"The Little Girl Without a White Dress"

I once saw two ladies gather up a bunch of little girls dressed up in their beautiful white easter dresses to take pictures after the morning Church service. The ladies were laughing and smiling, and the little girls were having fun. Another little girl walked right by them who didn't have a pretty white expensive dress on. She wasn't as privileged. I watched this little girl walk by and I looked at the dissapointment in her face of being ignored because she didn't look as nice as the others.

Why do we ignore the kids who need us the most?

Why do we live in our own little world as though there are walls with no windows to look out?

Why do we think they are someone else's responsibility?

"A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every passerby leaves a mark.” -Chinese proverb

I do not know a God that doesn't see these hurting Children.

I do not know a God that doesn't see the tears in their eyes, and hear their cries.

I do not know a God that doesn't want his people to love the underprivileged children beyond their words into actions.

Sometimes the underprivileged are right under our noses just like the little girl without the white dress.

Sometimes, we have to go look for them.

It takes more than just your eyes to see hurting children, it takes a heart.

Daniel L. Criss
November 16, 2010

The King's Last Act

David wasn't a perfect man, but he loved the Lord with all his heart. His prayers, his psalms, his music, he was obviously dedicated in his devotion to God. Many of his life accomplishments were super human; a bear, a lion, a giant, a conqueror of tens of thousands. He was a tremendous and beloved leader. Mighty men followed him and were willing to die for him just to get him a drink of water. The Chronicles states that, "he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour...".

In all David's glory, he also failed. As a murderer and an adulterer, he should have been put to death by old testament law. God had mercy. He failed in the leadership of his own household. A wife who despised his worship, and immoral and unloyal sons. King David truly lived a life of trials and tests. He was humbled many times in his life, even before becoming the King. Hunted by an angry King Saul, David ran, hid, he even fought for the enemy. And yet through all his life we read about David's devotion to God, he prayed, he humbled himself, he sacrificed, he wrote songs, he played music, he sang to his Lord, and he worshipped his Lord.

The greatest accomplishment of David's life; he LOVED the Lord. He loved and trusted the Lord when he was a youth, he blessed the Lord throughout his life. What other man is there that God called, "a man after mine own heart"? David's life has fascinated me for many years. I have always been amazed how I can read the book of Psalms in my prayers and the words apply to my life. David's words are much more eloquent than mine own. I like to use his words better, because he describes the glory of God in a greater way than I ever could. God was faithful to David, the Lord loved David and had great mercy upon him.

If all of that isn't enough to prove that David truly loved the Lord, let's look at his one FINAL act as King.

(1 Chr 29:20 KJV) And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.

The King's Last Act

He prayed, he led the people in worship, and he himself worshipped.


Lord, let my life bless you, be glorified in my words, in my actions and in my heart throughout the rest of my days. And on my deathbed, like David, I will lead my people, my family in praise to the one that I have endevoured to love and serve throughout my life. I love you LORD.

Daniel L. Criss
November 13, 2010