New Beginnings.....

New beginnings

By Sheila Schuller Coleman

"Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." – Ephesians 4:24

A blank slate. A new semester. A fresh start.

What do all these share in common? A chance to start over! What a powerful opportunity it is when you are able to put aside the old false starts…the dead ends…the disappointments. The old has passed, the new day is here! You don't have to be shackled by the past when you have a beautiful future before you. That is the powerful message of Christianity. And the New Year reminds you that your past has been redeemed, and as a result you can face tomorrow with joyful anticipation!

So…grab hold of this powerful opportunity! Don't let it slip it away! Take advantage of Christ's offer for a new beginning. Start today to build a powerful new tomorrow—with God's help!

each day............

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

Lessons in Contentment....by Rick Warren

Lessons in Contentment
by Rick Warren

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:11 (NIV)

*** *** *** ***

Here are four steps to develop contentment in your life.

1. Stop comparing yourself to others. When you compare your life with someone else’s, the only place it can lead is toward discontentment. There will always be people who appear to be better off than you, but you don’t know their real circumstances.

I recall counseling a husband many years ago, and he said he wished his wife could be more like so-and-so, and he named a woman in our congregation. What he didn’t know is that the woman was a functioning alcoholic causing incredible heartache and stress for her family and for her husband.

That’s why the Bible teaches it is unwise to compare (2 Corinthians 10:12).

2. Be grateful for who you are and what you have. Learning to be content requires that you stop any “when and then” thinking – “When I am ___________, then I’ll be happy.” (You fill in the blank.)

The reason we fall into this trap is that we may actually be content for a little while but it won’t last. But, more than likely, someone else or something else will come along and drain the contentment from your life.

But listen, you are unique. God created you to be like nobody else, so why would you want to be anyone else. God is perfect, and you were his perfect choice to be you. Understanding that is a huge step toward being content with your life.

And then look at all the things God has given you. So often we allow what we don’t have to so dominate our focus that we forget the many wonderful things we already have, not only material blessing, but far more important things, such as family and friends.

3. Give yourself to others. If you will begin giving yourself to others, sharing what things you do have, sharing your time and your talents, you will find yourself learning to be content. Helping others will give you an appreciation for what you have and who you are, but more importantly, you will find yourself growing content. Why? Because God designed us to serve and share with others, and until we do that, we will feel great discontent.

4. Focus on things with eternal value. The real secret to becoming content is to focus on the things that have eternal value. It may be a familiar teaching to you, but Jesus said we should store up our treasures in heaven, and not on earth “where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV).

Think about the things in your life: What will last forever? What will last at least for your lifetime? What will last a few short years, or months, or days? Based on eternal value, what things are most important in your life? Where – and with whom – should you put your most time and energy?

By re-organizing your life around eternal priorities, you’ll find yourself growing in contentment as you live according to God’s design and purpose.

© 2008 Purpose Driven Life. All rights reserved.

Where do we spend our time and money........

Evaluate Where You Will Spend Time, Money in New Year

Judy Woodward Bates

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 5, chastises the Corinthian church because of their acceptance of a blatantly immoral man among their members. Paul tells them: "... Shouldn't you ... have been filled with grief and ... put out of your fellowship the man who did this?" (v. 2). Paul wanted the church, the corporate body of believers, to understand that though they were to love sinners (just as all of them -- and us -- were merely sinners saved by grace), they were never to embrace or ignore believers' sins.

Fact is, all transgression hinders us from the true freedom found only when we are in right fellowship with Christ. Since each one who claims His name stands as His representative in this world, how are we to conduct ourselves? Are we to gossip? Are we to backbite? What about sarcasm? None of these things pleases our Heavenly Father, nor do these things further His Kingdom here on earth.

Yet one of the greatest sins running rampant among the people of God is the sin of busyness -- we're so busy "gettin' while the gettin's good." We take time to go to work at our secular jobs, but do we take time to witness while we're on the job? Many of us take plenty of time and money to have our hair done, nails done, even facials and massages, but do we take time to participate in worship or to attend classes that help us understand and draw closer to the Creator of the universe? Too, how financially generous are we with others when we are so very liberal with ourselves?

There are oodles of us who have the time and money to go out and discover new eateries and stuff ourselves with good food, but do we offer the time or money to help feed the hungry? And when we've had enough of our overindulgence, we can afford to pay others to help us stay away from the table through weight loss programs, exercise and medical plans -- but do we use any of God's blessings to meet the multiplicity of needs among those less fortunate than ourselves?

In the midst of this fiery chapter concerning the immorality within the church, Paul admonishes the believers to clean up their acts. Before Paul concludes with, "Expel the wicked from among you" (v. 13), a quote from Old Testament teachings, he warns the church about being prideful and about dealing with the clutter in their lives. Sexual immorality and busyness: you mean either sin is displeasing to God? Most certainly.

Paul said that followers of Jesus Christ are to be "... bread without yeast," which he went on to explain means we are to be "... the bread of sincerity and truth" (1 Corinthians 5:8). We are to sincerely and truthfully seek to be like Jesus, who most assuredly put others before Himself.

If we're honest, most of us are packed with the "yeast" of busyness. Our lives are so overfilled that we are barely able to go through our daily routines. We're constantly tired, stressed and, in general, unhappy. And when our lives are like this, we can't enjoy our own company, let alone be a blessing to someone else.

So be honest. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 as "I can't juggle one more thing," how crammed-full is your life? Maybe it's time to sit down and make a list of all your responsibilities and "busynesses" and see which ones can be eliminated or better managed.

In verse 7 of 1 Corinthians 5, Paul warns the church "... to get rid of the old yeast [leaven], that ye may be a new lump." I don't know about you, but I know there are a lot of "busy" things in my life. As the year 2009 begins, the time for Christ's return draws ever closer. Let's re-commit our cluttered lives to the Lord and ask Him to show us how to become brand new "lumps" for His glory!

Don't settle for Happiness...Aim for Joy...by Rick Warren

Don’t Settle for Happiness; Aim for Joy
by Rick Warren

“Whatever happens, dear brothers and sisters, may the Lord give you joy …” Philippians 3:1 (NLT)

*** *** *** ***

A man once told me that he’d broken up with his fiancé because she didn’t make him happy enough. Mind you, he was happy with her; she just didn’t make him as happy as he felt a future wife should.

What this man told me gives memorable insight into how some people view happiness: They believe happiness is dependent upon the people, the things, and the circumstances that surrounded them.

Yet, the Bible says don’t settle for happiness; aim for joy.

Joy comes from within; joy is not dependent upon the people in your life, or the possessions you accumulate, or what’s happening at this point in your life.

God says you’ll find joy, when you trust that he’s in control and working to use the good – and the bad – of your life for a greater purpose.

The apostle Paul understood this, writing about joy while in prison, chained to a guard, alone in a foreign city: “Whatever happens, dear brothers and sisters, may the Lord give you joy …” (Philippians 3:1 NLT).

He suggested there are two keys to transforming mere happiness into a deeply-felt, ever-present joy:

First, live each day by grace. Grace means you don’t have to earn God’s love or his approval. And here’s some joyful news: If you don’t have to earn God’s love, then you don’t have to earn anyone else’s love.

God offers his love unconditionally, and you can joyfully live in that grace everyday, all day long. Understanding this drains the tension from your life: you can make mistakes and know that you’re still loved by God, who desires a relationship with you over any rules or rituals.

The man who broke up with his fiancé appears to have had difficulty in understanding grace. His love came with conditions – “As long as you make me happy, I’ll love you” – and that means he probably assumes the love he receives from others is conditional too. How can anyone experience joy when they live each day thinking they have to earn love?

Second, stay focused on what’s really important. There are a lot of little things that can steal your joy – but only if you let them. Jesus taught this: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV).

My sister, Chaundel, thought about this Bible passage when she learned her house in Maryville , California , was under 9 feet of water. While she and her husband, Tom, were out to dinner, the local levy broke and flooded the area. Even in her grief, she joked, “We drove our Chevy to the levy, and the levy was dry.”

Looking back on that time, Chaundel says, “God taught us that such a loss really makes you think about what’s important and what’s going to last. Our possessions were wiped out in a matter of minutes, but the important thing is that we were alive and well. Within a year, our house was rebuilt, but we could have never replaced each other.”

Happiness is overrated. On the other hand, joy is often forgotten. Yet, joy will stabilize your life as you embrace grace and focus on the things that are truly important, moving a bad hair day down the list and relationships up to the top. No matter what happens, may God give you joy.

© 2008 Purpose Driven Life. All rights reserved.

The Dime.........

THE DIME

Bobby was getting cold sitting out in his back yard in the snow. Bobby
didn't wear boots; he didn't like them and anyway he didn't own any. The
thin sneakers he wore had a few holes in them and they did a poor job of
keeping out the cold. Bobby had been in his backyard for about an hour
already. And, try as he might, he could not come up with an idea for his
mother's Christmas gift. He shook his head as he thought,

"This is useless, even if I do come up with an idea, I don't have any money
to spend."

Ever since his father had passed away three years ago, the family of five
had struggled. It wasn't because his mother didn't care, or try, there just
never seemed to be enough. She worked nights at the hospital, but the small
wage that she was earning could only be stretched so far.

What the family lacked in money and material things, they more than made up
for in love and family unity. Bobby had two older and one younger sister,
who ran the house hold in their mother's absence. All three of his sisters
had already made beautiful gifts for their mother. Somehow it just wasn't
fair. Here it was Christmas Eve already, and he had nothing.

Wiping a tear from his eye, Bobby kicked the snow and started to walk down
to the street where the shops and stores were. It wasn't easy being six
without a father, especially when he needed a man to talk to. Bobby walked
from shop to shop, looking into each decorated window. Everything seemed so
beautiful and so out of reach.

It was starting to get dark and Bobby reluctantly turned to walk home when
suddenly his eyes caught the glimmer of the setting sun's rays reflecting
off of something along the curb. He reached down and discovered a shiny
dime. Never before has anyone felt so wealthy as Bobby felt at that moment.
As he held his new found treasure, a warmth spread throughout his entire
body and he walked into the first store he saw. His excitement quickly
turned cold when the salesperson told him that he couldn't buy anything with
only a dime.

He saw a flower shop and went inside to wait in line. When the shop owner
asked if he could help him, Bobby presented the dime and asked if he could
buy one flower for his mother's Christmas gift. The shop owner looked at
Bobby and his ten cent offering. Then he put his hand on Bobby's shoulder
and said to him, "You just wait here and I'll see what I can do for you."
As Bobby waited he looked at the beautiful flowers and even though he was a
boy, he could see why mothers and girls liked flowers. The sound of the
door closing as the last customer left jolted Bobby back to reality. All
alone in the shop, Bobby began to feel alone

and afraid.

Suddenly the shop owner came out and moved to the counter. There, before
Bobby's eyes, lay twelve long stem, red roses, with leaves of green and tiny
white flowers all tied together with a big silver bow. Bobby's heart sank as
the owner picked them up and placed them gently into a long white box.
"That will be ten cents young man." the shop owner said reaching out his
hand for the dime.

Slowly, Bobby moved his hand to give the man his dime. Could this be true?
No one else would give him a thing for his dime! Sensing the boy's
reluctance, the shop owner added, "I just happened to have some roses on
sale for ten cents a dozen. Would you like them?" This time Bobby did not
hesitate, and when the man placed the long box into his hands, he knew it
was true. Walking out the door that the owner was holding for Bobby, he
heard the shop keeper say, "Merry Christmas, son."

As he returned inside, the shop keeper's wife walked out. "Who were you
talking to back there and where are the roses you were fixing?"

Staring out the window, and blinking the tears from his own eyes, he
replied, "A strange thing happened to me this morning. While I was setting
up things to open the shop, I thought I heard a voice telling me to set
aside a dozen of my best roses for a special gift. I wasn't sure at the time
whether I had lost my mind or what, but I set them aside anyway. Then just
a few minutes ago, a little boy came into the shop and wanted to buy a
flower for his mother with one small dime. When I looked at him, I saw
myself, many years ago. I too, was a poor boy with nothing to buy my mother
a Christmas gift. A bearded man, whom I never knew, stopped me on the street
and told me that he wanted to give me ten dollars. When I saw that little
boy tonight, I knew who that voice was, and I put together a dozen of my
very best roses."

The shop owner and his wife hugged each other tightly, and as they stepped
out into the bitter cold air, they somehow didn't feel cold at all.

May this story instill the spirit of Christmas in you enough to pass this
act along.

Have a Joyous and Peace-filled season.

-- Author Unknown

Christmas...God's gift to us all people...by Rick Warren

Christmas: Open Your Gift from God
by Rick Warren

By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. Romans 5:1 (MSG)

*** *** *** ***

You’re not reading this by accident. No, God knew before you were born that you would be here in this moment. He planned to get your attention for just a few seconds so he could say this to you: “I’ve seen every hurt in your life, and I’ve never stopped loving you. You matter to me. I love you more than you will ever know. I made you to love you, and I’ve been waiting for you to love me back.”

God is saying, “I want the rest of your life to be the best of your life. I’m with you, and I’m for you. I want to save you from your past. I want to save you for the purpose I made you for. And I want to save you by my grace. If you’ll let me do that, I will give you peace with me, peace of me, and peace with other people. But you’ve got to open the door and receive the Christmas gift.”

If you gave me a Christmas gift and I never opened it, you would be disappointed. And it would be a worthless gift because I don’t receive the benefit of a gift I never opened.

Jesus Christ is God’s Christmas gift to you. Yet some of us have gone Christmas after Christmas and never opened the best gift of all – God’s gift of salvation. Why even celebrate Christmas if you’re not going to open the biggest gift? It doesn’t make sense to leave unwrapped the gift of your past forgiven, a purpose for living, and a home in heaven.

Jesus Christ says to you, “I can replace the frustration in your heart with peace. I can replace the guilt, resentment, shame, and grudges with forgiveness. I can replace the worry and anxiety with confidence and faith. I can replace depression or despair with hope. I can replace emptiness with meaning and purpose. I can replace confusion with clarity. But I’m not going to break down the door of your heart. You’ve got to invite me in.”

God says: “It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from, if you want me and you are ready to do as I say, the door is open.”

It doesn’t matter what your religious background is – Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Mormon, Buddhist, Baptist, Hindu, or no religion. This is not about religion. God didn’t send Jesus to give you religion. He sent him so you could have a personal relationship with God. It’s all about relationship.

Below is a prayer I prayed years ago when I stepped across the line and became a friend of God’s. It’s a pretty simple prayer. If these words express the desire in your heart, read them as if you are talking to God.

Prayer:

Dear God, I’m scared, but I want to get to know you. I don’t understand it all, but I thank you that you love me. I thank you that you’re with me even when I didn’t recognize it. I thank you that you are for me; that you didn’t send Jesus to condemn me but to save me.

I admit I never even realized I needed a Savior, but today I want to receive the Christmas gift of your Son. I ask you to save me from my past, my regrets, my mistakes, my sins, my habits, my hurts, and my hang-ups. Save me from myself.

I ask you to save me for your purpose. I want to know why you put me on this planet. And I want to fulfill what you made me to do. I want to learn to love you and trust you and have a relationship with you.

I need peace with you, God, and I need you to put your peace in my heart. I need you to take away the stress and fill me with your love. Help me be a peacemaker, to help others find peace with you and each other. In your name I pray, amen.

© 2008 Purpose Driven Life. All rights reserved

suffering and loss at christmas

If you are suffering from the loss of a loved one this Christmas,
the following message is for you. Also if you are not suffering
from that loss, but know of someone who is, why not forward
this message to them. For it has ministered to many over the
past few years! It is called:

"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

Consequences of Unforgiveness......by Charles Stanley

Consequences of Unforgiveness
Hebrews 12:14-15

Scripture stresses the importance of pardoning those who have offended us. While it may feel natural to pull away from hurtful people, refusing to forgive has consequences far worse than the pain of being wronged.

Unforgiveness . . .

• Harms family interactions. Have you ever tried to maintain a growing relationship with an individual who's rooted in bitterness? You can't do it, because that person is fixated on his unhealthy feelings about someone else. Moreover, it's hard to spend time with anyone consumed by bitterness, because such people simply cease being likable.

• Hinders prayer life. Unforgiveness is sin, and unconfessed sin creates "static" in our relationship with God. So we must forgive others before prayer or worship (Matt. 5:23-24).

• Damages one's personal witness. The highlight of your testimony is salvation, which centers around the truth that the Lord has forgiven all your sins. How can you stress the importance of this if your listener can't see even a hint of forgiveness in your own life?

• Thwarts spiritual growth. God will not bless sinful actions. And so, if you are living a life mired in unforgiveness, you cannot expect Him to shower you with His blessings. By persisting in disobedience, you disrupt intimate fellowship with the Lord and put yourself in a dangerous, weak position.

Is there anyone you need to forgive today? Don't let another night pass without granting that forgiveness. There is more at stake here than you may have realized.

the CHRISTMAS TEN COMMANDMENTS........

THE CHRISTMAS TEN COMMANDMENTS

1. Thou shalt give thy heart to Christ. Let Him be at the top of thy
Christmas list

2. Thou shalt prepare thy soul for Christmas. Spend not so much on gifts
that thy soul is forgotten.

3. Thou shalt not let Santa Claus replace Christ, thus robbing the day of
its spiritual reality.

4. Thou shalt not burden the shop girl, the mailman, and the merchant with
complaints and demands.

5. Thou shalt give thyself with thy gift. This will increase its value a
hundred fold, and he who receiveth it shall treasure it forever.

6. Thou shalt not value gifts received by their cost. Even the least
expensive may signify love, and that is more priceless than silver and gold.

7. Thou shalt not neglect the needy. Share thy blessings with many who will
go hungry and cold unless thou are generous.

8. Thou shalt not neglect thy church. Its services highlight the true
meaning of the season.

9. Thou shalt be as a little child. Not until thou has become in spirit as a
little one art thou ready to enter into the kingdom of Heaven.

10. Thou shall not forget to share your joy, peace and faith with those
around you.

-- Author Unknown

the week before Christmas...

THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS
By Scott Murray

Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the church
Every creature was stirring, they were sitting on Birch

The programs were ready, everything was prepared
In hopes that the people soon would be there

The decorations were piled all over the place
From trees and garland, to pinecones and lace

The pastor all dressed up, the youth guy in jeans
Had started discussing what Christmas means

The gifts and the baskets, the ribbons and bows
And all of the children all covered in snow

Too often the problem we face every year
Is no one remembers any more than good cheer

For Christmas is not just a time to be getting
There’s something that schools are indeed forgetting

The birth of a saviour, in a manger with hay
Is really the reason to celebrate this day

While Santa and reindeer may seem to be right,
Who wants to celebrate a fat man in tights?

So in your efforts, remember this season
That Jesus my friends, is truly the reason

He did not come just for the winter
But also to die on two giant splinters

There not to stay, he just went to call
And bring back with him Salvation for all

The meeting was over and to their delight
The people were gathered, for Christmas that night

Copyright 2003 Scott Murray. Permission is granted to send this to others, with attribution, but not for commercial purposes.

today'sTHOT============================

Develop "the velvet hammer" by learning to say hard things in a soft way.

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Abandoning the Self-Life.......by Charles Stanley

Abandoning the Self-Life
Jonah 4

The believer's self-life is composed of the habits, attitudes, and relationships he or she is unwilling to surrender. Keeping those things from the Lord gives people a sense of independence, which is highly prized in our current culture. However, by following "self," we interfere with God's purpose. He wants every aspect of our life submitted to His will.

Jonah mistook rebellion for freedom. The fourth chapter of his story paints a vivid picture of the prophet sweltering in the sun--and in the heat of his hatred. His blood boiled when God showed mercy to the Ninevites. "I have good reason to be angry, even to death," he ranted (v. 9). God had used him to save more than 120,000 souls, but he was angry because he desired their destruction.

Freedom is not the same as autonomy. There is only one true liberty: walking in full obedience to the Lord. Jonah obeyed with his body but not with his heart. And his bitterness shows that stubbornly clinging to our self-life is a snare for the spirit. Unhealthy routines, like thick weeds in our path, prevent us from moving forward. So God is determined to break us loose from any hindrance.

Sadly, Jonah resisted the Lord's every attempt to crack his pride. Believers have the right to choose self over submission, but the cost of doing so is high. We may steep in emotional turmoil like the prophet. Or God might deny us ministry opportunities. Whatever the consequences, one thing is certain: autonomy will cause us to miss the blessing of intimacy with the Lord--and nothing we value is worth that.

Brokenness : the Protest.....by Charles Stanley

Brokenness: The Protest
Jonah 1

The children's story about Jonah and the whale presents the prophet in a rather rosy light: After three days in the fish's belly, he relents and goes merrily on to Nineveh. End of story.

The Bible narrative has the same components (storm, big fish, repentant Ninevites) but a totally different context. From the moment Jonah chose to flee till the end of the book, his heart was in rebellion against God.

The inhabitants of Nineveh were Assyrians, a people known for their aggression and cruelty. Since they were the sworn enemies of Israel, Jonah had good reason to despise them. However, God loved the Ninevites and desired their repentance. The challenging task of ministering to them carried an additional purpose: breaking Jonah's unloving spirit--an attitude so strong that he preferred to die rather than see the enemy saved (Jonah 4:3).

God longed to mold the prophet's character to reflect His own--He wanted a willing, loving servant, but Jonah resisted at every turn. Pride and hatred drove him ever deeper into rebellion. Note that while he agreed to go to Nineveh, he didn't repent (Jonah 2:9). The Lord wasn't fooled; He knew Jonah's heart remained hard. So as the Ninevites rejoiced over deliverance, their minister stewed in his bitterness. Emotional and mental anguish were high prices to pay for resistance.

What keeps you from serving the Lord fully? You probably already know the area of your life He is trying to break. The process is painful, but it's done for your good and His glory. Give in to Him.

Persevering through Silence.......by Char;es Stanley

Persevering Through Silence
Job 23:16-17

Yesterday we noted that God always has a purpose for being silent. I learned this lesson--and its corollary--in college.

One day during my senior year, I prepared to pray over a situation that would impact my future. But as I got on my knees, I felt as if God was suddenly gone. For three days and nights, His presence seemed miles away. The fourth evening, some friends gathered to intercede on my behalf, but to no avail. Nearly defeated, I was headed back to my room when I saw my buddy Don's light. I climbed through his open window (the dorms were locked), and we prayed until dawn. Still nothing.

I beseeched the Father all week. Then, at last, He dramatically intervened in my life to clearly dictate my next steps. The corollary is this: When God is silent, keep on praying!

Far too many times, I have heard people say they quit praying about a need because there was no answer. Matthew 17:20 says that faith the size of a mustard seed is able to move mountains--then imagine how tiny our trust must be when we give up on the Lord! Believers cannot treat prayers like quarters fed into a vending machine, which gives an instant response. Talking to God is a long-term investment in the intimate friendship we have with Him.

Though God may be silent for a time, He never ceases working on our behalf. When the time is right, He provides an outcome that aligns with His perfect plan. Giving up before the Lord responds to your call is a grave mistake. So pray on, friends. Pray on!

a Diamond funny.....

Morris ran into Jacob while shopping at the mall the other day in front of one of the jewelry stores. Noticing a conspicuously small gift wrapped box in his hand, Morris asked if was a gift for Jacob's wife Becky.

Jacob told Morris, "With Christmas coming up, I asked Becky what she wanted and she said, "Oh, I don't know just give me something with lots of diamonds in it."

"So what did you get her?" Morris asked.

Jacob smiled and replied, "I bought her a deck of cards."

today'sTHOT============================

How does Santa Claus take pictures? With his North Pole-aroid.

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When GOD is Silent.......by Charles Stanley

When God Is Silent
John 11:1-6

When Lazarus was dying, his sisters urgently called for Jesus. Imagine how their grief must have compounded when He didn't instantly respond to their request.

God's silence is difficult to accept. We want Him to leap into action when we call, particularly if we are hurting or afraid. But since He promises to meet our needs, we can be sure that a silence from heaven has purpose.

Silence grabs our attention. The disciples knew that Jesus could heal, so they must have wondered why He delayed instead of rushing to His friend's bedside. But the Lord wanted them to witness something even greater: His power over death. They had been confused by His statements about conquering death, and they needed to understand that He could fulfill His own resurrection prophecies (Mark 9:31-32). The miracle at Lazarus' tomb was part of their preparation.

Silence teaches us to trust. Mary and Martha sent word of Lazarus' illness because they anticipated that the Lord would heal him. But would their faith waver if that expectation was not met? Martha answered the question by stating, "I believe that you are the Christ" (John 11:21-27 niv). The Lord rewarded the women's trust with a stunning miracle: their brother's return to life.

At times, the only thing we can hear when we pray is our own breathing. That can be frustrating and frightening. But Scripture says God is always with us, and His silence will not last forever (Job 23:8-10; Heb. 13:5). Cling to those promises as you seek the purpose behind His silence.

aChristmas Play funny.......

A little boy, excited about his part in the Christmas play at school, came home and shouted, "I got a part in the Christmas play! I got a part in the Christmas play!"

"What part did you get?" asked his mother excitedly.

"I'm one of the three wise guys!"

[forwarded by Bob Martin]

today'sTHOT============================

If athletes get athlete's foot, what do astronauts get? Missile toe.

=======================================

Happy Thanksgiving.........

It is important today as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving,
that we remember how truly blessed we are in this Country, and
that all blessings flow from our Heavenly Father. So as you
prepare to celebrate this Holiday, be sure to give thanks to God
for all of your blessings?

I am closing this message today with a poem that I hope
you will enjoy.

AUTUMN IS NATURE'S MASTERPIECE

Autumn is Nature's masterpiece
When every tree's aglow;
Before the leaves have fallen
And the hills are white with snow.

The bounty of the harvest
Is a treasure to behold,
For the fruits of our labor
Are more valuable than gold.

There's a change in the weather
That fills the heart with cheer;
With the holidays approaching
In the twilight of the year.

There's a feeling of Thanksgiving
That comes to one and all;
When we count our many blessings
As the leaves begin to fall.
Poet: Clay Harrison

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and may God Bless You!

FOUR WIVES...........

FOUR WIVES

There was a rich merchant who had 4 wives. He loved the 4th wife the most
and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to delicacies. He took
great care of her and gave her nothing but the best. He also loved the 3rd
wife very much. He's very proud of her and always wanted to show her off to
his friends. However, the merchant is always in great fear that she might
run away with some other men. He too, loved his 2nd wife. She is a very
considerate person, always patient and in fact is the merchant's confidante.
Whenever the merchant faced some problems, he always turned to his 2nd wife
and she would always help him out and tide him through difficult times.
Now, the merchant's 1st wife is a very loyal partner and has made great
contributions in maintaining his wealth and business as well as taking care
of the household. However, the merchant did not love the first wife and
although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her.

One day, the merchant fell ill. Before long, he knew that he was going to
die soon. He thought of his luxurious life and told himself, "Now I have 4
wives with me. But when I die, I'll be alone. How lonely I'll be! Thus, he
asked the 4th wife, "I loved you most, endowed you with the finest clothing
and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me
and keep me company?" "No way!" replied the 4th wife and she walked away
without another word. The answer cut like a sharp knife right into the
merchant's heart.

The sad merchant then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved you so much for all
my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"
"No!" replied the 3rd wife. "Life is so good over here! I'm going to
remarry when you die!" The merchant's heart sank and turned cold.

He then asked the 2nd wife, "I always turned to you for help and you've
always helped me out. Now I need your help again. When I die, will you
follow me and keep me company?" "I'm sorry, I can't help you out this
time!" replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only send you to your
grave." The answer came like a bolt of thunder and the merchant was
devastated.

Then a voice called out : "I'll leave with you. I'll follow you no matter
where you go." The merchant looked up and there was his first wife. She
was so skinny, almost like she suffered from malnutrition. Greatly grieved,
the merchant said, "I should have taken much better care of you while I
could have!"

Actually, we all have 4 wives in our lives. The 4th wife is our body. No
matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it'll
leave us when we die. Our 3rd wife? Our possessions, status and wealth.
When we die, they all go to others. The 2nd wife is our family and friends.
No matter how close they had been there for us when we're alive, the
furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave. The 1st wife is in fact
our soul, often neglected in our pursuit of material wealth and sensual
pleasure. Guess what? It is actually the only thing that follows us
wherever we go. Perhaps it's a good idea to cultivate and strengthen it now
rather than to wait until we're on our deathbed to lament.

-- Author Unknown

Frogs..........

FROGS

A group of frogs was traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into
a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit.

When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the unfortunate frogs they
would never get out.

The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit. The
other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead.

Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and
simply gave up. He fell down and died.

The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could.

Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and suffering
and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out.

When he got out, the other frogs asked him, "Why did you continue jumping
Didn't you hear us?" The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He
thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

------------ --------- --------

This story teaches two lessons:

1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to
someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.

2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill
them. Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path.

The power of words....it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging
word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob
another of the spirit to continue in difficult times.

Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another. May
your words be a blessing to someone today.

-- Author Unknown

The Blessing of Graditude.by Charles Stanley

The Blessing of Gratitude
Colossians 2:6-7

Believers have the amazing privilege of praying to their heavenly Father. But it may come as a surprise to some that bringing requests to God is just one aspect of our communication with Him. Another important part of prayer--which, sadly, is often overlooked--is thanksgiving (Phil. 4:6).

In fact, the Father wants His children's lives to be characterized by gratefulness. His Word tells us that an appreciative attitude should be evident in our worship (Ps. 95:2-7; Col. 3:16), giving (2 Cor. 9:12), relationships (Phil. 1:1-3), and even the way we approach spiritual battles (1 Cor. 15:55-57). In other words, thankfulness to the Lord should permeate everything we do (Rom. 14:6).

In the Scriptures, the Lord mandates our gratitude (1 Thess. 5:18), which some people find perplexing. But He knows how a grateful attitude affects our hearts. Thanking Him ...

• Keeps us aware of His presence.
• Focuses us on Jesus Christ; pride diminishes when we remember life is about Him.
• Drives us to look for His purpose in our challenging situations.
• Reminds us of His goodness, which leads to hope and submission to His will, even when we don't understand the reason for our pain.
• Encourages continued dependence on Him.
• Replaces anxiety with peace and joy.

When we maintain an attitude of thanksgiving in both happy and difficult seasons, our lives will feel purposeful and fulfilling. But more importantly, God will be glorified. Ask Him to bring blessings to mind so you can say "Thank You."

A Hymn of Thanksgiving

Now Thank We All Our God

Now thank we all our God,
With heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done,
In Whom this world rejoices;
Who from our mothers' arms
Has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God
Through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts
And blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us in His grace,
And guide us when perplexed;
And free us from all ills,
In this world and the next!

All praise and thanks to God
The Father now be given;
The Son and Him Who reigns
With Them in highest Heaven;
The one eternal God,
Whom earth and Heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now,
And shall be evermore.
--Martin Rinkart c. 1636
(translation by Catherine Winkworth)

A Heart of Graditude...by Charles Stanley

A Heart of Gratitude
Psalm 100:1-5

The Bible instructs us, "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thess. 5:18) That directive might seem easy when life is going well. But if painful circumstances arise, expressing gratitude can become difficult.

It's interesting to note that this instruction to thank the Lord in all things was written by Paul--the apostle whose loyalty to Christ earned him severe persecution. You might wonder how he was able to be grateful to God.

While many situations weren't to his liking, Paul knew that His riches in Christ Jesus far outweighed any earthly discomfort. Consider the blessings he so valued, which are available to all believers. First of all, we are invited to have a personal relationship with the one true God--the sovereign, omniscient, and omnipresent Lord of all creation. Second, our Creator loves us with an everlasting and unconditional love. Third, He sent His Son to die as payment for our sin-debt so that we could spend eternity with Him. As a result, when we place trust in Jesus, we are freed from the fear of death.

And the list of blessings keeps going: God adopts believers as His children and seals them with His Spirit (Eph. 4:30). He has a plan for every life--and bestows special gifts and empowerment to make it happen. He also promises to meet every need through His limitless resources (Phil. 4:19) and provides His Word and indwelling Spirit to guide us.

No wonder Paul was grateful! Count his blessings as your own, and let God know how appreciative you are.

Be Thankful.........

BE THANKFUL...

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

What Things GOD won't ask You.............

Things God Won't Ask

~ God won't ask what kind of car you drove, He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation.

~ God won't ask the square footage of your house, He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

~ God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet, He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.

~ God won't ask what your highest salary was, He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.

~ God won't ask what your job title was, He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of our ability.

~ God won't ask how many friends you had, He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

~ God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived, He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.

~ God won't ask about the color of your skin, He'll ask about the content of your character.

today'sTHOT============================

Trouble is inevitable, misery is optional.

=======================================

TURKEY RIDDLES

TURKEY RIDDLES
So bad, they're good...

What did the mother turkey say to her disobedient children?
If your father could see you now, he'd turn over in his gravy!

Why do Pilgrims have trouble keeping their pants up?
'Cause they wear their belts on their hats!

What is the difference between a chicken and a turkey?
Chickens celebrate Thanksgiving!!

What is the Turkey's favorite black tie celebration?
The Butter Ball

What do you get when you cross a turkey, the beach, and Broomhilda?
A turkey sand-witch

What kind of music did Pilgrims listen to?
Plymouth Rock

Which side of the turkey has the most feathers?
The outside

Why do turkeys eat so little?
Because they are always stuffed

Why did the turkey cross the road?
It was the chicken's day off.

What key has legs and can't open doors?
Tur-key.

What sound does a space turkey make?
Hubble, hubble, hubble.

How do you keep a turkey in suspense?
I'll tell you at Christmas.

today'sTHOT============================

Asked to write a composition entitled, "What I'm thankful for on Thanksgiving," little Johnny wrote, "I'm thankful that I'm not a turkey."

=======================================

Thanksgiving Forecast

THANKSGIVING FORECAST

Turkeys will thaw in the morning, then warm in the oven to an afternoon high near 190F. The kitchen will turn hot and humid, and if you bother the cook, be ready for a severe squall or cold shoulder.

During the late afternoon and evening, the cold front of a knife will slice through the turkey, causing an accumulation of one to two inches on plates. Mashed potatoes will drift across one side while cranberry sauce creates slippery spots on the other.

A weight watch and indigestion warning have been issued for the entire area, with increased stuffiness around the beltway. During the evening, the turkey will diminish and taper off to leftovers, dropping to a low of 34F in the refrigerator.

Looking ahead to Friday and Saturday, high pressure to eat sandwiches will be established. Flurries of leftovers can be expected both days with a 50 percent chance of scattered soup late in the day. We expect a warming trend where soup develops. By early next week, eating pressure will be low as the only wish left will be the bone.

today'sTHOT============================

Woman to stock boy: "Do these turkeys get any bigger?"
"No ma'am, they're dead"

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Livening up Thanksgiving dinner

LIVENING UP THANKSGIVING DINNER

1. Load your plate up high; take it to the kitchen, toss it all in the blender and take your "shake" back to the table. Announce that it's the new Thanksgiving Weight Loss Shake.

2. When everyone says, in turn, what they are thankful for, say, "I'm thankful I didn't get caught," and refuse to say anything more.

3. Bring along old-recorded football games and pop them in the VCR (or DVD) when Dad's not looking. Make sure it is set to the last two minutes of the game. When he comes into the room, turn off the VCR and turn on the regular TV.

4. Bring a date that only talks about the tragic and abusive conditions known to exist at turkey farms.

5. During mid-meal, turn to Mom and say, "See mom, I told you they wouldn't notice that the turkey was past the expiration date. You were worried for nothing."

today'sTHOT============================

These days about half the stuff in my shopping cart says, "For fast relief."

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Top ten signs youv'e eaten too much at Thanksgiving dinner

TOP TEN SIGNS YOU'VE EATEN TOO MUCH AT THANKSGIVING DINNER

10. Hundreds of volunteers have started to stack sandbags around you.

9. Doctor tells you your weight would be perfect for a man 17 feet tall.

8. You are responsible for a slight but measurable shift in the earth's axis.

7. Right this minute you're laughing up pie on the carpet.

6. You decide to take a little nap and wake up in mid-July.

5. World's fattest man sends you a telegram, warning you to "back off!"

4. CBS tells you to lose weight or else.

3. Getting off your couch requires help from the fire department.

2. Every escalator you step on immediately grinds to a halt.

1. You're sweatin' gravy.

today'sTHOT============================

He ate so much over the holidays that he decided to quit cold turkey.

=======================================

Exercise for older adults in preparation for Thanksgiving

EXERCISE FOR OLDER ADULTS IN PREPARATION FOR THANKSGIVING

Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side.

With a 5-lb potato sack in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute, and then relax.

Each day, you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer.

After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato sacks.

Then try 50-lb potato sacks and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb potato sack in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute.

After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each of the sacks.

today'sTHOT============================

Forbidden fruit creates many jams.

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A Little Girls Prayer

A LITTLE GIRLS PRAYER

Helen Roseveare, a missionary doctor from England to Zaire Africa, told this
as it happened to her in Africa.

"One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in
spite of all we could do she died leaving us with a tiny premature baby and
a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby
alive, as we had no incubator. (We had no electricity to run an incubator.)
We also had no special feeding facilities.

Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous
drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the
cotton wool the baby would be wrapped in. Another went to stoke up the fire
and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me
that in filling the bottle, it had burst. Rubber perishes easily in tropical
climates. "And it is our last hot water bottle!" she exclaimed.

As in the West it is no good crying over spilled milk, so in Central Africa
it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not
grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways.

"All right," I said, "Put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and
sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. "Your job
is to keep the baby warm."

The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of
the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters
various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny
baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning
the hot water bottle. The baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also
told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died.
During the prayer time, one ten-year-old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual
blunt conciseness of our African children. "Please, God," she prayed, "send
us a water bottle. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead,
so please send it this afternoon."

While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added by way of a
corollary, "And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for
the little girl so she'll know You really love her?"

As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly
say, "Amen?" I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know
that He can do everything. The Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't
there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by
sending me a parcel from the homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four
years at that time, and I had never, ever received a parcel from home.
Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle?
I lived on the equator!

Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training
school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door. By the
time I reached home, the car had gone, but there, on the verandah, was a
large twenty-two pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not
open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children. Together we
pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper,
taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or
forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box. From the top, I
lifted out brightly colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them
out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and
the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and
sultanas--that would make a nice batch of buns for the weekend. Then, as I
put my hand in again, I felt the.....could it really be? I grasped it and
pulled it out--yes, a brand-new, rubber hot water bottle!

I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He
could. Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward,
crying out, "If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly, too!"

Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small,
beautifully dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted. Looking up
at me, she asked: "Can I go over with you, Mummy, and give this dolly to
that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?"

That parcel had been on the way for five whole months. Packed up by my
former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's
prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of the
girls had put in a dolly for an African child--five months before--in answer
to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it "that afternoon."

"Before they call, I will answer!" Isa 65:24

-- Author Unknown

How You Can Choose a Better Life.............

How You Can Choose a Better Life

Whitney Hopler

The following is a report on the practical applications of Dr. James MacDonald's new book, 10 Choices: A Proven Plan to Change Your Life Forever, (Thomas Nelson, 2008).

Do you feel trapped -- longing for a better life, yet not finding it? Are you waiting for certain doors to open so your life will improve?

All that you hope for is right in front of you. The key to enjoying a better life is to make choices that will lead you there.

Here are some choices that have the power to transform your life when you make them:

Choose God's love: Choose to believe that there is a God who knows you perfectly and yet loves you unconditionally. God has promised that all those who truly look for Him will find Him. Decide to seek God with all your heart. Believe in the reality of God's love for you, no matter what you've done in the past. Embrace God's love for you, thank Him for it, and base your identity on it. Let God's great love for you imbue you with confidence.

Choose God's forgiveness: Only the choice to receive God's forgiveness can set you free once and for all from the dark clouds of guilt and regret that linger over bad choices from your past. Let go of your pride and approach God in honest humility. Confess your sins and repent of them to usher God's forgiveness into your life and restore your relationship with Him.

Choose Jesus Christ as Lord: Everyone serves someone, and many people choose to serve themselves. But Jesus Christ is the only one who loves you unconditionally and forgives you completely, so choose to serve Him. One day every human being who has ever lived will stand before Jesus as Lord, since He stands supreme in the universe. Following Him now will lead to the best life for you. Don't settle for following a caricature of Jesus (Jesus as your buddy, safety net or good luck charm, religious artifact, meal ticket, or social conscience). Instead, discover who Jesus truly is by studying what the Bible reveals about Him, and give your allegiance to Him. Bow to Jesus' authority by obeying His commands. Be willing to submit your will to His when He and you might disagree on what to choose. Invite Jesus to take charge of all areas of your life -- your relationships with family and friends, your work, your play, your dreams, etc. Realize that all you are and have ultimately belongs to Him. Do your best to follow where Jesus leads you, and ask another Christian whom you trust to hold you accountable to follow Jesus faithfully.

Choose the Bible as God's Word: When the Bible is your authority, it can change the direction of your life. The Bible is God's blueprint for human happiness; it can satisfy the deepest longings of your soul. God's Word empowers you to dismiss evil and resist temptation. Without the Bible, you're lost and wandering in darkness, but with it, you can find everything for which you've been longing. Don't minimize the Bible's importance by using it as an hors d'oeuvres try (where you pick and choose what to take), rental car insurance (that you're glad to have, but only in an emergency), a seat belt (a nuisance that cramps your style), high school algebra (technically accurate, but of no practical use), or a hobby (like a fun phase you go through). Recognize that the Bible is the authoritative book from the Creator of the universe about how life really works. Make reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on the Bible a high priority in your life. Apply its messages, using it as your guidebook for life. Let the Bible challenge your thinking and change your direction. Pray Scripture, and share it with other people. If you're not reading the Bible regularly, discipline yourself to do so for 30 days. After that, continue reading for another 30 days to develop a desire to read the Bible (rather than doing so out of a sense of obligation). Then, for the next 30 days, focus on delighting in the Bible so much that reading it becomes your favorite part of each day and Scripture runs in the background of your thoughts constantly.

Choose to forgive: You have a limited capacity to go forward in life without the freedom that comes from forgiveness. God didn't design you to carry forward the weight of the past; if you try to do so, bitterness will poison your soul. So choose to forgive those who have hurt you. Let your gratitude for how much God has forgiven you motivate you to obey His command to forgive other people. Don't wait until you feel like forgiving; you likely never will. But once you make the choice to forgive, your feelings will follow in time as God helps you through the process and moves you from pain to joy. Make the decision to release people from the obligations that resulted when they injured you. Remind yourself of your decision every time the issue continues to come up in your mind. Over time, you'll be able to let go of the offense and the memory of it won't cause you pain. Remember that nothing can happen in your life that forgiveness can't conquer, and that there's nothing that you can't be free from in your past through forgiveness. Ask God to bring to mind the names and faces of the people you need to forgive -- past or present. Then choose to forgive them, with God's help.

Choose to trust: You can trust God with your future. Accept God's invitation to trust Him; there is no other option that truly works. Realize that worrying is a waste of time and energy, and that it distracts you from focusing on making good choices today that will affect your future. Transfer your burdens to God through prayer. Imagine yourself taking each of your worries to the foot of the Cross and leaving them there for God to handle. Ask God to develop a character of trust in you.

Choose to love your family first: Establish your family as your highest priority after God and choose to love them first and best among all other people in your life. When figuring out whether or not to pursue specific activities, ask yourself whether or not they immediately concern you and your family. Calculate the cost involved before adding any activity to your schedule. Remember that your time and energy is limited; don't wear yourself out serving others -- even for a good cause -- to the point that you can't serve your own family well. Show each of your family members that you treasure them by being there for them when they need you, listening to them, and encouraging them. Express your love for them by saying: "I love you," "I need you," "There is no one like you," and "I thank God for you" often. Ask God to help you remain committed to your family throughout times of hardship and conflict. Create a loving culture within your family in which you all share a unique bond. Find creative ways to communicate love in ways your family members best appreciate. Instead of asking what your family can do for you, ask what you can do for your family. Choose to give your best to them, even when they choose to be selfish. Forgive and reconcile with family members after conflicts, and stay committed to family relationships.

Choose to be authentic: Close all the gaps between the person you profess to be and who you actually are. Make sure that what you say and what you do match. Ask God to help you avoid hypocrisy. Go to church for one reason only -- because you're passionate about Jesus -- instead of going because you'd feel guilty if you didn't or because other people expect you to go. Don't worry about projecting a certain image to others; simply be yourself. Forget about trying to impress others with your piety; instead, choose to live faithfully as a way of expressing your love to God. Don't try to please other people. Live to please God alone. Remember that God sees beyond your outward behavior; He looks into your soul to see what's really motivating you. You may be able to fool other people, but you can't fool God, so don't try. Be honest with God about your sin and weaknesses and expect Him to meet you where you are. Refuse to judge other people's motives and appearance, and if you do have to make a judgment call, don't be harsh. Pursue authentic relationships instead of spending time with phony people. Surround yourself with genuine people and hold each other accountable to living authentic lives.

Choose to serve: A life of serving God is the way to lasting greatness in God's eyes. Greatness is not found in a position. Nor is it found in power. Greatness only comes from serving. God will bestow greatness on you when you choose to serve. When you're serving difficult people, keep in mind that you're ultimately serving Jesus by being faithful in the situation. If the people you serve don't express appreciation, remember that God notices the good work you're doing and will eventually reward you for it. Be confident that any service God calls you to -- no matter how mundane -- is highly significant because it helps fulfill eternal purposes. Serving God will help you stay faithful to Him, as well. So humble yourself before God and choose to serve however He leads you.

Choose to stand: Stand for Jesus instead of walking away when life gets hard. The people who know you should clearly see that your relationship with Jesus is your highest priority. Devote your deepest passion and commitment to Jesus. God can do awesome things with your life when you're completely yielded to Him. Pay attention to how God has positioned you to impact the world for the better. Choose to be the salt and light He calls you to be in the world, impacting people in positive and powerful ways. Don't despair when you encounter tough times. Instead, respond to suffering by holding onto the hope you have in Christ and reaching out to God. Channel your energy into something productive for God's glory so others can see the difference that faith makes in your life. Don't let distractions derail you from standing for God; keep your eyes focused on Him. Surrender your will to God's will, trusting Him to do what's best for you and inviting Him to transform your life. Choose to stand for Jesus, no matter what comes your way, and God will strengthen your faith as you live out that choice.

a BIG God..........

A BIG GOD

This is a story about a little girl who, on the way home from church, turned
to her mother and said, "Mommy, the Preacher's sermon this morning confused
me."

The mother said, "Oh! Why is that?

The girl replied, "Well, he said that God is bigger than we are. Is that
true?"

"Yes, that's true," the mother replied.

"He also said that God lives within us. Is that true too?"

Again the mother replied, "Yes."

"Well," said the girl. "If God is bigger than us and He lives in us,
wouldn't He show through?"

Read this again....... ..Think.. ...

-- Author Unknown

the History of Halloween.........

As our children get ready to go "Trick-or-Treating" let us learn a little about the day "Halloween." Therefore , we will take a look at a pagan holiday, that changed because of Christianity, and thus became a Holy Day that is still observed in some Denominations still today!

Therefore we will look at a ancient pagan ritual, that is still practiced today. It's original name was "Samhain," however we know it as "Halloween."

"Samhain" began at sundown on October 31st and extended into the following day. According to the Celtic pagan religion, known as Druidism, the spirits of those who had died roamed the earth on "Samhain" evening. This night was much feared by the Celtic people, and they sought to ward off the spirits with offerings of food and drink.

The dark side of this event was the fact that the Celts built bonfires, at so called sacred sights, and sometimes preformed rituals involving HUMAN and/or Animal Sacrifices, to honor Druid gods. Samhain was abandoned only when the people converted to Christianity during the very early middle ages.

Now during that period of time the Church often incorporated modified versions of ancient pagan rituals in order to win converts. For example, Pope Gregory IV successfully replaced "Samhain" with All Saints Day, which fell on November 1, thus the evening of October 31 became known as All Hallows' Even, which was later shortened to Halloween. All Souls Day, as it is known as today, is a Holy Day in the Roman Catholic, and Anglican Churches, honoring those who have passed away.

Some aspects of this ancient pagan tradition thought to be incompatible with Christianity, were linked with folk beliefs about evil spirits. In British folklore, small magical fairies became associated with Halloween mischief. The jack-o-lantern, originally carved from a turnip, originated in medieval Scotland. A small candle would be put into the turnip, that had a scary face carved on it. This was to be lit at night and displayed to scare off evil spirits which they feared roamed about that night.

Between the 15th & 17th Centuries, Europe was seized by a hysterical fear of witches, who were thought to ride flying brooms and to assume the form of black cats. Thus the images of witches and black cats soon joined other European superstitions as symbols of Halloween.

In the 19th & early 20th Centuries, young people often observed Halloween by perpetrating minor acts of vandalism, such as overturning sheds or breaking windows. Beginning in the 1930's, Halloween mischief gradually transformed into the modern ritual of trick-or-treating, though some still choose to perform acts of vandalism on Halloween still today.

A final note, is the fact that Halloween is the high holy day of the satanic church. So it still bears a very dark side indeed, even today!

References: ( Encarta Reference Library 2008, and the Encyclopedia Britannica 2006. )

October Fall

Bright October

I know no other season
So filled with warmth and cheer
As on these bright October days
When autumn time is here.

The hills have turned from summer's green
To dazzling red and gold;
The flower beds and brighter, too,
So festive to behold!

The harvest yield is gathered in;
God sends His gifts anew.
Each roadside stand, a harvest fair
That warms the heart of you.

A bluish haze on distant hills,
The maple's scarlet flame;
And oak trees dressed in Joseph-coats
Stands guard along the lane.

Of all the seasons of the year,
Each one with beauty blessed,
I hold to Autumn's warmth and cheer--
I like October best!
Poet, Kay Hoffman

What is GOD's Word Worth ??? by Charles Stanley

The Supreme Worth of God's Word
2 Timothy 3:16-17

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is filled with God's words. The Holy Spirit oversaw the writing of His message to be sure it was relevant, reliable, and without error.

The Scriptures contain the Lord's complete revelation about His character, kingdom, and plan of salvation. Consider the variety and importance of the topics covered in this timeless book: the creation of our world; the fall of man; the presence and power of sin; the penalty owed for transgression; future judgment; Satan's program; our need for a Savior; His offer of forgiveness; the redemption of mankind; the history of faith; and wisdom for living. Questions about life's meaning, man's purpose, the source of evil, and life after death are also answered.

All sections of the Word are valuable and interconnected. For example, the gospels tell about redemption, while the Old Testament contains prophecies about the Messiah who would come to save us. John 1:29 proclaimed that Jesus was the Lamb of God, who would take away our sins; Leviticus and Numbers help us understand this concept through descriptions of the sacrificial system. The first book of the Bible teaches us that Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness (Gen. 15:6). And in the New Testament, we learn that everyone's salvation is by faith alone, and not through works (Eph. 2:8-9).

God gave us the Bible so we might know Him personally, be adopted into His family, and bring glory to His name. Make it your goal to become more familiar with the most important book ever written.

Autumn......

AUTUMN IS NATURE'S MASTERPIECE

Autumn is Nature's masterpiece
When every tree's aglow;
Before the leaves have fallen
And the hills are white with snow.

The bounty of the harvest
Is a treasure to behold,
For the fruits of our labor
Are more valuable than gold.

There's a change in the weather
That fills the heart with cheer;
With the holidays approaching
In the twilight of the year.

There's a feeling of thanksgiving
That comes to one and all;
When we count our many blessings
As the leaves begin to fall.
Poet: Clay Harrison

a Trouble Tree...........

TROUBLE TREE

The carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farmhouse had just
finished a rough first day on the job. A flat tire made him lose an
hour of work, his electric saw quit, and now his ancient pickup truck
refused to start.

While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he
invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front
door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching tips of the
branches with both hands.

When opening the door, he underwent an amazing transformation. His
tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small
children and gave his wife a kiss.

Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my
curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen
him do earlier. "Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied. "I know I
can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing's for sure,
troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children. So
I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home. Then
in the morning I pick them up again."

"Funny thing is," he smiled, "when I come out in the morning to
pick 'em up, there ain't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the
night before."

-- Author Unknown

the Name of JESUS..........by Charles Stanley

The Name of Jesus
Matthew 16:13-16

If someone were to ask, "Who is this Jesus?" would you start by describing the manger scene? Or something He said or did?

It's important to know how to answer because this is the most important question one can ask. You see, people talk quite freely about "God" in a general way. They may even talk about cute little cherubs, mighty guardian angels, or supernatural miracles.

However, something different happens if you say "Jesus." The mere mention of His name enflames tempers and causes strife. How can His name cause so much frustration, confusion, and anger when the Lord is filled with such love for all people?

The issue is that the name of Jesus demands a decision. When you move from a generalized idea of "God" to Christ's specific redemptive act of atonement, simple notions of "my god" and "your god" are expelled. Christ's death on our behalf requires a response of "accept" or "reject" from every person. At His name, one has to face the true God in heaven and the Son whom He sent. And that's where people get uncomfortable.

When Jesus asked Peter to describe Him, the apostle immediately replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 6:16). There was no ambiguity or hesitation. Peter knew who Jesus was, and he was not ashamed of his answer.

Are you so bold in answering this key question? Spend time today meditating on what Jesus did for you, and ask God for the courage and confidence to proclaim His name to the world.

a Life of Becoming......by Charles Stanley

A Life of Becoming
2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Probably the greatest obstacle to understanding God's purpose for brokenness is this: Most believers think of Christianity as something we do. We pray. We read the Bible. We go to church. We sing hymns. We give money. We do and do--and assume that's the Christian life. It's not.

Authentic Christianity is about becoming rather than doing. The life of faith that God designed involves receiving Jesus into our hearts and allowing Him to change our habits, mindset, beliefs, interests, and concerns so we become more and more like Him.

Realizing this will change our perspective on the heartache we must endure. You see, when we recognize that the Christian life is about Jesus' persistent work of "re-creation" in our lives, then the role of brokenness makes more sense. It's the process God uses to strip us of things that have become, or may one day become, an obstacle to our growth. The Lord also uses this tool to address issues we may have declared "off limits" to Him, such as unhealthy behaviors or relationships that we rationalize.

God doesn't want to be Lord of most of your life; He wants to be Lord of all of your life! So He zeroes in on areas of self-will and self-sufficiency to remove everything within us that relies on "self." He uses brokenness to remove those inclinations so that we can live moment by moment, day by day, in full dependence on Him.

Open your heart, and ask God to reveal any selfish strongholds. Let Him break unhealthy behavior patterns.

Brokenness: the principle......by Charles Stanley

Brokenness: The Principle
John 12:24-25

Brokenness hurts, and most of us would rather live without any seasons of pain. Yet during such times, the Lord often does His greatest work in our lives, reshaping and realigning us for His divine purposes.

Jesus beautifully explains the principle of brokenness in John 12:24-25, where He compares our life to a single grain of wheat. If we hold a kernel in our hands, nothing will happen. If we carefully place it in a jar or on a shelf for safekeeping, it will just sit there indefinitely. In its safety, the grain will essentially be useless.

However, if that kernel is placed in the soil where its protective layer is stripped away, something amazing happens. Before long, a little sprout will emerge from the earth and start to grow into something different, useful, and beautiful. Moreover, that new stalk will produce more grains that can be planted, and the stalks they produce will do the same. It's an amazing cycle of life, wherein a single kernel can lead to countless stalks of wheat. But it has to start with the brokenness of one grain.

Jesus did not just speak this example; He lived it. By sacrificing Himself, He was broken and placed in the ground. From that brokenness came new life for us all. From that one "grain," countless new believers, each with a new life, have sprung forth.

Are you feeling broken today? If so, remember the principle of the broken grain. God has certainly not abandoned you; instead, He may be leading you into a season of radical new growth.

What is a CAT or a DOG?...........

WHAT IS A CAT?
(According to a man)

Cats do what they want.
They rarely listen to you.
They are totally unpredictable.
When you want to play, they want to be alone.
When you want to be alone, they want to play.
They expect you to cater to their every whim.
They are moody.
They leave hair everywhere.
They drive you nuts and cost an arm and a leg.

CONCLUSION: They are tiny women in fur coats.

WHAT IS A DOG?
(According to a woman)

Dogs lie around all day, sprawled on the most comfortable piece of furniture in the house.
They can hear a package of food opening half a block away, but they don't hear you when you are in the same room.
They growl when they are not happy.
When you want to play, they want to play.
When you want to be alone, they want to play.
They are great at begging.
They will love you forever if you rub their tummies.
They leave their toys everywhere.
They do disgusting things with their mouths and then try to give you a kiss.

CONCLUSION: They are little men in fur coats

Three Strangers.........

THREE STRANGERS

A woman came out of her house and saw 3 old men with long white beards
sitting in her front yard. She did not recognize them.

She said "I don't think I know you, but you must be hungry. Please come in
and have something to eat."

"Is the man of the house home?", they asked.

"No", she said. "He's out."

"Then we cannot come in", they replied.

In the evening when her husband came home, she told him what had happened.

"Go tell them I am home and invite them in!"

The woman went out and invited the men in.

"We do not go into a House together," they replied.

"Why is that?" she wanted to know.

One of the old men explained: "His name is Wealth," he said pointing to one
of his friends, and said pointing to another one, "He is Success and I am
Love." Then he added, "Now go in and discuss with your husband which one of
us you want in your home."

The woman went in and told her husband what was said. Her husband was
overjoyed. "How nice!!", he said, "Since that is the case, let us invite
Wealth. Let him come and fill our home with wealth!"

His wife disagreed. "My dear, why don't we invite Success?"

Their daughter-in- law was listening from the other corner of the house. She
jumped in with her own suggestion: "Would it not be better to invite Love?
Our home will then be filled with love!"

"Let us heed our daughter-in- law's advice," said the husband to his wife.
"Go out and invite Love to be our guest."

The woman went out and asked the 3 old men, "Which one of you is Love?
Please come in and be our guest."

Love got up and started walking toward the house. The other 2 also got up
and followed him. Surprised, the lady asked Wealth and Success:

"I only invited Love, Why are you coming in?"

The old men replied together: "If you had invited Wealth or Success, the
other two of us would've stayed out, but since you invited Love, wherever He
goes, we go with him. Wherever there is Love, there is also Wealth and
Success!!!!! !"

-- Author Unknown

They Missed HIM............

THEY MISSED HIM!

They were looking for A Lion, He came as a Lamb, and they missed him.

They were looking for a Warrior, He came as a Peace maker, and they missed
him.

They were looking for a King, He came as a Servant, and they missed him.

They were looking for Liberation from Rome, He submitted to the Roman cross,
and they missed him.

They were looking for a fit to their mold, He was the mold maker, and they
missed him.

What are you looking for? Lion? Warrior? King? Liberator? What are you
looking for?

They were looking for their temporal needs to be met. He came to meet their
eternal needs, and they missed him.

He came as a Lamb to be sacrificed for your sin. Will you miss him?

He came to make peace between God and man. Will you miss him?

He came to model servanthood for all mankind. Will you miss him?

He came that we might have true Liberty. Will you miss him?

He came to give you eternal life. Will you miss him?

When we submit to the Lamb we will meet the Lion. Join with the Peacemaker
and we will meet the Warrior. Work with the Servant and we will meet the
King. Walk with the Submitted and we will meet the Liberator. Concern
ourselves with the eternal and we will have the temporal.

If Jesus is not fitting into the mold you have, then come to the mold maker
and get His new one. Submit to His plan for your life and you will see the
eternal need met first, then all the other things you have need of will be
taken care of as well.

-- Author Unknown