Trick got the Treat

My favorite memory of my childhood treat or treating days was when my brother Ruben showed his quick wit at a house we were trick or treating at. My aunt had dressed Ruben as a hobo. She shook talcum powder on his head maybe to resemble an older hobo. The big group of us went out together, and came to a house where the owner, upon answering the door to the shout of "Trick or Treat", responded-- "Where's the trick so you can get your treat?" Ruben immediately took off his hat and shook his head to make a white cloud of "smoke" from the talcum powder in his hair. It really impressed the owner of the house and we got our treat. I wonder to this day if the person handing out candies asked every group of kids the same question, and how many tricks were presented. I don't think many, but I remember thinking how glad I was that we were insured our treat by Ruben's "trick".

Tim's View of New York

This picture was taken by Tim during his recent visit to New York. Thought it was pretty cool angle. (Love You Tim... MOM)

Encouragement

Think of times that discouragement comes. There's also a remedy for it. Looking past the discouraging situation, and allowing others' needs and supplications to fill our hearts, is the solution to squelch this nonproductive mental state. It definitely squeezes out any self-pity, as the realization comes that there's power to help others with prayer, service, and fellowship.
It takes effort to have the mindset that focuses on others rather than on oneself. But the rewards are innumerable. It takes courage to step outside the comfort zone which we are accustomed to. Perhaps that is why the word 'courage' is contained in the compound words 'encouragement' and 'discouragement'. It also clearly shows that there's a choice to make between the two words. Let's choose right.