The gold coins were so much lighter than the iron ones that it soon became difficult to maintain my balance. 

            At this point I came to a fork in the pathway.  The left fork continued further into the valley and the right fork went up a steep hill.  Very few people chose the right fork.  As I paused to rest a few moments I experienced an inner voice telling me to take the right fork.  But my burden was too heavy to go on an uphill journey.  No, I should stay in the valley. 

As I rose to continue my journey a fellow traveler came up, chose the right fork, and asked for my company.  I said that my burden was too heavy to go that way.  At this, my new companion took enough of my iron coins to give me a balanced load.  I objected saying that his offer was kind but couldn’t allow my burdens to weigh someone else down.  “Nonsense!” was the reply, “Look into my buckets.  You will see that your iron coins will balance my burden.”  I saw that this was true so decided to join my new friend. 

As we began our walk I asked, “Why do you have so many gold coins and so few iron ones?” My friend answered, “I have walked this way many times and learned that by taking this path I lose the iron coins at the top of the mountain and receive all the gold coins I can carry.” 

As we traveled, the people we met coming down from the mountain would take an iron coin out of my bucket; and as they flung it away it magically disappeared.  My companion had begun singing and as my burden became lighter I began to sing along. 

When we reached the top of the mountain I stood in amazement!  I saw a rough-hewn cross, and beside it stood a man who shone like the sun.  The light that shone from Him wrapped around me and I felt as though I was enveloped in pure love.  I watched as my companion knelt down in front of the Shining Man and poured the bucket of iron coins at the foot of this cross.  Both buckets were then filled with gold coins.  The Shining Man beckoned me closer.  As I stood before Him He took the remaining iron coins and poured gold coins into both buckets.

            I was confused.  Why would anyone take what was worthless and give me riches instead?  I asked my companion to explain. “Because,” was the reply, “The Shining Man and His Father have so much love to give that the Father has told His Son to bring others to Him so they may be adopted into their family.”  “His family?” I replied.  “Are you adopted by this man’s Father?”  “Yes.”  Was the answer, “And now I have access to His vast riches.”  “But you aren’t dressed like a rich man.  And you treated me as a friend, not as a poor laborer.”  “When you get to know The Shining Man, you don’t need to spend very much of the wealth on yourself.  It makes me happier to use it to lighten the burdens of others.”  “What” I asked, “do I have to do to be adopted into this family?” My friend, with a face filled with love, said, “All you have to do is ask.”  “And I can come here anytime I want to receive these gold coins?”  “Yes.” was the reply.  “And each time you come with iron coins you received by lightening the burdens of others you will receive buckets of gold coins and your heart will be filled with this wonderful love.”

            As we began the journey down the mountain it was good to be traveling with a friend.  It had been lonely walking alone.  Then, as I began exchanging my new gold coins for another persons iron coins, I experienced a joy beyond my understanding.  It was such a wonderfully new feeling – even when the person to whom I had given the gold coin didn’t seem especially thankful.  I realized that my joy was in the giving.  As great as it was to be receiving going up, giving was better. As we walked, more fellow travelers joined us.  We began singing and sharing our joy in being able to give our gold coins to others who seemed to be struggling.  As we added iron coins to our buckets we would share the load so no one had to carry more than they could handle. 

            I now give continual thanks to the Shining Man at the top of the mountain who is willing to share His riches with me and with others who are willing to join me as I visit the cross.  

Galatians 6:2  By helping each other with your troubles you truly obey the law of Christ (NCV)

remainder were birthday cards sent in March.  I took the time to

open each card again and read the messages, both the printed

sentiment on the card and the handwritten lines from the sender. 

What an uplifting experience!  I had an overwhelming sensation of

gratitude and affection.  My self-esteem was boosted, too.  As I was

sorting through the stacks of mail, I was keeping.  0nly the “essential”

stuff and consigning the rest to the shredder and recycle box.  But

these card were more than essential, they were a gift from God.  I

treasure them and the people who sent them.

Monte Baker

empty and unfulfilled.  Then, one night I called out to God.  He

answered me even as I reached out to Him.  Since that time I have

had an abundance of excitement and adventure that gives meaning

to my life.  And, I found my best friend.

Nedra Thomasom

This is the place where you can “Tell Your Story” of your Christian journey and how you found your way to the Lord.