IF-Toy

Illustration Friday: Silent

Silence is the most powerful cry.

Rescuer

"Don't allow anything to interfere with your love of Jesus. You belong to him. Nothing can separate you from him. That one sentence is important to remember. He will be your joy, your strength. If you hold onto that sentence, temptations and difficulties will come, but nothing will break you. Remember, you have been created for great things."

Mother Teresa

A Sunday Sketch

It's the way you look at a situation

that turns it into something you can handle

or makes it fearsome, intimidating. . .

something you want to run away from.

And fear feeds upon fear,

Until it is monstrous, gigantic, larger than life. . .

something you just can't cope with

on the strength of your own frail resources.

And fear makes you vulnerable to attack---

Defensive, powerless, you withdraw into your shell

And hope that the storm blows over

without too much damage to your life.

But let me tell you, my friend,

You are not alone.

You have the strength of the Almighty to draw from

In your time of deepest need.

He will never let you down,

No, not even when you've reached

the lowest of the low points in your life.

He loves you and will guide you through the lashing waves,

Shelter you from the stormy winds

and bring you to an oasis of peace.

He is within you, around you, above you, below you, 

Behind you and before you,

Anywhere you go.

And with His mighty power

No problem is too great to solve.

Have faith, and do not be afraid---

This time of trial will soon be over.

Reach out to those who care for you.

You don't have to be the "strong one" all the time.

And even from this troubled time

You will find some positive changes in your life emerge

And like the coconut tree that bends in the wind,

You will spring up tall and strong

After the storm is over.

by Trixie Asirvatham

Pencil

IF: Fuel

Nativity