Come to this page often to get an new dose of encouragement. You'll have at least one story, quote or nugget a month.



November 25, 2009
Thanksgiving Every Day
The table is brimming with good things to eat;
We're surrounded by family and friends; what a treat.
The feelings that fill us today can't be beat;
It's Thanksgivng Day, and it all feels complete.
But other days, sometimes things don't seem so fine;
Those days are not polished and don't seem to shine;
It's then in our minds, we forget all the good,
And think of the things we would get, if we could.
On days when our thinking causes us dread,
If we could remember, it's all in our head,
And not let our minds take our gratitude away,
Then we'd make every day like Thanksgiving Day.
Karl Fuchs


October 18, 2009
Our Family
Our family is made of love and tears
Laughter and years
It grows stronger with the passing of time
More precious with the making of memories.

Sometimes our family is made of ones
we don't like for a while...
But we love them for a lifetime.
It is a gift valued if found not in numbers
but in it's capacity to love

It's the place you find someone to encourage you
Believe in you, celebrate with you
Pray with you, and comfort you

Our family is the sweetest place in all the world
Because we are always wanted
Always welcomed
Always needed
Always loved


August 20, 2009
The Tongue Can Be Your Worst Enemy!
Author Unknown

Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have power to create conditions in your life. What you speak about, you can bring about.
If you keep saying you can't stand your job, you might lose your job.
If you keep saying you can't stand your body, your body can become sick.
If you keep saying you can't stand your car, your car could be stolen or just stop operating.
If you keep saying you're broke, guess what? You'll always be broke.
If you keep saying you can't trust a man or trust a woman, you will always find someone in your life to hurt and betray you.
If you keep saying you can't find a job, you will remain unemployed.
If you keep saying you can't find someone to love you or believe in you, your very thought  will attract more experience to confirm your beliefs.
If you keep talking about a divorce or break up in a relationship, then you might end up with it.
Turn your thoughts and conversations around to be more positive and power packed with faith, hope, love and action.

Watch your thoughts -- they become words.
Watch your words -- they become actions.
Watch your actions -- they become habits.
Watch your habits -- they become character.
Watch your character -- for it becomes your destiny.

In the search for me, I discovered the truth.
In the search for truth, I discovered love.
In the search for love, I discovered God and
in God, I have found everything.

Be blessed, watch how your circumstances and situations begin to change when you change the way your speak.


August 14, 2009
The Power of Expectation
By Pastor Phil Nordin

The story that was  carried to the Associated Press carried the title “Children Transcend Adversity”.  I read with interest the article of a young girl by the name of Elizabeth, who never had a break in life.  She was abandoned by her mother, and consequently raised by and abusive Aunt and lecherous Uncle.  But Elizabeth determined as a child, that she would be a “transcender”.  Elizabeth had an expectation, and intense desire, that equipped her with the emotional resources to overcome every shameful act and painful circumstance that came against her.

Expectation creates demands within us, that produce positive results when we respond to them.  I have listed here 5 demands that make us transcenders in life.

1.Expectation creates a demand for COURAGE.  When Elizabeth grew old enough o the sexually active, her uncle sexually assaulted her repeatedly for 5 years.  She recalls with horror the bone-crushing beating by her neurotic aunt.  Yet Elizabeth had an expectation and she found the courage to overcome all of the cruelty.

2.Expectation creates a demand for CREATIVITY.  When Elizabeth’s impoverished family couldn’t even provide a bathtub, and a school counselor complained that Elizabeth was dirty, she made the swim team so she could have a shower.  Too poor to ever dream of owning a musical instrument, she joined the school band and played whatever instrument the school had to offer.

3.Expectation creates a demand for CHARACTER.  Elizabeth recalls that one of her secret pleasures was her long blond curls.  When her aunt shaved her head in a fit of rage, Elizabeth’s real character shown through and she decided she would not take ownership of her aunt’s problem.  At that point she determined that she would be different.

4.Expectation creates a demand to take up a CHALLENGE.  Elizabeth eventually left her cruel home and went to college, only to be told she was dyslexic and should drop out.  But she made her handicap a stepping stone instead of a stumbling block, and worked her way through college and earned a graduate degree and became a family therapist!

5.Expectation creates a demand for an unusual COMMITMENT.  Elizabeth was committed to her expectation, that commitment propelled her through all the pain and disappointment and enabled he to come out on top a winner.

The apostle Paul, chained between two elite soldiers in prison writes: “For I know that this shall turn out for my deliverance…according to my earnest expectation and hope…”. (Philippians 1:19-20)  Paul understood the power of expectation.  Expectation here can be translated from the Greek word that means “Intense Anticipation”.

What is your expectation?  Your anxious longing?  Your intense anticipation?  Know that the dream that burns within you will cost something.  There will be emotional demands that you will have to fulfill, but every step will be worth it.

Don’t’ allow the pathetic, or cruel people steal your vision or your dream.  Gain courage from the stories of other’s who made it, like Elizabeth, so you will look back one day and enjoy the achievement that is yours because of your faith and perseverance.  Dream on!


July 7, 2009
The Story of the Pearl
Insights Newsletter, Charles R. Swindoll, May 2001
Pearls are a product of pain. When a grain of sand pierces the shell of an oyster, all the otherwise dormant resources within the tiny oyster respond to the foreign irritant by caring to for that sensitve spot. Over time, the sand particle is covered by healing fluids, and the wound becomes a pearl.
That's true for you, too. When hardships invade your life, allow God's spirit to shape your response. Don't be bitter. Don't rush ahead of His plan. Allow Him time to turn that irritation into an opportunity for your growth and watch a beautiful pearl emerge from you set of painful circumstances.
"When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers, don't resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and produce in you the quality of endurance. But let the process go on until that endurance is fully developed, and you will find you have become men of mature character..." James 1:2-4, Phillips

June 26, 2009
Cheryl Wheeler, a singer in Manhattan, told this story.
A farmer in a rural area came across a gigantic boulder when he was clearing his fields.
No matter how hard he tried, the farmer couldn’t get that boulder to budge.
Finally, the farmer dug a hole more than twice the size of the boulder. Then he pushed it in and covered with dirt.
But that wasn’t the end. The farmer stood on the spot where he’d buried the boulder, day after day, until the time he took his dying breath. What had once been his biggest problem, had now become part of his foundation.
Andre Agassi who heard this story explains, “The boulder represents the questions I have about myself, the obstacles I’ve faced and the doubts that creep into my mind when I’m trying to be the best person I can be. I’ve always learned so much more from my downs than ups. They’re really who I am.”

June  13, 2009
Parable of the Falling Leaf
I remember when I was a small boy -- there was a tree in my yard where one single stubborn leaf refused to fall to the ground.
After all the other leaves had turned multi-colored and had finally fallen, yeilding to the cold winter einds, this lonely leaf still clung tenaciously to the black, bleak, barren branch.
November came...December and January.
...And in February it was still there. It would not let go!
But, one day in March, I looked out the window and the leaf was gone. I went outside, inspected the tree, and found that with the warm spring came a new surge of buds that forced the old dead leaf to let go!
Is this the way with negative thoughts? Do we hang on to our lod leaves until finally a positive through comes from God and surges through our mind and pushes off the old leaves of negative thoughts - until finally...
...we let go and let God?
Is there a habit of thought, word or deed that clings tenaciously to your life to deaden the color of your mood? An old hurt? Grief? Temptation? Jealousy? Guilt? And all human efforts to dispose of it fail?
Ask Christ to come into your mind to heal you! His new life within will surge like spring spa in a "dead tree" to burst with bud and blossom!
There's no way an old leaf can withstand a new bud! Yes - today -- "LET GO AND LET GOD"!

April 9, 2009
The true story of Easter can be found in all the wonderful symbols we use to celebrate this special holiday
  • The cross is the most familiar symbol it represents Jesus coming back to life
  • The lamb represents the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sings of the world.
  • The white Easter lily symbolizes the purity that came through the resurection of Christ.
  • And the chick breaking out of its shell is the symbol of the re-birth of Jesus.
  • And the Easter bunny is teh symbol of new life duthing the spring season.
Yes...Easter is truly a time to rejoice and celebrate because...
Jesus is the true reason for the season! HAPPY EASTER!


April 7, 2009

Baby Camel and mommy camel are standing together. Baby camel asks mommy camel:

Baby Camel: Mommy, mommy, why do we have long eye lashes?
Mommy Camel: Son, because we are desert animals, we have to go through a lot of desert sand storms, so we need long eye lashes to protect our eyes.
Baby Camel: Oh is that so...then why do we have a hump on our back?
Mommy Camel: Because we are desert animals, we need to walk for long duration with no water on sand so this helps us like a water tank, that is why we have this hump
Baby Camel: Oh, I see...then why do we have long legs...
Mommy Camel: Son, that's again becaues we are desert animals and we need to walk on sand day in and day out, that is why God has given us long legs...
Baby Camel: Then mommy, what are we doing in a zoo????

We all have gifts talents and abilities that we might not be using them at the moment...but they are still there and make up the fabric of who we are. They are available when the time is right...hang in there great days are coming.


March 3, 2009

The Lord is my Shepherd -- that's a Relationship!
I shall not want -- that's Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures -- that's Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters -- that's Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul -- that's Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness -- that's Guidance!
For His namesake -- that's Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death -- that's Testing!
I will fear no evil -- that's Protection!
For Thou art with me -- that's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me -- that's Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies -- that's Hope!
Thou annointest my head with oil -- that's Consecration!
My cup runneth over -- that's Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life -- that's Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord -- that's Security!
Forever -- that's Eternity!


September 23, 2008

SMILE. GIVE A HUG. ENCOURAGE THE WORLD. That is what we are about at Curt Goad Ministries. We have a lot of new and exciting things on the horizen in the upcoming months. Don't miss all of our exiciting news. Just sign up for our newsletter and we'll keep you posted.


May 10, 2007

This world needs more people like you...more people who are willing to leave things a little better than they found them, to reach out with compassion...people who are willing to put selfishness aside to do the good, right, kind thing -- just because they know it will make a difference someday to someone!


February 20, 2007

Hope by Diane Strack

Hope is a noun, a sure possession. It is available to you as freely as the air you breathe. Here is God's  promise to you.
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Thye are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
H-- Healing of the Past
Whether you've been a victim of abuse or voluntarily made bad choices, healing can take place in your life. Christ longs to set you free from guilt through complete forgiveness, and He wants to heal past pain and shame through His unconditional love for you. You may be having trouble believing this, but here is God's direct word to you.
Come now, let us argue this out, says the Lord. No matter how deep the stain of your sins. I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool. Isaiah 1:18 NIV
O-- Opportunity to begin anew.
You may be dwelling on the past, but God concentrates on the new life He longs to give you.
If anyone belongs to Christ there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 NCV
Your new life in Christ has been prepared and is waiting for you to receive it. It is not a question of whether or not you deserve this new chance. No one can earn or deserve the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross for our sins. This is a gift of unconditional love, one that only God has the power to give.
P-- Purpose and power in the present
God's intention for your life is that you might live a successful and joyful life. Answers to daily questions, courage to face problems, and the grace to get along with difficult people can be found in the Bible, His word to you.
Always remember what is written in the Book of Teachings. Study it day and night to be sure to obey everything that is written there, If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything. Joshua 1:8 NCV
He wants you to enjoy life and live it with power.
God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-contol. 2 Timothy 1:7 NCV
Christ came that you might have joy in everyday living.
...I came to give life - life in all it's fullness. John 10:10 NCV
E-- Eternal Life
As wonderful as all of this is, something even more wonderful is offered to you; that is, the gift of eternal life. Christ died for each of us that we might have the opportunity to know His power on a daily basis and to spend eternity with Him.
God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him may not be lost, but have eternal life. John 3:16 NCV
How does this powerful transformation take place in your life? Very simply-it is a gift, freely given out of love, one that must be personally accepted.
But to all who did accept Him and believe in Him, He gave the right to become the children of God. John 1:12 NCV
Not only did Christ die for us, but He rose again, victorious over sin and death. This very same victory and power is available to you.
...it is by His boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. I Peter 1:3 NLT
You have been presented with a wonderful, sacrificial gift. Christ has died for you and waits for you to allow Him to come into your heart and fill your life with joy, purpose, security and optimism about the future. Won't you pray this simple prayer as you accept His gift of love and offer your heart to Him in return?
Dear Jesus, Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin. I as You today to give and heal my past. I believe that as You rose from the dead. I can have power to rise above my circumstances and live joyfully. Help me to put the past behind and focus on the future and hope that You have for me. Come into my heart, I accept the gift of eternal life today and give You my life in return. Thank you for listenening to and answering this prayer. Help me now to grow in faith as I trust You and to obey all that I read in Your Word. I pray this in Your name. Amen.
When you prayed that simple prayer, God listened!
That you will call My Name. You will come to Me and pray to Me and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:12
When it seems like no one else listens, you can be sure that the great God of the universe listens intently. He listens because He cares, because He loves you, because He came to bless you.
What's ahead for your future? More than you can imagine! When Christ comes to live in your heart, He comes to stay. Trust Him as you grow in faith and walk into a new life. Be faithful to read and study His Word that you might have the wisdom and courage He promised. Walk with new friends who share your faith and passion for good things in life.
Remember that He is thinking good thoughts toward you and planning a wonderful future and a hope-a sure thing, an unexpected end. Enjoy it!
The Lord says, Forget what happened before and do not think about the past. Look at the new thing I am going to do, it is already happening. Don't you see it? Isaiah 43:18-19


February 16, 2007

In all of the life’s ups and downs you are one of the ups


January 19, 2007

The Stew of Forgiveness by Nancy Shaw Reed

Embracing forgiveness can be very difficult, but is necessary for you to have real freedom. Being able to let go of hurts and forgive allows you to move forward and experience God's healing in your life. Will you have a "stew" or savor the sweet dish of forgiveness?

The Stew.
This recipe is different than the recipe of life. For this recipe is filled with stress and strife.

We start with one cup of hurt to begin,
Throw in 1/2 cup of pain and let it soak in.
Throw in a cup of resentment, just for good measure
Season it with bitterness however much you pleasure.
Stir these together and watch them boil.
FIlling the room with a stench as you toil.
Let it simmer awhile till it's overflowing with hate.
If you leave it like this, your anguish will be great.
To enjoy this dish there is one ingredient you must add,
It's a pound of forgiveness and it won't be so bad.
As the forgiveness pours in the stew begins with change,
The bitterness and resentment disappear, how strange.
The hurt and pain begin to melt away.
The hate begins to vanish that very same day.
Continue to mix in the forgiveness till it permeates the pot.
Sometimes it takes just a little, sometimes a whole lot.
Remove this stew from the heat and let it cool down.
Soon the sweet smell of forgiveness will permeate all around.
Savor this dish every time someone hurts you.
You'll have a far sweeter dish than some old stew.
The taste will be better than you ever expect.
No pain or hurt and not even a hint of regret.



December 14, 2006

Six year-old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor.

He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten.

Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad.

He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove and he didn't know how the stove worked!. Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky.

And just then he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon 's eyes. All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him.

Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process!

That's how God deals with us.. We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend, or we can't stand our job, or our health goes sour.

Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do. That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him.

But just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying to "make pancakes" for God or for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried...


December 4, 2007

I just heard a story of an experienced pilot that was flying a Cessna and it was heading straight to the ground. The pilot remembered in his training that if this should happen, he should take his hands off of the controls and the plane would straighten itself out  and start climbing. This of course was a scary thing to do. Take his hands off of the controls, which was at the time the only thing that he thought could save him and his passengers. He did take his hands off of the controls, the plane started climbing and became stable. It is like this in our own lives.Many times we need to take our hands off of the controls and let God take over the controls. God can't make a way, when you're in the way.