Backwards Clothing

A little boy got on the bus, sat next to a man reading a book, and
noticed he had his collar on backwards. The little boy asked why he wore his collar that way. The man, who was a priest, said, " I am a Father."

The little boy replied, "My Daddy doesn't wear his collar like that."

The priest looked up from his book and answered "I am the Father of many."

The boy said, "My Dad has 4 boys, 4 girls and two grandchildren and he doesn't wear his collar that way."

The priest, getting impatient, said, "I am the Father of hundreds" and went back to reading his book.

The little boy sat quietly thinking for a while, then leaned over and said, "Maybe you should wear your pants backwards instead of your collar."

Close to God's Heart

We're close to God's heart when the things that grieve God grieve us and the things that please God please us.

Sandbox Rock

A little boy was spending his Saturday morning playing in his sandbox.

He had with him his box of cars and trucks, his plastic pail, and a shiny, red plastic shovel. In the process of creating roads and tunnels in the soft sand, he discovered a large rock in the middle
of the sandbox. The lad dug around the rock, managing to dislodge
it from the dirt. With no little bit of struggle, he pushed and nudged the rock across the sandbox by using his feet. (He was a very small boy and the rock was very huge.)

When the boy got the rock to the edge of the sandbox,however, he found that he couldn't roll it up and over the little wall.
Determined, the little boy shoved, pushed, and pried, but every time he thought he had made some progress, the rock tipped and then fell back into the sandbox.
The little boy grunted, struggled, pushed, shoved -- but his only reward was to have the rock roll back, smashing his chubby fingers. Finally he burst into tears of frustration.

All this time the boy's father watched from his living room
window as the drama unfolded. At the moment the tears fell, a large shadow fell across the boy and the sandbox. It was the boy's father.
Gently but firmly he said, "Son, why didn't you use all the strength that you had available?"

Defeated, the boy sobbed back, "But I did, Daddy, I did! I
used all the strength that I had!"

"No, son," corrected the father kindly. "You didn't use all the strength you had. You didn't ask me."

With that the father reached down, picked up the rock, and
removed it from the sandbox.

Do you have "rocks" in your life that need to be removed?
Are you discovering that you don't have what it takes to lift them?

There is One who is always available to us and willing to give us the strength we need. When the apostle Paul faced times of a broken spirit and sapped strength, he proclaimed to the Corinthian church, "My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, then my power is made perfect in you" (2 Corinthians 12:9b NCV). When we are broken in spirit and our strength is spent, we can turn to our Savior Jesus.

Last Glimpse of Pagesofstufftoshare

I have finally finished moving over all of the posts from the old website. It is sade to see it go after 6 1/2 years. At one time the counter was over 50,000, but then something happened and the counter was restarted and I could not reset it. With this new avenue of a blog and RSS, I am hopeful that the readership will return so that these collections may continue to bless people.

I still have many posts to move over from the archives of the Yahoo Group before I will delete the group.

I have moved over 314 writings from the old website and the group archives. How many more are there to come?

As I publish this post, the website is being officially deleted. A sad moment for me.

It is full!

A college drama group presented a play in which one character would stand on a trapdoor and announce, "I descend into hell!" A stagehand below would then pull a rope, the trapdoor would open, and the character would plunge through. The play was well received. When the actor playing the part became ill, another actor who was quite overweight took his place. When the new actor announced, "I descend into hell!" the stagehand pulled the rope, and the actor began his plunge, but became hopelessly stuck. No amount of tugging on the rope could make him descend. One student in the balcony jumped up and yelled: "Hallelujah! Hell is full!"

The Pilot

Terri asked her Sunday School class to draw pictures of their favorite Bible stories. She was puzzled by Kyle's picture, which showed four people on an airplane, so she asked him which story it was meant to represent. "The flight to Egypt," said Kyle.

"I see ... And that must be Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus," Ms. Terri said.

"But who's the fourth person?"

"Oh, that's Pontius-the Pilot.

Anything Breakable?

There was a gracious lady mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country. "Is there anything breakable in here?" asked the postal clerk. "Only the Ten Commandments," answered the lady.

A Miracle!

One Sunday morning a priest and an altar boy were getting the church ready for mass. The minister prepared his sermon while the altar boy filled the holy water fountain.

Suddenly, the altar boy burst into the minister's room and yelled, "Father, Father, I just saw the most amazing thing! I filled the holy water fountain. Then a man came in on crutches. He moved to the fountain, dipped his left hand in the holy water, blessed himself and threw away his left crutch. Then he dipped his right hand in the holy water,blessed himself and threw away his right crutch. Then he turned to me ... and he took a step forward"!

The minister was awe struck by what he just heard. "My boy, he said, you just witnessed a miracle from God! Where's this man now?"

The altar boy replies...

"flat on his face in front of the holy water fountain"!

Quips and Answers

Q. What kind of man was Boaz before he married?
A. Ruthless

Q. What do they call pastors in Germany?
A. German Shepherds.

Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?
A. Noah. He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.

Q. What was the greatest female financier in the Bible?
A. Pharaoh's daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.

Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?
A. Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury.

David's Triumph was heard throughout the land.
Honda, because the apostles were all in one Accord.

Q. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?
A. Samson. He brought the house down.

Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden?
A. Your mother ate us out of house and home.

Q. Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible?
A. Moses. He broke all 10 commandments at once.

Q. Which area of Palestine was especially wealthy?
A. The area around Jordan. The banks were always overflowing.

Q. Who is the greatest baby-sitter mentioned in the Bible?
A. David. He rocked Goliath to a very deep sleep.

Q. Which Bible character had no parents?
A. Joshua, son of Nun.

Five Most Constipated Men in the Old Testament

1) Cain wasn't Abel.

2) Moses went up onto the mountain and took two tablets.

3) King David sat on the throne for forty years.

4) Solomon - neither heaven nor Earth could move him.

5) Noah was at sea for forty days and forty nights and all he passed was water.

Themed Thursdays -Bath

This week's theme is "bath." The theme starts today and runs for one week, but you can add your link at any time.

Upload your layout to any gallery or blog and add the link to where you post your layout to Mr. Linky (in the box below) for this week's theme. It may be a layout you already have or a new layout.

Take time to visit and comment on others. It will be fun to see how everyone interprets this word and all the quotes that are possible.

LAYOUT REMOVED

Here is my layout! I did not have any bath photos, so this challenge inspired me to drag out the old photo albums and get another page done!

I used Microferk Designs (Creekwalk kit) and (Down By the Seashore Elements) for this layout. I found the bar of soap in my freebie stash labeled "soap," so I do not know who to give credit to for that cute item. Sketch from Pagemaps.


I made the bubbles myself, very quickly, but since I made them, I thought I would share them. You can download them at this folder. Please be sure to read my download instructions if you have never downloaded from Fotki before.

I found a cute Shel Silverstein poem that is on the layout:

There's too many kids in this tub
There's too many elbows to scrub
I just washed a behind that I'm sure wasn't mine
There's too many kids in this tub.

The importance of having your email addresses correct!

It seems there was this couple from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who decided to go to Florida for a few days to thaw out during one particularly cold winter. Since both spouses worked, they had difficulty coordinating their schedules, so the decision was made to have the husband leave for Florida on a certain day, with the wife following him one day later. The man made it down to Florida and arrived at his hotel. Upon getting to his room, he decided to open his laptop and send his wife back in Minneapolis an email. However, he left off one letter in typing his wife's email address and sent the email off without realizing his error.

In another part of the country, a widow had just returned from the funeral of her husband, a Methodist pastor of many years, who had been called to glory just a few days earlier. She decided to check her email because she was expecting to hear from her husband's relatives and friends. Upon reading the first email, she let out a loud scream, fainted and fell to the floor. The woman's son rushed into the room and found his mother on the floor. He glanced up at the computer screen and saw the following email message: To My Loving Wife: I've just been checked in. Everything has been prepared for your arrival here tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then. P.S. Sure is hot down here."

Evolution

I was at the zoo the other day, and walked by the ape

cage, and I saw an ape sitting there with two books opened

up in front of him.

One was the Bible, and the other was The Origin Of Species by Charles Darwin.

I said to the ape "you can read?"

He said "yes, but I'm having trouble understanding what I'm reading,I can't figure out if I am my brothers keeper or my keepers brother.

Tri...

There was a three-generation household in which James, Sr., was living with his son, James, Jr., and grandson James III. (There were others in the home as well, of course, and you may embellish ad lib).

One day the phone rang, and the caller asked to speak to Jim. The one answering the phone responded, "Do you want Jim the father, Jim the son, or Jim the holy terror?"

A Dual

Jesus and Satan were having an ongoing argument about who was better on his computer. They had been going at it for days, and God was tired of hearing all the bickering.

Finally, God said, "Cool it. I am going to set up a test which will take two hours, and I will judge who does the better job."

So Satan and Jesus sat down at the keyboards and typed away.

They moused.

They did spreadsheets.

They wrote reports.

They sent faxes.

They sent e-mail.

They sent out e-mail with attachments.

They downloaded.

They did some genealogy reports.

They made cards.

They did every known job. But, ten minutes before the time was up, lightning suddenly flashed across the sky, thunder rolled, the rain poured and, of course, the electricity went off.

Satan stared at his blank screen and screamed in every curse word known in the underworld. ?#!**\##!

Jesus just sighed.

The electricity finally flickered back on, and each of them restarted their computers.

Satan started searching frantically, screaming, "It's gone! It's all gone! I lost everything when the power went out!"

Meanwhile, Jesus quietly started printing out all his files from the past two hours. Satan observed this and became even more irate.

"Wait! He cheated! How did he do it??!!"

(You'll love the punch line...)

**

**

**

**

**

God shrugged and said, "Jesus Saves"...

Bless this Food

An atheist was spending a quiet day fishing when suddenly his boat was attacked by the Loch Ness monster. In one easy flip, the beast tossed him and his boat high into the air then opened its mouth to swallow both. As the man sailed head over heels, he cried out, "Oh, my God! Help me!" At once, the ferocious attack scene froze in place and, as the atheist hung in mid-air, a booming voice came down from the clouds. "I thought you didn't believe in Me!" "Come on God, give me a break!," the man pleaded. "Two minutes ago I didn't believe in the Loch Ness monster either!" Then the Atheist continues, "God, please let the Loch Ness Monster become religious." God replies, "So be it." The scene starts up, atheist falling. The Loch Ness Monster folds his claws together and says, "Lord, bless this food you have so graciously provided...."

Ten Inches of Water

A boy was sitting on a park bench with one hand resting on an open Bible. He was loudly exclaiming his praise to God. "Hallelujah! Hallelujah! God is great!" he yelled without worrying whether anyone heard him or not.

Shortly after, along came a man who had recently completed some studies at a local university. Feeling himself very enlightened in the ways of truth and very eager to show this enlightenment, he asked the boy about the source of his joy. "Hey" asked the boy in return with a bright laugh, "Don't you have any idea what God is able to do? I just read that God opened up the waves of the Red Sea and led the whole nation of Israel right through the middle." The enlightened man laughed lightly, sat down next to the boy and began to try to open his eyes to the "realities" of the miracles of the Bible. "That can all be very easily explained. Modern scholarship has shown that the Red Sea in that area was only 10-inches deep at that time. It was no problem for the Israelites to wade across." The boy was stumped. His eyes wandered from the man back to the Bible laying open in his lap. The man, content that he had enlightened a poor, naive young person to the finer points of scientific insight, turned to go. Scarcely had he taken two steps when the boy began to rejoice and praise louder than before. The man turned to ask the reason for this resumed jubilation. "Wow!" exclaimed the boy happily, "God is greater than I thought! Not only did He lead the whole nation of Israel through the Red Sea, He topped it off by drowning the whole Egyptian army in 10 inches of water!"

A Few Hymns for Those who Speed on the Highway

45 mph

...God Will Take Care of You

55 mph

...Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah


65 mph

...Nearer My God to Thee


75 mph

...Nearer Still Nearer


85 mph

...This World Is Not My Home


95 mph

...Lord, I'm Coming Home


and over 100 mph

...Precious Memories

Favorite Hymns

The Dentist's Hymn

...Crown Him With Many Crowns

Cardiologist

...Create in Me a Clean Heart


The Weatherman's Hymn

...There shall be showers of Blessing


The Contractor's Hymn

...The Church's One Foundation


The Tailor's Hymn

...Holy, Holy, Holy


The Golfer's Hymn

...There is A Green Hill Far Away


The Politician's Hymn

...Standing on the Promises


The Optometrist's Hymn

...Open My Eyes That I might See


The IRS Agent's Hymn

...I Surrender All


The Gossip's Hymn

....Pass It On


The Electrician's Hymn

...Send the Light


The Shopper's Hymn

...Sweet By and By


Teacher in June

...Go My Children with my Blessing


Dieters

...You Satisfy the Hungry Heart

Canine Letters to God

Dear God,

Are there mailmen in Heaven? If there are, will I have to apologize?

Dear God,

How come people love to smell flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another? Where are their priorities?

Dear God,

When my family eats dinner they always bless their food. But they never bless mine. So... I've been wagging my tail extra fast when they fill my bowl. Have you noticed my own blessing?

Dear God,

When we get to Heaven, can we sit on your couch? Or is it the same old story?

Dear God,

Excuse me, but why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the colt, the stingray, and the rabbit, but not one named for a dog? How often do you see a cougar riding around? We dogs love a nice ride! I know every breed cannot have its own model, but it would be easy to rename the Chrysler Eagle the Chrysler Beagle!

Dear God,

If a dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad dog?

Dear God,

More meatballs, less spaghetti, please.

Dear God,

When we get to the Pearly Gates, do we have to shake hands to get in?

Dear God,

Are there dogs on other planets, or are we alone? I have been howling at the moon and stars for a long time, but all I ever hear back is the beagle across the street!

Dear God,

Is it true that dogs are not allowed in restaurants because we can't make up our minds what NOT to order? Or is it that thing about carpets again?

Dear God,

The new terrier I live with just peed on the Oriental rug and I have a feeling my family might blame me 'cuz they think I'm jealous of this stupid dog. Since they have no sense of smell, how can I convince them I'm innocent?

Sincerely,

the Dog

High and Low

A man met a friend of his on the street one morning and hailed him with, "Say, have you seen Frank lately? I've been looking high and low for him." "Well," said the friend, "those are the places to look. He died in January."

Teens & Long Hair

There was a young guy who was going to be turning 16 years old. He reminded his father that he was promised a car when he turned 16. The father told the son, he would buy him a car if you bring your grades up, start studying the bible , and get that long hair cut! So the son turns 16, comes to his dad and shows him his report card-all A's. His father was pleased, he then says to his dad, ask me anything about the bible. The father quizzes him and he gets all the answers correct. Then the boy's father asked why he hadn't gotten his hair cut. He told his Dad that everyone had long hair in the bible, even JESUS, and the father replied "Yes you're right, and they also WALKED everywhere !!!!!"

Golf in Heaven

Moses, Jesus and some 'ol geezer were going to play a round of golf.

Moses teed off, the ball went right into the pond. "No problem!" he said. Moses walked over, parted the water, and hit the ball again.

This time it landed about one foot from the hole.

Jesus then teed off and the ball went flying off to the left, hit a tree, then miraculously bounced within about six inches of the hole.

The 'ol geezer stepped up and teed off. As the ball headed right for the pond, a huge bass jumped up and grabbed the ball in its mouth. Suddenly an eagle swooped down, grabbed the bass and flew over the green. The bass dropped the ball and it rolled within two inches of the hole! All of the sudden, a worm popped up and knocked the ball in. A hole in one.

Moses looked at Jesus and said, "You know, I really hate it when your dad plays."

Pain in my side

At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs. Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, Johnny what is the matter? Little Johnny responded, "I have a pain in my side. I think I'm going to have a wife."

Sentence Quips

Maybe God wanted us to meet the wrong people before meeting the right one so that when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift.

Maybe 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.

Maybe the best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.

Maybe it is true that we don't know what we have got until we lose it, but it is also true that we don't know what we have been missing until it arrives.

Giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they will love you back. Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in their heart; but if it does not, be content it grew in yours.

It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone, but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.

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.

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.

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.

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

Always put yourself in others' shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it probably hurts the other person, too.

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

Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched, and those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives.

Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss and ends with a tear.

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

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you are the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

Expecting the Wrong Answer

Sometimes people will say things like, " Your prayers did not work, but thanks," as if a person could be praying for only one thing, maybe a miracle or a cure.

Sometimes we simply ask for God's mercy, "Let me friend die at home, Lord, and not in the hospital." "Let her go quickly, God, and with her loved ones present."

Sometimes all we ask is "Lord, what is it you want of me?"

Sometimes we have to ask "Please change me in ways I cannot imagine." Sometimes when prayer seems unanswered, it's because you are expecting an answer and don't see the real answer.

I asked God

I asked God to take away my pride. God said "No". It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said "No". Her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience. God said "No". Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is earned.

I asked God to give me happiness. God said "No". I give you blessings, happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain. God said "No". Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said "No". You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. God said "No". I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as he loves me. God said... Ahhhh, finally you have the idea!

Dear Friend

DEAR FRIEND,

As you got up this morning, I watched you and hoped you would talk to me, even if it was just a few words, asking my opinion, or thanking me for something good that happened in your life yesterday. But I noticed you were too busy trying to find the right outfit to put on and wear to school.

I waited again. When you ran around the house getting ready, I knew there would be a few minutes for you to stop and say hello. But you were too busy. At one point, you had to wait fifteen minutes without nothing to do except sit in a chair.

Then I saw you spring to your feet. I thought you wanted to talk to me but you ran to the phone and called a friend to get the latest gossip.

I watched as you went to school and I waited patiently all day long. With all your activities, I guess you were too busy to say anything to me. I noticed that

before lunch you looked around. Maybe you felt embarrassed to talk to me, that is why you didn't bow your head. You glanced three or four tables over and

you noticed some of your friends talking to me briefly before they ate. But you didn't.

That's okay. There is still more time left and I have hope that you will talk to me. Even yet, you went home and it seemed as if you had lots of things to do.

After a few of them were done you turned on the TV. I don't know if I like TV or not. Just about anything goes there & you spend a lot of time each day in front

of it, not thinking about anything; just enjoying the show. I waited patiently again as you watched TV and ate your meal. But again you didn't talk to me. As you did your homework, I waited again. You did what you had to do.

At bedtime I guess you felt too tired. After you said goodnight to your family you plopped into bed and fell asleep in no time.

That's okay because you may not realize that I am always there for you. I've got patience. More than you will ever know. I even want to teach you how to be patient with others as well. Because I love you so much. A long time ago, I left a wonderful place called Heaven and came to Earth. I gave it up so that I could be ridiculed and made fun of. And I even died so you wouldn't have to take my place. I love you so much that I wait everyday for a nod, prayer, thought, or a thankful part of your heart. It is hard to have a one-sided conversation.

Well you are getting up again and once again I will wait with nothing but love for you; hoping that today you will give me some time.

Have a nice day!

Your friend,

Jesus

Bless my Computer

Dear Lord:

Every single evening
As I'm lying here in bed
This tiny little prayer
Keeps running through my head.

God bless my Mom and dad,
And other family.
Keep them warm and safe from harm
For they're so close to me.

And God, there is one more thing
I wish that you could do.
Hope you don't mind me asking,
Bless my computer too.

Now I know that it's not normal
To bless a mother board,
But listen just a second
While I explain to you 'My Lord'.

You see, that little metal box
Holds more than odds & ends
Inside those small compartments
Rest so many of my FRIENDS.

I know so much about them
By the kindness that they give
And this little scrap of metal
Takes me in to where they live.

By faith is how I know them
Much the same as you
We share in what life brings us
And from that our friendship grew.

Please, take an extra minute
From your duties up above
To bless those in my address book
That's filled with so much love!

Wherever else this prayer may reach
To each and every friend,
Bless each email inbox
And the person who its send.

When you update your heavenly list
On your own CD-Rom
Remember each who've said this prayer
Sent up to God.com.


Amen.

Let God Know How You Feel When you Pray

O God, break the teeth in their mouths;

tear out the fangs of the young lions, O Lord!

Let them vanish like water that runs away;

like grass let them be trodden down and wither.

Let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime;

like the untimely birth that never sees the sun. (Psalm 58:6-8)

Now that psalmist was mad, and he did not try to hide it . . . .

Too often you have been warned against presenting yourself to God just as you are. You are taught early a conventional dishonesty with God, such as, "When you pray, put a smile on your face. Be nice. You might offend God. Don't let God know how you really feel." The psalmists insist that if you really want to have an intimate relationship with God, then come to the relationship as you are. Do not wear a mask. God can handle you without any cosmetics.

-- E. Glenn Hinson

When it Hurts, Pray!

Have people ever talked untruths about you behind your back? Have they spoken these words in front of you? Have they spread these untruths around? Have your friends believed the lies also? If you have then you know the hurt that comes with that. You also know how hard the struggle is to not retaliate against them We can learn a lesson from David when he prayed and gave the problem over to God. God knows the score... He knows the hearts of men and all is in His hands. So when this happens to us and false witnesses arise against lets not fret but turn it over to the Lord.

Setting Your Face to God in Prayer

I came home from my job late at night. I had left my keys inside, so I knocked.... no answer. I could see my wife sitting in the living room watching TV, so I knocked again... still no answer. I decided to climb through the window. Once entering I was amazed at my wife's stare at the movie she was watching. No blinking, no twitching, just complete concentration. That is "setting your face" to something.

Daniel "set his face" to God in prayer.

Oh if only we could learn to focus our gaze on the Lord that intensely. Lord help us.

Anger & Prayer

Let your anger off to God. God can handle it. The people you are mad at cannot.

And you cannot retain the anger. If you bottle it up inside, anger will become a volcano.

Sometimes the best prayer you can pray is to go into your closet and cuss.

Even though....I thank you Lord

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings, thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible, thank you, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned and tempers are short, my children are so loud, thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous, thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest, thank you, Lord, for life!

Pray First

There was once a man who had nothing for his family to eat. He had an old shotgun and three bullets. So, he decided that he would go out and kill something to eat for dinner. As he went down the road, he saw a rabbit and he shot at the rabbit and missed it. Then he saw a squirrel and fired a shot at the squirrel and missed it. As he went further, he saw a wild turkey in the tree and he had only one bullet, but a voice came to him and said "pray first, aim high and stay focused."

However, at the same time, he saw a deer which was a better kill. He brought the gun down and aimed at the deer. But, then he saw a rattlesnake between his legs about to bite him - so he naturally brought the gun down further to shoot the rattlesnake. Still, the voice said again to him, "I said 'Pray first, aim high and stay focused.'"

So, the man decided to follow the voice. He prayed, then aimed the gun high up in the tree and shot the wild turkey. The bullet bounced off the turkey and killed the deer. The handle fell off the gun and hit the snake in the head and killed it. And, when the gun had gone off, it knocked him into a pond of water.

When he got up to look around, he had fish in all his pockets, a dead deer and turkey to eat. The snake

(e.g. Satan) was dead simply because the man listened to God: Pray first, aim high and stay focused.

Bottom line: Pray first before you do anything, aim and shoot high in your goals, and stay focused on God ...

* Faith is not the absence of doubt, but a step taken in spite of doubt.

* A faith that hasn't been tested, can't be trusted.

* Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see.

PUSH

My Pastor always said to PUSH.

(Pray Until Something Happens).

Lets all PUSH not just for our selves, or family and friends, but for all.

God Bless everyone that will PUSH with me.

If God decided to install voice mail?

Imagine praying and hearing this:

Thank you for calling My Father's House.

Please select one of the following options:

Press 1 for Requests

Press 2 for Thanksgiving

Press 3 for Complaints

Press 4 for All Other Inquiries

I am sorry, all of our angels are busy helping others right now. However, your prayer is important to us and will be answered in the order in which it was received, so please stay on the line.

If you would like to speak to:

God - press 1

Jesus - press 2

The Holy Spirit - press 3

Another Higher Being - press 4

If you would like to hear King David sing a Psalm while you are holding, please press 4.

To find out if a loved one has been assigned to Heaven: press 5. Enter his or her Social Security number, then press the pound key. If you get a negative response, try area code 666.

For nagging questions about dinosaurs, the age of the earth and where Noah's Ark is, please wait until you arrive here.

Our computers show that you have already prayed once today. Please hang up and try again tomorrow.

This office is closed for the weekend to observe a religious holiday. Please pray again Monday after 9:30 a.m. If you need emergency assistance dial 1(900) GOD-WHY ME (this is a toll call)

A Conversation with God

"Our Father which art in heaven," --- Yes?

"Don't interrupt me. I'm praying" --- But you called me

"Called you? I didn't call you. I'm praying. 'Our Father which art in heaven," ---

There you did it again

"Did what?" -- Called me. You said, "Our Father which art in heaven." Here I am.

What's on your mind?

"But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like getting a duty done." --- All right. Go on.

"Hallowed be Thy name." --- Hold it. What do you mean by that?

"By what?" --- By "Hallowed be Thy name?"

"It means. It means .... Good grief, I don't know what it means. How should I know? It's just a part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean?" ---It means honored, holy, wonderful.

"Hey that makes sense. I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before."

"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." --- Do you really mean that?

" Sure, why not?" --- What are you doing about it?

"Doing? Nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control of everything down here like you have up there." --- Have I got control of you?

" Well, I go to church." --- That isn't what I asked you. What about your temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend your money - all on yourself. And what about the kinds of books you read and what you watch on TV?

"Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as the rest of those people at church." ---Excuse me. I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you, for example.

"Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others." ---So could I.

"I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I'd really like to cut out some of those things. I would like to, you know, be really free." --- Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together, you and I. Some victories can be truly won. I'm proud of you.

"Look, Lord, I need to finish this up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does ... Give us this day our daily bread." --- You could cut out the bread. It would help you lose weight.

"Hey, wait a minute! What is this, 'Criticize, ME day?' Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups." --- Praying is a dangerous thing. You could wind up changed, you know.

--- That's what I'm trying to get across to you. Keep praying. I'm interested in the next part of your prayer.

-- (Pause) Well, go on.

" I'm scared to." --- Scared? Of what?

"I know what you'll say." --- Try me and see.

"Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us." --- What about Ann?

"See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why Lord she's told lies about me, spread stories about my family. She never paid back the money she owes me. I've sworn to get even with her!" --- But your prayer? What about your prayer?

"I didn't mean it." --- Well, at least you're honest. But it's not much fun carrying that load of bitterness inside you, is it?

"No. But, I'll feel better as soon as I get even. Boy, have I got some plans for that neighbor. She'll wish she had never moved into this neighborhood." --- You won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet. Think of how unhappy you already are. But, I can change all that.

"You can? How?" --- Forgive Ann. Then I'll forgive you. Then the hate and sin will be Ann's problem and not yours. You will have settled your heart.

"Oh, you're right. You always are. And, more than I want to get revenge against Ann, I want to be right with you. But ... (Pause) ... (Sigh) ... All right. I forgive her. Help her to find the right road in life, Lord. She's bound to be awfully miserable now that I think about it. Anybody who goes around doing the things she does to others has to be out of it. Someway, somehow, show her the right way. --- There now! Wonderful! How do you feel?

"Hmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all. I feel pretty great. You know, I don't think I'll have to go to bed uptight tonight for the first time since I can remember. Maybe I won't be so tired from now on because I'm not getting enough rest." --- You're not through with your prayers. Go on.

"Oh, all right. "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." --- Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.

"What do you mean by that?" --- Don't turn the TV on when you know the laundry needs to be done and the house needs to be picked up. Also about the time you spend with your friends, if you can't influence the conversation to positive things, perhaps you should rethink the value of those friendships. Another thing, your neighbors and friends shouldn't be your standard for "keeping up."

--- And please don't use me as an escape hatch.

" I don't understand that last part." --- Sure you do. You've done it a lot of times. You get caught in a bad situation. You get in trouble and then you come running to me: "Lord, help me out of this mess, and I promise you I'll never do it again." You remember some of those bargains you tried to make with me?

"Yes, and I'm ashamed, Lord, I really am." ---Which bargain are you remembering?

"Well, there was the night that my husband was gone and the children and I were home alone. The wind was blowing so hard I thought the roof would go any minute and tornado warnings were out. I remember saying, 'Oh God, if you spare us, I'll never skip my devotions again." --- I protected you, but you didn't keep your promise, did you?
"I'm sorry, Lord I really am. Up until now I thought that if I just prayed the Lord's Prayer every day, then I could do what I liked. I didn't expect anything to happen like this." --- Go ahead and finish your prayer.

"For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen" --- Do you know what would bring me glory? What would really make me happy?

"No, but I'd like to know. I want to please you. I can see what a mess I've made of my life. And I can see how great it would be to really be one of your followers." --- You just answered the question.

"I did?" --- Yes. The thing that would bring me glory is to have people like you truly love me. And I see that happening between us. Now that some of these old sins are exposed and out of the way, there is no telling what we can do together.

"Lord, let's see what we can make of me, OK?" --- Yes, let's see.

DON'T REPEAT THE LORD'S PRAYER, PRAY THE LORD'S PRAYER

True Prayer

An unknown author penned these words:

I asked God to take away my pride. God said, "No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up."

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, "No. Her spirit is whole, her body is only temporary."

I asked God to grant me patience. God said, "No. Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is earned."

I asked God to give me happiness. God said, "No. I give you blessings, happiness is up to you."

I asked God to spare me pain. God said, "No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me."

I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, "No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful."

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, "No. I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things."

I asked God to help me love others, as much as God loves me. God said... "Ahhhh, finally you have the idea!"

Someone accurately said that maturity in prayer occurs when we are able to move from the plea, "Give me..." to the deeper prayer, "Use me."

ASAP

Ever wonder about the abbreviation ASAP? Generally, we think of it in terms of even more hurry and stress in our lives. Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we will gegin to find a new way to deal with those rough days along the way.

There's work to do, deadlines to meet;
You've got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry-
ASAP- Always Say A Prayer

In the midst of family chaos,
"Quality time" is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest-
ASAP- Always Say A Prayer.

It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather-
ASAP- Always Say A Prayer

God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our cares,
And He'll respond
A.S.A.P.- Always Say A Prayer

By:. Lisa Engelhardt
Text © Abbey Press, St. Meinrad, IN. 47577
http://www.abbeypress.com/textlink/05843.asp

Saturday's Race

Maybe, just maybe, I will get caught up on my ramblings posts so I can get back to writing tutorials!

Saturday we were pleased to drive to watch my nephew's dirt bike race. The race was in a small country town where one line of my ancestors had settled in the 1800's, so it was nice to visit that area again for me.

My nephew fell three times and still got third place! Way to Go! The first race he fell, got back up, and was immediately knocked back down again, early in the race. Still yet, he managed to work his way back up to 2nd place. He thought he had broken his finger which was an experience for me, but he was determined to just tough it out and get into the second race. As time went on, he was able to move the finger more and we were hopeful that it was not broken. After a fall the second race, he managed to work his way back up to 4th place and the two races combined gave him a 3rd place trophey. If he had not crashed, a 1st place trophey would have been in store, especially watching him able to pass everyone up to climb the ranks from the bottom after falling.


The race before my nephew's was some littler guys that were so cute.

Two of them had company on the ride. One guy had this little tiger bouncing on his back.







Another guy had a naked Barbie doll on his back which, not surprisingly, attracted the giggly young girls.



















I was very disappointed in my camera skills. I wanted to get my nephew high flying and discovered that due to speed, those shots were hard to press the button with perfect timing, as well as point at the right place. I decided to film movies in hopes of getting stills off of them, but the stills are blurry.

The first video was too big to upload to youtube, but here is the second. The first is better than the second as I had a more difficult time following him while trying to move into position and the mud was drying out, causing dust on the camera.

There were some really awesome jumps that he did! And I got to see them close up! Too cool!

Memorial Day Observance

Our sister city has a wonderful tribute to veterans. My hubbie and I took the time Monday to visit for the first time.
The flags had me in awe! There were so many of them and this shot represents only a partial viewing of them.

I loved practicing with my camera on artistic photography techniques and took many photos. I hope to share some as backgrounds for digital layouts soon. I have learned to place something in the foreground to give perspective as this photo demonstrates.



The memorial is in the half-round, full of names from each war. We walked along the entire wall reading many names that were familiar. My husband's great grandfather's name is on the wall. Our walk really touched our hearts.

We were alone for most of our visit as we were certain that most visitors had already taken the opportunity earlier in the day. However, after we finished our walk, a fine older couple arrived and, even though strangers, we visited and chatted for quite a while. I am SO amazed at the kind personalities of people I run into in our county. Most people are so friendly and helpful. Have I said enough that I love where I live?

Someone had left a red rose under one of the columns. It took me three shots to get an artistic view of it without too much of the names visible (as it could have represented any name on the column and I did not want the last name only to be in the photo).

I think it turned out fairly well, don't you? Looking at it makes me sentimental and reflective. It represents someone who misses a loved one. It could be you are me. What power this photo holds.

As we were leaving, the crew to carefully and respectfully remove the flags arrived. What a job they had before them. Soon, the place would not longer have the same feeling of awe about it.










I wanted to test CleVr again and the above photo was made with 5 photos. I had utilized my panoramic assistant this time and I feel it turned out just wonderful, don't you?

Flower Journaling

I am SO far behind on my garden journaling posts. Life is too overcoming. I do know some of you enjoy these, so here goes!

The last time I took photos and did not post was on Mother's Day. I was so excited to return home after my long weekend to see new blooms!


I have two red rose plants, one a bush and one climbing, and both were blooming for me for Mother's Day. The climbing rose is sad as I believe it got hit by that frost months ago. I am going to cut it way back when it is done blooming. The bush has a lot of blooms right now and is beautiful and fragrant!
This flower was also blooming for me for Mother's Day.

I am currently having a brain fart as it is late with regards to its name. It will come to me sometime, I'm sure.

Or someone can leave a comment and tell me please.



This is a photo from yesterday, May 29th. The first tiger lilies were blooming. The two in the beds were blooming, but the huge line in the yard was not yet blooming, nor the ones in the side bed. I will share more photos of these when they really take off. These were in my yard when we moved in and there are a ton of them.



This is a lily that faithfully blooms each year in the front yard. It's proven very photogenic at times.

My oldest son is mowing lawns this summer as a temporary job until he leaves for collect this August. He has learned how to be artistic in the yard! Isn't it great the things we can learn in the paths God takes us down?

Now, how is this done? I love the lines.

Third Edition of the Blog Carnival

I am SO thankful for the volunteers stepping forward to host the blog carnival so quickly! This surely makes my job easier. I was afraid I would have to beg! The digi-community is awesome!

Melissa Goerke of the well known Digi Pick of the Day has volunteered to host the third edition of the blog carnival to be posted on July 15th. Submissions will be received between June 29th and July 12th for the third edition.

Something stinks....

Abbie and I took our daily stroll in the garden just now, at 9:20 at night, in the dark. The crickets were chirping and I spied a firefly! I watched (pausing in time) that firefly as it flitted across the yard and into the neighbor's yard. What is it about fireflies that mesmerizes us?

Along with the sights (firefly) and sounds (crickets), there was a smell. It stank. It smelled just like when you are driving along a back country road and the vehicle scares a skunk. Is there a skunk in my midst in the middle of suburbia?

Now, this was the second time I have smelled this foul smell. The first time was early in the morning on my way to work. As soon as I closed the van door, the smell was gone. However, upon arriving at work a half mile away, I opened the van door and the smell returned.

So, either there is a smelly pollutant residing in my city OR the skunk was standing by my van when I opened the back door and scared it, thereby causing it to spray my van.

Which is it? A scary, serious problem of high proportions or circumstance?

Maybe my imagination is running and I am totally missing the mark. What else could cause such a smell? What do you think?

Blog Carnival for July 1, 2007

I am excited to announce that Connie at Digiscrapinfo has volunteered to host the July 1st edition of the blog carnival.

Submission for this carnival will be accepted between June 13th and June 28th.

The current carnival to be hosted here is accepting nominations between now and June 12th.

To make a submission, please go to Blogcarnival.com or you may always find the link to make submissions from any widget posted anywhere.

If you would like to host the July 15th edition of the carnival, please e-mail me.

************
Claudette and Carrie asked me to explain the blog carnival in a little more detail.

A blog carnival is a collection of links to various blogs on the internet of interest in a particular theme (in this case, digital scrapbooking). I have been interested in watching the Lutheran blog carnival and you can see what a post for a carnival looks like at their latest which is here.

The blog carnival can only be successful with great participants. We need people to take the time to submit blog articles when they find something interesting. When you are out reading about digital scrapbooking on blogs and find something of interest, whether it be a tutorial, a writing, news of an upcoming competition, or whatever would be of interest to scrappers, whether an old post or a new one, then just go to Blogcarnival.com and take a moment to submit the link. The host will receive an e-mail with the link to be able to include it in the next upcoming carnival.

The more eyes finding interesting writings to be posted in the next collection with the next host, the more the digiworld will benefit.

If you are a blogger and would like to write something on your blog for the carnival and submit it yourself, that is welcome too. Did you know that having someone else link to you rises your google seach rating?

If you are a blogger and would like to host the carnival by collecting all the submitted links and preparing a post, just contact me and I will get you added into the widget at Blogcarnival.com for an upcoming date. Whenever submissions are made, they will come to you directly by e-mail so that you may collect them for your carnival post.

If you are a blogger, please add the widget to your sidebar so that others can be informed of upcoming editions of our blog carnival and know when and where to find the carnival.

If you do not blog, please find interesting posts at other blogs and submit them.

Since this is a "blog" carnival, all submissions should be at blogs. Of course, the posts at the blog may direct one to another site if needed.

Our digital scrapbooking carnivals will be posted on the 1st and 15th of each month.
Deadlines for submissions are the 28th of the prior month (for the 1st) and the 12th of each month.

Please no direct advertising (of course, indirect advertising will happen). In other words, no kit previews or sales and the like.

I hope this helps all to better understand how this works. If you have any more questions, please ask and I will do my best to answer them.

Why do we celebrate our veterans?

Because of the tremendous contribution by American veterans to defend our land.
Because of men and women who donned their country's uniform, left jobs, homes, and families, and placed themselves in harm's way.
Because of those who stood up for their beliefs.
Because of those who wanted a better life for their descendants.
Because of those who marched wearily.
Because of those bending under soggy packs.
Because of those slogging ankle-deep, covered with sludge and mud.
Because of those child by wind and rain.
Because of those taking cover in murky foxholes.
Because of those who eat from tin cans.
Because of those who had no showers.
Because of those with no toilet-paper.
Because of those with bloodshot eyes from lack of sleep.
Because of prisoners of war.
Because of peace paid for with courage.
Because of those who gave everything they could give.
Because of those who watched their friends fall.
Because of mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and children who feel an aching loss.
Becaue of medals that shine upon chests.
Because of Revelotionary War, Cival War, WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Persian Gulf War, Enduring Freedom , invasion of Grenada, Panama invasion, involvement in Somalia & Haiti, peacekeeping missions over Iraq, and all other peacetime service.
Because of a nation that exists because of veterans.
Because of faith through hardship.
Because of rare freedoms.
Because of freedom to speak.
Because of freedom of religion.
Because veterans have given us the freedom to celebrate.

In recognition of Memorial Day & Veteran's Day

We give honor to our veterans. We thank God for those who have been in past years or who are now on alert to defend this land, as well as those who have gone abroad to preserve our freedoms. We thank God for the many blessings He has showered upon this land in which we live. We remember those who returned home, their lives changed forever. We thank Him especially for the sacrifices made in the past by those who labored to give us the freedoms we now enjoy and those families who gave all they could give. We ask Him to bless us and our land for the sake of the Savior, who made the supreme sacrifice for us on the cross.

True American Humor

It is time to change from REDNECK humor to TRUE AMERICAN Humor! Only I don't see it as Humor, but the correct way to LIVE YOUR LIFE !

Ya'll know who ya' are...

You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: It never occurred
to you to be offended by the phrase, "One nation, under God."

You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.

You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You still say
"Christmas" instead of "Winter Festival."

You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You bow your head
when someone prays.

You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You stand and place
your hand over your heart when they play the National
Anthem.

You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You treat Vietnam
vets with great respect, and always have.

You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You've never burned
an American flag.

You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You know what you
believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who
is listening.

You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You respect your
elders and expect your kids to do the same.

You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You'd give your last
dollar to a friend.


God Bless the U S A!

Judge Roy Moore's Prayer

Some of you may be wondering what Judge Roy Moore has been doing since he was removed from the bench for refusing to remove the 10 Commandments from his courtroom wall. Please read the poem he wrote below.

The following is a poem written by Judge Roy Moore from Alabama. Judge Moore was sued by the ACLU for displaying the Ten Commandments in his courtroom foyer. He has been stripped of his judgeship and now they are trying to strip his right to practice law in Alabama. The judge's poem sums it up quite well.

America the Beautiful,
or so you used to be.
Land of the Pilgrims' pride;
I'm glad they'll never see.

Babies piled in dumpsters,
Abortion on demand,
Oh, sweet land of liberty;
your house is on the sand.

Our children wander aimlessly
poisoned by cocaine,
Choosing to indulge their lusts,
when God has said abstain.

From sea to shining sea,
our Nation turns away
From the teaching of God's love
and a need to always pray.

We've kept God in our temples,
how callous we have grown.
When earth is but His footstool,
and Heaven is His throne.

We've voted in a government
that's rotting at the core,
Appointing Godless Judges
who throw reason out the door,

Too soft to place a killer
in a well deserved tomb,
But brave enough to kill a baby
before he leaves the womb.

You think that God's not angry,
that our land's a moral slum?
How much longer will He wait
before His judgment comes?

How are we to face our God,
from Whom we cannot hide?
What then is left for us to do,
but stem this evil tide?

If we who are His children,
will humbly turn and pray;
Seek His holy face
and mend our evil way:

Then God will hear from Heaven
and forgive us of our sins,
He'll heal our sickly land
and those who live within.

But, America the Beautiful,
if you don't - then you will see,
A sad but Holy God
withdraw His hand from Thee.

~Judge Roy Moore~

Pass this on and let's lift Judge Moore up in prayer.
He has stood firm and needs our support.

IN GOD WE TRUST

This is America

This is America
The Land of the Free
A country men founded
For true liberty

A nation created
For all of the best
By those who were able
To face every test

Their hands were not idle
Their backs bent with toil
They hewed out the forest
And tended the soil

All their trust was in God
Their faith was secure
Their courage and honor
Were steadfast and sure

They built America
With strength from above
This nation we cherish
The land that we love!

-- Author Unknown

Thanksgiving: The Religious Freedom Holiday

As we think of the Pilgrims who established the first Thanksgiving Day, we need to recall the reason they left the land of their birth and come to the New World. The Puritan separatists were not allowed to worship freely in England. In August of 1620, they boarded two small ships, the Speedwell and the Mayflower, in search of religious freedom in undeveloped America.

The Speedwell soon sprung leaks and most of the crew and passengers transferred to the Mayflower before the Speedwell turned back. There were 102 Pilgrims who suffered the 67 days of rough sailing before they finally landed in Plymouth Bay in November, 1620. What faith they must have had!

Their troubles were just beginning. No housing awaiting them. No reception group. No physicians or medical facilities. There were no stores. A cold winter lay ahead with sickness for most of them. At one point, only six people were well enough to help the sick and the dying.

By March 1621, not even a year after arriving, only 51 of the original 102 remained alive. It would be another two years before a ship arrived carrying supplies to help them. They were compelled to live off the land in whatever way they could. God sent them some Native Americans who taught the Pilgrims how to plant corn, how to fish the waters, how to find game, how to live without the comforts of England or Holland.

The newcomers built houses. They farmed, They fished. They filled a storehouse with corn and other foods. At the end of the first harvest, they decided to hold a feast of celebration and have a time of thanksgiving to God for their freedom to worship. They invited their Native American friends to enjoy the occasion with them. Ninety came and stayed for three days.

The main point to remember is that the Puritans were willing to pay an enormous price for the privilege of freedom of worship. They were profoundly grateful to God! Here, in America, no established church harassed them, no government agency restricted them, and no one ridiculed them. They were free to worship in the manner they chose. And they did just that!

On Thanksgiving Day we will be grateful for our abundance, thankful for our manifold blessing. Let us also be profoundly appreciative of our freedom to worship accord

Friendships Grow

Friendship comes, and friendship goes,
but our friendship continues to grow.

Through all the laughter, and all the tears,
I'm glad we've been so close,
through all the years.

A friend like you is hard to find.
I am thankful to have a friend so kind.

A Reason, A Season, or a Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON....It is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are! They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrong doing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered. And now it is time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that life is blind, but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life.

Jesus Christ is the same Yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

A Banquet of Flower

When looking at my lovely bouquet,
of friendship 's faces.
Picked from so many,
wonderful and different places.

It suddenly came bursting ,
with such delight.
How each one made up,
a most beautiful sight.

Though it has taken, my life time,
to add each one.
I know that still yet,
my task is not done.

For I shall continue to gather,
along life's pathway.
More radiant faces,
that I shall display.

But dear FRIEND!
This I want you to know.
It will be your flower,
the first that I show.

Thanks, for all the memories,
both of laughter and tears.
They will always be with me,
throughout the coming years.

--Martha D. Manley

Friendship is

Friendship is a priceless gift
That cannot be bought or sold,
But its value is far greater
Than a mountain of pure gold.

A Prayer for You

This morning when I wakened
And saw the sun above,
I softly said, "Good morning, Lord,
Bless everyone I love."


Right away I thought of you
And said a loving prayer,
That He would bless you specially,
And keep you free from care.


I thought of all the happiness
A day could hold in store,
I wished it all for you because
No one deserves it more.

I felt so warm and good inside,
My heart was all aglow.
I know God heard my prayers for you,
He hears them all, you know.

Shake It Off

A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' - or - whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened...and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back...a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back...HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow.

"Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!

You're right! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL!

What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him...all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.

THAT'S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity...THE ADVERSITIES THAT COME ALONG TO BURY US USUALLY HAVE WITHIN THEM THE POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT AND BLESS US! Remember that FORGIVENESS --FAITH -- PRAYER --PRAISE and HOPE...all are excellent ways to "SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP" out of the wells in which we find ourselves!

The carrot, the egg, and the coffee beans

A certain daughter complained to her father about her life and how things have been so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and she wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed that just as one problem was solved another arose.

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

The daughter sucked her teeth and impatiently wondered what he was trying to do. She had problems, and he was making this strange concoction. In half an hour he walked over to the oven and turned down the fire. He pulled the carrots out and placed them in the bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them in the bowl. Then he ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her he asked. "Darling what do you see."

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

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. Her face frowned from the strength of the coffee.

Humbly, she asked. "What does it mean Father."

He explained. "Each of them faced the same adversity, 212 degrees of boiling water. However each reacted differently."

"The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. But after going through boiling water, it softened and became weak."

"The egg was fragile. A thin outer shell protected a liquid center. But after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened."

"The coffee beans are unique however. After they were in the boiling water, it became stronger and richer."

"Which are you," he asked his daughter.

When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond?

Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?

Are you the carrot that seems hard, but with the smallest amount of pain, adversity, or heat you wilt and become soft with no strength?

Are you the egg, which starts off with a malleable heart? A fluid spirit. But after a death, a breakup, a divorce, a layoff you became hardened and stiff. Your shell looks the same, but you are so bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and heart, internally.

Or are you like the coffee bean? The bean does not get its peak flavor and robust until it reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water gets the hottest, it just tastes better. When things are there worst, you get better. When people talk the most, your praises increase. When the hour is the darkest, trials are their greatest, your worship elevates to another level.

How do you handle adversity? Like a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?

II Corinthians 4:8-9 "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed."

Don't You Wish You Could Do This?

Last Week I threw out Worrying,
it was getting old and in the way.
It kept me from being me;
I couldn't do things my way.

I threw out those Inhibitions;
they were just crowding me out.
Made room for my New Growth,
got rid of my old dreams and doubts.

I threw out a book on MY PAST
(didn't have time to read it anyway).
Replaced it with New Goals,
started reading it today.

I threw out childhood toys
(remember how I treasured them so)?
Got me a NEW PHILOSOPHY too,
threw out the one from long ago.

Bought in some new books too,
called I CAN, I WILL, and I MUST.
Threw out I might, I think and I ought.
WOW, You should've seen the dust.

I ran across an OLD FRIEND,
haven't seen him in a while.
I believe his name is GOD,
Yes, I really like His style.

He helped me to do some cleaning
and added some thing's Himself.
Like PRAYER, HOPE and FAITH,
Yes I placed them right on the shelf.

I picked up this special thing
and placed it at the front door.
I FOUND IT - its called PEACE.
Nothing gets me down anymore.

Yes, I've got my house looking nice.
Looks good around the place.
For things like Worry and Trouble
there just isn't any place.

Its good to do a little house cleaning,
get rid of the old things on the shelf.
It sure makes things brighter;
maybe you should TRY IT YOURSELF.

Is Your Hut Burning?

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried.

Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going badly. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering.

Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground --- it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.

Christ Gives me Strength

Philippians 4:13 reads, "I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me."

The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called failure, a loop called confusion, speed bumps called friends, red lights called enemies, caution lights called family. You will have flats called jobs.

But if you have a spare called determination, an engine called
perseverance, insurance called faith, and a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called success!

Be of Good Cheer

Acts 27:22 "And now I exhort you to be of good cheer."

What do you do when you're in a really perilous situation?

Do you cry out to God in desperation?

Don't do it.

Instead, do what Paul said and be of good cheer! ---

Cry out to God in faith and say, "Lord, I'm not going to panic. I'm not going to despair. I'm going to be of good cheer because Your Word says You'll deliver me from this situation" (Ps. 34:19 CEV- The Lord's people may suffer alot, but he will always bring them safely through).



Then start being cheerful. It may take more determination than anything you've ever done before, but God will give you the strength to do it. He'll give you the power to be cheerful in the middle of the most ungodly darkness the devil can bring up.

The U in Jesus

Before U were thought of or time had begun, God even stuck U in the name of His Son.

And each time U pray, you'll see it's true You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.

You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name, For U, He was born; that's why He came.

And His great love for U is the reason He died. It even takes U to spell crUcified.

Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand He rose from the dead, with U in His plan. The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew, and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.

When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension, He felt there was one thing He just had to mention. Go into the world and tell them it's true That I love them all - Just like I love U.

So many great people are spelled with a U, Don't they have a right to know JesUs too? It all depends now on what U will do, He'd like them to know But it all starts with U. -- Author Unknown

When I'm

When I'm in the deepest throes of despair who will be there to help pull me out of my depression?

"I'll be the one whose hand you grasp to pull you up and help you go on"

When I'm feeling so weak and I don't think that I can go on who will be there to give me strength?

"I'll be the one who gives you the power to conquer it all"

When I'm in my darkest hour who'll shine the light so I can find my way?

"I'll be the one whose love will shine so bright every step of the way"

And when I am so alone and feel that no one loves me who'll be there?

"I'll be the one right beside you for my love will never abandon you"

All these things you'll do for me? But at what cost?

"There's no cost to you, that debt was paid many years ago"

But why do I deserve all of these gifts?

"Because you are my child and I love you."

Connie Combs

When Elephants Fight

When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers -- African Proverb

God's Ferris Wheel

I guess that I am just soooo sick of being on this roller coaster of emotions.

I am ready to get off.

So I guess I'll get off and ride the ferris wheel of God's promises,

.......that should tickle my belly.

Want to ride with me? :)

What Cancer Cannot Do

WHAT CANCER CANNOT DO

Cancer is so limited

It cannot cripple love

It cannot shatter hope

It cannot corrode faith

It cannot destroy peace

It cannot kill friendship

It cannot suppress memories

It cannot silence courage

It cannot invade the soul

It cannot steal eternal life

It cannot conquer the spirit

Anonymous

Will it Matter?

Will it really matter five years down the road?



That's a good question to ask when you're bothered by a traffic jam or an argument.

Don't allow minor setbacks or concerns to get in the way of your concentrating on what is important. Set your hearts and minds on things above!

Memo

To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: THE BOSS
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE

I am God. Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help.

If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.

Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

If you find yourself stuck in traffic; Don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work; Think of the man who has been out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!

Positive Thought

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.

If He had a wallet, Your photo would be in it.

He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.

Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.

He could live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

What about the Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem;

not to mention that Friday at Calvary.

Face it, He's crazy about you.

Under Construction

I have been on a self-improvement program most of my life.
Though I realize I am continually under construction and will
never be fully completed in a lifetime, I relate to the poet who
set these words to paper:

"Your task is to build a better world," said God,
and I questioned, "How?
This world is such a vast place
and, oh, so complicated now.
And I am so small
and useless,
there is nothing I can do."
But God in all great wisdom said,
"You just build a better you."

Pastor Appreciation Humor

After a church service on Sunday morning, a young boy suddenly announced to his mother, "Mom, I've decided to become a minister when I grow up."

"That's okay with us, but what made you decide that?" "Well," said the little boy, "I have to go to church on Sunday anyway, and I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell, than to sit and listen."


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

A boy was watching his father, a pastor, write a sermon. How do you know what to say?" he asked. "Why, God tells me."

"Oh, then why do you keep crossing things out?"

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

LET'S COMPARE!

A church personnel committee asked their pastor to evaluate his ministry in comparison to the ministry of Jesus. Here is his humble response:

**JESUS **PASTOR

Walks on water.........................Slips on ice

Changes water into wine...........Changes water into coffee

Welcomes children.................Has children's sermon

Curses fig tree...................Kills houseplants

Stills the storm..................Puts storm windows on sills

Feeds 5,000.......................Buys snacks for youth program

Heals centurion's servant at a distance...Can use the TV remote control

Heals paralyzed man...............Gets children to do chores

Overturns money-changer tables....Puts away folding tables

Raises the dead...................Wakes teenagers

Casts out demons..................Turns on night-light

Cleanses lepers...................Has changed dirtydiapers

Light of the World................Turner of light switches

Stands at door and knocks.........Has church key

Calls disciples...................E-mails deacons and elders

By: J. Christy Ramsey
Published in ECULAUGH a humor meeting on www,Ecunet.org in February of 1997.
It was also published in "Holy Hillarity" by Cal Samra and the "Joyful Noiseletter".


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

The shortness of a sermon

Scientists have discovered that sound travels faster in the summer than in the winter. Sound travels through the summer air at 1,266 feet a second. In cold air sound travels as slow a 1,066 feet per second. So this means that sermons preached in the summer will naturally be shorter, right?

***********************
A Pastor's Collar

A minister was walking along the corridor of the parochial school near the preschool wing when a group of little ones were trotting by on the way to the cafeteria. One little lad of about three or four stopped and looked at him in his clerical clothes and asked, "Why do you dress funny?"

He told him he was a minister and this is the uniform ministers wear.

Then the boy pointed to the minister's plastic collar tab and asked, "Do you have an owie?"

The minister was perplexed till he realized that to him the collar tab looked like a band aid. So the minister took it out and handed it to the boy to show him.

On the back of the tab are raised letters giving the name of the manufacturer. The little guy felt the letters, and the minister asked, "Do you know what those words say?"

"Yes, I do," said the lad who was not old enough to read.

Peering intently at the letters he said, "Kills ticks and fleas up to six months."

************************
TOP 7 SIGNS YOUR PASTOR NEEDS A VACATION

7. His first words to the congregation on Sunday morning are "Alright, listen up you heathens..."

6. He falls asleep during his own sermon.

5. He shows up for Sunday service wearing Bermuda Shorts and a Tank Top.

4. Every time his pager goes off, he shouts, "Why can't they just leave me alone?!"

3. Announces baptismal services will be at the Grand Canyon.

2. You go to his office for counseling and pour your heart out to him and he says, "Sounds like a personal problem to me."

AND THE NUMBER ONE SIGN YOUR PASTOR NEEDS A VACATION

1. For the past two months he has preached the same sermon every Sunday.
-------------------------------------------------------

THE NUMBER ONE SIGN THE CONGREGATION NEEDS A VACATION FROM THE

PASTOR:

For the past two months, the pastor has preached the same sermon every Sunday -- and nobody has noticed!

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

Pastoral position open.

Wanted: A puppet. Good idea to bring tape recorder to call committee meetings for later use. Biblical knowledge optional. Must have large stomach for the coffee expected to drink at the local restaurant. Please leave new ideas at home, but our "friendly congregation" is open to change. Will need own snowpants, parkas, hats, mittens and boots for our "warm" congregation. Pastor with a family is desired...but make sure children are not noticeable.

Praise God for Pastors

Dear Lord, I praise You for calling pastors to serve Your people. Help us to remember that Pastors aren't here to just serve US, but to serve ALONG side of us. We are all ministers, as we are all called to be Your servants. And we are called to serve one another, as that is not just the job of pastors.

Bless our Pastors today!

Dear God,
Bless our pastors today! Make them too big to be little, too wise to be foolish, too spiritual to be worldly, too tall to get chips on their shoulders, too zealous to be idle, too cultured to be coarse, and too joyful to be morbid.
Save them from the love of big words, the fear of carnal people, the tedium of too many announcements, and the pit of pointless preaching.
Strengthen them when they would be lured into shallow or deep sins. When the stand they must take will not be appreciated by the peple who pay their salaries, and when they are the target of tongues whetted to a severe sharpness.
Empower them with the Spirit of Christ to make them effective in the pulpit, calm under pressure, and strong even in weakness.
Give them wisdom to wait when they do not know what to do, love when they must rebuke the wolf scattering the flock, and grace when they must sit silently suffering rather than arise in self-defense.
Fill them with unction every sunday, with enthusiasm every Monday, and with your Holy Spirit every day.
And help me not to discuss their faults with anyone but Thee, O God.
Amen.
--Ocean View Baptist Church, Myrtle Beach, SC