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{SFTH} *The Fate of Sandcastles* 8/7/01
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Have you ever pondered the fate of sandcastles? Rubel Shelly
takes us on a thoughtful journey to the beach today!
We hope your week has started out well!
Michael and Kristi
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The Fate of Sandcastles
By Rubel Shelly
You've watched it, too. I know I'm not the first or only person who has
seen it. But there is a lesson in it that we both may have overlooked.
There are some children on a beach. They're playing and giggling --
building sand castles all the while. They seem so intent on the
project. You get amused at how meticulous and careful they are with
crumbly corners and towers. The looks on their faces as they screw
their mouths around and stick out their tongues make you smile. Their
resolute concentration on the task is priceless.
Then a big wave begins building and starts toward shore. But the kids
don't panic. Instead, they do the strangest thing. They jump to their
feet, scream with delight, and watch the torrent of water wash away
their creations. There is no panic. No sadness. No bitterness. Even
children know the inevitable end of sand castles. They are neither
surprised nor angry about what has happened.
You and I should be so wise. The stuff of this world is about as
lasting and durable as children's sand castles on the beach. Yet we
grownups can get so caught up in it, defensive of it, and depressed
over the loss of it.
God didn't create you to be famous, get rich, live in
the biggest house, or drive the fanciest car. He created you for his
glory. He put you in the world to love people and do holy things. Your
destiny is not bound up in physical things, but spiritual. So living to
be a hundred is far less important than living well -- even if for a
short time. Beautifying your body is far less urgent than purifying
your soul.
Children know that their sand castles are brief joys destined to
disappear with an incoming tide. So they don't fret as the waves
approach. They watch their creations get swept away without
shedding tears. Again, we should be so wise.
Everything about this life is fleeting and perishable. The incoming
wave of human mortality is going to sweep it all away. Like sand
castles, nothing done for the sake of this world can last. Only
what we do for eternity will survive.
What would the loss of your job or business do to you? What if your
house were lost to fire or storm? What if a strange pain sent you to
your physician and led to the discovery that you have only a few
weeks to live? These things really do happen to people, you
know. We are all as vulnerable as sand castles.
Life is God's gift. Revel in every good thing. But as you enjoy your
creations in the sand, just remember not to get overly attached to
them.
Rubel Shelly
whcoc@edge.net
Send Rubel an email and let him know what you thought about his story!
(c) 2000 Rubel Shelly. Used by permission. From Rubel Shelly's
"FAX of Life" printed each Tuesday. See
<http://www.faithmatters.com> for previous issues of the "FAX of Life."
************
Rubel Shelly has preached for the Woodmont Hills Church of
Christ in Nashville since 1978. During that time, he has also
taught at David Lipscomb University and Vanderbilt University
School of Medicine. He is the author of more than 20 books,
including several which have been translated into languages
such as Korean, Japanese, Portuguese, Italian, French, and
Russian. He is married to the former Myra Shappley, and
they are the parents of three children: Mrs. David (Michelle)
Arms, Tim, and Tom.
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From the Guestbook!
"Never Alone" is as if I wrote it myself. As I read each word I
remember saying and thinking the same things three years
ago when I lost my beloved husband to lung cancer. Jesus
is always my Beloved Companion. Your presentations always
touch my heart. Keep up the good work.
Betty
jeanboop123@cs.com
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Michael,
I want you to know how grateful I am that you publish
this list. Today's poem, "Never Alone", is a good way
to send support to my friend who is dealing with the
loss of her husband of 55 years. The stories and poems
you print have something encouraging for everyone, no
matter what trials and tribulations they are facing (me
included). I am disabled, with no income, and relying
on God's grace to see me through this difficult time of
applying for disability benefits. I also have a
lymphoma on my neck, but no health insurance or funds to
get it checked out. Reading your publication every day
really does help me get through each day. Thank you and
God Bless you! :-) Nancy
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Thought For The Day:
"The most untutored person with passion is more persuasive than
the most eloquent without." (Francious de le Rochefoucauld)
Verse for the Day:
"For I know your eagerness to help...your enthusiasm has
stirred most of them to action." 2 Corinthians 9:2
Kid's Thought For The Day:
"It's possible to feel full when it comes to more vegetables,
but not full when it comes to a piece of cake."
Parent's Thought For The Day
"There are two great injustices that can befall a child. One is to
punish him for something he didn't do. The other is to let him
get away with something he knows is wrong." (Robert Gardner)
Coach's Thought For The Day
"Whining isn't everything."
Deep Thought For The Day:
"A woman's place is in the House... or the Senate."
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REQUESTS:
Michael,
I just wanted to let you know. My grandmother passed away yesterday morning, very peacefully. My dad, mom, my uncle and aunt were able to be there with her. Thank you so much for all the prayers.
Shelly
Shel1201@aol.com
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_
/_/\/\ MICHAEL T. POWERS
\_\ / THUNDER27@aol.com
/_/ \ "For I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but
\_\/\ \ Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live for the Son
\_\/ of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20
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Video Imagery (Michael's Video Production Business.)
"I thought of you first after my family sat down to watch the video
we gave them. They loved it, to say the least! Within thirty seconds
my mom was crying and my dad did too. They said it was the best
Christmas gift we could have given them!! You did such a beautiful
job! They were so surprised and so touched---they really, really,
really loved it. Thanks for helping to make it so special to us all.
My mom mentioned how the songs were perfect for the video too!
Thanks again!"
Kelli-- College Station, TX
Let me make you a video from your pictures or home movies!
Check out the web page for Michael's video production business!
http://members.aol.com/Videoimg/index.html
AOL Users click here: Video Imagery
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