happy new year with a new start............

Each Day

A new year just beginning,
Each day a fresh, new start,
To fulfill your hopes
And pursue the dreams
Sustained within your heart.

Put God in charge;
He'll plant the seeds
Of affection, love and care.
Like a garden, your life will grow
With kindness flowering there.

And as you face the wonder
Of each day's mysteries,
You'll see God's hand
Unfolding, daily, possibilities!

And as each day comes to a close,
Dream a dream or two,
Then with a prayer thank dear God
For each day given to you.
Poet, Gael Phaneuf

new years eve...............

As we come to the end of another year, let us pray that 2008
will be a year filled with love, hope, and peace.

Now when it comes to love: THIS IS THE COMMANDMENT
WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM HIM: THAT HE WHO LOVES
GOD MUST LOVE HIS BROTHER ALSO. AND ABOVE ALL
THINGS HAVE FERVENT LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER, FOR
LOVE WILL COVER A MULTITUDE OF SINS.
( 1 JOHN 4:21 ) ( 1 PETER 4:8-9 )

As for hope: NOW HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT, BECAUSE
THE LOVE OF GOD HAS BEEN POURED OUT IN OUR HEARTS
BY THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO WAS GIVEN TO US. FOR WHAT-
EVER THINGS WERE WRITTEN BEFORE WERE WRITTEN FOR
OUR LEARNING, THAT WE THROUGH THE PATIENCE AND
COMFORT OF THE SCRIPTURES MIGHT HAVE HOPE.
( Romans 5:5 ) ( Romans 15:4-5)

Regarding peace, BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING, BUT IN EVERY-
THING BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION, WITH THANKSGIVING,
LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN TO GOD; AND THE
PEACE OF GOD, WHICH PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING, WILL
GUARD YOUR HEART AND MIND THROUGH CHRIST JESUS.
( PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 )

Finally , MAY THE GOD OF HOPE FILL YOU WITH
ALL JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING, THAT YOU MAY ABOUND
IN HOPE BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
( ROMANS 15:13 )

Now may you have a safe and happy New Years
Eve, and let us all say a Prayer that 2008 will be a year of peace
and joy. Amen

WHAT IF ???? ........................

He came to town on an old freight train
He jumped off in the puring rain
Everybody says he's insane
Just a low down account hobo

He made his bed beneath the county bridge
The town folks said that's not his
They signed a petition they're gonna get rid
Of that white trash low down no count

What if Jesus comes back like that
On an old freight train in a hobo hat
Will we let him in or turn our back
What if Jesus comes back like that
Hey what if Jesus comes back like that

Born with a habit of drug abuse
She couldn't help what her mama used
It wasn't like she got to choose
Now she's layin' there all alone

Got a monkey on her back
Nurses say they never saw a smile like that
Doctor says she might stand a chance
If somebody takes her home

What if Jesus comes back like that
Two months early and hooked on crack
Will we let him in or turn our back
What if Jesus comes back like that
Oh what if Jesus comes back like that

Nobody said life is fair
We've all got a cross to bear
When it gets a little hard to care
Just think of Jesus hanging there

He came to town on a cold dark night
A single star was his only light
The baby born that silent night
A manger for his bed

What if Jesus comes back like that
Where will he find out hearts are at
Will he let us in or turn his back
Hey what if Jesus comes back like that
Yeh what if Jesus comes back like that
Will he cry when he sees where our hearts are at
Will he let us in or turn his back
Hey what if Jesus comes back like that
Oh what if Jesus comes back like that

by:collin raye

"HOLY HUMOR"

"HOLY HUMOR"

1. There was a Church that had problems with outsiders parking
in its parking lots, so they put up a sign: CHURCH CAR PARK -
FOR MEMBERS ONLY trespassers will be baptized!

2. "No God - No Peace. Know God - Know Peace."

3. "Free Trip to Heaven. Details Inside!"

4. "Try our Sundays. They are better than Baskin Robbins."

5. "Searching for a new look? Have your faith lifted here!"

6. An ad for one Church has a picture of two hands holding stone
tablets on which the Ten Commandments are inscribed and a
headline that reads, "For fast, fast, fast relief, take two tablets."

7. When the restaurant next to another Church put out a big sign
with red letters that said, "Open Sundays," the church
reciprocated with its own message: "We are open on Sundays,
too."

8. "People are like tea bags - you have to put them in hot water
before you know how strong they are."

9. "Fight truth decay - study the Bible daily."

10. "How will you spend eternity - Smoking or Non-smoking?"

11. "Dusty Bibles lead to Dirty Lives"

12. "Come work for the Lord. The work is hard, the hours are
long and the pay is low. But the retirement benefits are out of
this World."

13. "It is unlikely there'll be a reduction in the wages of sin."

14. "Do not wait for the hearse to take you to church."

15. "If you're headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns."

16. "If you don't like the way you were born, try being born again."

17. "Looking at the way some people live, they ought to obtain
eternal fire insurance soon."

18. "This is a ch_ _ ch. What is missing?" ---------(U R)

19. "In the dark? Follow the Son."

20. "Running low on faith? Step in for a fill-up."

21. "If you can't sleep, don't count sheep. Talk to the Shepherd
________________________________

Got problems?

Got problems?

When you've got problems staring you in the face do you often find yourself unable to cope? Does the magnitude of the issue cloud your thinking?

The solution is to attack each problem in a systematic manner. "Problem-solving" is simply attacking a problem in a logical sequence.

Steps to problem-solving:

• Identify the problem. Name exactly what is the issue.

• Generate solutions. Write down as many possible solutions that you can think of. Emphasize quantity not quality. Do not censor any idea, no matter how silly or fanciful it appears. If the problem is shared as a family or group, do this with those involved to generate a larger list of solutions.

• Evaluate solutions. Go through your list of solutions and evaluate their effectiveness. Put a plus sign (+) next to those that could work and a minus sign (-) next to those that are clearly unworkable. Some solutions may seem to be on the border between good and bad, so put both a plus and minus sign (+-) next to them.

• Choose the solution(s). Select from those you've rated with a plus sign. Even if it isn't perfect, commit yourself to at least trying it. Most problems do not have perfect solutions.

• Implement solution(s). Decide how you intend to carry out the solution. You need to specify when, where, why, how, and who will implement the solution. Making a public commitment to a friend, or co-worker, that you are going to take the action will increase your motivation to carry out the plan.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of the solution(s). Taking one course of action may not suffice. It may work partially or not at all. If the problem remains, then you need to revisit your list of solutions or generate new ones. Don't let inadequate solutions thwart your renewed attempt to overcome the problems in your life.

Fight your Fight

Fight your Fight

In battle, there are soldiers and generals. The generals lead. The soldiers follow. The generals love leading and are trained for it. They will dig deep in the trenches and fight right beside those they lead. The soldiers don't mind being soldiers. They are trained for battle. They reverence, respect & obey their leader. They trust and are faithful to their leader. BUT, there is one major difference in the two I've just described:

The soldier will fight any battle. But, the general won't fight every fight.

They determine which battle is theirs and the soldier trusts the decision and follows suit.

My Friend, are you a soldier or a general? You might be uncomfortable in your life because you are fighting a battle that is not yours. The soldier in you is fighting. But, the general is miserable because he/she knows that your battle is literally on the other side of town.

How many of us are fighting battles that do not belong to us? Why are you up crying over that man - he's not yours? Why are you wasting good money trying to impress that woman? She belongs to another man!

Our strength will serve us much better when applied on the field of our appointed battle. GOD'S anointing is for HIS appointing. Why do we waste energy in futile endeavors?
If we are to win - we must apply our our strength with wisdom and discipline. We must discern which battle to fight and which battle to walk away from.

Why waste time arguing at a drive thru window? (you probably shouldn't be there in the first place) We should "PUT OUT THE FIRE THAT WILL BURN THE HOUSE DOWN FIRST"

What I mean is - take care of what is really important. "Do 1st things - 1st." Our finances go haywire when we Do 1st things - 2nd or 3rd...." We get our hair & nails done before we pay the light bill. We put rims on our car before we pay the car note.

GOD's grace, just like HIS will, is appointed to where HE knows it is best served. Remember what HE told Elijah? "GO to the brook called Kerith THERE I have commanded the ravens to feed you." (1Kings 17:3,4) That's a place of appointment.

When we FIGHT OUR FIGHT - we are supernaturally empowered for victory!

If you don't fight your battle of appointment - you'll face the war of disappointment.

THE GREATEST Gift

THE GREATEST Gift

The greatest gift at Christmastime
Is one we all may give -

A friendly smile that helps to make
Life easier to live.

A kindly thought, a helping hand,
To show someone we care

And let them know how much it means
For us to have them here.

The greatest gift at Christmastime
Costs not a lot to buy -

It's being a good neighbor
As days and months go by:

It's offering a shoulder
When someone needs a lift,

And so I pray this Christmas Day
That this may be your gift!
Poet, Grace E. Easley

Merry CHRISTmas......

THE BIRTH OF JESUS

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be
taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took
place while Quirinius was governor of Syria). And everyone went to his
own town to register

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to
Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of
David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married
to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for
the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She
wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room
for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over
their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory
of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said
to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be
for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to
you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a
baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a ."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel,
praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on
whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to
the one another, " Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has
happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying
in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what
had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at
what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and
pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising
God for all the things they had heard and seen , which were just as they had
been told. (Luke 2: 1-20 NIV)

-- Author KNOWN!

My CHRISTmas prayer for each of you is that you take a moment out of your
busy life and reflect on the miracle that happened oh so many years ago, and
yet, can happen each and every day in the lives of the ones around you.
May you continue to grow deeper in your understanding of God's love for
you and His desire for you to show His Love to those around you.

Merry CHRISTmas!

a Christmas Classic...........

First of all, let us learn all about who wrote this classic. It
was written by the Rev. Clement Clarke Moore ( 1779-1863 ).
He was a professor of Oriental and Greek literature at the
Episcopal General Theological Seminary in New York City.
He wrote this classic for his children, and at first refused to let
it be published because he felt it wasn't fitting for a Priest to
write, after all it didn't mention God or Jesus Christ. After a
while his friends won and he let it be published, thus now we
have this Christmas Classic:

Twas the night before Christmas
When all through the house
Not a creature was stirring,
Not even a mouse
The stockings were hung by
The chimney with care
in hopes that St. Nicholas
soon would be there.

The children were nestled
All snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar plumbs
Danced in their heads.
And Mama in her kerchief,
And I in my cap
Had just settled our brains
For a long winter's nap

When out on the roof
There arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed
To see what was the matter.
I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutter,
And through back the sash.

The moon on the breast
Of the new fallen snow
Gave the luster of midday
To the objects below,
When, what to my wandering
eyes should appear,
but a miniature sleigh
and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver,
So lively and quick,
I knew in a moment
It must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles,
His courses they came,
And he whistles and shouted
And called then be name:

NOW DASHER! NOW DANCER!
NOW PRANCER AND VIXON!
ON COMET! ON CUPID!
ON DONNER AND BLITZEN!

To The Top Of The Stairs!
To The Top Of The Wall!
Now Dash Away! Dash Away All!

As dry leaves that before
The wild hurricane fly
When they meet with an obstacle
Mount to the sky
So up to the house-top
The courses they flew
With a sleigh full of toys'
And St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling,
I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing
Of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head
And was turning around
Down the chimney St. Nicholas
Came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur,
From his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished
With ashes ands soot.
A bundle of toys he had
Flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler
Just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled!
His dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were like roses,
His nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth
Was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin
Was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe
He held tight in his teeth
And the smoke it encircled
His head like a wreath.
He had a broad face
And a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed
Like a bowl of jelly.

He was chubby and plump,
A right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him,
in spite of myself.
A wink of his eye
And a twist of his head
soon gave me to know
I had nothing to dread

He sprang to his sleigh,
To his team gave a whistle,
And away they all fly
Like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim,
Ere he drove out of sight:
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!
___________________________________

When was JESUS Actually Born ? ....................

A Special Christmas Lesson for: YOU my friend....
"When Was Jesus Actually Born?"

Today we will leave our study of the Book of Judges this week,
to study the Scriptures as a Scholar of God's Word would, to find
our answer to the above question. So put on your thinking caps,
and read this very carefully as we do a little detective work in the
Book of LUKE to uncover the answer to this question, "When was
Jesus really born?"

First of all, LUKE in Hebrew means "light giver," and he will light
our path to find the truth regarding this study of the Scriptures!
For our Fathers' Word tells us all things, even if we must search a
little to find the answers!

Now it is important to establish the year of HIS birth first, and
we are given a major clue in Chapter Two where it states:

Luke, Chapter 2

2:1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from
Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.

3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
( Luke 2:1-4 )

The Historian Zumpt fixes Quirinus' reign as the First
Governor as being from 4 BC until 1 BC. Also according
to Clement of Alexandria, Jesus was born when the first
census was taken in the reign of Augustus. Now it is also
recorded that a census was taken every 14 Years. Thus
4 BC; 10 AD; 24 AD etc. Thus this places Jesus' birth in the
year 4 BC. Now, none of the other studies I have ever
seen even mention the census, or take it into consideration.
Thus am important piece of the puzzle is totally missing in
their studies, and they come up with the wrong year based
on the lack of this important information.

Also of note, is the fact that writings have been found from
ancient Korean and Chinese astronomers of an event in 4 B C
which they described as a comet with no tail that did not
move during 4 B C. This fits with the Star of Bethleham
mentioned in the Scriptures, that guidied the Wise Men.


Since we have established the year of HIS birth, let us now turn
back the calendar one year to determine the true date of HIS birth.
We need to do that for we may trace it through the birth of John
the Baptist. So we will now take our search back to LUKE,
Chapter, One.
LUKE 1
1:1 Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of
those things which have been fulfilled among us,

Luke makes it clear that he was not the first to write about
this narrative of Jesus Christ.

2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and
ministers of the word delivered them to us,

The sources of these narratives were indeed eyewitnesses
who delivered their testimonies to the Church. Therefore
these verses tell us that Luke was not an eyewitness, but
has access to the statements of those who were.

3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all
things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most
excellent Theophilus,

Luke investigated his topic with much care, it was always
thoroughly done as well. One must remember that Luke was
a Physician before he became a disciple. Thus he was one of
the best educated disciples of Christ at the time.

Theophilus means "Beloved of God!" Thus I believe this
was written to You my friend!

4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were
instructed.

5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest
named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters
of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

Zacharias means "Remembered of YA"
There were eight courses, each done at a special time each year.
The order of [Abijah] is the eighth of the priestly courses of
ministration in the Temple, (see 1 CHRONICLES 24:10) and
occurred, as others, twice a year. The Priest's were separated
into 24 divisions, and these courses changed weekly, beginning
with the Sabbath. This course would have been held June 13-19
in the year 5 BC.

6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the
commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

"Righteous Before God" This means that Zacharias &
Elizabeth his wife walked faithfully with God and kept His
law. ( see Deuteronomy 6:24-25 )

7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were
both well advanced in years.

Now being barren was a grave disappointment in ancient
Israel. ( see 1 SAM 1 )

8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order
of his division,

Remember that he was on duty June 13 through 19 in the
year 5 BC.

9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense
when he went into the temple of the Lord.

Zacharias served for one week twice a year at the Temple. He
was one of as many as 18,000 priests who served each year.
Now offering the incense was something a Priest could do only
once in his career. Therefore this was a great moment for
Zecharias indeed!

10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the
hour of incense.

The Hour Of Incense came twice a day, at 9 AM and 3:30 PM.
Large numbers of people gathered at the Temple, for they believed
that their prayers went up to God with the incense smoke.

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side
of the altar of incense.

12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon
him.

To be afraid in the presence of God or an angle is common
in the Scriptures. What an awesome experience it must
have been for Zacharias

13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your
prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you
shall call his name John.

Now when God names a child, greatness usually follows!
John means "Yahweh's gift or favor" This child would
later be known as "John the Baptist."

14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither
wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even
from his mother's womb.

Just as Samuel and Sampson, a vow was imposed on the
child that indicated his special consecration to the Lord.
However, it is not clear whether this vow was a Nazirite
vow, since there is no mention of cutting his hair.
( see NUMBERS 6:1-4 & JUDGES 13:5, 7 )

16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.

John's mission was to prepare Israel for the Messiah.

17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn
the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the
wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

John's ministry paralleled Elijah's, for both prophets
called Israel to repentance. ( see 1 KINGS 17; 18 )

18 And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am
an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years."

The doubt cast by Zecharias angered God for as you know
he was a Priest and knew God's Word. Therefore for he
should have recognized that this event was the fulfilling of a
prophecy that was written in DANIEL 9:21-25! Therefore
God punished him for his doubt and lack of faith.

19 And the angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands
in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you
these glad tidings.

20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day
these things take place, because you did not believe my words which
will be fulfilled in their own time."

Zacharias was not only unable to speak, but it appears
that he was unable to hear as well. ( see verses 1:62-63 )
However when John was born Zacharias was able to brake
his silence and was filled with joy, praising God!
( see Zacharias song in verses1:68-79 )

21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered
so long in the temple.

22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they
perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to
them and remained speechless.

23 And so it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed,
that he departed to his own house.

Now, Zacharias' house was located over 30 miles from
the Temple, in the hill country south of Jerusalem.
Remember he would have to walk home, and that
would take a man his age two or three days.
Now his service ended on the Sabbath, and he could
not travel that day. So that would mean that the conception
of John would take place on the 23rd or 24th of June.

24 Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid
herself five months, saying,

The date of the conception plus 5 months would take
us to Nov 24th Thus John was 6 months older than Christ.
So June 24th, plus 5 months would bring us to November 24.

25 "Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on
me, to take away my reproach among people."

26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city
of Galilee named Nazareth,

Here we add another month and we arrive at Dec 25th.

27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house
of David. The virgin's name was Mary.

28 And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored
one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!"

29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and
considered what manner of greeting this was.

She was not doubting but troubled.

30 Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have
found favor with God.

31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son,
and shall call His name JESUS.

Jesus means "Yahweh's savior"

So again, this being the sixth month would bring
us to December 25th, 5 B. C.

32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the
Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.

33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom
there will be no end."

34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know
a man?"

35 And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come
upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore,
also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.

36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her
old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.

As we have already learned this would be on Dec 25th.
Again this would be the day of conception of Jesus Christ.
NOTE: Mary was half Levite see Luke 3:23, and one half Juda.
This is because Mary's mother was a Leivite, and her father
was from the Tribe of Juda. Now that means that Christ
born of a woman who was 1/2 [Levite] or priest line, and 1/2
half from the King line [Juda.] Thus the "Priest King!" Now
is that not Jesus?

Now all of this points to Jesus being conceived on or
about December 25th, not born on that day! His
true birthday would be approximately 9 months
later, or September 29th, in the year 4 B. C.
Why the 29th? Note: the verse John 1:14 which
in English states:
"And The Word Became Flesh And Dwelt Among Us."

It actually reads in the original Greek, " The Word Became
Flesh And Tabernacled Among Us." Thus His Birthday fell
on the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles. Then,
He would have then been circumcised 8 days later
on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles!

In closing, here is some more backup on the
Nativity not being in December!

(1) It would have been nearly impossible for Mary
under the circumstances, to have traveled the
70 miles, through the hills in the depth of winter!

(2) Shepherds and their flocks would not be found
"abiding" in the fields at night in December, because
there would be no pasture to graze at that time of year!

(3) The Roman's imposing the "hated and unpopular"
census taking to collect a foreign tax, would have not
picked the most inconvenient and inclement time of year
for this process. They would have picked a line of
least resistance instead, and held the event in the autumn,
when the harvest was done, and the people were
traveling to Jerusalem anyway for the Feast of Tabernacles!

Therefore all of this means that Jesus was conceived on or
December 25th, not born on that day! His true birthday
would be approximately 9 months later, or September 29th,
in the year 4 B. C.

Now it is perfectly correct to Celebrate December 25th
because we are honoring the date of Jesus' Conception,
and the day that God began to dwell with mankind, as
witnessed by John in his mother's womb! Therefore never,
ever, call or think of Christmas as a heathen or pagan
holiday. For on this day we are honoring the day of the
"Immaculate Conception." A High Holy Day Indeed!

Now , I hope that you have enjoyed this deeper study in
God's Word.

May you have a Very Merry Christmas, and a Wonderful
New Year!

party invite...............

You Are Cordially Invited To A Birthday Celebration.

Guest of Honor: JESUS CHRIST

Date: December 25th

Time: When you're ready, ( please don't be late, though; or
you'll miss out on all the fun!!! )

Place: In your Heart...He'll meet you there ( you'll hear Him
knock )

Attire: Come as you are...grubbies are okay. He'll be washing
our clothes anyway. He said something about new
white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the
last.

Tickets: Admission is free. He's already paid for everyone..( He
says you would not have been able to afford it...it cost
Him everything he had! )

Refreshments: New wine, bread and a far-out drink He calls
living water, followed by a supper that promises to be
out of this world!!!

Gift Suggestions: Your Heart. He's one of those people who
already has everything else. He's very generous in
return though; just wait until you see what He has for
you.

Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real
Happiness, Communion with God, Forgiveness,
Miracles, Healing, Power, Eternity in Paradise, and
much more!
( All rated "G" so bring your family and friends )

R.S.V.P. Very important! He must know ahead so he can
reserve a spot for you at the table. Also He's keeping
a list of His friends for future reference. He calls it the
( "Lambs Book Of Life" )

Party Being given By His Kids ( That's Us )
Hope To See You There!!!
__________________________________

MAY THE GOD OF HOPE FILL YOU WITH ALL
JOY AND PEACE AS YOU TRUST IN HIM, SO THAT YOU MAY
OVER-FLOW WITH HOPE BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY
SPIRIT. Amen. ( ROMANS 15:13 *NIV )

"My First Christmas In Heaven"

"My First Christmas In Heaven"

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas
choir up here. I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices
bring. For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart
But I am not so far away, We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do.
For I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ
this year.
Author Unknown

the Christmas Pageant.....

"THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT."

My proudest moment came during the
children's Christmas pageant. My daughter was playing
Mary, two of my sons were shepherds and my
youngest son was a wise man.
This was their moment to shine. My five-year-old
shepherd had practiced his line,
'We found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes.'
But he was nervous and said, 'The baby was wrapped
in wrinkled clothes.' My four-year-old 'Mary' said,
'That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly. That's dirty, rotten clothes.'
A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd
and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost
her left wing. I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary
dropped the doll representing Baby Jesus, and it bounced
down the aisle crying, 'Mama-mama.'
Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back up and held it tightly
as the wise men arrived. My other son stepped
forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the
manger and announced, 'We are the three wise guys,
and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur.'
The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageant
got a standing ovation.

'I've never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this
one,' laughed the Pastor, wiping tears from his eyes.
'For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story
without thinking of gold, common sense and fur.'
'My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest
blessing,' I said as I dug through my purse for an aspirin.
Author, Unknown

twas the night JESUS came.................

TWAS THE NIGHT JESUS CAME

Twas' the night Jesus came and all through the house,
Not a person was praying, not one in the house.

The Bible was left on the shelf without care,
for no one thought Jesus would come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
not once ever kneeling or bowing their head.

And Mom in the rocking chair with baby on her lap,
was watching the Late Show as I took a nap.
When out of the east there rose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what's the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,
tore open the shutters and lifted the sash.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but Angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.

The light of His face made me cover my head,
it was Jesus returning just like He'd said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life that in which he held in his hand,
was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as he searched for my name,
when He said "it is not here"

I hung my head in shame. The people who's names had been written with love,
He gathered to take to his Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound,
while all the others were left standing around.

I fell to my knees but it was too late,
I waited to long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight,
Oh, if only I'd know that this was the night.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear
the coming of Jesus is now drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call,
We'll find out that the Bible was true after all........

-- Author Unknown

the BEST gifts this saeson.............

THE BEST GIFTS THIS SEASON:

To a Friend Loyalty
To an Enemy Forgiveness
To your Boss Service
To your Child A good example
To your Father Honor
To your Mother Gratitude and Devotion
To your Spouse Love and Faithfulness
To Yourself Respect
To All Men Charity
To God Your Life!!

-- Author Unknown

every day is christmas.............

EVERY DAY IS CHRISTMAS

Every day is Christmas when you have the kind of mind,
That stores up all the goodness and the sweetness it can find.
When you don't need an occasion, to spread a bit of cheer,
But just keep on a-giving, of yourself throughout the year.

Every day is Christmas, with a gaily wrapped surprise,
When you've learned to see the friendship, in someone else's eyes.
When you try a little harder, and complain a little less,
Holding fast to all the fervor of the faith that you possess.

Every day is Christmas, when you've found that you can be
More concerned with words like "you" and less with "I" and "me."
When it's fun to do a favor, and to lend a helping hand,
When being understood means less, than when you understand.

Every day is Christmas, with a beauty deeply cast,
When you find it doesn't matter, if you're first or if you're last.
When you can face your conscience, and be glad of what you are,
Then every day is Christmas, with a stable and a star.

-- Author Unknown

the "W" in Christmas...........

The "W" in Christmas

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful
experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card
writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I
found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family
moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting
season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for
his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be
working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining
moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress
rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend
that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas
seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early,
found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I
saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I
waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied
by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one
by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the
holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun,
commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes
and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas
Love," I was slightly taken aback by it's bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy
mittens, red sweaters, and bright snow caps upon their heads. Those in
the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell
out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas,"
a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and
on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete
message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her;
a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down -
totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W". The audience of 1st
through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had
no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding
her "W".

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter
continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A
hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant,
we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the
holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose
for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message
read loud and clear: "CHRISTWAS LOVE" And, I believe, He still is.
Amen.

season's meetings............

SEASON'S MEETINGS

Each year we ring in the holiday season by attending dozens of holiday
meetings. This Christmas committee, that planning event. Then we still have
to make the rounds to every store in the metro-plex. 'Tis the season for
weeks of ulcer inducing meetings and shopping, then wrapping for about 72
straight hours. Christmas morning I find myself sitting around the tree with
a glazed look and half a roll of tape stuck in my hair.

I stack three stories of gifts in front of each child. Within ten minutes
we're up to our eyeballs in wrapping paper. I have five children. That's
five three-story gift stacks and about 1200 yards of wrapping paper. Last
year it took us three days to find the cat.

I was scanning for Christmas sales when I ran across an Internet ad: "100
FREE HOURS!" That's it! That's what I want for Christmas! Not the Internet
service--just the hours. My holiday calendar could make grown men weep.

Even if we can't have a chestnut or two roasting on an open fire, it seems
we should at least be able to find time for some popcorn popping in the
microwave. Visions of sugarplums? I don't think so. There hasn't been a
silent night around our place since the season began.

Maybe we're being sucked in to the idea that we need to "super size" the
holidays the same way we're tempted to upgrade every fast food lunch. We
convince ourselves that to have a socially complete Christmas, we need to
super-size our schedules--adding more, spending more, eating more. I'm
popping Tums just thinking about it.

But let's take a look at the big Christmas picture. Jesus didn't come into
the world so that we could enjoy a nice story about a reindeer. He didn't
come so that our kids could put on a cute play.

Christ was born so that through his sacrificial death, we could be
reconciled to a holy God. Emmanuel, "God With Us," came to pay our sin debt.
Christmas is not for making us overworked and overwhelmed, but for
celebrating how we have been made overcomers.

The season becomes a real celebration when we learn to rest in the faithful
hands of the One who has overcome the world. Guess what we find when we rest
in him: Peace! Jesus said in John 16:33, "...in me you may have peace. In
the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome
the world." The Lord has done the overcoming on our behalf. He's the one who
gives peace. The only thing we truly need to work for is the resting
ability.

If your holiday schedule is keeping you up nights and you'd like a little
sleep in heavenly peace, maybe 'tis the season for saying some "no's"--for
sanity's sake. As for that Internet ad, if someone could actually give me
those extra 100 hours, what would I do with them? Would I cram them to the
brim with more activities? The truth is that we have loads of time--24 hours
every day. Focusing 24/7 on the God who provided Christmas is the way to
find a fulfilling holiday season.

I've decided to take time to stop and smell the poinsettias- -and find the
cat.

-- Author Unknown

Christmas......

WHO STARTED CHRISTMAS?

This morning I heard a story on the radio of a woman who was out Christmas
shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row
of toys and everything else imaginable. And after hours of hearing both her
children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally
made it to the elevator with her two kids.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of
the year. Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming,
taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every
single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on
our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who
sent us a card.

Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car.
She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all
the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and
stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung
up and shot."

From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't
worry we already crucified him." For the rest of the trip down the elevator
it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas
thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it,
just think of how different this whole world would be.

-- Author Unknown

a Blessing

IRISH BLESSINGS!

May soft gentle breezes brush o'er your face,
For each loving touch is God's warm embrace.
May you have enough for all that you need,
And never be hurt by another's greed.
The Lord keep you safe from terrible things,
And at the end of this life, lift you up on His wings.

-- Author Unknown

children

My name is Chris
I am three,
My eyes are swollen
I cannot see,
I must be stupid
I must be bad,
What else could have made
My daddy so mad?

I wish I were better
I wish I weren't ugly,
Then maybe my mommy
Would still want to hug me.

I cant do a wrong
I cant speak at all
Or else im locked up
All day long.

When im awake im all alone
The house is dark
My folks arent home
When my mommy does come home
I'll try and be nice,
So maybe ill just get
One whipping tonight.

I just heard a car
My daddy is back
From Chariles bar.
I hear him curse
My name is called
I press myself
Against the wall
I try to hide
From his evil eyes

I'm so afraid now
I'm starting to cry
He finds me weeping
Calls me ugly words,
He says its my fault
He suffers at work.

He slaps and hits me
And yells at me more,
I finally get free
And run to the door
Hes already locked it
And I start to bawl

He takes me and throws me
Against the hard wall
I fall to the floor
With my bones nearly broken,
And my daddy continues
With more bad words spoken,
"I'm sorry!", I scream
But its now much to late
His face has been twisted
Into a unimaginable shape
The hurt and the pain
Again and again

O please God, have mercy!
O please let it end!
And he finally stops
And heads for the door
While i lay there motionless
Sprawled on the floor

My name is Chris
I am three,
Tonight my daddy
Murdered me

And you can help
Sickens me to the soul,
And if you read this
and dont pass it on
I pray for your forgivness
Because you would have to be
One heartless person
To not be affected
By this Poem
And because u r effected,
Do something about it!
So all i ask you to do
Is pass this on!

IF YOU ARE AGAINST CHILD ABUSE!

PLEASE COPY AND PASTE THIS AND PASS IT ON !!

I post this in memory of Ricky Holland, who had justice served on Friday the 27th of October 2006

snow

it's snow in michigan sw michigan just put the drive out and there was 6inches on the level and 12inch drifts and its still storming over here ahhhhh

HOW TO CELEBRATE CHRIST'S BIRTHDAY

HOW TO CELEBRATE CHRIST'S BIRTHDAY
-- from Christ

Dear children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking
My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually
born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors
who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan
festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily
understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own.
I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just,
GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that, let Me go on. If it
bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting
My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa’s and snowmen and put in a
small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that
there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there
would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday
tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can &
may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish:
I actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who I am in relation
to you & what each of our tasks were. If you have forgot that one, look up
John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish
list. Choose something from it.

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is
being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home.
They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me
all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally.
They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his
staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be
praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice
hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they
don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I
came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that
I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that some people in your town will attempt to take their own
lives this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't
know who those people are, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile. It
could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local
Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the
holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile
and a kind word even if they aren't allowed to wish you a “Merry Christmas"
that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on
Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and
let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially
one who takes My love & Good News to those who have never heard My name. You
may already know someone like that.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals & whole families in your town
who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any
presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you
don't) buy some food & a few gifts & give them to the Marines, the Salvation
Army or some other charity which believes in Me & they will make the
delivery for you.

10 Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty
to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you
wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one
of mine.

P.S ~ Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me & do
what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the
list above & get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now
in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you
love and remember I LOVE YOU

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass - it's about learning to
dance in the rain.

-- Author Unknown

SANTA, CAN YOU VISIT MY GRANDDAUGHTER?

SANTA, CAN YOU VISIT MY GRANDDAUGHTER?

Three years ago, a little boy and his grandmother came to see Santa at
Mayfair Mall in Wisconsin. The child climbed up on his lap, holding a
picture of a little girl.

"Who is this?" asked Santa, smiling. "Your friend? Your sister?"

"Yes, Santa," he replied. "My sister, Sarah, who is very sick," he said
sadly.

Santa glanced over at the grandmother who was waiting nearby, and saw her
dabbing her eyes with a tissue.

"She wanted to come with me to see you, oh, so very much, Santa!" the child
exclaimed. "She misses you," he added softly.

Santa tried to be cheerful and encouraged a smile to the boy's face, asking
him what he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas.

When they finished their visit, the Grandmother came over to help the child
off his lap, and started to say something to Santa, but halted.

"What is it?" Santa asked warmly.

"Well, I know it's really too much to ask you, Santa, but ..." the old woman
began, shooing her grandson over to one of Santa's elves to collect the
little gift which Santa gave all his young visitors.

"...The girl in the photograph .. My granddaughter . Well, you see ... She
has leukemia and isn't expected to make it even through the holidays," she
said through tear-filled eyes. "Is there any way, Santa . Any possible way
that you could come see Sarah? That's all she's asked for, for Christmas, is
to see Santa."

Santa blinked and swallowed hard and told the woman to leave information
with his elves as to where Sarah was, and he would see what he could do.

Santa thought of little else the rest of that afternoon. He knew what he had
to do.

"What if it were MY child lying in that hospital bed, dying," he thought
with a sinking heart, "this is the least I can do."

When Santa finished visiting with all the boys and girls that evening, he
retrieved from his helper the name of the hospital where Sarah was staying.

He asked the assistant location manager how to get to Children's Hospital.

"Why?" Rick asked, with a puzzled look on his face.

Santa relayed to him the conversation with Sarah's grandmother earlier that
day.

"C'mon .... I'll take you there," Rick said softly.

Rick drove them to the hospital and came inside with Santa. They found out
which room Sarah was in. A pale Rick said he would wait out in the hall.

Santa quietly peeked into the room through the half-closed door and saw
little Sarah on the bed.

The room was full of what appeared to be her family; there was the
Grandmother and the girl's brother he had met earlier that day. A woman whom
he guessed was Sarah's mother stood by the bed, gently pushing Sarah's thin
hair off her forehead. And another woman who he discovered later was Sarah's
aunt, sat in a chair near the bed with weary, sad look on her face. They
were talking quietly, and Santa could sense the warmth and closeness of the
family, and their love and concern for Sarah.

Taking a deep breath, and forcing a smile on his face, Santa entered the
room, bellowing a hearty, "Ho, ho, ho!"

"Santa!" shrieked little Sarah weakly, as she tried to escape her bed to run
to him, IV tubes intact.

Santa rushed to her side and gave her a warm hug. A child the tender age of
his own son -- 9 years old -- gazed up at him with wonder and excitement.

Her skin was pale and her short tresses bore telltale bald patches from the
effects of chemotherapy. But all he saw when he looked at her was a pair of
huge, blue eyes. His heart melted, and he ad to force himself to choke back
tears. Though his eyes were riveted upon Sarah's face, he could hear the
gasps and quiet sobbing of the women in the room.

As he and Sarah began talking, the family crept quietly to the bedside one
by one, squeezing Santa's shoulder or his hand gratefully, whispering "thank
you" as they gazed sincerely at him with shining eyes.

Santa and Sarah talked and talked, and she told him excitedly all the toys
she wanted for Christmas, assuring him she'd been a very good girl that
year.

As their time together dwindled, Santa felt led in his spirit to pray for
Sarah, and asked for permission from the girl's mother. She nodded in
agreement and the entire family circled around Sarah's bed, holding hands.

Santa looked intensely at Sarah and asked her if she believed in angels.

"Oh, yes, Santa ... I do!" she exclaimed.

"Well, I'm going to ask that angels watch over you," he said.

Laying one hand on the child's head, Santa closed his eyes and prayed. He
asked that God touch little Sarah, and heal her body from this disease. He
asked that angels minister to her, watch and keep her. And when he finished
praying, still with eyes closed, he started singing softly,

"Silent Night, Holy Night ... all is calm, all is bright."

The family joined in, still holding hands, smiling at Sarah, and crying
tears of hope, tears of joy for this moment, as Sarah beamed at them all.
When the song ended, Santa sat on the side of the bed again and held Sarah's
frail, small hands in his own.

"Now, Sarah," he said authoritatively, "you have a job to do, and that is to
concentrate on getting well. I want you to have fun playing with your
friends this summer, and I expect to see you at my house at Mayfair Mall
this time next year!"

He knew it was risky proclaiming that, to this little girl who had terminal
cancer, but he "had" to. He had to give her the greatest gift he could --
not dolls or games or toys -- but the gift of HOPE.

"Yes, Santa!" Sarah exclaimed, her eyes bright.

He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead and left the room.

Out in the hall, the minute Santa's eyes met Rick's, a look passed between
them and they wept unashamed.

Sarah's mother and grandmother slipped out of the room quickly and rushed to
Santa's side to thank him.

"My only child is the same age as Sarah," he explained quietly. "This is the
least I could do."

They nodded with understanding and hugged him.

One year later, Santa Mark was again back on the set in Milwaukee for his
six-week, seasonal job which he so loves to do. Several weeks went by and
then one day a child came up to sit on his lap.

"Hi, Santa! Remember me?!"

"Of course, I do," Santa proclaimed (as he always does), smiling down at
her. After all, the secret to being a "good" Santa is to always make each
child feel as if they are the "only" child in the world at that moment.

"You came to see me in the hospital last year!"

Santa's jaw dropped. Tears immediately sprang in his eyes, and he grabbed
this little miracle and held her to his chest.

"Sarah!" he exclaimed.

He scarcely recognized her, for her hair was long and silky and her cheeks
were rosy -- much different from the little girl he had visited just a year
before.

He looked over and saw Sarah's mother and grandmother in the sidelines
smiling and waving and wiping their eyes.

That was the best Christmas ever for Santa Claus. He had witnessed -- and
been blessed to be instrumental in bringing about -- this miracle of hope.
This precious little child was healed. Cancer-free. Alive and well. He
silently looked up to Heaven and humbly whispered,

"Thank you, Father. 'Tis a very, Merry Christmas!"

-- Author Unknown

27 INDICATIONS THAT WE NEED REVIVAL

27 INDICATIONS THAT WE NEED REVIVAL

1.. When we do not love Him as we once did.

2.. When earthly interests and occupations are more important to us than
eternal ones.

3.. When we would rather watch TV and read secular books and magazines than
read the Bible and pray.

4.. When we have little or no desire for prayer.

5.. When we would rather make money than give money.

6.. When our Christianity is joyless and passionless.

7.. When we know truth in our heads that we are not practicing in our lives.

8.. When we make little effort to witness to the lost.

9.. When we have time for sports, recreation, and entertainment, but not for
Bible study and prayer.

10.. When we do not tremble at the Word of God.

11.. When we seldom think thoughts of eternity.

12.. When we are more concerned about our jobs and careers than about the
Kingdom of Christ and the salvation of the lost.

13.. When Christian husbands and wives are not praying together.

14.. When our children are growing up to adopt worldly values, secular
philosophies and ungodly lifestyles.

15.. When we watch things on TV and movies that we would not show in church.

16.. When our prayers lack fervency.

17.. When our hearts are cold and our eyes are dry.

18.. When our singing is half-hearted and our worship lifeless.

19.. When we aren't seeing regular evidence of the supernatural power of
God.

20.. When we are bored with worship.

21.. When we are more concerned about what others think about us than what
God thinks about us.

22.. When we are making little or no difference in the secular world around
us.

23.. When we are unmoved by the thought of our neighbors, business
associates and acquaintances going to hell.

24.. When we have ceased to weep and mourn and grieve over our sin.

25.. When we aren't exercising faith and believing God for the impossible.

26.. When the fire has gone out in our hearts, our marriages and our church.

27.. When we are blind to the extent of our need and don't think we need
revival.

-- Author Unknown

you will never be sorry........

YOU WILL NEVER BE SORRY...

...for thinking before acting.
...for hearing before judging.

...for forgiving your enemies.
...for being candid and frank.

...for helping a fallen brother.
...for being honest in business.

...for thinking before speaking.
...for being loyal to your church.

...for standing by your principles.
...for closing your ears to gossip.

...for bridling a slanderous tongue.
...for harboring pure thoughts.

...for sympathizing with the afflicted.
...for being courteous and kind to all.

Don't try to Argue with Children.......

DON'T TRY TO ARGUE WITH CHILDREN...

1) A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales. The teacher
said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human
because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very
small. The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale.
Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a
human; it was physically impossible.
The little girl said, "When I get to Heaven I will ask Jonah".
The teacher asked, "What if Jonah went to hell?"
The little girl replied, "Then you ask him".

2) A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children
while they drew. She would occasionally walk around to see each
child's work. As she got to one little girl who was working
diligently,
she asked what the drawing was? The girl replied, "I'm drawing
God." The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God
looks like." Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing,
the girl replied, "They will in a minute."

3) A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments
with her five and six year olds. After explaining the commandment to
"honor" thy Father and thy Mother," she asked, "is there a
commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?"
Without hesitating one little boy (the oldest in his family)
answered,
"Thou shall not kill."

4) One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the
dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother had
several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her
brunette
head. She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, "Why are
some of your hairs white, Mom?" Her mother replied, "Well, every
time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one
of my hairs turns white." The little girl thought about this
revelation
for
a while and then said, "Momma, how come ALL of grandma's hairs
are white then?"

5) The children had all been photographed, and the teacher was
trying to persuade them each to buy a copy of the group picture.
"Just think how nice it will be to look at it when you are all grown
up
and say, 'There's Jennifer; she's a lawyer,' or 'That's Michael. He's
a doctor.'" A small voice at the back of the room rang out, "And
there's the teacher, She's dead."

a funny.......

today'sFUNNY==================================

A grandma and her 5-year-old grandson were taking a walk in the country
just after the first heavy frost had dyed the foliage and given it a
brilliantly colored, crazy quilt appearance.

"Just think," the grandma marveled, gazing at a scarlet and gold-tinted
hillside, "God painted all that."

"Yes," the boy agreed, "and He even did it with His left hand."

"What do you mean 'He did it with His left hand'?" she asked, somewhat
puzzled by the remark.

"Well," he replied reasonably, "at Sunday School, the teacher told us
that Jesus is sitting on the right hand of God!"

this is me spending time in the place I love to be..

The Lord's Test........

THE LORD'S TEST-- I woke up this morning and knew that today,The sun would not be shining and the clouds would be gray.As I stepped outside, rain fell upon my head.My car wouldn't start so I walked to school instead.I forgot all of my assignmentsI failed all of my tests.I dropped my head in disgust and asked the Lord for one request."Lord, why is it that things won't go my way?"He gently replied, "Dear child it is because you didn't thank me yesterday.I woke you up and enabled you to see the sun again.I gave you shelter, protected your family, and even let you make a newfriend.I blessed you far greater than I ever had before.But you were too busy to thank me once more.You didn't feel sick because I maintained your health.You had money in your pocket because I maintained your wealth.You had shoes on you feet and clothes to wear, too.You had plenty of food to eat and what did you do?You ignored me and went about your tasks.But when you wanted something you never hesitated to ask.I was there when you needed me and that wasn't too long ago.But when things started going your way, it was me you did not know.As if that weren't enough, I provided your favorite luxuries.This was something I didn't have to do-they weren't even necessities.And when it was time to get on your knees and show your gratitude,You decided that after such a fulfilling day, you weren't in the mood.So I decided to give you just a little test.To show you how it would feel to stop being blessed."I began to realize what the Lord was saying..He said, "My child, you have learned and you know I do forgive.But remember to remember this day as long as you shall live.I love filling your life with joy, and your pain I'll alleviate it.But just a simple thank you would show how much you appreciate it."-- Author Unknown

this is God's country with peace and positive thinking.