BRING THOSE BABIES TO CHURCH
My heart goes out to the parents of small children. I know first hand the
kind of problems they face. Training up a toddler in the way he should go
is a constant job, a continuous battle, seven-day-a- week task, not to
mention an awesome responsibility. After six days of their whining chorus
at home and three hours of embarrassment while shopping, the last thing some
young mothers want to face is an hour of agony and humiliation at church.
Many young mothers have asked herself, “Why do I keep bringing them to
church?” As she enters the auditorium she utters a silent prayer that the
kids will be good and the sermon short. The service begins. While mother is
picking up toys, drying eyes, wiping noses, swatting, scolding, trying to
sing, listen, and pray, the toddler is pouring juice on her dress. To the
toddler, church is an exciting adventure. Songbooks are a challenge to
take, stuffed toys make great missiles to launch over four or five rows, and
the collection plate would make a great hat. Young parents take heart! Let
me assure you of this:
1. Your children do not disturb others nearly as much as you think they do.
2. If people without children are determined to sit at the back of the
church, then they deserve any distraction they get.
3. Most people really do understand your plight and remember back to the
days when their children were infants and toddlers.
4. Remember that you are both wanted and needed in the worship service.
5. Have faith that the hand, which now hurls crayons, will one day spread
the seeds of the Kingdom.
-- Author Unknown
Monday, April 28, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
THE THREE THINGS IN LIFE
THE THREE THINGS IN LIFE
Three things in life that, once gone, never come back -
1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity
Three things in life that may never be lost -
1. Peace
2. Hope
3. Honesty
Three things in life that are most valuable -
1. Love
2. Self-confidence
3. Friends
Three things in life that are never certain -
1. Dreams
2. Success
3. Fortune
Three things in life that are most appreciated -
1. Generosity
2. Humor
3. Forgiveness
Three things that make a person -
1. Hard work
2. Sincerity
3. Commitment
Three things in life that can destroy a person -
1. Alcohol / Drugs
2. Pride
3. Anger
Three things that are truly constant -
Father - Son - Holy Ghost
-- Author Unknown
Three things in life that, once gone, never come back -
1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity
Three things in life that may never be lost -
1. Peace
2. Hope
3. Honesty
Three things in life that are most valuable -
1. Love
2. Self-confidence
3. Friends
Three things in life that are never certain -
1. Dreams
2. Success
3. Fortune
Three things in life that are most appreciated -
1. Generosity
2. Humor
3. Forgiveness
Three things that make a person -
1. Hard work
2. Sincerity
3. Commitment
Three things in life that can destroy a person -
1. Alcohol / Drugs
2. Pride
3. Anger
Three things that are truly constant -
Father - Son - Holy Ghost
-- Author Unknown
TO EACH HIS OWN
TO EACH HIS OWN
I cannot change the way I am,
I never really try,
God made me different and unique,
I never ask him why.
If I appear peculiar,
There's nothing I can do,
You must accept me as I am,
As I've accepted you.
God made a casting of each life,
Then threw the mold away,
Each child is different from the rest,
Unlike as night from day.
So often we will criticize,
The things that others do,
But, do you know, they do not think,
The same as me and you.
So God in all his wisdom,
Who knows us all by name,
He didn't want us to be bored,
That's why we're not the same
-- Author Unknown
I cannot change the way I am,
I never really try,
God made me different and unique,
I never ask him why.
If I appear peculiar,
There's nothing I can do,
You must accept me as I am,
As I've accepted you.
God made a casting of each life,
Then threw the mold away,
Each child is different from the rest,
Unlike as night from day.
So often we will criticize,
The things that others do,
But, do you know, they do not think,
The same as me and you.
So God in all his wisdom,
Who knows us all by name,
He didn't want us to be bored,
That's why we're not the same
-- Author Unknown
Saturday, April 26, 2008
TWENTY TRUTHS TO REMEMBER
TWENTY TRUTHS TO REMEMBER
1. Faith is the ability to not panic.
2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.
3. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.
4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be
still so He can untangle the knot.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
10. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.
11. The most important things in your home are the people.
12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.
13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
16. We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your
precious moments.
17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it, otherwise it's just
hearsay.
18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure
to flush when you are done.
19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals
and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the
turtle -- it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.
20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your
character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others
think you are.
-- Author Unknown
1. Faith is the ability to not panic.
2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.
3. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.
4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be
still so He can untangle the knot.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
10. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.
11. The most important things in your home are the people.
12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.
13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
16. We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your
precious moments.
17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it, otherwise it's just
hearsay.
18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure
to flush when you are done.
19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals
and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the
turtle -- it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.
20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your
character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others
think you are.
-- Author Unknown
WASH DAY
WASH DAY
Monday
Wash Day
Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so I may serve you
with perfect humility through the week ahead.
Tuesday
Ironing Day
Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected
through the years so that I may see the beauty in others.
Wednesday
Mending Day
O God, help me mend my ways so I will not set a bad example for others.
Thursday
Cleaning Day
Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in
the secret corners of my heart.
Friday
Shopping Day
O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal happiness
for myself and all others in need of love.
Saturday
Cooking Day
Help me, my Savior, to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it with
clean, sweet bread of human kindness.
Sunday
The Lord's Day
O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please come into my heart so I may
spend the day and the rest of my life in your presence.
-- Author Unknown
Monday
Wash Day
Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so I may serve you
with perfect humility through the week ahead.
Tuesday
Ironing Day
Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected
through the years so that I may see the beauty in others.
Wednesday
Mending Day
O God, help me mend my ways so I will not set a bad example for others.
Thursday
Cleaning Day
Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in
the secret corners of my heart.
Friday
Shopping Day
O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal happiness
for myself and all others in need of love.
Saturday
Cooking Day
Help me, my Savior, to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it with
clean, sweet bread of human kindness.
Sunday
The Lord's Day
O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please come into my heart so I may
spend the day and the rest of my life in your presence.
-- Author Unknown
A CHRISTIAN'S WAY TO REDUCE STRESS
A CHRISTIAN'S WAY TO REDUCE STRESS
An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may
happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it
does happen, you have to worry twice."
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will
compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more.. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too
many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time;
don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out
what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do
anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13 . Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key
buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an
enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of
life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot.. Try to nip small problems in
the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a
good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that
you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS
AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31
-- Author Unknown
An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may
happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it
does happen, you have to worry twice."
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will
compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more.. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too
many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time;
don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out
what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do
anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13 . Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key
buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an
enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of
life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot.. Try to nip small problems in
the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a
good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that
you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS
AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31
-- Author Unknown
ALPHABETS OF HAPPINESS
ALPHABETS OF HAPPINESS
* A--Accept *
Accept others for who they are and for the choices they've made even if you
have difficulty understanding their beliefs, motives, or actions.
*B--Break Away *
Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to
accomplish with your life.
*C--Create *
Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows,
and happiness with.
*D--Decide *
Decide that you'll be successful and happy come what may, and good things
will find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way.
*E--Explore *
Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to
give. And every time you try something new, you'll learn more about
yourself.
*F--Forgive *
Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness and
grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.
*G--Grow *
Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or stand in
your way.
*H--Hope *
Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as you
remain dedicated to the task.
*I--Ignore *
Ignore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your goals and
remember your accomplishments. Your past success is only a small inkling of
what the future holds.
*J--Journey*
Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open-minded. Try to
learn something new every day, and you'll grow.
*K--Know *
Know that no matter how bad things seem, they'll always get better. The
warmth of spring always follows the harshest winter.
*L--Love *
Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart,
there's room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart, there's room
for endless happiness.
*M--Manage *
Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you'll suffer less stress and
worry. Then you'll be able to focus on the important things in life.
*N--Notice *
Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer your
assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding.
*O--Open *
Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the worst
of times, there's still much to be thankful for.
*P--Play *
Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without
happiness.
*Q--Question *
Ask many questions, because you're here to learn.
*R--Relax *
Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things
always have a way of working out in the end.
*S--Share *
Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything that
you invest in others will return to you many times over.
*T--Try *
Even when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway. You'll be amazed
by what you can accomplish.
*U--Use *
Use your gifts to your best ability. Talent that's wasted has no value.
Talent that's used will bring unexpected rewards.
*V--Value *
Value the friends and family members who've supported and encouraged you,
and be there for them as well.
*W--Work *
Work hard every day to be the best person you can be, but never feel guilty
if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise offers a second chance.
*X--X-Ray *
Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and you'll see the goodness
and beauty within.
*Y--Yield *
Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, you'll find
success at the end of the road.
*Z--Zoom *
Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rear a ugly head.
-- Author Unknown
* A--Accept *
Accept others for who they are and for the choices they've made even if you
have difficulty understanding their beliefs, motives, or actions.
*B--Break Away *
Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to
accomplish with your life.
*C--Create *
Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows,
and happiness with.
*D--Decide *
Decide that you'll be successful and happy come what may, and good things
will find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way.
*E--Explore *
Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to
give. And every time you try something new, you'll learn more about
yourself.
*F--Forgive *
Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness and
grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.
*G--Grow *
Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or stand in
your way.
*H--Hope *
Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as you
remain dedicated to the task.
*I--Ignore *
Ignore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your goals and
remember your accomplishments. Your past success is only a small inkling of
what the future holds.
*J--Journey*
Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open-minded. Try to
learn something new every day, and you'll grow.
*K--Know *
Know that no matter how bad things seem, they'll always get better. The
warmth of spring always follows the harshest winter.
*L--Love *
Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart,
there's room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart, there's room
for endless happiness.
*M--Manage *
Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you'll suffer less stress and
worry. Then you'll be able to focus on the important things in life.
*N--Notice *
Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer your
assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding.
*O--Open *
Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the worst
of times, there's still much to be thankful for.
*P--Play *
Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without
happiness.
*Q--Question *
Ask many questions, because you're here to learn.
*R--Relax *
Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things
always have a way of working out in the end.
*S--Share *
Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything that
you invest in others will return to you many times over.
*T--Try *
Even when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway. You'll be amazed
by what you can accomplish.
*U--Use *
Use your gifts to your best ability. Talent that's wasted has no value.
Talent that's used will bring unexpected rewards.
*V--Value *
Value the friends and family members who've supported and encouraged you,
and be there for them as well.
*W--Work *
Work hard every day to be the best person you can be, but never feel guilty
if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise offers a second chance.
*X--X-Ray *
Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and you'll see the goodness
and beauty within.
*Y--Yield *
Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, you'll find
success at the end of the road.
*Z--Zoom *
Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rear a ugly head.
-- Author Unknown
BEST FRIEND
BEST FRIEND
Last night you and your best friend had a fight. You decide not to talk to
her the next day.
She smiles at you. You grind your teeth at her.
She tells her friends nice things about you. You spread bad rumors about
her.
She tries to come and talk to you. But you push her aside.
She thinks you are a great friend. You think she is a terrible friend.
She writes nice notes to you, telling you about the best times you shared
together. You write about all the bad times you can remember experiencing
together.
Deep down you know she's sorry. But all you have is hate.
The next day you find a note. It reads:
Dear ------------ -,
I tried to tell you yesterday, but you didn't let me speak,
I tried to tell you good things, but you were afraid to hear them.
I tried to smile at you, to take away the hate.
But now it's time to tell you, even though it's a bit late. That I am
dying.
I have a bad condition and it is getting worse. I'm sorry to have to tell
you that I won't be able to see you today. I wrote this to you today in the
hospital.
My time is up.
I'm sorry I should have told you sooner. I'm really sorry about our
argument; you are such a great friend.
I promise I shall watch over you,
Lots of love
------------ -
You run to the hospital to tell her you are sorry,
But only her mum is left.
Her hand clasped over her face.
And she was crying. Down on her knees she prays, for her daughter to come
back.
You are too late.
You wish you told her sorry sooner and got to say goodbye.
All friends have their ups and downs, and sometimes you need to say
sorry... Don't wait for the other person to do it first.
Because you never know what could happen.
-- Author Unknown
Last night you and your best friend had a fight. You decide not to talk to
her the next day.
She smiles at you. You grind your teeth at her.
She tells her friends nice things about you. You spread bad rumors about
her.
She tries to come and talk to you. But you push her aside.
She thinks you are a great friend. You think she is a terrible friend.
She writes nice notes to you, telling you about the best times you shared
together. You write about all the bad times you can remember experiencing
together.
Deep down you know she's sorry. But all you have is hate.
The next day you find a note. It reads:
Dear ------------ -,
I tried to tell you yesterday, but you didn't let me speak,
I tried to tell you good things, but you were afraid to hear them.
I tried to smile at you, to take away the hate.
But now it's time to tell you, even though it's a bit late. That I am
dying.
I have a bad condition and it is getting worse. I'm sorry to have to tell
you that I won't be able to see you today. I wrote this to you today in the
hospital.
My time is up.
I'm sorry I should have told you sooner. I'm really sorry about our
argument; you are such a great friend.
I promise I shall watch over you,
Lots of love
------------ -
You run to the hospital to tell her you are sorry,
But only her mum is left.
Her hand clasped over her face.
And she was crying. Down on her knees she prays, for her daughter to come
back.
You are too late.
You wish you told her sorry sooner and got to say goodbye.
All friends have their ups and downs, and sometimes you need to say
sorry... Don't wait for the other person to do it first.
Because you never know what could happen.
-- Author Unknown
Friday, April 25, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Proverbs 3:5-6
Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley
April 3, 2008 - God's Guide to a Victorious Life - Proverbs 3:5-6 Welcome to the In Touch Devotional.A compass indicates four points of north, south, east, and west. All are necessary for finding direction in the physical world. For guidance in living the Christian life, Proverbs chapter 3:5-6 also gives four points. The first point is trust God. James chapter 1:17 states He deserves your complete confidence because He alone does not change.Second, do not rely on your own understanding. The human mind has limited comprehension. Only God is all-knowing. Hebrews 4:13 shows us that every thought and motive is visible to Him. There is nothing that He doesn't see.The next point in trusting God is to acknowledge Him in all your ways. As the Maker and Savior of all mankind, God has the right to plan every life. He knits each person together in the womb. He provides redemption through His Son Jesus Christ. God gives spiritual gifts to be used on His behalf.Just as a child will look to his father for help, believers are to include their heavenly Father in everything. Success may tempt people to feel proud. But, Christians must guard against this thinking because it can lead you in a harmful direction. God promises to make your paths straight. Spiritually, the direct route is easier to travel and requires less time. But it is not obstacle-free. As you follow the first three directional signs, the Father will work on your behalf to overcome barriers along the way.Will you follow God's spiritual compass and trust Him wholeheartedly? As you reject self-reliance and acknowledge dependence upon Him, you will stay on the straight path of godliness.
April 3, 2008 - God's Guide to a Victorious Life - Proverbs 3:5-6 Welcome to the In Touch Devotional.A compass indicates four points of north, south, east, and west. All are necessary for finding direction in the physical world. For guidance in living the Christian life, Proverbs chapter 3:5-6 also gives four points. The first point is trust God. James chapter 1:17 states He deserves your complete confidence because He alone does not change.Second, do not rely on your own understanding. The human mind has limited comprehension. Only God is all-knowing. Hebrews 4:13 shows us that every thought and motive is visible to Him. There is nothing that He doesn't see.The next point in trusting God is to acknowledge Him in all your ways. As the Maker and Savior of all mankind, God has the right to plan every life. He knits each person together in the womb. He provides redemption through His Son Jesus Christ. God gives spiritual gifts to be used on His behalf.Just as a child will look to his father for help, believers are to include their heavenly Father in everything. Success may tempt people to feel proud. But, Christians must guard against this thinking because it can lead you in a harmful direction. God promises to make your paths straight. Spiritually, the direct route is easier to travel and requires less time. But it is not obstacle-free. As you follow the first three directional signs, the Father will work on your behalf to overcome barriers along the way.Will you follow God's spiritual compass and trust Him wholeheartedly? As you reject self-reliance and acknowledge dependence upon Him, you will stay on the straight path of godliness.
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