THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY


In your life, you'll make note of a lot of people; ones with whom you shared something special, ones who will always mean something. There's the one you first kissed, the one you first loved, the one you lost your virginity to, the one you put on a pedestal, the one you're with... and the one that got away.

Who is the one that got away? I guess it's that person with whom everything was great, everything was perfect, but the timing was just wrong. There was no fault in the person, there was no flaw in the chemistry, but the cards just didn't fall the right way, I suppose.

I believe in the fact that ending up with someone, finding a longtime partner that is, does not lie merely in the other person. I can actually argue that an equal part, or maybe even the greater part, has to do with the matter of timing. It has to do with you being ready to settle down and commit to someone in a way that goes beyond the little niceties of giddy romance.

How often have you gone through it without even realizing it? When you're not ready to commit in that mature manner, it doesn't matter who you're with, it just doesn't work. Small problems become big; inconsequentials become dealbreakers simply because you're not ready and it shows. It's not that you and the person you're with are no good; it's just that it's not yet right, and little things become the flashpoint of that fact.

Then one day you're ready. You really are. And when this happens you'll be ready to settle down with someone. He or she may not be the most perfect, they might not be the brightest star of romance to ever have burned in your life, but it'll work because you're ready. It'll work because it's the right time and you'll make it work. And it'll make sense, it really will.

So that day comes when you're finally making sense of things, and you find yourself to be a different person. Things are different, your approach is different you finally understand who you are and what you want, and you've become ready because the time has truly arrived. And mind you, there's no telling when this day will come. Hopefully you're single but you could be in a long-term relationship, you could be married with three kids, it doesn't matter. All you know is that you've changed, and for some reason, the one that got away, is the first person you think about.

You'll think about them because you'll wonder, "What if they were here today?" You'll wonder, "What if we were together now, with me as I am and not as I was?" That's what the one that got away is. The biggest "What if?" you'll have in your life.

If you're married, you'll just have to accept the fact that the one that got away, got away. Believe me, no matter how much of a fairy tale you think your marriage is, this can happen to the best of us. But hopefully you're mature enough to realize that you're already with the one you're with and this is just another test of your commitment, one which will just strengthen your marriage when you get past it. Sure, you'll think about him/her every so often, but it's alright. It's never nice to live with a "might have been," but it happens.

Maybe the one that got away is the one who's already married. In which case it's the same thing. You just have to accept and know that your memories of that person will probably bring a nice little smile to your lips in the future when you're old and gray and reminiscing.

But if neither of that is the case, then it's different. What do you do if it's not yet too late? Simple... find him, find her. Because the very existence of a "one that got away" means that you'll always wonder, what if you got that one?

Ask him out for coffee, ask her out to a movie, it doesn't matter if you've dropped in from out of nowhere. You'd be surprised, you just might be "the one that got away" as well for the person who is your "the one that got away."

You might drop in from out of nowhere and it won't make a difference. If the timing is finally right, it'll all just fall into place somehow and you know, I'm thinking, it would be a great feeling, in the end, to be able to say to someone, "Hey you, you're the one that almost got away."

RIO DIAZ (Cancer Patient) TESTIMONY

Six months ago, my family was preparing for my funeral, but I stand here before you today by God's grace because He still has a purpose for my life. Let me share with you my story.

In April, l99l, I began to host Eat, Bulaga!, a noontime show that brought me fame beyond my wildest dreams. I earned good money while I made people laugh. What a blessing!

October of l993, I met Charlie. Single and good-looking, this guy has a terrific sense of humor, a man with a big heart. Kung sa beauty contestant, "beauty and brains." At a certain point in our relationship, we both knew God brought us to be together... for life.

In August, l994, we were married. After four wonderful years of marriage, God blessed us with two children, Claudia and Jaime. Thirteen years earlier, I was blessed with a son, Ali, from a previous relationship.

May of l998, Charlie became Congressman and I became Vice Mayor of Pontevedra (Negros Occidental). November of the same year, during a routine check-up, they discovered some abnormalities in my stomach area which, the doctors said, could be solved by a minor procedure.

A few days later, my supposedly one-hour surgery turned out to be a six-hour-and-a-half surgery. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. Cancer? No one had cancer in the family. My life flashed before me. My world suddenly caved in. The doctors were quite frank. They told us that I had only a couple of months to live. Stage 4 cancer is like a death sentence.

As my doctor was speaking, I didn't understand a word he said because all I could think of was Charlie, my children, my family, my in-laws. I would whisper, "Lord, help me... help them, Lord!" They're all suffering. I don't know how to comfort them."

The day before my first chemotherapy, I said, "Lord, just tell me you're in control. Tell me that no one made a mistake and I'll be fine no matter what, Lord." Somebody gave me a devotional book entitled Streams in the Desert which I read at 3 o'clock in the morning. It said, "This is my doing. Your weakness needs my strength and your safety lies in letting me fight for you. You did not come to this place by accident. You are exactly where I meant you to be. You were so busy that I could not get your attention and I wanted to teach you some of my greatest truths. The pain will leave you as soon as you learn to see me in all things."

These words became the pillow on which I rested my weary head.

I surrendered to God all my fears, all my burdens and my family as I began my journey of trials. I focused on His promises as Jesus said, "Surely I am with you always."

By God's gracious mercy and beyond all medical explanation, after six months of chemotherapy I went on remission. Eight months later, the cancer was back. More surgery, more chemo. And then again, God allowed healing for me. The best lesson I am learning from this is how God allows us to enjoy life with His "moment by moment" grace.

My third bout with cancer entailed three different chemotherapies infused at the same time. The Lord allowed me to learn to NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE UP... PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD.

Three times, I was at the threshold of death. Medicines and state-of-the-art treatments were not working anymore. Not all the money in the world nor the best doctors on earth can make us live if God doesn't want us to. During those times, God comforted my heart with these verses: "Why are you downcast, oh my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God for I will yet praise Him my Savior and my Lord."

But let me tell you about my latest brush with death. After spending Christmas with my family here in Manila, I left for San Francisco in January of 2003 for my check-up. I knew there was something terribly wrong with my body. I had sleepless nights; I was steadily losing weight; I couldn't eat anything.

By the time I had completed all my tests, I was only 96 pounds. My doctor said, "The cancer has spread. You need to be confined in the hospital. Your food passage is completely blocked by the cancer. I don't know how much time you have. Not much. Maybe a month. But I promise you will not feel the pain."

I hugged Dr. Fisher and thanked him. I told him, "Don't be sad. I know God is in full control of my life."

I went home that night to make some arrangements and my daughter was fast asleep. I knelt down by her bedside and I cried, "Mama loves you so much that it hurts. Lord, you know how much I love my Ali, my Claudia and my Jaime. You gave them to Charlie and me and I thank you. I know in my heart that Charlie will love them and watch over them. Lord, take care of my husband because I love him very much. But much more than this, it comforts me to know that I could never love them as much as you love them. I thank you, Father God."

Charlie remained by my bedside day and night, caressing me, talking to me. It pains me to think how much our husbands or wives suffer the fear of losing us.

How blessed I am to know how much my family and friends love me.

The Lord allowed me to experience deep, deep, sleep. I have never ever felt that kind of peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Dr. Fisher explained to Charlie that my nourishment would come from a bag of liquid attached to me, which has to be administered on a daily basis for life. I would never be able to eat or drink again.

Surgery was ruled out, so was radiation. As a last recourse, it was suggested that I do the mildest chemo but if I so much as cough, he would remove it and just keep me comfortable.

I was in awe when I was told how many people were praying for me.

By God's sovereign mercy, I never coughed. One month later, my cancer level went down by half. I am now only a few points away from being on remission. And as if this weren't enough, God's incredible bonus is that I am back to my full diet. I can eat and drink anything now! Once again, the doctors were amazed. Yes, isn't our God amazing? God spared my life when Stanford doctors had given up on me.

In my heart, I knew why. God allowed this miracle in my life to show us how gracious He is and what a powerful weapon prayer can be. And that God can perform miracles in our lives, if you let Him.

I will never fully understand God's ways but I do know that God has a purpose for each of us. When God calls you to live for Him, He will invite you to be a part of something much bigger than yourself, something that requires the very best of you, something that may outlive you. When God calls us to a powerful vision, it may transcend safety and it may transcend common sense because it is all about Jesus Christ. Without Jesus, we will not make it!

Do we know, do you know, what God wants you to do with your life? If you are uncertain of God's will for your life, surrender all your plans to Jesus because God's plans for us are perfect.

The cancer in my body, I did not choose. But in God's sovereignty, He allowed this affliction in my life. But I ask you, what is the cancer in your life?

Is it the cancer of unforgiveness, jealousy, lust, anger or bitterness that you are holding on to? What are the wrong choices you continue to make because they give you temporary pleasure but can permanently destroy your family – your husband or your wife, or your children, or your circle of influence?

If you are going through a time of terrifying darkness and despair, or are plagued by doubts that are slowly eroding your hope that things can get better, I urge you to surrender it all to God; give Him full control of your life. It is the only way to live.

Lord, forgive me for all my sins. Jesus, come into my heart; be my Lord and my Savior. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

The most destructive habit................... worry

The greatest joy............................. giving

The greatest loss............................ loss of self-respect

The most satisfying work..................... helping others

The ugliest personality trait................ selfishness

The most endangered species.................. dedicated leaders

Our greatest natural resource................ our youth

The greatest "shot in the arm"............... encouragement

The greatest problem to overcome............. fear

The most effective sleeping pill............. peace of mind

The most crippling failure disease........... excuses

The most powerful force in life.............. love

The most dangerous pariah.................... a gossip

The world's most incredible computer......... the brain

The worst thing to be without................ hope

The deadliest weapon......................... the tongue

The two most powerful words.................. "I Can!"

The greatest asset........................... faith

The most worthless emotion................... self-pity

The most beautiful attire.................... SMILE!

The most prized possession................... integrity

The most powerful channel of communication... prayer

The most contagious spirit................... enthusiasm

The most important thing in life............. GOD

The Poopie (shit) List


GHOST POOPIE: The kind where you feel the poopie come out, but there is nopoopie in the toilet.

CLEAN POOPIE: The kind where you poopie it out, see it in the toilet, butthere is nothing on the toilet paper.

WET POOPIE: The kind where you wipe your butt 50 times and it still feelsunwiped, so you have to put some toilet paper between your butt and yourunderwear so you won't ruin them with stains.

SECOND WAVE POOPIE: This happens when you're done poopie-ing and you'vepulled your pants up to your knees, and you realize that you have to poopiesome more.

POP-A VEIN-IN-YOUR-FOREHEAD POOPIE: The kind where you strain so much toget it out, you practically have a stroke.

LINCOLN LOG POOPIE: The kind of poopie that is so huge you're afraid toflush without first breaking it into little pieces with the toilet brush.

GASSY POOPIE: It's so noisy, that everyone within earshot is giggling.

GEE-I-WISH-I-COULD-POOPIE POOPIE: The kind where you want to poopie but allyou do is sit on the toilet and fart a few times.

SPINAL TAP POOPIE: That's where it hurts so badly coming out, you'd swearit was leaving you sideways.

WET CHEEKS POOPIE (The Power Dump): The kind that comes out so fast, yourbutt cheeks get splashed with water.

THE DANGLING POOPIE: This poopie refuses to drop in the toilet even thoughyou are done poopie-ing it. You just hope that a shake or two will cut itloose.

THE SURPRISE POOPIE: You're not even at the toilet because you are sure youare about to fart, but *oops* --- a poopie!

A man is sitting reading his newspaper when his wife sneaks up behind him and whacks him on the head with a frying pan.

"What was that for?" he asks.

"That was for the piece of paper in your trouser pocket with the name of Mary Ellen written on it!" she replies.

"Don't be silly." he says. "Two weeks ago when I went to the races Mary Ellen was the name of one of the horses I bet on."

She seems satisfied at this and apologizes.

Three days later he's again sitting in his chair reading when she nails him with an even bigger frying pan, knocking him out cold.

When he comes around he asks, "What was that for?"

His wife said, "Your f****n' horse phoned!"

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled children, the father of one of the school's students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question.

"Everything God does is done with perfection Yet, my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is God's plan reflected in my son?" The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. "I believe that when God brings a child like Shay into the world, an opportunity to realize the Divine Plan presents itself. And it comes in the way people treat that child."

Then, he told the following story:

Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they will let me play?" Shay's father knew that most boys would not want him on their team. But the father understood that if his son were allowed to play it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging.

Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay could play.

The boy looked around for guidance from his teammates. Getting none, he took matters into his own hands and said, "We are losing by six runs, and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him up to bat in the ninth inning."

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. At the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the outfield. Although no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base. Shay was scheduled to be the next at-bat. Would the team actually let Shay bat at this juncture and give away their chance to win the game?

Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball. However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher moved a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least be able to make contact.

The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly toward Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball to the pitcher. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could easily have thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have ended the game.

Instead, the pitcher took the ball and threw it on a high arc to right field, far beyond reach of the first baseman. Everyone started yelling, "Shay, run to first! Run to first!" Never in his life had Shay ever made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.

Everyone yelled "Run to second, run to second!" By the time Shay was rounding first base, the right fielder had the ball. He could have thrown the ball to the second baseman for a tag. But the right fielder understood what the pitcher's intentions had been, so he threw the ball high and far over the third baseman's head.

Shay ran towards second base as the runners ahead of him deliriously circled the bases towards home. As Shay reached second base, the opposing shortstop ran to him, turned him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third!" As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams were screaming, "Shay! Run home!"

Shay ran home, stepped on home plate and was cheered as the hero, for hitting a "grand slam" and winning the game for his team. "That day," said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, "the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of the Divine Plan into this world."

I GOT 32!


Below is Dr. Phil's test. (Dr. Phil scored 55 -- he did this test on Oprah -- she got a 38.) Some folks pay a lot of money to find this stuff out. Read on, this is very interesting!

Don't peek but begin the test as you scroll down and answer. Answers are for who you are now...not who you were in the past.

Have pen or pencil and paper ready.

This is a real test given by the Human Relations Dept. at many of the major corporations today. It helps them get better insight concerning their employees and prospective employees. It's only 10 simple questions, so...grab a pencil and paper and keep track of your letter answers.

1. When do you feel your best?

a) In the morning
b) During the afternoon and early evening
c) Late at night


2. You usually walk...

a) Fairly fast, with long steps
b) Fairly fast, with little steps
c) Less fast head up, looking the world in the face
d) Less fast, head down
e) Very slowly


3. When talking to people you...

a) Stand with your arms folded
b) Have you r hands clasped
c) Have one or both your hands on your hips
d) Touch or push the person to whom you are talking
e) Play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair


4. When relaxing, you sit with...

a) Your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
b) Your legs crossed
c) Your legs stretched out or straight
d) One leg curled under you


5. When something really amuses you, you react with...

a) Big appreciated laugh
b) A laugh, but not a loud one
c) A quiet chuckle
d) A sheepish smile


6. When you go to a party or social gathering you...

a) Make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
b) Make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
c) Make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed


7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted...

a) Welcome the break
b) Feel extremely irritated
c) Vary between these two extremes


8. Which of the following colors do you like most?

a) Red or orange
b) Black
c) Yellow or light blue
d) Green
e) Dark blue or purple
f) White
g) Brown or gray


9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going
to sleep....

a) Stretched out on your back
b) Stretched out face down on your stomach
c) On your side, slightly curled
d) With your head on one arm
e) With your head under the covers


10. You often dream that you are...

a) Falling
b) Fighting or struggling
c) Searching for something or somebody
d) Flying or floating
e) You usually have dreamless sleep
f) Your dreams are always pleasant

POINTS:
1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6
2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1
5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2
7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4
8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1
9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1
10. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1

Now add up the total number of points.

DON'T LOOK BEYOND THIS UNTIL YOUR HAVE COMPLETED AND SCORED YOURSELF.


OVER 60 POINTS: Others see you as someone they should "handle with care." You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over it, if that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POI NTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, slow and steady. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions; who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.

"Lord, I love you and I need you, come into my heart, and bless me, my family, my home, and my friends, in Jesus' name. Amen."

Why do people turn simple, pure and honest prayers like this into forwarded emails? Should there really be the promise of a miracle to get people to pray?

And why do we have to pass this on to '7 people' for the miracle to happen? Quid pro quo... is that how people think God works?

I don't mind listening to testimonials of how good God has been in one's life. I could even give one myself. These thigns, these chain letters, just makes it all so meaningless. Do people really think they're spreading God's word this way?

Some would even say something like, 'If you are not ashamed of God...' yadda, yadda, yadda. Well let me just say that I am so not ashamed to say I believe in God. And because I do, I will not reduce Him into a forwarded email either.

A young man had been to Wednesday night Bible Study. The Pastor had shared about listening to God and obeying the Lord's voice. The young man couldn't help but wonder, "Does God still speak to people?"

After service he went out with some friends for coffee and pie and they discussed the message. Several different ones talked about how God had led them in different ways.

It was about ten o'clock when the young man started driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray, "God...If You still speak to people speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey."

As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought to stop and buy a gallon of milk.

He shook his head and said out loud, "God is that You?" He didn't get a reply and started on toward home. But again, the thought, buy a gallon of milk.

The young man thought about Samuel and how he didn't recognize the voice of God, and how little Samuel ran to Eli.

"Okay, God, in case that is You, I will buy the milk." It didn't seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home.

As he passed Seventh Street, he again felt the urge, "Turn down that street." This is crazy he thought and drove on past the intersection.

Again, he felt that he should turn down Seventh Street. At the next intersection, he turned back and headed down Seventh. Half jokingly, he said out loud, "Okay, God, I will."

He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop. He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in a semicommercial area of town. It wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst of neighborhoods either. The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the people were already in bed.

Again, he sensed something, "Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street." The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep. He started to open the door and then sat back in the car seat.

"Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going to be mad and I will look stupid." Again, he felt like he should go and give the milk.

Finally, he opened the door, "Okay God, if this is You, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk. If You want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for something but if they don't answer right away, I am out of here."

He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man's voice yelled out, "Who is it? What do you want?" Then the door opened before the young man could get away.

The man was standing there in his jeans and T-shirt. He looked like he just got out of bed. He had a strange look on his face and he didn't seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep. "What is it?"

The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, "Here, I brought this to you." The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway.

Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face.

The man began speaking and half crying, "We were just praying. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking God to show me how to get some milk."

His wife in the kitchen yelled out, "I ask him to send an Angel with some. Are you an Angel?"

The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him and put in the man's hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face.

He knew that God still answers prayers.

One day a German florist came to a barber for a haircut. After the cut, he paid the barber and the barber replied: "I am sorry, I cannot accept money from you, I am doing a community service".

The florist was happy and left the shop. The next morning when the barber went to open his shop, he found a thank you card and a dozen roses waiting at his door.

A British cop came for a haircut and when he wanted to pay the barber, the barber gave the same reply. The cop was happy and left the shop. The next morning the barber received a thank you card and a dozen donuts.

A Singaporean went for a haircut and he wanted to pay the barber who gave him the same reply. The Singaporean was of course very happy and left the shop. The next morning the barber was surprised to see.....















A dozen Singaporeans waiting for a free haircut!!!

As I was walking down life's highway many years ago, I came upon a sign that read, 'Heavens Grocery Store.'

When I got a little closer, the doors swung open wide. And when I came to myself, I was standing inside.

I saw a host of angels, they were standing everywhere. One handed me a basket and said, "My child, shop with care."

Everything a human needed was in that grocery store and what you could not carry you could come back for more.

First I got some Patience, Love was in the same row. Further down was Understanding, you need that everywhere you go.

I got a box of Wisdom and Faith a bag or two. And Charity, of course I would need some of that too.

I couldn't miss the Holy Ghost, it was all over the place. And then some Strength and Courage to help me run this race.

My basket was getting full but I remembered I needed Grace. And then I chose Salvation for Salvation was for free. I tried to get enough of that to do for you and me.

Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill for I thought I had everything to do the Master's will.

As I went up the aisle I saw Prayer and put that in, for I knew when I stepped outside I would run into sin.

Peace and Joy were plentiful, the last things on the shelf. Song and Praise were hanging near so I just helped myself.

Then I said to the angel, "Now how much do I owe?" He smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go."

Again I asked "Really now, how much do I owe?" "My child," he said, "God paid your bill a long long time ago."