thank God for those who have served so bravely to protect and preserve our freedoms.

Cal

Ice cream is good for the soul

A friend of mine sent this cute story to me and I thought I would pass it along. Not because it is about ice cream, (something I love) but because of the point.


Saying Grace In A Restaurant

Last week, I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace.

As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!"

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!"

Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?"

As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer."

"Really?" my son asked.

"Cross my heart," the man replied.

Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."

Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment, and then did something I will remember the rest of my life.

He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already."

The End


Sometimes, we all need some ice cream. I hope God sends you some Ice Cream today!