ABC's of MULTICULTURE...........

ABC's of MULTICULTURE

A is for AWARENESS of those around us
B is for BEAUTY for all people
C is for CARING about each other
D is for DIGNITY that we all possess
E is for ETHNICITY on which we would be proud
F is for FEELING, important to us all
G is for GIVING of ourselves
H is for HOPE for a better tomorrow
I is for INTEGRITY, our standards tell so about us
J is for JOINTLY working together
K is for KNOWLEDGE which erases ignorance
L is for LOVE to be shared
M is for MANKIND, the entire human race
N is for NOBODY is unimportant
O is for OPTIMISM which enhances everyone's life
P is for PROGRESS made toward understanding
Q is for being QUIET when asked
R is for RESPECT for oneself and others
S is for SELF-WORTH which we should never be without
T is for TOLERANCE toward others
U is for UNDERSTANDING different cultures
V is for VALUES learned along the way
W is for WEALTH gained by sharing our diversity
X is for X-RAY vision that helps us see the good in others
Y is for YOU. Make your life what you want it to be, forward and upward
Z is for ZEAL to appreciate a multicultural world

-- Author Unknown

how to have Peace.................

LET THE PEACE OF CHRIST RULE IN YOUR HEARTS,
SINCE AS MEMBERS OF ONE BODY YOU WERE
CALLED TO PEACE, AND BE THANKFUL, (COLOSSIANS 3:15)
and by living this prayer it will help you find true peace and
serenity indeed!

God, grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;
Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful World as it is,
Not as I would have it;
Trusting that You will make all things right
If I surrender to Your will;
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with You
Forever in the next. Amen.
Author, Reinhold Niebuhr

VACATION TRAVEL PRAYER.............

VACATION TRAVEL PRAYER

Let us pray:
O God, we entrust ourselves to you as we begin our journey. Keep us safe,
and give us the grace to be generous to one another and to be courteous and
kind to everyone we meet along the way. Help us to recognize when we are
getting on each others nerves, to know when reconciliation is necessary, and
to watch out for each other's needs as we travel. Be with us, Lord, guide us
and protect us on our way, so that we might reach our destination in safety
and happily return home.
Amen.

-- Author Unknown

Church Bulletin BLOOPERS..............

They're Back! Those wonderful Church Bulletins! Thanks for church
ladies with typewriters. These sentences (with all the BLOOPERS)
actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church
services:
--------------------------
The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
--------------------------
The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon
tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
--------------------------
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those
things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
--------------------------
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile
at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't
care much about you.
--------------------------
Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
--------------------------
Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving
obvious pleasure to the congregation.
--------------------------
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a
nursery downstairs.
--------------------------
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help
they can get.
--------------------------
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the
church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
--------------------------
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall.
Music will follow.
--------------------------
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?'
Come early and listen to our choir practice.
--------------------------
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of
several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
--------------------------
Scouts are saving aluminium cans, bottles and other items to be
recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
--------------------------
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased
person you want remembered.
--------------------------
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment
and gracious hostility.
--------------------------
Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
--------------------------
The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They
may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
--------------------------
This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across
from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
--------------------------
Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All
ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.
--------------------------
The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would
lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
--------------------------
Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please
use the back door.
--------------------------
The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the
Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend
this tragedy.
--------------------------
Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Baptist Church.
Please use large double door at the side entrance.
--------------------------
The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan
last Sunday: 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours.'
---------------------------------
Don't cry because it's over - Smile because it happened...
________________________

WHO SHOULD READ THE BIBLE?

WHO SHOULD READ THE BIBLE?

The Young - To learn how to live.
The Old - To know how to die.
The Ignorant - For wisdom.
The Learned - For humility.
The Rich - For compassion.
The Poor - For comfort.
The Dreamer - For enchantment.
The Practical - For counsel.
The Weak - For strength.
The Strong - For direction.
The Haughty - For warning.
The Humble - For exaltation.
The Troubled - For peace.
The Weary - For rest.
The Doubting - For assurance.
The Sinner - For salvation.
The Christian - For guidance.

-- Author Unknown

UPLIFTING THINGS TO DO TODAY

UPLIFTING THINGS TO DO TODAY

* Smile at a stranger

* Drop a coin where a child can find it

* Learn something new and teach it to someone

* Tell someone you love them

* Hug someone

* Forgive someone who has wronged you

* Try saying "I'm sorry" when you ought to

* Tell a child how great they are

* Sing a song about Jesus to yourself

* Keep a promise

* Call someone just to say hello

* Try listening more than talking

* Stand up for what you believe in

* Thank God for His beautiful Creation

* Encourage someone who is feeling down

* Cherish today as if it were your last one

* Tell someone about Jesus

-- Author Unknown

THE KING'S HIGHWAY...............

THE KING'S HIGHWAY

Once upon a time, a king had a great highway built for the people who lived
in his kingdom. After it was completed, but before it was opened to the
public, the king decided to have a contest. He invited as many of his
subjects as desired to participate. The challenge was to see who could
travel the highway the best, and the winner was to receive a box of gold.

On the day of the contest, all the people came. Some of them had fine
chariots, some had fine clothing and fancy food to make the trip a luxurious
journey. Some wore their sturdiest shoes and ran along the highway on their
feet to show their skill. All day they traveled the highway, and each one,
when he arrived at the end, complained to the king about a large pile of
rocks and debris that had been left almost blocking the road at one point,
and that got in their way and hindered their travel.

At the end of the day, a lone traveler crossed the finish line warily and
walked over to the king. He was tired and dirty, but he addressed the king
with great respect and handed him a small chest of gold. He said, "I stopped
along the way to clear a pile of rocks and debris that was blocking the
road. This chest of gold was under it all. Please have it returned to its
rightful owner."

The king replied, "You are the rightful owner."

"Oh no," said the traveler, "This is not mine. I've never known such money."

"Oh yes," said the king, "you've earned this gold, for you won my contest..
He who travels the road best is he who makes the road better for those who
will follow."

Remember those words of wisdom as you travel the road of life!

-- Author Unknown

the power of three words...................

THE POWER OF THREE LITTLE WORDS

Some of the most significant messages people deliver to one another often
come in just three words. When spoken or conveyed, those statements have the
power to forge new friendships, deepen old ones and restore relationships
that have cooled.

The following three word phrases can enrich every relationship:

I'LL BE THERE - Being there for another person is the greatest gift we can
give. When we are truly present for other people, important things happen to
them and to us. We are renewed in love and friendship. We are restored
emotionally and spiritually. 'Being there' is at the very, very core of
civility.

I MISS YOU - Perhaps more marriages could be salvaged and strengthened if
couples simply and sincerely said to each other, "I miss you." This powerful
affirmation tells partners they are wanted, needed, desired and loved.

I RESPECT YOU - Respect is another way of showing love. Respect conveys the
feeling that another person is a true equal. It is a powerful way to affirm
the importance of a relationship.

MAYBE YOU'RE RIGHT - This phrase is highly effective in diffusing an
argument and restoring frayed emotions. The flip side of "maybe you're
right" is the humility of admitting "maybe I'm wrong."

PLEASE FORGIVE ME - Many broken relationships could be restored and healed
if people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All of us are
vulnerable to faults, foibles and failures. A man should never be ashamed to
own up to he has been in the wrong, which is by saying, in other words, that
he is wiser today than he was yesterday.

I THANK YOU - Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who enjoy
the companionship of good, close friends are those who don't take daily
courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their friends for their many
expressions of kindness. On the other hand, people whose circle of friends
is severely constricted often do not have the attitude of gratitude.

COUNT ON ME - "A friend is one who walks in when others walk out." "Loyalty
is an essential ingredient for true friendship; it is the emotional glue
that bonds people. Those who are rich in their relationships tend to be
steady and true friends. When troubles come, a good friend is there,
indicating "you can count on me."

LET ME HELP - The best of friends see a need and try to fill it. When they
spot a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked, they
pitch in and help.

I UNDERSTAND YOU - People become closer and enjoy each other more if they
feel the other person accepts and understands them. Letting others know in
so many little ways that you understand him or her is one of the most
powerful tools for healing your relationship.

GO FOR IT - Some of your friends may be non-conformists, have unique
projects and unusual hobbies. Support them in pursuing their interests.
Rather than urging your loved ones to conform, encourage their uniqueness -
everyone has dreams that no one else has.

I suppose the 3 little words that you were expecting to see have to be
reserved for those who are special; that is I LOVE YOU.

-- Author Unknown

thinking of you..............

THINKING OF YOU

Have you ever been just sitting there and all of a sudden you feel like
doing something nice for someone you care for?
THAT'S GOD talking to you through the Holy Spirit.

Have you ever been down and out and nobody seems to be around for you to
talk to?
THAT'S GOD wanting you to talk to Him.

Have you ever been thinking about somebody that you haven't seen in a long
time and then next thing you know you see them or receive a phone call from
them?
THAT'S GOD. There is no such thing as coincidence.

Have you ever received something wonderful that you didn't even ask for,
like money in the mail, a debt that had mysteriously been cleared, or a
coupon to a department store where you had just seen something you needed,
but couldn't afford?
THAT'S GOD knowing the desires of your heart.

Have you ever been in a situation and you had no clue how it was going to
get better, how the hurting would stop, how the pain would ease, but now you
look back on it.
THAT'S GOD passing us through tribulation to see a brighter day.

-- Author Unknown

how does GOD speak to us.......

Has God ever spoken to you? I'll bet that He has!
For God speaks to His Children in various ways, and
many of His Children don't even realize it when He
does. However beware of anyone who claim's that
our Heavenly Father talks to them all of the time!

Now if you are thinking that God has never spoken to
me, let us examine some of the ways that He speaks to
us.

1. By planting ideas in our heads through thoughts or
dreams. ( Have you ever had a problem that was really
bothering you, and suddenly an idea popped into your
head, and you asked yourself, why didn't I think of that
sooner?)

2. By speaking through others, even though they do not
realize it. ( God often speaks to us through others,
sometimes even through non-believers.)

3. By using the broadcast or print media. ( Have you
ever asked God for an answer, and then been given the
answer through a television program, book, song or
even an e-mail message? )

These are just a very few of the ways that God speaks
to His Children, though He doesn't do it often. I hope
that you weren't expecting me to say that lightning would
flash, and a loud voice would ring down from Heaven,
for our Heavenly Father is far too subtle for that, and
after all, the answer is meant for you alone to hear!

So the next time you are speaking with
others or you pray, why not spend a moment or two
just listening? You just might be surprised you hear!

Mundane life

Mundane
by Jon Walker

“The shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God for what the angels had told them, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had said.” (Luke 2:20 NLT)

Since it’s the New Year, you may be wondering why we’re meditating on another Christmas verse. I delayed this devotional until today for the simple reason that most of us are now returning to the routine of life after celebrating the birth of Jesus. We’re back in the office; we’re back at school; we’re back to whatever we normally do.

Notice that the shepherds did the same thing. God sent them a message through his heavenly host, and they found the baby Jesus in a manager, just as the angel said they would. They marveled at God and knew they’d been blessed to see the Messiah’s arrival.

But they also returned to their fields and flocks. They returned with an energized faith, glorifying and praising God. But they still returned to their fields and flocks.

That’s because God uses the ordinary more often than the extraordinary to transform us into reflections of Jesus. Yes, he takes us to the mountaintop; he shows us great miracles and wonders, but he doesn’t leaves us there because he knows the strength of our faith grows in the day-to-day, mundane work required in the fields and among the flocks we tend.

Here, in the fields of our workplace and among the flocks of our family and friends, we learn to love one another. It is where we die to Christ, allowing his life to blossom within us: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NIV)

The things we truly believe emerge in the day-to-day of our lives. It’s the conflicts over who makes the coffee, who cleans up the mess, who gets to go home early, or who gets the biggest piece of pie that test whether it is Christ who lives in us, or if we’re still saying, ‘It is I who live.’

But God’s lessons are mastery-based, meaning his intent is not to catch you doing something wrong; his intent is to reveal where you still need to yield to the life of Christ in you.

What now?

· See God in your day – Think of it this way: When you left the manger, you didn’t leave God behind. He’s with you right now; Christ lives in you. Ask God to guide you as you die to self and let Christ live through you.

· Thank God for the routine of your life – Just as the shepherds returned to their fields and flocks glorifying and praising God, praise God in your circumstances. Reflect upon the many things times God has answered your prayers, or blessed you by telling you where to find the answer. Tell other people about the things God is doing in your life.

· Wait upon the Lord – Are you feeling stuck in your circumstances? When the Jewish people were held captive in Babylon , God didn’t send immediate relief; rather, he told them to get on with their lives, living with the faith that he had their best interest in mind. “Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:5-7, NIV)

the only bible some people see............

I received the following story from one of our brothers'
in Christ. I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I, for though
I have seen it before, it seemed perfect to share with you today.
_____________________________

A t-Shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes was literally
Bill's wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He was
brilliant. Kind of esoteric and very, very bright. He became a
Christian while attending college. Across the street from the
campus was a well-dressed, very conservative church. They
wanted to develop a ministry to the students but were not
sure how to go about it.

One day Bill decided to go there. He walked in with no
shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service had
already started and so Bill walked down the aisle looking for a
seat. The church was completely packed and he couldn't find
a seat. By now, people were really looking a bit uncomfortable,
but no one said anything. Bill got closer and closer and closer
to the pulpit, and when he realized there were no seats, he
just sat down right on the carpet.

By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in
the air was thick. About that time, the minister realized
that from way at the back of the church, a deacon was slowly
making his way toward Bill. Now the deacon was in his
eighties, had silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A godly
man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walked with
a cane and, as he started walking toward this boy, everyone
was saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what
he's going to do. How can you expect a man of his age and
of his background to understand some college kid on
the floor?

It took a long time for the man to reach the boy. The
church was utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's
cane. All eyes were focused on him. You couldn't even hear
anyone breathing. The minister couldn't even preach the
sermon until the deacon did what he had to do. And now
they saw this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With
great difficulty, he lowered himself and sat down next to Bill,
smiles, shakes his hand, and worshiped with him so he
won't be alone.

Everyone choked up with emotion. When the minister
regained control, he said, "What I'm about to preach, you
will never remember. What you have just seen, you will
never forget."

The moral of the story, "Be careful how you live. You may
be the only Bible some people will ever read".

THANKS FOR YOUR TIME

THANKS FOR YOUR TIME

A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door. It
had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career,
and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country
in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had
little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife
and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.

Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The
funeral is Wednesday." Memories flashed through his mind like an old
newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.

"Jack, did you hear me?"

"Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him.
I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said.

"Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were
doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the
fence' as he put it," Mom told him.

"I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said.

"You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure
you had a man's influence in your life," she said.

"He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this
business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he
thought were important... Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.

As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his
hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children
of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see
the old house next door one more time. Standing in the doorway, Jack paused
for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap
through space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step
held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture... . Jack stopped
suddenly.

"What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked.

"The box is gone," he said.

"What box? " Mom asked.

"There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must
have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was
'the thing I value most,'" Jack said.

It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it,
except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.

"Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get
some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work
one day Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a
package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next
three days," the note read.

Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and
looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was
difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention.

"Mr. Harold Belser" it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped
open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's
hands shook as he read the note inside.

"Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett.
It's the thing I valued most in my life."

A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his
eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful
gold pocket watch. Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing,
he unlatched the cover.

Inside he found these words engraved: "Jack, Thanks for your time! Harold
Belser."

"The thing he valued most...was.. .my time."

Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared
his appointments for the next two days.

"Why?" Janet, his assistant asked.

"I need some time to spend with my son," he said.

"Oh, by the way, Janet...thanks for your time!"

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments
that take our breath away,"

Thank you for your time.....

-- Author Unknown

do not let your heart be troubled............

Jesus Christ said: "DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS
BE TROUBLED. TRUST IN GOD; TRUST ALSO IN ME."
( JOHN 14:1 ) Therefore, "Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled."

Let not your heart be troubled,
Give your worries and cares to Me.
I am your Heavenly Father
Who suffered and died for thee.
There are times throughout your Earthly life
When you are filled with doubts and fear.
Always come to Me in prayer
And know that I am near.
The love I have for you, dear child,
Can never be bought or measured.
It's a gift I freely give to you.
It is My most precious treasure.
When sorrow or pain come your way
And life seems to be unfair,
Let not your heart be troubled...
Just come to Me in prayer.
Poet: Shirley Hile Powell

THE FOUR CANDLES

THE FOUR CANDLES

The Four Candles burned slowly. Their Ambiance was so soft you could hear
them speak...

The first candle said, "I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me
lit."

Then Peace's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.

The second candle says, "I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer
indispensable. "

Then Faith's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.

Sadly the third candle spoke, "I Am Love and I haven't the strength to stay
lit any longer." "People put me aside and don't understand my importance.
They even forget to love those who are nearest to them."

And waiting no longer, Love goes out completely.

Suddenly...

A child enters the room and sees the three candles no longer burning.

The child begins to cry, "Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay
lit until the end."

Then the Fourth Candle spoke gently to the little boy, "Don't be afraid, for
I Am Hope, and while I still burn, we can re-light the other candles."

With Shining eyes the child took the Candle of Hope and lit the other three
candles.

Never let the Flame of Hope go out of your life.

With Hope, no matter how bad things look and are...Peace, Faith and Love can
Shine Brightly in our lives.

-- Author Unknown

10 Ways to Tell You're Slipping

10 Ways to Tell You're Slipping

Joe McKeever

It's surprising how God's people awaken one day and suddenly realize they have fallen away from the closeness they used to enjoy with the Lord. The signs have been there all along, but they were not paying attention.

Here are some tests I have discovered for spotting signs of slippage in my own walk with the Lord, evidence that I'm losing the intimacy with Him that always meant so much in my personal life.

10. You know you're slipping when the big thing you look forward to on a Sunday is a football game.

9. You know you're slipping when reading the Bible no longer excites you, angers you, or challenges you.

8. You know you're slipping when you finally get up off the couch and get involved in some ministry the Lord has been laying on your heart and the first thing you do is start criticizing all the other couch potatoes who are only doing the same thing you have been doing all this time.

7. You know you're slipping when, after slacking off in your tithing over the past year, instead of feeling guilty, you find yourself criticizing the regular tithers for their self-righteous and legalistic attitudes.

6. You know you're slipping when you can read the Ten Commandments and give yourself a passing grade on all of them.

5. You know you're slipping when you can go a whole day without praying and it not bother you one bit.

4. You know you're slipping when you can have a dirty thought and justify it as "what normal humans do."

3. You know you're slipping when you feel a nudging from the Holy Spirit to speak to that person or give to this one or make a phone call to another and you squelch it.

2. You know you're slipping when you decide to reward yourself for doing well by skipping your Bible reading and prayer for that day.

1. You know you're really, really slipping when the problem of slipping doesn't cause you great concern.

A Letter in the Night ............

A Letter in the Night

One day a woman named Louise fell asleep in her bed, and dreamed a
very fitful dream. She dreamed that someone in Hell wrote a letter
to her, and it was to be delivered to her by a messenger. The
messenger
passed between the lakes of burning fire and brimstone that occupies
Hell, and found his way to the door that would lead him to the
outside world.
Louise dreamed that the messenger walked to her house, came inside,
and gently but firmly woke Louise up. He gave her the message,
saying
only that a friend had wrote it to her from Hell. Louise, in her
dream, with trembling hands took the letter and read:

My Friend,
I stand in Judgment now,
And feel that you're to blame somehow.
On earth, I walked with you day by day,
And never did you point the way.

You knew the Lord in truth and glory,
But never did you tell the story.
My knowledge then was very dim;
You could have led me safe to Him.

Though we lived together on the earth,
You never told me of the second birth,
And now I stand this day condemned,
Because you failed to mention Him.

You taught me many things, that's true,
I called you "friend" and trusted you,
But I learn now that it's too late,
You could have kept me from this fate.

We walked by day and talked by night,
And yet you showed me not the Light.
You let me live, and love, and die,
You knew I'd never live on high.

Yes, I called you a "friend" in life,
And trusted you through joy and strife.
And yet on coming to the end,
I cannot, now, call you "My Friend."
Marsha

After reading the letter, Louise awoke. The dream was still so real
in her mind and sweat dropped from her body in pools. She swore she
could still smell the acrid smell of brimstone and smoke from her
room. As she contemplated the meaning of her dream, she realized
that as a Christian, she has failed in her duty to "go out to all
the world and preach the gospel." As she thought of that, she
promised
herself that the next day, she would call Marsha and invite her to
church with her.
The next morning she called Marsha and this was the conversation:
Yes, Bill, Is Marsha there?
Louise, you don't know?
No, Bill, know what?
Marsha WAS KILLED LAST NIGHT IN A CAR ACCIDENT. I thought you had
known.

Is this your testimony? Are you witnessing to your friends that you
are with everyday?
Or will there be a friend of yours in hell, asking you why you did
not tell them about JESUS?

As your friend. If you don't know Jesus, here's how: If you confess
with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus died on the
cross for your sins and God raised Him from the dead, you will be
saved. (Romans 10:9 - 10)

If you have not done so, just pray this prayer:
Dear God,
I confess with my mouth and believe in my heart that Jesus is your
son and that he died on the cross for my sins Jesus, forgive me of
my
sins and come into my heart and become my personal Lord and Savior.
In Jesus' name, Amen."

(P.S. If you are a believer - new or old, send this to others and
let
them know you are a true friend).

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you:

1. Jesus Christ
2. The American G. I.

One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
"Be careful how you live.
You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!"
I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for you today. To guide
you and protect you .

RECIPE FOR A PROSPEROUS, PEACEFUL YEAR

RECIPE FOR A PROSPEROUS, PEACEFUL YEAR

Take twelve, fine, full-grown months, see that these are free from all old memories of bitterness, rancor, hate and jealousy; cleanse them completely from every clinging spite: pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed as much as possible from the past.

Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. This batch will keep for just one year. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot in this way), but prepare one day at a time, as follows:

Into each day put...

twelve parts of faith,
eleven of patience,
ten of courage,
nine of work,
eight of hope,
seven of fidelity,
six of liberality,
five of kindness,
four of rest,
three of prayer,
two of meditation,
and one well selected resolution.

Put in about a teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.

Pour into the whole love ad libitum and mix with a vim. Cook thoroughly in a fervent heat; garnish with a few smiles and a sprig of joy; then serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness, and a Happy New Year is certain.

SYMPTOMS OF INNER PEACE

SYMPTOMS OF INNER PEACE

* A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on
past experiences.

* An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.

* A loss of interest in judging other people.

* A loss of interest in judging self.

* A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.

* A loss of interest in conflict.

* A loss of ability to worry (this is a very serious symptom).

* Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation.

* Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.

* Frequent attacks of smiling.

* An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.

* An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the
uncontrollable urge to extend it.

-- Author Unknown

NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS YOU CAN KEEP

NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS YOU CAN KEEP

Are you sick of making the same resolutions year after year that you never keep? Why not promise to do something you can ACTUALLY accomplish?

Here are some resolutions that you can use as a starting point:

~ Gain weight. At least 30 pounds.
~ Stop exercising. Waste of time.
~ Read less. Makes you think.
~ Watch more TV. I've been missing some good stuff.
~ Procrastinate more. Starting tomorrow.
~ Spend more time at work, surfing the web.
~ Take a vacation to someplace important, like to see the world's largest ball of twine.
~ Don't jump off a cliff just because everyone else did.
~ Stop bringing lunch from home--eat out more.
~ Don't have eight children at once.
~ Get in a whole NEW rut!
~ Start being superstitious.
~ Personal goal: Don't bring back disco.
~ Don't ride in a car driven by Britney Spears.
~ Speak in a monotone voice and only use monosyllabic words.
~ Only wear jeans that are 2 sizes too small and use a chain or rope for a belt.
~ Spend my summer vacation in cyberspace.
~ Create loose ends.
~ Get more toys.
~ Get further in debt.
~ Don't believe politicians.
~ Break at least one traffic law.
~ Don't drive a motorized vehicle across thin ice.
~ Don't swim with piranhas or sharks.
~ Spread out priorities beyond the ability to keep track of them.
~ Wait for opportunity to knock.
~ Focus on the faults of others.
~ Mope about faults.
~ Never make New Year's resolutions again.

God was Busy......

A college professor, an avowed Atheist, was teaching his class.

He shocked several of his students when he flatly stated that there is no God, the expression "One Nation Under God", was unconstitutional, and further, he was going to prove there is no God.

Addressing the ceiling he shouted: "God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you 15 minutes!"

The lecture room fell silent.

You could have heard a pin fall.

Ten minutes went by.

Again he taunted God, saying, "Here I am, God. I'm still waiting."

His countdown got down to the last couple of minutes when a Marine just released from active duty and newly registered in the class walked up to the professor, hit him full force in the face, and sent him tail over teacup from his lofty platform.

The professor was out cold!

At first the students were shocked and babbled in confusion.

The young Marine took a seat in the front row and sat silent.

The class fell silent...waiting.

Eventually, the professor came to, shaken.

He looked at the young Marine in the front row.

When he regained his senses and could speak he yelled, "What's the matter with you? Why did you do that?"

God was busy, so He sent me..............

L.E.S.S........

In the midst of New Year’s resolutions and goal setting, I simply want to encourage you to do L.E.S.S this year. My hope is that you’ll do L.E.S.S. than you’ve ever done in all the days of your life. No, I’m not telling you to stop setting goals and keeping expectancy in your heart---quite the contrary. Simply focus on doing L.E.S.S:

Love God. Do it with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Encourage others. You never know what an encouraging word may mean to someone.

Serve. Keep your eyes open for opportunities to serve your family and community.

Seek out the lost. There is someone who needs to be introduced to Jesus Christ.
-Dr. J. H. Thomas

TOP TEN REASONS TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS ON JANUARY 6TH

Many of us have already celebrated Christmas. Our brothers and sisters, however, in the eastern churches - such as Greek and Russian Orthodox - will celebrate Christmas this Sunday, January 6th, on what is actually "the twelfth day of Christmas." It occurs to me that there might be some advantages to the Orthodox celebration. And so, in a good-natured salute to the season, I give you the...

TOP TEN REASONS TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS ON JANUARY 6TH
By Dan Bub

10. Two more weeks to get your Christmas cards mailed.

9. The fruitcake from Great-Aunt Bertha has 12 more days to petrify.

8. Chances for a "White Christmas" are better in January.

7. You have room to pig out again a few days after all the other parties are over.

6. Airports are less-crowded.

5. You don't have to start your New Year's diet until after on January 6th.

4. You can go back to driving above the speed limit because the cops are back on regular schedules.

3. You can do all your shopping when everything is on sale.

2. All your annoying relatives who show up on December 25th won't stay long when they find out there's no dinner and no presents.

1. Beautiful Christmas trees are free. Take your pick, curbside, on the streets.

NEW YEAR funny..................

TWAS THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).
I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,

The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."
As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt---

I said to myself, as I only can
"You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"
So--away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
Till all the additional ounces have vanished.
I won't have a cookie--not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.

I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.
I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore---
But isn't that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

10 resolutions for 2008...................

MY 10 RESOLUTIONS FOR 2008

This coming year, I have decided that with God's help, I shall:-

Give up complaining . . . focus on gratitude.

Give up harsh judgments . . . think kind thoughts.

Give up worry . . . trust divine providence.

Give up discouragement . . . be full of hope.

Give up bitterness . . . turn to forgiveness.

Give up hatred . . . return good for evil.

Give up anger . . . practice patience.

Give up pettiness . . . put on maturity.

Give up gloom. . . enjoy the beauty that is around me.

Give up gossiping . . . control my tongue.

-- Author Unknown

My prayer for you in 2008 is that you will:
* Accept the shortcomings in others and realize it is not your
responsibility to correct them, it is God’s to perfect them
* Understand your own shortcomings and allow God to perfect them, in His
own time
* Reach out to help those whom you can help
* Accept help from those who wish to help you
* Understand that God loves you
* Understand that God wants you to love others

May you have bountiful blessings in 2008