1. Let Your Life Count: Make a Difference Right Where You Are

2. Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

3. One day he was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer.

4. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So he began to walk faster to catch up.

5. As he got closer, he saw that it was a little boy and the little boy wasn't dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean.

6. As he got closer he called out, "Good morning! What are you doing?" The little boy paused, looked up and replied, "Throwing starfish in the ocean."

7. "I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?" "The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don't throw them in they'll die."

8. "But, young man, don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can't possibly make a difference!"

9. The little boy listened politely. Then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said: "It made a difference for that one."

10. There is something very special in each and every one of us. We have all been gifted with the ability to make a difference. And if we can become aware of that gift, we gain through the strength of our visions the power to shape the future.

11. We must each find our starfish. And if we throw our stars wisely and well, the world will be blessed.

12. Who has made a big impact on your spiritual life? Was their influence one large act or a series of small but continuous influences?

13. Who do YOU influence in their spiritual life?

14. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:16

15. “Thank You For Giving To The Lord” by Ray Boltz

16. I dreamed I went to heaven And you were there with me; We walked upon the streets of gold Beside the crystal sea. We heard the angels singing Then someone called your name. We turned and saw a young man running And he was smiling as he came.

17. And he said, "Friend you may not know me now." And then he said, "But wait, You used to teach my Sunday School When I was only eight. And every week you would say a prayer Before the class would start. And one day when you said that prayer, I asked Jesus in my heart."

18. Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed. Thank you fo giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave.

19. Then another man stood before you And said, "Remember the time A missionary came to your church And his pictures made you cry. You didn't have much money, But you gave it anyway. Jesus took the gift you gave And that's why I'm here today."

20. Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave.

21. One by one they came Far as the eye could see. Each life somehow touched By your generosity. Little things that you had done, Sacrifices made, Unnoticed on the earth In heaven, now proclaimed.

22. And I know up in heaven You're not supposed to cry But I am almost sure There were tears in your eyes. As Jesus took your hand And you stood before the Lord. He said, "My child, look around you. Great is your reward."

23. Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave.

24. How can YOU Let Your Life Count?