why God gave us friends??

WHY GOD GAVE US FRIENDS

GOD knew that everyone needs

companionship and cheer,

He knew that people need someone

whose thoughts are always near.

He knew they need someone kind

to lend a helping hand.

Someone to gladly take the time

to care and understand.

GOD knew that we all need someone

to share each happy day,

to be a source of courage

when troubles come our way.

Someone to be true to us,

whether near or far apart.

Someone whose love we'll always

hold and treasure in our hearts.

That's Why GOD Gave Us Friends

-- Author Unknown

who stared 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

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

the blessing of thorns

THE BLESSING OF THORNS

 

Sandra felt as low as the heels of her shoes as she pushed against a November gust and the florist shop door.

 

Her life had been easy, like a spring breeze. Then in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a minor automobile accident stole that from her.

 

During this Thanksgiving week she would have delivered a son. She grieved over her loss. As if that weren't enough, her husband's company threatened a transfer. Then her sister, whose holiday visit she coveted, called saying she could not come for the holiday.

 

Then Sandra's friend infuriated her by suggesting her grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer.  She has no idea what I'm feeling, thought Sandra with a shudder.

 

Thanksgiving? Thankful for what? She wondered. For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life but took that of her child?

 

"Good afternoon, can I help you?" The shop clerk's approach startled her.

 

"I....I need an arrangement," stammered Sandra.

 

"For Thanksgiving? Do you want beautiful but ordinary, or would you like to challenge the day with a customer favorite I call the Thanksgiving "Special?" asked the shop clerk. "I'm convinced that flowers tell stories," she continued. "Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this thanksgiving?"

 

"Not exactly!" Sandra blurted out. "In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong."

 

Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the shop clerk said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you."

 

Just then the shop door's small bell rang, and the shop clerk said, "Hi, Barbara...let me get your order." She politely excused herself and walked toward a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and long-stemmed thorny roses. Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped: there were no flowers.

 

"Want this in a box?" asked the clerk.

 

Sandra watched for the customer's response. Was this a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers! She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed.

 

"Yes, please," Barbara, replied with an appreciative smile. "You'd think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn't be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again," she said as she gently tapped her chest. And she left with her order.

 

"Uh," stammered Sandra, "that lady just left with, uh....she just left with no flowers!

 

"Right, said the clerk, "I cut off the flowers. That's the Special. I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet."

 

"Oh, come on, you can't tell me someone is willing to pay for that!" exclaimed Sandra.

 

"Barbara came into the shop three years ago feeling much like you feel today," explained the clerk. "She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had lost her father to cancer, the family business was failing, her son was into drugs, and she was facing major surgery."

 

"That same year I had lost my husband," continued the clerk, "and for the first time in my life, had just spent the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too great a debt to allow any travel."

 

"So what did you do?" asked Sandra.

 

"I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I've always thanked God for the good things in my life and never questioned the good things that happened to me, but when bad stuff hit, did I ever ask questions! It took time for me to learn that dark times are important. I have always enjoyed the 'flowers' of life, but it took thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort. You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others."

 

Sandra sucked in her breath as she thought about the very thing her friend had tried to tell her. "I guess the truth is I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God."

 

Just then someone else walked in the shop. "Hey, Phil!" shouted the clerk to the balding, rotund man.

 

"My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving Special....12 thorny, long-stemmed stems!" laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue-wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator.

 

"Those are for your wife?" asked Sandra incredulously. "Do you mind me asking why she wants something that looks like that?"

 

"No...I'm glad you asked," Phil replied. "Four years ago my wife and I nearly divorced. After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord's grace and guidance, we slogged through problem after problem. He rescued our marriage. Jenny here (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she learned from "thorny" times, and that was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific "problem" and give thanks for what that problem taught us."

 

As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, "I highly recommend the Special!"

 

"I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life." Sandra said. "It's all too...fresh."

 

"Well," the clerk replied carefully, "my experience has shown me that thorns make roses more precious. We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember, it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don't resent the thorns."

 

Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on resentment. "I'll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out.

 

"I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in a minute."

 

"Thank you. What do I owe you?"

 

"Nothing. Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year's arrangement is always on me." The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first."

 

It read: "My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant."

 

Praise Him for your roses; thank him for your thorns!

 

-- Nancy Leigh DeMoss

the cab ride.............

THE CAB RIDE

Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. It was a cowboy's life, a life for someone who wanted no boss. What I didn't realize was that it was also a ministry. Because I drove the night shift, my cab became a moving confessional. Passengers climbed in, sat behind me in total anonymity, and told me about their lives. I encountered people whose lives amazed me, ennobled me, made me laugh and weep. But none touched me more than a woman I picked up late one August night.

I responded to a call from a small brick fourplex in a quiet part of town. I assumed I was being sent to pick up some partiers, or someone who had just had a fight with a lover, or a worker heading to an early shift at some factory in the industrial part of town. When I arrived at 2:30 a.m., the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window.

Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, then drive away. But I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needed my assistance, I reasoned to myself. So I walked to the door and knocked.

"Just a minute," answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knick-knacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

"Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said.

I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness.

"It's nothing," I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated."

"Oh, you're such a good boy," she said.

When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, then asked, "Could you drive through downtown?"

"It's not the shortest way," I answered quickly.

"Oh, I don't mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice".

I looked in the rearview mirror. Her eyes were glistening.

"I don't have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I don't have very long."

I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

"What route would you like me to take?" I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, "I'm tired. Let's go now."

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

"How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse.

"Nothing," I said.

"You have to make a living," she answered.

"There are other passengers," I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.

"You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said. "Thank you."

I squeezed her hand, then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly, lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don't think that I have done very many more important things in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware - beautifully wrapped in what others may consider small ones.

-- Author Unknown

unemployment by abbott and costello from uncle charley

OKAY....LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT
                 

COSTELLO:   Hey….Abbott! How many folks don’t have jobs now?

ABBOTT:   Good question. Terrible times. It's 8%.

COSTELLO:   That many people are out of work?

ABBOTT:   No, that's 16%.

COSTELLO:   You just said 8%.

ABBOTT:   8% Unemployed.

COSTELLO:   Right 8% out of work.

ABBOTT:   No, that's 16%.

COSTELLO:   Okay, so it's 16% unemployed.

ABBOTT:   No, that's 8% .

COSTELLO:   WAIT A MINUTE! Is it 8% or 16%?

ABBOTT:   8% are unemployed. 16% are out of work.

COSTELLO:   IF you are out of work....you are unemployed? 

ABBOTT:   No, you can't count the "Out of Work" as the unemployed. You have to look for work to be unemployed.

COSTELLO:   BUT THEY ARE OUT OF WORK!!!

ABBOTT:   No, you miss my point.

COSTELLO:   What point?

ABBOTT:   Someone who doesn't look for work, can't be counted with those who look for work. It wouldn't be fair.

COSTELLO:   To whom?

ABBOTT:   The unemployed.

COSTELLO:   But they are ALL out of work! 

ABBOTT:   No, the unemployed are actively looking for work. Those who are out of work stopped looking. They gave up. And, if you give up, you are no longer in the ranks of the unemployed.

COSTELLO:   So if you're off the unemployment roles, that would count as less unemployment?

ABBOTT:   Unemployment would go down. Absolutely!

COSTELLO:   The unemployment just goes down because you don't look for work?

ABBOTT:   Absolutely it goes down. That's how you get to 8%. Otherwise it would be 16%. You don't want to read about 16% unemployment, do ya?

COSTELLO:   Crap no! 

ABBOTT:   Absolutely.

COSTELLO:   Wait....I got a question for you. That means there are two ways to bring down the unemployment number?

ABBOTT:   Two ways is correct.

COSTELLO:   Unemployment can go down if someone gets a job?

ABBOTT:   Correct.

COSTELLO:   And unemployment can also go down if you stop looking for a job?

ABBOTT:   Bingo! 

COSTELLO:   So there are two ways to bring unemployment down, and the easier of the two is to just stop looking for work.

ABBOTT:   Now you're thinking like a Washington economist.

COSTELLO:   I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT I JUST SAID!!!!!

ABBOTT:   Now you're thinking like a politician.

I asked God.......

I ASKED GOD



I asked for a flower,



He gave me a garden.



I asked for a tree,



He gave me a forest.



I asked for a river,



He gave me an ocean.



I asked for a friend,



He gave me "YOU."

footprints...new version

FOOTPRINTS...A New Version



Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road together. For much of the way, the Lord's footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace.



But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures, and returns.



For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line with the Lord's, soon paralleling His consistently.



You and Jesus are walking as true friends!



This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens: Your footprints that once etched the sand next to Jesus' are now walking precisely in His steps.



Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones, you and Jesus are becoming one.



This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change. The footprints inside the large footprints seem to grow larger.



Eventually they disappear altogether. There is only one set of footprints. They have become one.



This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back. This time it seems even worse! Zigzags all over the place. Stops. Starts. Gashes in the sand. A variable mess of prints.



You are amazed and shocked.



Your dream ends. Now you pray:



"Lord, I understand the first scene, with zigzags and fits. I was a new Christian; I was just learning. But You walked on through the storm and helped me learn to walk with You."



"That is correct."



"And when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually learning to walk in Your steps, following You very closely."



"Very good.. You have understood everything so far."



When the smaller footprints grew and filled in Yours, I suppose that I was becoming like You in every way."



"Precisely."



"So, Lord, was there a regression or something? The footprints separated, and this time it was worse than at first."



There is a pause as the Lord answers, with a smile in His voice.



"You didn't know? It was then that we danced!"



To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance.



Ecclesiastes 3:1,4.



Spread the Word and give thanks to the Lord for He is good!



It's not WHAT you have in your life, but Whom you have in your life that counts... Think about that.

true story---who's packing your parachute...

Charles Plumb was a US Navy jet pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions,

his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and

parachuted into enemy hands. He was captured and spent 6 years in a

communist Vietnamese prison. He survived the ordeal and now lectures on

lessons learned from that experience!



One day, when Plumb and his wife were sitting in a restaurant, a man at

another table came up and said, "You're Plumb! You flew jet fighters in

Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!"



"How in the world did you know that?" asked Plumb.



"I packed your parachute," the man replied. Plumb gasped in surprise and

gratitude. The man pumped his hand and said, "I guess it worked!" Plumb

assured him, "It sure did. If your chute hadn't worked, I wouldn't be here

today."



Plumb couldn't sleep that night, thinking about that man. Plumb says, I kept

wondering what he had looked like in a Navy uniform: a white hat; a bib in

the back; and bell-bottom trousers. I wonder how many times I might have

seen him and not even said 'Good morning, how are you?' or anything because,

you see, I was a fighter pilot and he was just a sailor." Plumb thought of

the many hours the sailor had spent at a long wooden table in the bowels of

the ship, carefully weaving the shrouds and folding the silks of each chute,

holding in his hands each time the fate of someone he didn't know.



Now, Plumb asks his audience, "Who's packing your parachute?" Everyone has

someone who provides what they need to make it through the day. He also

points out that he needed many kinds of parachutes when his plane was shot

down over enemy territory -- he needed his physical parachute, his mental

parachute, his emotional parachute, and his spiritual parachute. He called

on all these supports before reaching safety.



Sometimes in the daily challenges that life gives us, we miss what is really

important. We may fail to say hello, please, or thank you, congratulate

someone on something wonderful that has happened to them, give a compliment,

or just do some thing nice for no reason. As you go through this week, this

month, this year, recognize people who pack your parachutes.



I am sending you this as my way of thanking you for your part in packing my

parachute. And I hope you will send it on to those who have helped pack

yours!



Sometimes, we wonder why friends keep forwarding jokes to us without writing

a word. Maybe this could explain it: When you are very busy, but still want

to keep in touch, guess what you do -- you forward jokes. And to let you

know that you are still remembered, you are still important, you are still

loved, you are still cared for, guess what you get? A forwarded joke.



So my friend, next time when you get a joke, don't think that you've been

sent just another forwarded joke, but that you've been thought of today and

your friend on the other end of your computer wanted to send you a smile,

just helping you pack your parachute.....

Pappy...........

PAPPY

 

Pappy was a pleasant-looking old fellow. He had the whitest hair which he kept neatly cut and combed. His eyes were blue, though faded with age, and they seemed to emit a warmth from within. His face was quite drawn, but when he smiled, even his wrinkles seemed to soften and smile with him. He had a talent for whistling and did so happily each day as he dusted and swept his pawnshop; even so, he had a secret sadness, but everyone who knew him respected and adored him.

 

Most of Pappy's customers returned for their goods, and he did not do much business, but he did not mind. To him, the shop was not a livelihood as much as a welcome pastime.

 

There was a room in the back of his shop where he spent time tinkering with a menagerie of his own precious items. He referred to this back room as "memory hall." In it were pocket watches, clocks, and electric trains. There were miniature steam engines and antique toys made of wood, tin, or cast iron, and there were various other obsolete trinkets as well.

 

Spending time in memory hall delighted him as he recalled many treasured moments from his past. He handled each item with care, and sometimes he would close his eyes and pause to relive a sweet, simple childhood memory.

 

One day, Pappy was working to his heart's content reassembling an old railroad lantern.  As he worked, he whistled the melody of a railroad tune and reminisced about his own past as a switchman. It was a typical day at the shop. Outside, the sun illuminated the clear sky, and a slight wind passed through the door.  Whenever the weather was this nice, Pappy kept the inner door open. He enjoyed the fresh air—almost as much as the distinctive smell of antiques and old engine oil.

 

As he was polishing his newly restored lantern, he heard the tinkling of his bell on the shop door.  The bell, which produced a uniquely charming resound, had been in Pappy's family for over a hundred years. He cherished it dearly and enjoyed sharing its song with all who came to his shop. Although the bell hung on the inside of the main door, Pappy had strung a wire to the screen door so that it would ring whether the inner door was open or not. Prompted by the bell, he left memory hall to greet his customer.

 

At first, he did not see her. Her shiny, soft curls barely topped the counter.

 

"And how can I help you, little lady?" Pappy's voice was jovial.

 

"Hello, sir." The little girl spoke almost in a whisper. She was dainty. Bashful. Innocent.  She looked at Pappy with her big brown eyes, then slowly scanned the room in search of something special.  Shyly she told him, "I'd like to buy a present, sir."

 

"Well, let's see," Pappy said, "who is this present for?"

 

"My grandpa. It's for my grandpa. But I don't know what to get."

 

Pappy began to make suggestions. "How about a pocket watch? It's in good condition. I fixed it myself," he said proudly.

 

The little girl didn't answer. She had walked to the doorway and put her small hand on the door.  She wiggled the door gently to ring the bell.  Pappy's face seemed to glow as he saw her smiling with excitement.

 

"This is just right," the little girl bubbled.  "Momma says grandpa loves music."

 

Just then, Pappy's expression changed. Fearful of breaking the little girl's heart, he told her, "I'm sorry, missy. That's not for sale. Maybe your grandpa would like this little radio."

 

The little girl looked at the radio, lowered her head, and sadly sighed, "No, I don't think so."

 

In an effort to help her understand, Pappy told her the story of how the bell had been in his family for so many years, and that was why he didn't want to sell it.

 

The little girl looked up at him, and with a giant tear in her eye, sweetly said, "I guess I understand. Thank you, anyway."

 

Suddenly, Pappy thought of how the rest of the family was all gone now, except for his estranged daughter whom he had not seen in nearly a decade.

 

Why not, he thought. Why not pass it on to someone who will share it with a loved one?  God only knows where it will end up anyway.

 

"Wait...little lady." Pappy spoke just as the little girl was going out the door--just as he was hearing his bell ring for the last time.  "I've decided to sell the bell. Here's a hanky.  Blow your nose."

 

The little girl began to clap her hands. "Oh, thank you, sir. Grandpa will be so happy."

 

"Okay, little lady. Okay." Pappy felt good about helping the child; he knew, however, he would miss the bell. "You must promise to take good care of the bell for your grandpa--and for me, too, okay?" He carefully placed the bell in a brown paper bag.

 

"Oh, I promise," said the little girl. Then, she suddenly became very still and quiet. There was something she had forgotten to ask.  She looked up at Pappy with great concern, and again almost in a whisper, asked, "How much will it cost?"

 

"Well, let's see. How much have you got to spend?" Pappy asked with a grin.

 

The child pulled a small coin purse from her pocket then reached up and emptied two dollars and forty-seven cents onto the counter.

 

After briefly questioning his own sanity, Pappy said, "Little lady, this is your lucky day. That bell costs exactly two dollars and forty-seven cents."

 

Later that evening as Pappy prepared to close up shop, he found himself thinking about his bell.  Already he had decided not to put up another one.  He thought about the child and wondered if her grandpa like his gift. Surely he would cherish anything from such a precious grandchild.

 

At that moment, just as he was going to turn off the light in memory hall, Pappy thought he heard his bell. Again, he questioned his sanity; he turned toward the door, and there stood the little girl.  She was ringing the bell and smiling sweetly.

 

Pappy was puzzled as he strolled toward the small child. "What's this, little lady? Have you changed your mind?"

 

"No," she grinned. "Momma says it's for you."

 

Before Pappy had time to say another word, the child's mother stepped into the doorway, and choking back a tear, she gently said, "Hello, Dad."

 

The little girl tugged on her grandpa's shirttail.  "Here, Grandpa. Here's your hanky. Blow your nose."

 

-- Author Unknown

pride....

PRIDE

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.

i cheat you out of your God-given destiny....

because you demand your own way.

i cheat you out of contentment.....

because you "deserve better than this."

i cheat you out of knowledge......because you already know it all.

i cheat you out of healing.....because you're too full of me to forgive.

i cheat you out of holiness.....

because you refuse to admit when you are wrong.

i cheat you out of vision.....

because you'd rather look in the mirror than out the window.

i cheat you out of genuine friendship.....

because no one is going to know the real you.

i cheat you out of love.....

because romance demands sacrafice.

i cheat you out of greatness in heaven.......

because you refuse to wash another's feet on earth.

i cheat you out of God's glory......

because i convince you to seek your own.

my name is pride. i am a cheater.

you like me because you think i am always looking out for you.

not true.

i'm looking to make a fool of you.

God has so much for you, i admit, but don't worry.....

if you stick with me you will NEVER know.

Remember......

REMEMBER

 

* Remember that your presence is a present to the world.
* Remember that you are a unique and unrepeatable creation.
* Remember that your life can be what you want it to be.
* Remember to take the days just one at a time.
* Remember to count your blessings, not your troubles.
* Remember that you'll make it through whatever comes along.
* Remember that most of the answers you need are within you.
* Remember those dreams waiting to be realized.
* Remember that decisions are too important to leave to chance.
* Remember to always reach for the best that is within you.
* Remember that nothing wastes more energy than worry
* Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
* Remember that the longer you carry a grudge, the heavier it gets.
* Remember not to take things too seriously.
* Remember to laugh.
* Remember that a little love goes a long way.
* Remember that a lot goes forever.
* Remember that happiness is more often found in giving than getting.
* Remember that life's treasures are people, not things.

 

May God bless your day with peace, joy and love.

 

-- Author Unknown

John 3:16.............

JOHN 3:16

 

In the city of Chicago, one cold, dark night, a blizzard was setting in. A little boy was selling newspapers on the corner, the people were in and out of the cold.  The little boy was so cold that he wasn't trying to sell many papers.  He walked up to a policeman and said, "Mister, you wouldn't happen to know where a poor boy could find a warm place to sleep tonight would you? You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and down the alley and it's awful cold in there, of a night. Sure would be nice to have a warm place to stay."

 

The policeman looked down at the little boy and said, "You go down the street to that big white house and you knock on the door.  When they come out the door you just say John 3:16 and they will let you in."

 

So he did, he walked up the steps to the door, and knocked on the door and a lady answered.  He looked up and said, "John 3:16."

 

The lady said "Come on in, Son." She took him in and she sat him down in a split bottom rocker in front of a great big old fireplace and she went off. 

 

He sat there for a while, and thought to himself "John 3:16.... I don't understand it, but it sure makes a cold boy warm." 

 

Later she came back and asked him "Are you hungry?" 

 

He said, "Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of days and I guess I could stand a little bit of food." The lady took him in the kitchen and sat him down to a table full of wonderful food.  He ate and ate until he couldn't eat any more.  Then he thought to himself "John 3:16... Boy, I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a hungry boy full."

 

She took him upstairs to a bathroom to a huge bathtub filled with warm water and he sat there and soaked for a while. As he soaked, he thought to himself, "John 3:16... I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a dirty boy clean.  You know, I've not had a bath, a real bath, in my whole life. The only bath I ever had was when I stood in front of that big old fire hydrant as they flushed it out."

 

The lady came in and got him, and took him to a room and tucked him into a big old feather bed and pulled the covers up around his neck and kissed him goodnight and turned out the lights.  As he laid in the darkness and looked out the window at the snow coming down on that cold night he thought to himself, "John 3:16... I don't understand it, but it sure makes a tired boy rested."

 

The next morning she came back up and took him down again to that same big table full of food. After he ate she took him back to that same big old split bottom rocker in front of the fireplace and she took a big old Bible and sat down in front of him and she looked up at and she asked "Do you understand John 3:16?"

 

He said, "No, Ma'am, I don't.  The first time I ever heard it was last night when the policeman told me to use it."

 

She opened her Bible to John 3:16 , and she began to explain to him about Jesus.  Right there in front of that big old fireplace he gave his heart and life to Jesus. He sat there and thought, "John 3:16. I don't understand it, but it but it sure makes a lost boy feel safe."

 

You know, I have to confess I don't understand it either, how God would be willing to send His Son to die for me, and how Jesus would agree to do such a thing.  I don't understand it either, but it sure does make Life worth living.

 

John 3:16 - 18
16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

 

-- Author Unknown

the GuidingLight

Guiding Light

While out on the SEA OF LIFE, One very dark and stormy day, I started drifting far from shore, I had lost my way. I heard voices calling out to me, Because they knew that I was lost, But I wanted to go on my own way, Not taking time to count the cost.
I heard one voice say, "Here, catch this lifeline and I'll pull you in." But I thought I knew what was best, So I continued in my sin.
The farther I drifted, The lonelier and colder I became, It was then I asked, The LORD, "Do you know where I am ?" "Can you hear me calling out your name?"
I said "LORD", I'm so scared and lonely, I can't stay out here alone, Please send to me your Guiding Light, So I can find my way back home."
~~~by Brenda Mathews~~~

Jesus in the house.....

JESUS IN THE HOUSE

 

One day he decided to invite the Lord to come home and stay with him. When the Lord arrived, this young man offered him the very best room in the house.  The room was upstairs and at the end of the hall.  "This room is yours, Jesus! Stay as long as you like and you can do whatever you want to in this room, remember Jesus, its all yours."

 

That evening after he had retired for the night there came a loud knocking at the front door. The young man pulled on his robe and made his way downstairs. When he opened the door he found that the devil had sent three of his demons to attack the man. He quickly tried to close the door but one of the demons kept sticking his foot in.

 

Sometime later, after a great struggle, he managed to slam the door shut and returned to his room totally exhausted.

 

Can you believe that," the man thought. Jesus is upstairs in my very best room sleeping while I am down here battling demons. Oh, well, maybe he just didn't hear. He slept fitfully that night. The next day thing went along as normal and, being tired as he was, the young man retired early that evening. Along about midnight, there came such a terrible ruckus at the front door that the young man was sure that whatever it was would tear the door down. He stumbled down the stairs once again and opened the door to find that were dozens of demons now trying to get into his beautiful home.

 

For more than three hours he fought and struggled against the demons from hell, and finally overtook them enough to shut the door against their attack.  All energy seemed to fail him. He really didn't understand this at all.  Why won't the Lord come to my rescue? Why does he allow me to fight all by myself? I feel so alone. Troubled, he found his way to the sofa and fell into a restless sleep.

 

The next morning he decided to inquire of the Lord about the happenings of the last two evenings.  Quietly he made his way to the elegant bedroom where he had left Jesus.  "Jesus," he called as he tapped at the door. "Lord, I don't understand what is happening. For the last two nights I have had to fight the demons away from my door while you laid up here sleeping.  Don't you care about me?  Did I not give you the very best room in the house?"

 

He could see the tears building in Jesus' eyes but continued on, "I just don't understand, I really thought that once I invited you in to live with me that you would take care of me and I gave you the best room in my house and everything. What more can I do?"

 

"My precious child," Jesus spoke so softly. "I do love and care for you.  I protect all that you have released into my care. But, when you invited me to come here and stay, you brought me to this lovely room and you shut the door to the rest of your house. I am Lord of this room but I am not Master of this house.

 

I have protected this room and no demon may enter here."

 

"Oh, Lord, please forgive me. Take all of my house -- it is yours. I am so sorry that I never offered you all to begin with. I want you to have control of everything."  With this he flung open the bedroom door and knelt at Jesus' feet. "Please forgive me Lord for being so selfish."

 

Jesus smiled and told him that He had already forgiven him and that He would take care of things from now on. That night as the young man prepared for bed he thought, I wonder if those demons will return, I am so tired of fighting them each and every night. But, he knew that Jesus said that he would take care of things from now on.

 

Along about midnight the banging on the door was frightening. The young man slipped out of his room in time to see Jesus going down the stairs.  He watched in awe as Jesus swung open the door, no need to be afraid.

 

Satan stood at the door, this time demanding to be let in. "What do you want, satan?" the Lord asked. The devil bowed low in the presence of the Lord, "So sorry, I seem to have gotten the wrong address." And with that, he and the demons all ran away.

 

There is a moral to this tale. Jesus wants all of you, not just a part. He will take all that you give Him, but nothing more. How much of your heart have you given to the Lord? Are you keeping a portion of it away from Him?

 

Perhaps the attacks are coming more and more each day. Why not let the Lord fight the battles for you? He is always victorious. I have found that God made man simple, all of man's complexities are of his own devising.

 

-- Author Unknown

Rose......

ROSE

The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us
to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around
when a gentle hand touched my shoulder.

I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a
smile that lit up her entire being. She said, "Hi handsome. My name is Rose.
I'm eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?"

I laughed and enthusiastically responded, "Of course you may!" and she gave
me a giant squeeze." Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?"
I asked.

She jokingly replied, "I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, have a
couple of children, and then retire and travel."

"No seriously," I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be
taking on this challenge at her age. "I always dreamed of having a college
education and now I'm getting one!" she told me. After class we walked to
the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake. We became
instant friends.

Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk
nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this "time machine" as she
shared her wisdom and experience with me. Over the course of the year, Rose
became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She
loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from
the other students. She was living it up.

At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet.
I'll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to
the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her
three by five cards on the floor. Frustrated and a little embarrassed she
leaned into the microphone and simply said "I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave
up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'll never get my speech
back in order so let me just tell you what I know."

As we laughed she cleared her throat and began: "We do not stop playing
because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four
secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success.

"You have to laugh and find humor every day."

"You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so
many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it!"

"There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are
nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one
productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years
old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn
eighty-eight. Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or
ability.

The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity in change."

"Have no regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did,
but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are
those with regrets."

She concluded her speech by courageously singing "The Rose." She challenged
each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives.

At the years end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those
years ago. One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep. Over
two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the
wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you
can possibly be.

-- Author Unknown


The Rose
Artist: Bette Midler
Words & Lyrics by: Amanda McBroom

Some say love it is a river
That drowns the tender reed
Some say love it is a razor
that leaves your soul to bleed
some say love it is a hunger
an end less aching need
I say love it is a flower
and you it's only seed
It's the heart afraid of breaking
that never learns to dance
It's the dream afraid of waking
that never takes the chance
It's the one who won't be taken
who cannot seem to give
and the soul afraid of dyin'
that never learns to live
When the night has been too lonely
and the road has been too long
and you think that love is only
for the lucky and the strong
just remember in the winter
far beneath the bitter snows
lies the seed that with the sun's love
in the spring becomes the rose

changes.....

"All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another."

- Anatole France

remember the duck....

REMEMBER THE DUCK

 

There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with, out in the woods.  He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back to dinner.

 

As he was walking back, he saw Grandma's pet duck.  Just out of impulse, he let fly, hit the duck square in the head, and killed it. He was shocked and grieved.  In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile, only to see his sister watching. Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.

 

After lunch that day grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes." 

 

But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen today, didn't you Johnny?"  And then she whispered to him, "Remember, the duck?"  So Johnny did the dishes.

 

Later Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing, and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper."

 

But Sally smiled and said, "Well, that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help." And she whispered again, "Remember, the duck?" So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed.

 

After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's, he finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he killed the duck. She knelt down, gave him a hug, and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. But because I love you, I forgave you. But I was just wondering how long would you let Sally make a slave of you."

 

I don't know what's in your past. I don't know what one sin the enemy keeps throwing up in your face. But whatever it is, I want you to know something.  Jesus Christ was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing. But because He loves you, He is ready to forgive you. Perhaps He's wondering how long you'll let the enemy make a slave out of you.  The great thing about God is that He not only forgives, but He forgets.

 

-- Author Unknown

the old man and the sea...

THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA

After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the church's pastor once
again slowly stood up, walked over to the pulpit, and gave a very brief
introduction of his childhood friend. With that, an elderly man stepped up
to the pulpit to speak, "A father, his son, and a friend of his son were
sailing off the Pacific Coast," he began, "when a fast approaching storm
blocked any attempt to get back to shore. The waves were so high, that even
though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat
upright, and the three were swept into the ocean."

The old man hesitated for a moment, making eye contact with two teenagers
who were, for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat
interested in his story. He continued, "Grabbing a rescue line, the father
had to make the most excruciating decision of his life....to which boy he
would throw the other end of the line. He only had seconds to make the
decision.

The father knew that his son was a Christian, and he also knew that his
son's friend was not. The agony of his decision could not be matched by the
torrent of waves. As the father yelled out, 'I love you, son!' he threw
the line to his son's friend. By the time he pulled the friend back to the
capsized boat, his son had disappeared beyond the raging swells into the
black of night. His body was never recovered."

By this time, the two teenagers were sitting straighter in the pew, waiting
for the next words to come out of the old man's mouth. "The father," he
continued, "knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus, and he could
not bear the thought of his son's friend stepping into an eternity without
Jesus. Therefore, he sacrificed his son. How great is the love of God that
He should do the same for us." With that, the old man turned and sat back
down in his chair as silence filled the room.

Within minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old
man's side. "That was a nice story," politely started one of the boys, "but
I don't think it was very realistic for a father to give up his son's life
in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian."

"Well, you've got a point there," the old man replied, glancing down at his
worn Bible. A big smile broadened his narrow face, and he once again looked
up at the boys and said, "It sure isn't very realistic, is it? But I'm
standing here today to tell you that THAT story gives me a glimpse of what
it must have been like for God to give up His Son for me."

"You see....I was that father, and your pastor was my son's friend."

-- Author Unknown

to my contacts at multiply and anyone who psses by

I am now at http://blogster.com under pilgrims lodge

http://www.blogster.com/pilgrimslodge

they have a group there also like the old yahoo 360 refugees

http://groups.blogster.com/multiply-refugees

Cadillac ; South Haven ; Holland St. Pk. big Red ; Sunsets Cadillac

Link

awesome resume

AWESOME RESUME

To Whom It May Concern:

I heard you were considering a new manager in your life. I would like to apply for the job. I believe I am the qualified candidate. I created the heavens and the earth. I AM. I am the only one that has ever done this job successfully. I was the first manager of human beings. In fact, I made them. So, naturally, I know how humanity works, and what is best to get people back into proper working condition. It will be like having the manufacturer as your personal mechanic. If this is your first time considering Me, I would like to point out that the blood of My Son, Jesus, on the cross of Calvary has already paid my salary. What I need from you is the acknowledgment that the price is sufficient to pay for all of your sins and your independence from Me. I need you to believe this in your heart and to tell somebody else about your decision with your mouth. The next thing I ask is the right to change and fix your life, so you can learn how to stay close to Me. I will make some major changes and revisions. They are not for you to worry about.

I need your permission to execute these changes:
* My way and in My time.
* I will change your desires and give you the strength to make the changes.
* Please keep YOUR hands out of the way. I won't require assistance.

Don't try to help me and don't resist me. I really do need your full commitment and cooperation. If you give me those, the process can go smoothly, without delays.

My resume is included below.

Sincerely Yours,
~God~

* RESUME *
NAME: GOD
ADDRESS: Everywhere (Omnipresent)
PHONE: 1(800) 4U2 - PRAY

EXPERIENCE:
* From the beginning of time. Before the beginning of time.
* From everlasting to everlasting. I made time.

ABILITY:
* All Powerful! (Omnipotent)

PRIOR EMPLOYMENT:
* Created the universe, put the Galaxies in place, formed man.
* Established Heaven and earth by My spoken Word and am currently holding the world and universe together by My sole power.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
* I AM - I AM all Knowledge
* I AM Truth
* I AM Light
* I AM Understanding
* I AM Life
* I AM Love
* I AM The Way - I Am the Good Shepherd - I and the Father 'AM' One, "Omniscient"

CHARACTER REFERENCE:
Love, light and life (1 John 4:16, 1 John 1:5, John 14:6).
A representative, but by no means conclusive, lists of other character traits are as follows:
* Wisdom - James 1:5
* Comfort - 2 Corinthians 1:3
* Truth - John 8:32
* Healer - 1 Peter 2:24
* Strength - Phil. 4:13
* Forgiveness - 1 John 1:9
* Provider - Phil. 4:19
* Mercy - Ephesians 2:24
* Good - Matt. 19:17
* Peace - Romans 14:17

AVAILABILITY:
* Willing and ready to take over your life at a moment notice.
* Able to provide you with salvation and everlasting life.
* Will bring all of who I AM into your life. Can start IMMEDIATELY.
* Available for 24 hrs a day companionship, counseling, guidance, comfort and consolation to strengthen you and stand with you against all attacks from the enemy. To renew your mind and spirit, and to transform you into a creature if you let Me. I will become your life and you will become My body.

SALARY REQUIREMENT:
* Payment for all work that has and will be accomplished in your life has already been paid for through the blood of My Son. Your only responsibility is to Believe and commit, to have Faith and trust and obey what Jesus has done and wants to do in your life. I look forward to meeting with you personally.

OTHER REFERENCES:
* The Holy Bible (Available Upon Request).

-- Author Unknown

the lesson of the coffee bean......

THE LESSON OF THE COFFEE BEAN

A daughter complained to her father about how hard things were for her."As
soon as I solve one problem," she said, "another one comes up. I'm tired of
struggling."

Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen where he filled three pots with
water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In one
he placed carrots, in the second, eggs, and in the last, ground coffee
beans. He let them sit and boil, without saying a word.

The daughter impatiently waited, wondering what he was doing. After a while,
he went over and turned off the burners. He fished out the carrots and
placed them in a bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them a bowl. He
poured the coffee into a bowl. Turning to her he asked, "Darling, what do
you see?"

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.

He brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted
that they were soft. He then asked her to take an egg and break it. After
pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, he asked
her to sip the coffee. She smiled, as she tasted its rich flavor.

She asked, "What does it mean, Father?" He explained that each of them had
faced the same adversity -- boiling water -- but each reacted differently.
The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting, but after being subjected
to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.

The egg was fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior,
but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique, however. By being in the boiling water,
they changed the water.

He asked his daughter, "When adversity knocks on your door, which are you?"

-- Author Unknown

SCRIPTURE:
John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this
world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Romans 5:3-5
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that
suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character,
hope. [5] And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his
love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Romans 8:31-39
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be
against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us
all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
[33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God
who justifies. [34] Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more
than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also
interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or
sword? [36] As it is written:

"For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be
slaughtered."

[37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who
loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither
angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39]
neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to
separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
[3] because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
[4] Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and
complete, not lacking anything.

1 Peter 4:1
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the
same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.

true wisdom

true wisdom comes in many packages indeed.
Sometimes out of the mouths of babes, and sometimes from
those of advanced years as well. After all GOD works through
many different people.

So today we will take a humorous look at what could be called
"Backyard Philosophy," or even "Nutshell Philosophy." I hope
you will enjoy this as much as I do, so let us begin!

1. Be Fishers of Men.... You catch 'em, He'll Clean 'em.

2. A family altar can alter a family.

3. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.

4. Don't put a question mark where God put a full stop.

5. Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.

6. Exercise daily... Walk with the Lord!

7. Forbidden fruits create many jams.

8. Give God what's right, not what's left!

9. Give satan an inch and he'll be a ruler.

10. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

11. God grades on the cross, not the curve.

12. God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit"
over "religious nuts"!

13. God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

14. Having truth decay? Brush up on your Bible!

15. He who angers you, controls you!

16. He who is good at making excuses, is seldom good for
anything else.

17. He who kneels before God can stand before anyone!

18. Kindness is difficult to give away because it keeps coming
back.

19. Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory
capacity.

20. Never give the devil a ride! He will always want to drive!

21. Nothing ruins the truth like stretching it.

22. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.

23. "Pray" is a four-letter word that you can say anywhere.

24. Prayer - Don't give God instructions - just report for duty!

25. The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God
will not protect you.

26. This Church is "Prayer Conditioned"!

27. To be almost saved is to be totally lost.

28. WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning!

29. Watch your step carefully! Everyone else does!

30. We don't change the message, the message changes us.

31. Wisdom has two parts: 1) Having a lot to say. 2) Not saying it.

32. Worry is the darkroom in which "negatives" are developed

33. The work will wait while you look at the rainbow, but the
rainbow won't wait while you do the work.

Now, I hope that you have enjoyed this message.
Have a great weekend, and remember that God answers all Knee
Mail!

the seed

Subject: The Seed

A successful business man was growing old and knew it was time to
choose a successor to take over the business.

Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children, he decided
to do something different. He called all the young executives in his
company together.

He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I
have decided to choose one of you. "The young executives were Shocked,
but the boss continued. "I am going to give each one of you a SEED
today - one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed, water it,
and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from
the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you
bring, and the one
I choose will be the next CEO."

One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others,
received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story.
She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed.
Every day, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After
about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about
their seeds
and the plants that were beginning to grow.

Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew

Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing.

By now, others were talking about their plants,
but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure.

Six months went by -- still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had
killed his seed.
Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing
Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however, he just kept watering and
fertilizing the soil - he so wanted the seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company
brought their plants to the CEO for inspection.

Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot.
But she asked him to be honest about what happened.
Jim felt sick to his stomach, it was going to be the most embarrassing
moment of his life,
but he knew his wife was right. He took his empty pot to the board room.

When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the
other executives. They were beautiful - in all shapes and sizes. Jim
put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a
few felt sorry for him!

When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives.

Jim just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees and
flowers you have grown," said the CEO. "Today one of you will be
appointed the next CEO!"

All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his
empty pot. He ordered the Financial Director to bring him to the
front. Jim was terrified.. He thought, "The CEO knows I'm a failure!
Maybe he will have me fired!"

When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed,
Jim told him the story.

The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and
then announced to the young executives, "This is your next Chief
Executive Officer!

His name is Jim!" Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his seed.

"How could he be the new CEO?" the others said.

Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed.
I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today.
But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible
for them to grow.

All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers.
When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another
seed for the one I gave you.
Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot
with my seed in it.
Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive Officer!"

* If you plant honesty, you will reap trust
* If you plant goodness, you will reap friends
* If you plant humility, you will reap greatness
* If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment
* If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective
* If you plant hard work, you will reap success
* If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation

So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later.

--unknown

taking aim

TAKING AIM

A young lady named Sally, relates an experience she had in a seminary class, given by her teacher, Dr. Smith. She says Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons.

One particular day, Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day. On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture.

Sally's girlfriend drew a picture of a girl who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. Sally was pleased a the overall effect she had achieved.

The class lined up and began throwing darts, with much laughter and hilarity. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward to her turn, and was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith, because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats.

As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target, Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall.

Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus...

A complete hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced.

Dr. Smith said these words, "In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." No other words were necessary; the tear-filled eyes of each student focused only on the picture of Christ.

"And the King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.' Matthew 25:40

-- Author Unknown

summer

The beautiful colors of Summer will soon be upon us. A time
of fun in the sun, vacation, and lazy days. Another time to praise
God for His Creation.

Indeed a time to enjoy all of God's Wonderful Creation, for soon
Summertime beauty will surround us. So, as David said; I will praise
You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of
all Your marvelous works. ( Psalms 9:1 )

So today, I would like to share a poem with you about one
of my favorite seasons! I hope you will enjoy it...

Summer's Golden Days

Summer spills her golden days
Upon the earth in lush displays.
She softly sways the apple trees
As songbirds sing sweet melodies.
Summer wears a flower flock
Of goldenrod and hollyhock.
She spreads her magic uncontrolled
In blankets colored bright and bold.
Summer sings her lullabies
To buzzing bees and butterflies.
Silver moonbeams light the night;
I see a falling star in flight.
God sends the Summer scenery,
The birds, the bees, the greenery.
His tranquil nights and sun-filled days
He sends in summertime displays.
Poet, Nora M. Bozeman

life is an echo

LIFE IS AN ECHO

A son and his father were walking in the mountains. Suddenly, his son falls, hurts himself and screams: "AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"

To his surprise, hears the voice repeating, somewhere in the mountain: "AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"

Curious, he yells: "Who are you?"

He receives the answer: "Who are you?"

Angered at the response, he screams: "Coward!"

He receives the answer: "Coward!"

He looks to his father and asks: "What's going on?"

The father smiles and says: "My son, pay attention." And then he screams to the mountain: "I admire you!"

The voice answers: "I admire you!"

Again the man screams: "You are a champion!"

The voice answers: "You are a champion!"

The boy is surprised, but does not understand. Then the father explains: "People call this echo, but really this is life. It gives you back everything you say or do. Our life is simply a reflection of our actions. If you want more love in the world, create more love in your heart. If you want more competence in your team, improve your competence.

This relationship applies to everything, in all aspect of life; life will give you back everything you have given to it."

-- Author Unknown

where is GOD?

Where is God?
---===<<< >>>===---

In a certain suburban neighborhood, there were two brothers,
8 and 10 years old, who were exceedingly mischievous.
Whenever something went wrong in the neighborhood, it turned
out they had a hand in it. Their parents were at their wits' end
trying to control them.

Hearing about a Minister nearby who worked with delinquent
boys, the mother suggested to the father that they ask the
Minister to talk with the boys. The father agreed. The mother
went to the Minister and made her request. He agreed, but said
he wanted to see the younger boy first and alone.

So the mother sent him to the Minister. The Minister sat the boy
down on the other side of his huge, impressive desk. For about
five minutes they just sat and stared at each other.

Finally, the Minister pointed his forefinger at the boy and asked
"Where is God?"
The boy looked under the desk, in the corners of the room, all
around, but said nothing.
Again, louder, the Minister pointed at the boy and asked,
"Where Is God?"
Again the boy looked all around but said nothing. A third time,
in a louder, firmer voice, the Minister leaned far across the
desk and put his forefinger almost to the boy's nose, and asked
"WHERE IS GOD!"

The boy panicked and ran all the way home. Finding his older
brother, he dragged him upstairs to their room and into the
closet, where they usually plotted their mischief. He finally said,
"We are in B-I-I-I-I-G trouble now!" The older boy asked, "What
do you mean, B-I-I-I-I-G trouble?" His brother replied, "God is
missing and they think we did it."
---===<<< >>>===---

attitude

ATTITUDE

The 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with her hair fashionably coifed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.

After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready.

As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window. "I love it," she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.

"Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room .... just wait." "That doesn't have anything to do with it," she replied. "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind.

I already decided to love it ... "It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away ... just for this time in my life.

Old age is like a bank account ... you withdraw from what you've put in .. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories

Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank. I am still depositing.
________________________________________

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

No one can go back and make a brand new start.
Anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.

God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.

Disappointments are like road bumps, they slow you down a bit but you enjoy the smooth road afterwards.

Don't stay on the bumps too long. Move on!

When you feel down because you didn't get what you want, just sit tight and be happy, because God has thought of something better to give you.

When something happens to you, good or bad, consider what it means.
There's a purpose to life's events, to teach you how to laugh more or not to cry too hard.

You can't make someone love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved, the rest is up to the person to realize your worth.

It's better to lose your pride to the one you love, than to lose the one you love because of pride.

We spend too much time looking for the right person to love or finding fault with those we already love, when instead we should be perfecting the love we give.

Never abandon an old friend. You will never find one who can take his place. Friendship is like wine, it gets better as it grows older.

May today there be peace within you. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. "I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."

-- Author Unknown

fathers day....never alone

On Father's Day let us not forget
our Heavenly Father as well, for after all; Have we not all one
Father? Did He not create us? ( Malachi 2:10 )

Therefore on this day I would like to share the following poem
with you. A poem dedicated to our Heavenly Father!

Never Alone!

He can calm the troubled waters
When you walk in dark despair.
There is hope when you feel helpless
Knowing that the Lord is there...

Sharing in your sunshine moments
Or in valleys deep and wide,
He is always by your side.

There's no other friend so faithful
Through the sunshine and rain,
Through the teardrops and the laughter,
In your joy and in your pain.

We could never, ever thank Him
For His love He gives so free,
Never changing...never ending
Throughout all eternity.

Oh, the wonder of all wonders
As we live from day to day,
Knowing that we have a Father
Who is with us all the way.
Poet, Gertrude B. McClain

Another Important Message from Another CEO

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