Sunday, December 25, 2011

the greatest gift

THE GREATEST Gift

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Twas the night before Christmas

Today, we will share A Christmas Classic that we all know
and love. May you have a Very Merry Christmas, and may all
of your Christmas wishes come true!
_______________________

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, December 22, 2011

twas the night Jesus came

TWAS THE NIGHT JESUS CAME

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-- Author Unknown

the 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

Saturday, December 17, 2011

two babes in a manger

TWO BABES IN A MANGER

In 1994, two Americans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics (based on biblical principles) in the public schools. They were invited to teach at prisons, businesses, the fire and police departments and a large orphanage. About 100 boys and girls who had been abandoned, abused, and left in the care of a government-run program were in the orphanage. They relate the following story in their own words:

It was nearing the holiday season, 1994, time for our orphans to hear, for the first time, the traditional story of Christmas. We told them about Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem. Finding no room in the inn, the couple went to a stable, where the baby Jesus was born and placed in a manger.

Throughout the story, the children and orphanage staff sat in amazement as they listened. Some sat on the edges of their stools, trying to grasp every word. Completing the story, we gave the children three small pieces of cardboard to make a crude manger. Each child was given a small paper square, cut from yellow napkins I had brought with me. No colored paper was available in the city.

Following instructions, the children tore the paper and carefully laid strips in the manger for straw. Small squares of flannel, cut from a worn-out nightgown an American lady was throwing away as she left Russia, were used for the baby's blanket. A doll-like baby was cut from tan felt we had brought from the United States.

The orphans were busy assembling their manger as I walked among them to see if they needed any help. All went well until I got to one table where little Misha sat. He looked to be about 6 years old and had finished his project. As I looked at the little boy's manger, I was startled to see not one, but two babies in the manger. Quickly, I called for the translator to ask the lad why there were two babies in the manger. Crossing his arms in front of him and looking at this completed manger scene, the child began to repeat the story very seriously.

For such a young boy, who had only heard the Christmas story once, he related the happenings accurately...until he came to the part where Mary put the baby Jesus in the manger. Then Misha started to ad-lib. He made up his own ending to the story as he said, "And when Maria laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me and asked me if I had a place to stay. I told him I have no mamma and I have no papa, so I don't have any place to stay. Then Jesus told me I could stay with him. But I told him I couldn't, because I didn't have a gift to give him like everybody else did. But I wanted to stay with Jesus so much, so I thought about what I had that maybe I could use for a gift. I thought maybe if I kept him warm, that would be a good gift.

So I asked Jesus, "If I keep you warm, will that be a good enough gift?"

And Jesus told me, "If you keep me warm, that will be the best gift anybody ever gave me."

"So I got into the manger, and then Jesus looked at me and he told me I could stay with him...for always."

As little Misha finished his story, his eyes brimmed full of tears that splashed down his little cheeks. Putting his hand over his face, his head dropped to the table and his shoulders shook as he sobbed and sobbed.

The little orphan had found someone who would never abandon nor abuse him, someone who would stay with him...FOR ALWAYS.

I've learned that it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts.

-- Author Unknown

what do you want for christmas

WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS?

A poem sent to Dear Abby from a couple who have too much stuff.

So many of you asked us (since Yuletide's drawing near)
"What do you want for Christmas? What can we give you this year?
If we say, "We want nothing!" you buy something anyway,
So here's a list of what we'd like; believe now what we say:

Pajamas for a little child, food to feed the poor.
Blankets for a shelter, and we ask a little bit more--
Perform good deeds and let us know, or volunteer your time.
These last are worth a fortune, and they needn't cost a dime.

We have to many things now, vases, candles, tapes and clocks.
We have our fill of garments, ties, underwear and socks.
Candy is too fattening, crossword books we've more than 20.
We don't need trays or plates or cups, and knickknacks we have plenty.

We've no walls to hang more pictures; we have books we've not yet read;
So please take what you'd spend on us and help the poor instead!
Just send a Christmas card to us and tell us what you've done;
We'll open them on Christmas Eve, and read them one by one.

It won't cost as much for postage as a package sent would do,
You'll need no wrapping paper, ribbons, ink or glue.
And we'll thank God you listened to what we had to say,
So we could be the instruments to help someone this way.

-- Author Unknown

why Jesus is better than santa claus

WHY JESUS IS BETTER THAN SANTA CLAUS

Santa lives at the North Pole ...
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh ...
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year ...
JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies ...
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited ...
JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa ...
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap ...
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?" ...
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly ...
JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO ...
JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry" ...
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys ...
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but ...
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree ...
JESUS became our gift and died on a tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in CHRISTmas,
Jesus is still the reason for the season.

Yes, Jesus is better, he is even better than Santa Claus.

-- Author Unknown

the best gifts of the season

THE BEST GIFTS THIS SEASON:

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

-- Author Unknown

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

the greatest gift of all......

THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL

It's just a small, white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so. It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas---oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it overspending ... the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma---the gifts given in desperation because you couldn't think of anything else.

Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way. Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended; and shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church, mostly black. These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes.

As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler's ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford. Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And as each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn't acknowledge defeat.

Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, "I wish just one of them could have won," he said. "They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them." Mike loved kids --- all kids --- and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball and lacrosse. That's when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church.

On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years. For each Christmas, I followed the tradition --- one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters, to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on.

The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning and our children, ignoring their new toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents. As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure.

The story doesn't end there. You see, we lost Mike last year due to dreaded cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning, it was joined by three more. Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad.

The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation watching as their fathers take down the envelope. Mike's spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us.

May we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season, and the true Christmas spirit this year and always. God bless---pass this along to your friends and loved ones.

-- Author Unknown

who started christmas ????

WHO STARTED CHRISTMAS?

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

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

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

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

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

-- Author Unknown

Saturday, November 26, 2011

the Hand...

THE HAND

Thanksgiving Day was near. The first grade teacher gave her class a fun assignment -- to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful.

Most of the class might be considered economically disadvantaged, but still many would celebrate the holiday with turkey and other traditional goodies of the season. These, the teacher thought, would be the subjects of most of her student's art. And they were.

But Douglas made a different kind of picture. Douglas was a different kind of boy. He was the teacher's true child of misery, frail and unhappy. As other children played at recess, Douglas was likely to stand close by her side. One could only guess at the pain Douglas felt behind those sad eyes.

Yes, his picture was different. When asked to draw a picture of something for which he was thankful, he drew a hand. Nothing else. Just an empty hand.

His abstract image captured the imagination of his peers. Whose hand could it be? One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer, because farmers raise turkeys. Another suggested a police officer, because the police protect and care for people. Still others guessed it was the hand of God, for God feeds us. And so the discussion went -- until the teacher almost forgot the young artist himself.

When the children had gone on to other assignments, she paused at Douglas' desk, bent down, and asked him whose hand it was.

The little boy looked away and murmured, "It's yours, teacher."

She recalled the times she had taken his hand and walked with him here or there, as she had the other students. How often had she said, "Take my hand, Douglas, we'll go outside." Or, "Let me show you how to hold your pencil." Or, "Let's do this together." Douglas was most thankful for his teacher's hand.

Brushing aside a tear, she went on with her work.

The story speaks of more than thankfulness. It says something about teachers teaching and parents parenting and friends showing friendship, and how much it means to the Douglases of the world. They might not always say thanks. But they'll remember the hand that reaches out.

-- Author Unknown

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

thank you Lord...


THANK YOU, LORD

A newly arrived soul in Heaven was met by St. Peter. The saint toured the soul around Heaven. Both of them walked side by side inside a large workroom filled with angels.

St. Peter stopped in front of the first section and said, "This is the Receiving Section. Here, all the petitions to God said in prayer are received". The soul looked at the section, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets from all the people of the world.

They walked again until they reached the 2nd section, and St. Peter told the soul, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are packed and delivered to the persons who asked for them down on earth."

The soul saw how busy it was. There were so many angels working in that room, since so many blessing were being packed and delivered to Earth.

Finally at the farthest corner of the room, the soul stopped at the last section. To the surprise of the soul, only one angel stayed there idly, doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledging

Section," St. Peter told the soul. "How is it that, there is no work here?" "That's the sad thing," St. Peter answered. "After the people received the blessings they asked for, very few send their acknowledgments". "How does one acknowledge God's blessing?" "Simple," St. Peter answered. "Just say, "'Thank you, Lord'."

Thank you Lord, for giving me the chance to share this message with others and also, for giving me so many wonderful people to share this with. If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep .. you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace .. you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness . . you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death ..you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.

If your parents are still alive and still married .. you are very rare,.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful .. you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder .. you are blessed because you can offer healing touch.

If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that.. someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.

Have a good day, count your blessings, and pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are.

THANK YOU LORD!

-- Author Unknown

Sunday, November 20, 2011

tomorrow is not promise


TOMORROW IS NOT PROMISED

Sometimes people come into your life
and you know right away that they were meant to be there,
they serve some sort of purpose,
teach you a lesson
or help figure out who you are
and who you want to become.

You never know who these people may be:
your neighbor, child, long lost friend, lover, or even a complete stranger
who, when you lock eyes with them,
you know at that very moment that they will affect your life
in some profound way.

And sometimes things happen to you
and at the time they seem painful and unfair,
but in reflection you realize
that without overcoming those obstacles
you would have never realized
your potential strength, will power, or heart.

Everything happens for a reason.
Nothing happens by chance
or by means of good or bad luck.
Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity
all occur to test the limits of your soul.

Without these small tests,
whether they be events, illnesses or relationships,
life would be like a smoothly paved straight flat road to nowhere,
safe and comfortable,
but dull and utterly pointless.

The people you meet who affect your life
and the successes and downfalls you experience
create who you are,
and even the bad experiences can be learned from,
In fact, they are probably the poignant and important ones.

If someone hurts you, betrays you or breaks your heart,
forgive them,
for they have helped you learn about trust
and the importance of being cautious to
whom you open your heart...

If someone loves you,
love them back unconditionally,
not only because they love you,
but because they are teaching you to love
and opening your heart and eyes to things
you would have never seen or felt without them.

Make every day count.
Appreciate every moment
and take from it everything that you possibly can,
for you may never be able to experience it again...

Talk to people you have never talked to before,
and actually listen,
let yourself fall in love,
break free and set your sights high...

Hold your head up because you have every right too.
Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself...
for if you don't believe in yourself,
no one else will believe in you either.

Create your own life
and then go out and live in it!
"Live Each Day As If It Were Your Last...
Tomorrow is Not Promised"

-- Author Unknown

the Rose


THE ROSE

Red roses were her favorites,
Her name was also Rose,
And every year her husband sent them,
tied with pretty bows.

The year he died,
the roses were delivered to her door.
The card said, "Be my Valentine,"
like all the years before.

Each year he sent her roses,
and the note would always say,
"I love you even more this year,
than last year on this day.

My love for you will always grow,
with every passing year."
She knew this was the last time
that the roses would appear.

She thought, he ordered roses
in advance before this day.
Her loving husband did not know,
that he would pass away.

He always liked things early,
way before the time.
Then if he got too busy,
everything would work out fine.

She trimmed the stems,
and placed them in a very special vase.
Then, sat the vase
beside the portrait of his smiling face.

She would sit for hours,
in her husband's favorite chair.
While staring at his picture,
and the roses sitting there.

A year went by,
and it was hard to live without her mate.
With loneliness and solitude,
that had become her fate.

Then that very hour,
as on Valentine's before,
The doorbell rang, and there were roses,
sitting by her door.

She brought the roses in,
and just looked at them in shock.
Then, she went to get the telephone,
to call the florist shop.

The owner answered, and she asked him,
if he would explain,
Why would someone do this to her,
causing her such pain?

"I know your husband passed away,
more than a year ago,"
The owner said, "I knew you'd call,
and you would want to know.

The flowers you received today,
were paid for in advance,
your husband always planned ahead,
he left nothing to chance.

There is a standing order,
that I have on file down here,
as he has paid, well in advance,
you'll get them every year.
There is also another thing,
that I think you should know,

He wrote a special little card...he did this years ago,
Then should I find out that he's no longer here,
That's the card...that should be sent to you the following year."

She thanked him and hung up the phone,
her tears now flowing hard.
Her fingers shaking, as she slowly
reached to get the card.

Inside the card, she saw that he
had written her a note.
Then, as she stared in total silence,
this is what he wrote...

"Hello my love, I know
it's been a year since I've been gone,
I hope it hasn't been too hard
for you to overcome.

I know it must be lonely,
and the pain is very real.
Or if it was the other way,
I know how I would feel.

The love we shared made everything
so beautiful in life,
I loved you more than words can say,
you were the perfect wife.

You were my friend and lover,
you fulfilled my every need.
I know it's only been a year,
but please try not to grieve.

I want you to be happy,
even when you shed your tears.
That is why the roses
will be sent to you for years.

When you get these roses,
think of all the happiness,
that we had together,
and how both of us were blessed.

I have always loved you,
and you know I always will.
But my love, you must go on,
you have some living still.

Please... try to find happiness,
while living out your days.
I know it is not easy,
but I hope you find some ways.

The roses will come every year,
and they will only stop,
When your door's not answered,
when the florist stops to knock.

He will come five times that day,
in case you have gone out.
But after his last visit,
he will know without a doubt.

To take the roses to the place,
where I've instructed him.
And place them where we are,
together once again.

Sometimes in life, you find a special friend;
Someone who changes your life just by being part of it.
Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop;
Someone who makes you believe that there really is good in the world.
Someone who convinces you that there really is an unlocked door just waiting for you to open it.
This is forever friendship.

-- Author Unknown

Recipe for kindness

RECIPE FOR KINDNESS

Fold two hands together
And express a dash of sorrow
Marinate it overnight
And work on it tomorrow.

Chop one grudge in tiny pieces
Add several cups of love
Dredge with a large sized smile
Mix with the ingredients above.

Dissolve the hate within you,
By doing a good deed
Cut in and help your friend
If he should be in need.

Stir in laughter, love an kindness
From the heart it has to come,
Toss with genuine forgiveness
And give your neighbor some.

The amount of people served
Will depend on you,
It can serve the whole wide world,
If you really want it to.

-- Author Unknown

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Names.....

The name's used in the Bible often have not only spiritual
significance, they also are good descriptions of those people
as well. So today we will look at some of the name's that were
given to people probably by Divine design!

ANGEL meaning "messenger"
ADAM meaning "man or mankind"
EVE meaning "life"
ABRAHAM meaning "father of the multitude"
ISHMAEL meaning "God hears"
ISAAC meaning "laughter"
JOSEPH meaning "adding"
NOAH meaning "resting place"
MOSES meaning "drawn out of water"
JOSHUA meaning "Yahweh delivered"
SAMUEL meaning "God is exalted"
DAVID meaning "beloved"
SOLOMON has various meanings including
"God is peace" & "his replacement"
EZRA meaning "Yahweh helps"
ISAIAH meaning "Yahweh saves"
JEREMIAH meaning "may Yahweh lift up"
EZEKIEL meaning "God will strengthen"
DANIEL meaning "God's judge"
HOSEA meaning "salvation"
JOEL meaning "Yah is God"
JONAH meaning "dove"
MICAH meaning "Who is like Yahweh"
ZECHARIAH meaning "Yahweh remembered"
MALACHI meaning "my messenger or my angel"
PROPHET meaning "teacher"
JESUS CHRIST meaning "the Anointed One or Messiah" &
"Yahweh is salvation"
SATAN meaning "adversary"
MATTHEW meaning "the gift of Yahweh"
MARK no specific meaning
LUKE no specific meaning
JOHN meaning "Yahweh has been gracious"
PETER meaning "rock"
JUDAS no specific meaning
PONTIUS PILATE meaning "to fulfill or to accomplish"
PAUL no specific meaning
TIMOTHY meaning "honoring God"
REVELATION meaning "unveiling or uncovering"
and Last, but not least.
AMEN meaning "that's the truth!"

As you know these are just a few of the many name's
that are used in the Bible. Therefore I hope that you have found
this to be enlightening, and that it will help you to have a better
understanding of God's Holy Word!!

Children are a gift from God....

Jesus said, "Let the little children come
to me, and do not hinder them, for the
kingdom of heaven belongs to such as
these." ( Matthew 19:14 *NIV )


Children are a gift from God, and hold a very special place
in our hearts. And as any parent knows, out of the mouths of
babes come amazing things! So today we will take a look at
a message I received this week from one of our subscribers.

Now I hope that you will laugh as hard as I did when I first read
these, so let us begin.......

Kid's Bible Lessons:

A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of
the Good Samaritan, in which a man was beaten, robbed and
left for dead. She described the situation in vivid detail so her
students would catch the drama. Then, she asked the class,

"If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and
bleeding, what would you do?"

A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence,

"I think I'd throw up."

~**~**~**~**

STORY OF ELIJAH

The Sunday school teacher was carefully explaining the story
of Elijah the Prophet and the false prophets of Baal. She
explained how Elijah built the altar, put wood upon it, cut the
steer in pieces, and laid it upon the altar. And then, Elijah
commanded the people of God to fill four barrels of water and
pour it over the altar. He had them do this four times.

"Now," said the teacher, "can anyone in the class tell me why
the Lord would have Elijah pour water over the steer on the
altar?"

A little girl in the back of the room started waving her hand,
"I know, I know," she said, "to make the gravy!"

~**~**~**~**

LOT'S WIFE

A Sunday School teacher was describing how Lot's wife
looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little Johnny
interrupted, "My Mommy looked back once, while she was
DRIVING," he announced triumphantly, "and she turned into
a telephone pole!"

~**~**~**~**

DID NOAH FISH?

A Sunday school teacher asked, "Johnny, do you think
Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark?"

"No," replied Johnny. "How could he, with just two worms?"

~**~**~**~**

HIGHER POWER

A Sunday school teacher said to her children,
"We have been learning how powerful kings and queens were
in Bible times. But, there is a higher power. Can anybody tell
me what it is?"

One child blurted out, "Aces!"

~**~**~**~**

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Nine year old Joey, was asked by his mother what he had
learned in Sunday school.

"Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind
enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of
Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his engineers
build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely.
Then, he used his walkie-talkie to radio headquarters for
reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and
all the Israelites were saved."

"Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?" his
mother asked.

"Well, no, Mom. But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd
never believe it!"

~**~**~**~**

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class
memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible;
Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the verse.

Little Bobby was excited about the task. But, he just couldn't
remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get
past the first verse.

On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23
in front of the whole congregation, Bobby was so nervous.
When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and
said proudly,

"The Lord is my shepherd and that's all I need."

moments in life....

There are times in this life when one of these
9 statements apply to each one of us. So let them
now be reminders that Minister to us.....

"Moments in Life"

1. There are moments in life when you miss someone
so much that you just want to pick them from your
dreams and hug them for real! So cherish them while
they are with you.

2. When the door of happiness closes, another opens;
but often times we look so long at the closed door that
we don't see the one, which has been opened for us.

3. Don't go for looks; they can deceive. Don't go
for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who
makes you smile, because it takes only a smile to make
a dark day seem bright. Find the one that makes your
heart smile.

4. Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to
go; be what you want to be, because you have only one
life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.

5. May you have enough happiness to make you sweet,
enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep
you human and enough hope to make you happy.

6. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the
best of everything; they just make the most of everything
that comes along their way.

7. The brightest future will always be based on a
forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you
let go of your past failures and heartaches.

8. When you were born, you were crying and everyone
around you was smiling. So live your life so at the end,
you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you
is crying.

9. Don't count the years-count the memories.......Life
is not measured by the number of breaths we take; but
by the moments that take our breath away! Amen.

Parable of the pencil

PARABLE OF THE PENCIL

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box. There are 5 things you need to know, he told the pencil, before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil.

Three: You will be able to correct mistakes you will make.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what's inside.

And Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.

The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.

Now replacing the place of the pencil with you; always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems, but you'll need it to become a stronger person.

Three: You will be able to correct mistakes you might make or grow through them.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside.

And Five: On every surface you walk, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to serve God in everything.

By understanding and remembering, let us proceed with our life on this earth having a meaningful purpose in our heart and a relationship with God daily.

-- Author Unknown

A pillow and a blanket....

A PILLOW AND A BLANKET

A long time ago, a young, wealthy girl was getting ready for bed. She was saying her prayers when she heard a muffled crying coming through her window. A little frightened, she went over to the window and leaned out.

Another girl, who seemed to be about her age and homeless was standing in the alley by the rich girl's house. Her heart went out to the homeless girl, for it was the dead of winter, and the girl had no blanket, only old newspapers someone had thrown out.

The rich girl was suddenly struck with a brilliant idea. She called to the other girl and said, "You there, come to my front door, please."

The homeless girl was so startled she could only manage to nod.

As quick as her legs could take her, the young girl ran down the hall to her mothers closet, and picked out an old quilt and a beat up pillow. She had to walk slower down to the front door as to not trip over the quilt which was hanging down, but she made it eventually. Dropping both the articles, she opened the door. Standing there was the homeless girl, looking quite scared.

The rich girl smiled warmly and handed both articles to the other girl. Her smile grew wider as she watched the true amazement and happiness alight upon the other girl's face. She went to bed incredibly satisfied.

In mid-morning the next day a knock came to the door. The rich girl flew to the door hoping that it was the other little girl there. She opened the large door and looked outside. It was the other little girl. Her face looked happy, and she smiled. "I suppose you want these back."

The rich little girl opened her mouth to say that she could keep them when another idea popped into her head. "No, I want them back."

The homeless girl's face fell. This was obviously not the answer she had hoped for. She reluctantly laid down the beat up things, and turned to leave when the rich girl yelled, "Wait! Stay right there."

She turned in time to see the rich girl running up the stairs and down a long corridor. Deciding whatever the rich little girl was doing wasn't worth waiting for she started to turn around and walk away. As her foot hit the first step, she felt someone tap her on the shoulder, turning she saw the rich little girl, thrusting a new blanket and pillow at her. "Have these." she said quietly.

These were her own personal belonging made of silk and down feathers.

As the two grew older they didn't see each other much, but they were never far from each other's minds. One day, the Rich girl, who was now a Rich woman got a telephone call from someone. A lawyer, saying that she was requested to see him.

When she arrived at the office, he told her what had happened. Forty years ago, when she was nine years old, she had helped a little girl in need. That grew into a middle-class woman with a husband and two children. She had recently died and left something for her in her will. "Though," the lawyer said, "it's the most peculiar thing. She left you a pillow and a blanket."

-- Author Unknown

Big mud puddles and yellow dandelions...

BIG MUD PUDDLES AND YELLOW DANDELIONS

When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going
to take over my yard. My kids see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff
you can wish on.

When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty
person who probably wants money and I look away. My kids see someone smiling
at them and they smile back.

When I hear music I love, I know I can't carry a tune and don't have much
rhythm so I sit self-consciously and listen. My kids feel the beat and move
to it. They sing out the words. If they don't know them, they make up their
own.

When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up
my hair and pulling me back when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread
their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing.

When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that. My kids
say, "Hi God! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams
away tonight. Sorry, I don't want to go to Heaven yet. I would miss my Mommy
and Daddy."

When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty
carpets. My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross and
worms to play with.

I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to learn from? No wonder God loves
the little children!!

Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize
they were the big things.

I wish you BIG MUD PUDDLES and SUNNY YELLOW DANDELIONS

-- Author Unknown

Don't Look Back....

DON'T LOOK BACK

As you travel through life there are always those times
When decisions just have to be made,
When the choices are hard, and solutions seem scarce,
And the rain seems to soak your parade.

There are some situations where all you can do
Is simply let go and move on,
Gather your courage and choose a direction
That carries you toward a new dawn.

So pack up your troubles and take a step forward -
The process of change can be tough,
But think about all the excitement ahead
If you can be stalwart enough!

There might be adventures you never imagined
Just waiting around the next bend,
And wishes and dreams just about to come true
In ways you can't yet comprehend!

Perhaps you'll find friendships that spring from new things
As you challenge your status quo,
And learn there are so many options in life,
And so many ways you can grow!

Perhaps you'll go places you never expected
And see things that you've never seen,
Or travel to fabulous, faraway worlds
And wonderful spots in between!

Perhaps you'll find warmth and affection and caring
And somebody special who's there
To help you stay centered and listen with interest
To stories and feelings you share.

Perhaps you'll find comfort in knowing your friends
Are supportive of all that you do,
And believe that whatever decisions you make,
They'll be the right choices for you.

So keep putting one foot in front of the other,
And taking your life day by day...
There's a brighter tomorrow that's just down the road -
Don't look back! You're not going that way!

-- Author Unknown

Thursday, November 10, 2011

time and being too busy

We often fall into the trap of being so busy that we
become caught up in this World of ours today.  We even
seem to forget that we are only on this Earth for a short
time.  It is written,  What is your life? You are
a mist that appears for a little while and then
vanishes.                               ( James 4:14 )
   Therefore our Savior Jesus Christ asked us; What good
will it be for a man if he gains the whole world,
yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in
exchange for his soul?  So, always
remember to keep God number one in your heart and
mind, for after all Eternity is a very, very, long time indeed.
   Now as I was composing this message I received the
poem below from a dear friend.  It seems perfect to end this
message with that poem, for it is a reminder to us all.
                I knelt to pray but not for long,
                I had too much to do.
                I had to hurry and get to work
                For bills would soon be due.
                So I knelt and said a hurried prayer,
                And jumped up off my knees.
                My Christian duty was now done
                My soul could rest at ease.
                All day long I had no time
                To spread a word of cheer.
                No time to speak of Christ to friends,
                They'd laugh at me I'd fear.
                No time, no time, too much to do,
                That was my constant cry,
                No time to give to souls in need
                But at last the time, the time to die.
                I went before the Lord,
                I came, I stood with downcast eyes.
                For in his hands God held a book;
                It was the book of life.
                God looked into his book and said
                "Your name I cannot find.
                I once was going to write it down...
                But never found the time"
                                                 Author Unknown
   Something to think about indeed, would you not say?  Now
have a great day and remember that God smiles everytime
He thinks about you.     Amen.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011