The Recital of Psalms 23

There was once a Shakespearean actor who was known everywhere for his
one-man show of readings and recitations from the classics.
   He would always end his performance with a dramatic reading of Psalm 23.
Each night, without exception, as the actor began his recitation,
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want" the crowd would listen attentively.
And then, at the conclusion of the psalm, they would rise in thunderous
applause in appreciation of the actor's incredible ability
to bring the verse to life.

But one night, just before the actor was to offer his customary recital of
Psalm 23, a young man from the audience spoke up. "Sir do you mind if tonight
I recite Psalm 23?"   "The actor was quite taken back by this unusual request,
but he allowed the young man to come forward and stand front and centre
on the stage to recite the psalm, knowing that the ability of this unskilled
youth would be no match for his own talent.

With a soft voice, the young man began to recite the words of the psalm.
When he was finished, there was no applause. There was no standing ovation
as on other nights. All that could be heard was the sound of weeping.
  The audience had been so moved by the young man's recitation that
every eye was full of tears.

Amazed by what he had heard, the actor said to the youth, "I don't understand.
I have been performing Psalm 23 for years.  I have a lifetime of experience
and training, but I have never been able to move an audience as you have tonight.
Tell me, what is your secret?" 
"The young man humbly replied, "Well, sir, you know the psalm...
but I know the Shepherd." 

Author Unknown



Psalms 23
  The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures,
  He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul, He leadeth me in the
paths of righteousness for his names sake.
Yea though I walk through the valley
  of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil. For thou art with me.
  Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me
Thou preparest a table before me in the 
presence of mine enemies.
Thou anointest my head with oil,
My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow 
me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the
house of the Lord for ever.

King James Version Psalms 23:1-6



When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

  When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry, the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things, we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand.
And said my place was ready, in heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind, all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
For all life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, so much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday, just even for awhile,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realised, that this could never be,
For emptiness and memories, would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things, I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne.
He said, "This is eternity, and all I've promised you".
Today for life on earth is past, but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
And since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things, you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free.
So won't you take my hand and share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart.

© David M. Romano



The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed by Thy name
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth,
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day, our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those
Who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and glory,
Forever and forever.

Amen.



One Solitary Life

He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman.
He grew up in still another village, where he worked in a
carpenter shop until he was thirty.
He did none of the things one usually associates with greatness,
He had no credentials but himself.

He was only thirty three when public opinion turned against him.
He was turned over to his enemies and was crucified.
When he was dead he was laid in a borrowed grave
Nineteen centuries have passed and today he is the central
figure of the human race
No one has affected the life of man on earth as much as that of
One solitary life.

Author Unknown



Have You Heard?

Have you heard about my Savior and how He died on Calvary,
How His blood served as our ransom, so our souls would be set free?
Don't you know the pain He suffered, as nails were driven through His skin?
You know it must have hurt His Father, as the Romans tortured Him.

Still, He cried, "Father, forgive them for, they know not what they do."
They didn't realize He was suffering upon the cross for their sins, too.
Then, they buried my Sweet Savior, but, in three days, He rose, again.
Over the grave He claimed the victory and He won the victory over sin.

Many Blessings

© 2003 Vickie Lambdin

To contact Vickie please click HERE.

To read more inspirations from Vickie please click HERE.



A Letter from Heaven

Although I am no longer with you, Mine eyes no longer see,
I’ll be the strength to guide you, Your faith to still believe.
I’ll rest upon your shoulder Your angel flying high,
I’ll surround you in my unfolded wings, As comfort when you cry.

I’ll still see you through the bad times, I’ll still share in the good times too,
I’ll show you the hope and courage, That within yourself -- you never knew.
Though, I am just in spirit now, I’ll still walk within your soul,
For with your inner beauty I will always be in whole.

You’ll always be a part of me An everlasting love,
And until we meet again I’ll watch you from above.
Until that day we meet once more I hope you know it’s true,
You’ll forever be a part of me You’re everything I do.

So, cry not for I am gone for I am really home,
And I’ll look forward to that day when we’ll no longer be alone.
Until that day we find ourselves once more standing -- side by side,
I’ll rest here upon your shoulder as your love, your strength, your guide.

© Jill Eisnaugle ~ 5th February 2003

To contact Jill please click HERE.