FAMILY CHRONICLE

Professional reading

2011-11-28T08:55:00.000-08:00

Viewer discretion

2011-11-25T13:41:00.000-08:00

unlearn something

2011-07-29T07:02:00.001-07:00

July 29th.

	WHAT DO YOU SEE IN YOUR CLOUDS?

"Behold, He cometh with clouds." Revelation 1:7 In the Bible clouds are always connected with God. Clouds are those sorrows or sufferings or providences, within or without our personal lives, which seem to dispute the rule of God. It is by those very clouds that the Spirit of God is teaching us how to walk by faith. If there were no clouds, we should have no faith. "The clouds are but the dust of our Father's feet." The clouds are a sign that He is there. What a revelation it is to know that sorrow and bereavement and suffering are the clouds that come along with God! God cannot come near without clouds, He does not come in clear shining. It is not true to say that God wants to teach us something in our trials: through every cloud He brings, He wants us to unlearn something. His purpose in the cloud is to simplify our belief until our relationship to Him is exactly that of a child - God and my own soul, other people are shadows. Until other people become shadows, clouds and darkness will be mine every now and again. Is the relationship between myself and God getting simpler than ever it has been? There is a connection between the strange providences of God and what we know of Him, and we have to learn to interpret the mysteries of life in the light of our knowledge of God. Unless we can look the darkest, blackest fact full in the face without damaging God's character, we do not yet know Him. "They feared as they entered the cloud . . ." - Is there anyone "save Jesus only" in your cloud? If so, it will get darker; you must get to the place where there is "no one any more save Jesus only."

a telephone tip

2011-07-28T10:47:00.001-07:00

I will lift up my eyes unto the hills.

We cannot protect ourselves or anyone else
we must look to to Him to be 'lightened'

"they looked unto Him... and
their faces were not ashamed."

http://bible.cc/psalms/34-5.htm

---------------------------------------

You CANNOT use your iphone without going
TO the 'tower' and THROUGH the 'exchange'.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephone_exchange

We were honoring our pastors on their
wedding anniversary - over 25 years.

there am I thinking he must
"have it all together"
everything seemed
so 'peachy'....
well, he publicly
confessed that...

they were only able to communicate
and get ANYTHING done WHEN they
focused each on keeping a good
personal relationship with God.

But if we walk in the light,
as he is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son
cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

http://bible.cc/1_john/1-7.htm

mixed up

2011-07-27T09:43:00.001-07:00

In the path of righteousness for HIS names sake

July 27th 2011 - CHAMBERS

THE WAY TO KNOW

"If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine . . ." John 7:17

The golden rule for understanding spiritually is not intellect, but obedience. If a man wants scientific knowledge, intellectual curiosity is his guide; but if he wants insight into what Jesus Christ teaches, he can only get it by obedience. If things are dark to me, then I may be sure there is something I will not do. Intellectual darkness comes through ignorance; spiritual darkness comes because of something I do not intend to obey.

No man ever receives a word from God without instantly being put to the test over it. We disobey and then wonder why we don't go on spiritually. 'If when you come to the altar,' said Jesus, 'there you remember your brother hath ought against you . . . don't say another word to Me, but first go and put that thing right.' The teaching of Jesus hits us where we live. We cannot stand as humbugs before Him for one second. He educates us down to the scruple. The Spirit of God unearths the spirit of self-vindication; He makes us sensitive to things we never thought of before.

When Jesus brings a thing home by His word, don't shirk it. If you do, you will become a religious humbug. Watch the things you shrug your shoulders over, and you will know why you do not go on spiritually. First go - at the risk of being thought fanatical you must obey what God tells you.

-----------------------------------------------------------
entangleth
tied up
mixed up
not free from
uncertain
confused

No man that warreth entangleth himself with
the affairs of this life; that he may please
him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

1 Timothy 5:22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands,
and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
-----------------------------------------------------------
2 Timothy 2:24 And the Lord's servant must not quarrel;
instead, he must be kind to everyone,
able to teach, not resentful.
-----------------------------------------------------------
YOU ARE NOT LIKE THEM
3Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.

4He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.

5Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.

6And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself.
-----------------------------------------------------------
16But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?

17Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee.

18When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.

19Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.

20Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son.

21These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.

22Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.

23Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ephesians 5:11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless
deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

<< Psalm 1 >>
King James Version

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
What God said:
Jeremiah 15:7 I will winnow them with a winnowing fork at the city gates of the land. I will bring bereavement and destruction on my people, for they have not changed their ways.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
What the people said:
I want to do my own thing
I don't want to answer to no one, and...
no one is going to tell me what to do !!!

This is why I don't want to hear about the bible and God.

today

2011-06-07T08:20:00.001-07:00

A timely reminder from Donna

like a mighty army
moves the church of God
brothers we are treading
where the saints have trod
we are not divided
all one body we
one in hope
and one in faith
and one in charity

onward christian soldiers
marching as to war
with the cross of Jesus
going on before

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

I LOVE PEGGY - she knows how to cook up a great 'word stew' check this out (excertps ) from last Friday
Princeton economist Alan Blinder has noted .... that the bills for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, defense and interest on the national debt amount to about two-thirds of all federal outlays. - Noonan

Obama inherited financial collapse, deficits and debt. He inherited a broken political culture. These things weren't his fault. But through his decisions, he made them all worse?????

He really dislikes the other side, and can't fake it. This is peculiar in a politician, the not faking it. But he doesn't bother to show warmth and high regard. And so appeals to patriotism—"Come on guys, we have to save this thing"—ring hollow from him. In this he is the un-Clinton. Bill Clinton understood why conservatives think what they think because he was raised in the South. He was surrounded by them, and he wasn't by nature an ideologue.

Barack Obama is different, not a political practitioner, really, but something else, and not a warm-blooded animal but a cool, chill character, a fish who sits deep in the tank and stares, stilly, at the other fish.

He doesn't know how to confuse his foes with "outreach," with phone calls, jokes, affection. He doesn't leave them saying, as Reagan did, "I just can't help it, I like the guy." And because he can't confuse them or reach them they more readily coalesce around their own explanation of him: socialist, destroyer.

This isn't good, and has had an impact on the president's contacts with Republicans. And it's added an edge to an emerging campaign theme among them. from NOONAN Friday 6/3/11

YES BUT CAN HE CHANGE?
WILL HE CHANGE...in time to get that 2nd term?

PostScript: "the powers that be are ordained of God!!!"

Oprah and me

2011-06-03T09:02:00.001-07:00

the gold and the glory

I am not going to hang around
folk who are talking about
a jealous God.

so I left...not realizing
there was only one
other option.

My father let me know
pretty early on
from the
Bible

ONE
the choice is
always
mine

TWO
there are only
two options

whatever I have
will come from
God or the Devil

and whatever I do
is by one or the
other.

so my thinking is
now Oprah has
the gold and
the glory
maybe she
doesn't
need a
God who
is jealous.

she did make
the choice...
right?

and don't bother asking me if
she is saved...I don't know!!

today's round-up

2011-05-26T09:08:00.001-07:00

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

IMAGINE NOAH

Harold Camping, 89, of Oakland-Calif.-based Family Radio

made worldwide headlines in recent months for his

prediction that Judgment Day was guaranteed to be May 21,

2011, prompting many believers to quit their regular jobs

to help spread the warning....It was not the first time

Camping got the forecast wrong, having prognosticated the

return of Jesus numerous times, including 1994. "This guy

is something else,"We are calling for the Family Radio

board to remove him."

http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=303093

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

"We support free speech, but this is shouting 'Rapture!' in

a crowded theater" - John Keiser

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

Glastnost

more like chapter 16

restructuring

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

Another atheist with the group, Bob Seidensticker, said,

"There must be consequences. For this radio network to be

financially healthy when they have caused many of their

listeners to be destitute or distraught – that's wrong. We

want a way for those injured by this prediction to come

forward so they can be compensated by Family Radio."

++++++++++

"There must be consequences. For this

bank/entertainer/church/employer/political

party/school/advertiser/network news team.. to be

financially healthy when they have caused many of their

listeners/viewers/followers/employees/stockholders to be

destitute or distraught – that's wrong. We want a way for

those injured by this/these prediction(s)/claims etc to

come forward so they can be compensated by Family Radio or

whoever."

++++++++++

..atheists are lamenting that religious organizations are

exempted from disclosure requirements by the Internal

Revenue Service, precluding the public from finding out how

much money Camping and his network have collected from the

Judgment Day campaign.

...we call on Congress to make the rules consistent for all

nonprofits. If a ministry is comfortable with God knowing

how it spends its money, surely it can't have anything to

hide from the public."

http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=303093

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

THE OATH

http://alerts.worldnetdaily.com/HM?a=ENX7Cqi_FJYf8SA9MKJD3Y

znGHxKLEr1EvcStGb5lw8W0bBhOG5mpqVsje_Hhe-ud1Oy

He will have acted not as a constitutional representative,

but as a monarch, subversive of, or above, the law." - Dr.

Larry Arnn of the Claremont Institute

'For one man to defy a law or court order he does not like

is to invite others to do the same. This leads to a

breakdown of all justice. Some societies respect the rule

of force; America respects the rule of law.' - Kennedy

"Votes alone do not make a person president of the United

States. There is a requirement that precedes obtaining the

power and authority of obtaining the presidency. It is the

oath of office. It is swearing to preserve, protect and

defend the Constitution. It is accepting the obligation

that the laws are to be faithfully executed. - Rogan

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

The date was July 16, 2008. It was late in the afternoon

and I was sitting in my hotel room in Louisville, Kentucky.

I was scheduled to speak that evening for the Kentucky

Association of School Administrators (KASA).

I was a little "down in the dumps." I hadn't gotten to

exercise lately because of my traveling schedule and

recently I'd experienced some mild bouts of vertigo

Patrick Henry Hughes was born with no eyes, and a

tightening of the joints which left him crippled for life.

However, as a child, he was fitted with artificial eyes and

placed in a wheelchair. Before his first birthday, he

discovered the piano. His mom said, "I could hit any note

on the piano, and within one or two tries, he'd get it." By

his second birthday, he was playing requests (You Are My

Sunshine, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star). His father was

ecstatic. "We might not play baseball, but we can play

music together."

Today, Patrick is a junior at the University of Louisville.

His father attends classes with him and he's made nearly

all A's, with the exception of 3 B's He's also a part of

the 214 member marching band. You read it right...the

marching band! He's a blind, wheelchair-bound trumpet

player; and he and his father do it together. They attend

all the band practices and the half-time performance in

front of thousands. His father rolls and rotates his son

around the field to the cheers of Patrick's fans. In order

to attend Patrick's classes and every band practice, his

father works the graveyard shift at UPS. Patrick said..."My

dad's my hero."

www.SimpleTruths.com.

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

http://www.familylife.com/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=d

nJHKLNnFoG&b=3842489&ct=10037207&utm_campaign=TFR-20110520&

utm_source=CON&utm_medium=Email-N&utm_content=article

Once again, Cameron Diaz is earning headlines for her

comments about marriage.

The 38-year-old actress has had a succession of boyfriends

but has never married. Recently she told one magazine,

"Marriage isn't important to me … If I try to lock

something down, I'm missing out on all the possibilities of

what it could be."

When another interviewer asked if she believes marriage is

a dying institution, she answered, "I do. I think we have

to make our own rules. I don't think we should live our

lives in relationships based off old traditions that don't

suit our world any longer."

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

GOOGLE as GOD

http://whitepapers.zdnet.com/abstract.aspx?docid=2415647&pr

omo=550&trial=25398584&tag=nl.e550.em

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

http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=303181

May 21st - a mockery?

2011-05-16T08:12:00.001-07:00

The Old Testament is
confusing to some peolpe
because it is filled with
'fear inducing' incidents.

Jesus quoted from it.
It has things that seem
difficult to us regarding "acts of God"....
the same God who Jesus called His Father.

My attitude, is fearful
when I recognise mockers
...of "THE FATHER"
-----------------------------------
Here is a case in point...
http://kingjbible.com/jeremiah/7.htm

Behold, you trust in lying words,
that cannot profit. 9Will you steal,
murder, and commit adultery, and swear
falsely, and burn incense unto Baal,
and walk after other gods whom ye know not;
10And come and stand before me in this house,
which is called by my name, and say,
We are delivered to do all these
abominations? 11Is this house,
which is called by my name,
become a den of robbers in
your eyes? Behold, even I
have seen it,
saith the LORD.

AND THIS...
The dead bodies of these people will
become food for birds and animals,
and no one will be there
to frighten them away
http://bible.cc/jeremiah/7-33.htm
-----------------------------------
Nonagenarian (Dictionary.com)
A person who is from 90 to 99 years old.

*************************
when the calender says it is May 21 in your city
or country and the clock says it is about 6 p.m.,
Judgment Day will be ushered in by a massive earthquake.

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

CLICK THIS TO READ THE REST
I DO NOT WISH TO DISCUSS WETHER
THIS IS TRUE OR NOT WE WILL
ALL FIND OUT SOON ENOUGH.
My attitude, is fearful when I recognise
that mockers are loving this.
The only ligitimate FEAR
for me is THE FEAR OF GOD.

Hebrews 1:2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe...
He said in John 12:48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.
-----------------------------------
2 Peter 3:3 knowing this first, that in the last days mockers will come, walking after their own lusts...

2 Peter 2:10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings

Scoffers - In Jude 1:18 the same Greek word is rendered "mockers." The word means those who deride, reproach, ridicule.

2 Peter 1:20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation.
-----------------------------------
1 Timothy 4:1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

3579

all the days of my life

2011-05-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

channels of blessing = scripture, beleived & spoken

conduits of the curse - gossip, evil surmising

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

Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies:
for false witnesses are risen up against me,
and such as breathe out cruelty.

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
the LORD is the strength of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?

2When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes,
came upon me to eat up my flesh,
they stumbled and fell.

3Though an host should encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear:

though war should rise against me,
in this will I be confident.

4One thing have I desired of the LORD,
that will I seek after;

that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,

to behold the beauty of the LORD,
and to inquire in his temple.

5For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion:
in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me;
he shall set me up upon a rock.

6And now shall mine head be lifted up
above mine enemies round about me:
therefore will I offer in his
tabernacle sacrifices of joy;
I will sing, yea,
I will sing praises
unto the LORD.

7Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice:
have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8When thou saidst, Seek ye my face;
my heart said unto thee,
Thy face, LORD,
will I seek.

9Hide not thy face far from me;
put not thy servant away in anger:
thou hast been my help; leave me not,
neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

10When my father and my mother forsake me,
then the LORD will take me up.

11Teach me thy way, O LORD,
and lead me in a plain path,
because of mine enemies.

12Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies:
for false witnesses are risen up against me,
and such as breathe out cruelty.

13I had fainted, unless I had believed to see
the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage,

and he shall strengthen thine heart:

wait, I say, on the LORD.

East Street Memoirs

2011-05-10T10:30:00.001-07:00

On a Saturday afternoon in October, 1858, while at

work in my cornfield near Hardwick, New York, the

sentiment of this hymn came to me. The next day,

I finished the hymn and wrote a tune for it and sent it...

Holy Spirit, faithful Guide, ever near the Christian's side;
Gently lead us by the hand, pilgrims in a desert land.
Weary souls fore'er rejoice, while they hear that sweetest voice,
Whispering softly, "Wanderer, come, follow Me, I'll guide thee home."

Ever present, truest Friend, ever near Thine aid to lend,
Leave us not to doubt and fear, groping on in darkness drear.
When the storms are raging sore, hearts grow faint and hopes give o'er.
Whispering softly, "Wanderer, come, follow Me, I'll guide thee home."

When our days of toil cease, waiting still for sweet release,
Nothing left but heaven and prayer, wondering if our names are there;
Wading deep the dismal flood, pleading naught but Jesus' blood,
Whispering softly, "Wanderer, come, follow Me, I'll guide thee home."

HEAR IT HERE

spiritual freedoms

2011-05-02T08:03:00.000-07:00

Today US forces are claiming victory in the death of
Osama Bin Laden. His body, according to government forces,
has been buried at sea. The New York Daily News is marking
the event with the headline "ROT IN HELL".

Yet, for all of the celebratory drinks that will be downed
today,and as good and needful as it is for dangerous people
to be stopped, this could be a sobering moment for followers
of Christ.
http://beenthinking.org/2011/05/02/bin-laden-tornadoes-and-tsunamis/

I've also been thinking about what to make of the fact that God

allowed Satan to use a windstorm to take the lives, that tested
Job's faith…before the LORD, himself, finally spoke out of
another violent storm… (Job 1:19 ; 38:1)

**************
He suffered at the hands of these rulers (Jesus the heavenly ruler)
He beareth not the sword in vain (the earthly govonors)

All over the United States and the world itself, millions are

rejoicing at this moment over the death of one of the most
evil men the world has ever known.

Our feelings of jubilation as Christians should also be
balanced with the fact that a human soul has been lost and
will spend forever in the torments of eternal fire. One wonders
if our response to the death of Bin Laden should be one of somber,
humble quietness and we consider the words of God who expressed
His feelings on even those such as
Bin laden who are such evil men.

Ezekiel 33:11 Say to them: "As I live," says the Lord GOD,
"I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked…"

Even in His perfect judgment, the Lord does not glory or
cheer when even a man as evil as Osama Bin Laden is killed.
The death of a human soul and the assignment of that soul
to eternal punishment is not something to glory over.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise,
as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us,
not willing that any should perish but
that all should come to repentance.

Rob Robinson
*****************

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by rules and expectations?
Think of how the Jewish people must have felt as they tried
to keep up with more than 600 rules from the Old Testament
and many more that had been imposed on them by the religious
leaders of their day. And imagine their surprise when Jesus
simplified the pursuit of righteousness by narrowing the
list down to just two—"love the Lord your God"
(Matt. 22:37) and "love your neighbor as yourself" (v.39).

http://odb.org/
*****************

John Paul said the great work of God is man, and the great
redeemer of man is Christ. Therefore, "Christ cannot be kept
out of the history of man in any part of the globe, at any
longitude or latitude. . . . The exclusion of Christ from
the history of man is an act against man!"

"I speak . . . for St. Paul: Do not quench the Spirit. . . .
I speak again for St. Paul: Do not grieve the Spirit of God!"

"You must be strong, my brothers and sisters. You must be
strong with the strength that faith gives. . . . You need
this strength today more than any other period in our
history. . . . You must be strong with love, which is
stronger than death. . . .
Never lose your spiritual freedom."

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

May 2nd.THE PASSION OF PATIENCE

"Though it tarry, wait for it." Habakkuk 2:3

Patience is not indifference; patience conveys the idea of an

immensely strong rock withstanding all onslaughts. The vision
of God is the source of patience, because it imparts a moral
inspiration. Moses endured, not because he had an ideal of right
and duty, but because he had a vision of God. He "endured,
as seeing Him Who is invisible." A man with the vision of God
is not devoted to a cause or to any particular issue; he is
devoted to God Himself. You always know when the vision is
of God because of the inspiration that comes with it; things
come with largeness and tonic to the life because everything
is energized by God. If God gives you a time spiritually,

as He gave His Son actually, of temptation in the wilderness,
with no word from Himself at all, endure, and the power to
endure is there because you see God.

"Though it tarry, wait for it." The proof that we have the
vision is that we are reaching out for more than we have grasped.
It is a bad thing to be satisfied spiritually. "What shall I
render unto the Lord?" said the Psalmist. "I will take the cup
of salvation." We are apt to look for satisfaction in ourselves
- "Now I have got the thing; now I am entirely sanctified;
now I can endure." Instantly we are on the road to ruin.
Our reach must exceed our grasp. "Not as though I had already
attained, either were already perfect." If we have only

what we have experienced, we have nothing; if we have the
inspiration of the vision of God, we have more than we can
experience. Beware of the danger of
relaxation spiritually. - Chambers

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

Everyone looked at the propaganda of the state, at its lack of

truthfulness and its disrespect for reality, and they thought:
It's all lies. Everything the government says is a lie.
The government itself is a lie.

Twenty-three years later, in an interview, the Solidarity leader
Lech Walessa told me of how John Paul galvanized the movement
for freedom: "We knew . . . communism could not be reformed.
But we knew the minute he touched the foundations of communism,
it would collapse."

Some will speak of mistakes and sins in his papacy, and they are

right. But saints are first of all human, and their lives are
always flawed, full of contradictions, and marked by
stark failures. Yet they are individuals of heroic virtue.
As he was.Santo Subito. Make him a saint. - NOONAN

******************
Many on the right are critical of the fawning over the Royal
wedding ceremony for Prince William and his bride, Kate,
broadcast around the globe today. They point to the American
Revolution and our endeavors to shed the tyranny of the Crown,
and they mock the stodginess of the Royals while noting the
irony of several failed marriages among the recent crop from
the House of Windsor - most notably, William's parents.
But whatever one thinks of the Monarchy, in an increasingly
pathetic MTV world - the ceremony today was extraordinary,
and a good thing for the world to see. It was nothing short
of impressive - timely, carried out with precision, dripping
with military, christian and royal traditions. The music was
magnificent - there were actual hymns rather than gaudy
"praise music" rock bands, a church that looks like a

church, and the participants and guests were dressed not just

appropriately, but perfectly…

The event was broadcast to an estimated 2 billion people.
And in my view - that is a good thing. It can hardly be bad -
for whatever flaws of the people involved - to remind people
through the broadcast of a high religious ceremony that
Christ is Lord. It can hardly be bad to have 2 billion people
hear a Christian reminder of the importance of marriage in
furthering mankind. It can hardly be bad to remind people

that for all its flaws, the Anglo-influence has indeed made
the world a far better place. And it is hardly bad to remind
people that tradition matters - that carrying ourselves the
proper way matters. Today was a day for the British to be proud
of the civilization they have built - and a civilization that
shaped the world. A civilization that birthed America.
http://www.redstate.com/hogan/

***************
What does it mean to be blessed? It means that you are
supernaturally empowered to do whatever God has called you
to do; to be whoever God has called you to be; and to have
whatever God has called you to have. God's blessing is His
empowerment! The key is this: you have to believe it in order
to receive it. You can't walk around in guilt and condemnation
from the past thinking you can't do anything right and expect
to keep moving forward. You have to shake off those old mindsets
by declaring God's truth over your life. Truth sets you free.

When you speak God's truth that you are blessed, you will be
free to believe it and free to receive it! Today, take hold of
what belongs to you. Approach the day with an attitude of faith
and victory knowing that you are already blessed! - Osteen

****************
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, lie,
and say all kinds of evil things about you because of me.
12Rejoice and be glad because you have a great reward in heaven!
The prophets who lived before you were persecuted in these ways.

13"You are salt for the earth. But if salt loses its taste,
how will it be made salty again? It is no longer good for
anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people.

14"You are light for the world. A city cannot be hidden
when it is located on a hill. 15No one lights a lamp and puts
it under a basket. Instead, everyone who lights a lamp puts it
on a lamp stand. Then its light shines on everyone in the house.
16In the same way let your light shine in front of people.
Then they will see the good that you

do and praise your Father in heaven.

http://gwt.scripturetext.com/matthew/5.htm

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

spineless weasel

2011-04-27T09:11:00.001-07:00

INVERTEBRATES and other unlikely things.

An invertebrate is an animal without a backbone (or spine).
The group includes 95% of all animal species

THE CONTEXT:
In the 1951 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King and I,

Anna sings this song as she strikes up a warm and

affectionate relationship with the children and

the wives of the King of Siam. (wikipedia)

It's a very ancient saying,
But a true and honest thought,
That if you become a teacher,
By your pupils you'll be taught.

As a teacher I've been learning --
You'll forgive me if I boast --
And I've now become an expert,
On the subject I like most.
Getting to know you.

Getting to know you,
Getting to know all about you.
Getting to like you,
Getting to hope you like me.

Getting to know you,
Putting it my way,
But nicely,
You are precisely,
My cup of tea.

Getting to know you,
Getting to know all about you.
Getting to like you,
Getting to hope you like me.

Getting to know you,
Putting it my way,
But nicely,
You are precisely,

My cup of tea.

Getting to know you,
Getting to feel free and easy
When I am with you,
Getting to know what to say

Haven't you noticed
Suddenly I'm bright and breezy?
Because of all the beautiful and new
Things I'm learning about you
Day by day.

Getting to know you,
Getting to feel free and easy
When I am with you,
Getting to know what to say

Haven't you noticed
Suddenly I'm bright and breezy?
Because of all the beautiful and new
Things I'm learning about you
Day .. by ... day.

spineless (Urban Dictionary)
A wimp. A person without a spine.

Someone who has others do the dirty work for them.

Someone who backs down from confrontation or sneaks

around and has others do the job for them.

weasel (www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary)
any of various small slender active carnivorous mammals that

are able to prey on animals larger than themselves, are mostly

brown with white or yellowish underparts,

and in northern forms turn white in winter.

My mentor warned me just
this past week about
calling people names.
I did it again.
I was wrong.

I don't know people
so I try to learn more about them
the more a find out about them
the more I realize they are like me
but learning about people is not always easy
some people don't want to share about themselves.

for a long time I was ashamed, fearful, closed.
I thought no one liked me. One of my counselors
wondered out loud wether I would ever be able to
have meaningful relationships. I think he was
having a difficult time getting through to me.

I went to narcotics anonymous even though I never
touched a narcotic. I learned at those meeteings
that the worst of us is still of great value.

And Paul said, "I was not aware, brethren,

that he was high priest; for it is written,

'YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK EVIL OF

A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE.'"

Acts 23:5

good thursday

2011-04-21T10:39:00.001-07:00

CAUTION RAMBLING

I still cry sometimes

at easter....

He saved

A WRETCH : Me !

click it-> Confession - BEING WRONG <- click it

.....my attitude towards other people and my

self-obsession—I had a lot to think about in my

life that I wasn't very proud of. For the first

time in my life, I realized I'd made a mess of

things.

A person who rushes through life mostly using

people. I thought much more about my own

self-interest than anybody's else's. That led to

the breakup of my first marriage; I was

responsible for that.

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

Please pray for mommy..a lot

that God would make her stong

sustain her...and our brother David

...DON'T FORGET...God is able !!!

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

Pastor was talking last night about

THIS PRESENT EVIL WORLD...

it's really, really bad out here !!!!

but you are the Light of the world...

don't EVER FORGET ! !

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

what would pain, tradgedy, job loss

etc....do to my faith? what if I am wrong?

...it was part of what I needed as a Christian:

to see how other people lived, to be in a

position where I was helpless and had to learn

how to lean on God. - COLSON

wrong (3447)

2011-04-21T10:24:00.001-07:00

i was wrong

2011-04-21T10:22:00.001-07:00

.....my attitude towards other people and my

self-obsession—I had a lot to think about in my

life that I wasn't very proud of. For the first

time in my life, I realized I'd made a mess of

things.

I began to see the whole thing closing in on and

me and getting worse and worse and worse and

worse.

I began to have different values and a different

attitude. I began to study the Bible....taught

me lots of what I needed to know as a Christian

and helped me to live my faith.

I'm watching everything I've worked day and

night to build collapse around me.

As much as being worried about my own future, I

think that was what had me searching for

something more meaningful in life.

you don't make any close friends... no one

does. I realized how easily everything you put

your heart and soul into for two years, three

years, four years could go down the garbage.

That was the disillusioning part.

My biggest regret is that I saw things going on

that I should've known were wrong or I knew were

wrong but then I rationalized them away. I

didn't say anything. I should've spoken up a

number of times and said, "Wait a moment, this

isn't right," and I didn't. That's my greatest

regret.

What do you think stopped you?

to be perfectly honest, I wanted to stay in the

inner circle. It was self interest.

A person who rushes through life mostly using

people. I thought much more about my own

self-interest than anybody's else's. That led to

the breakup of my first marriage; I was

responsible for that.

I can't imagine I lived the way I did. I cannot

imagine. I shudder when I think about it,

because I feel so totally differently about

life. Now, please don't get the impression that

somebody who's a really bad guy and then all of

a sudden finds Christ, the next day he's a

saint. It doesn't work that way.

I've discovered that every year you grow a

little more than the year before. It isn't like

all of a sudden you turn a switch and you go

from A to B. You do in one sense, because your

whole worldview is very different; you realize

you've got to see things the way God sees them,

not the way you do. So that part changes fast,

but it doesn't immediately reflect itself in how

you live. That part takes time.

Paul, who was the greatest apostle of the

Christian Church, said, "I die daily." He meant

the old Paul had to die so the new Paul could

live, and I think if we're honest with

ourselves, we all need to do that.

I kept a lot of my old friends. And I have to

tell you, over a period of time, many of them

became believers.

Even to this day, I go out of my way to spend

time with people who are in the same position I

was in before my conversion, because I know how

much they need to find Christ, and how much they

need to have hope in their lives. I don't just

stop seeing people.

...it was part of what I needed as a Christian:

to see how other people lived, to be in a

position where I was helpless and had to learn

how to lean on God.

The prevailing view well into the 1970s was that

crime is caused by environmental factors—by

dysfunctional childhoods, by racism, by poverty.

So the criminals became victims, victims of

society, which to me didn't make sense. Then I

came across two people who were doing studies on

criminal behavior, and they came to the

conclusion that crime is not caused by

environment or poverty or deprivation. It is

caused by individuals making wrong moral

choices....WHY ????

Samuel Yochelson said something very, very

significant; he said crime is caused by people

making wrong moral choices. The answer (to crime)

therefore is the conversion of the wrongdoer to

a more responsible lifestyle. I think that's

exactly what a Christian conversion is: to leave

a wrongful style of life behind and realize, if

you want to follow Christ, you have to live a

different way. I think that's the answer... to every

problem...(to the crime problem..)

Of all the religions and philosophies in the

world, Christianity is the most interested in

people who've made mistakes, because it says you

can repent and be forgiven and start over again.

Buddhism doesn't offer that, nor does Hinduism,

nor does Judaism, nor does Islam. Christianity

is the religion of second chances....I talk

about the fact that you can be forgiven of your

sins and be given a new life. In Hindu

countries, their eyes open like saucers because

they've never heard that. I think Christianity

is one of the most tolerant of all religions

when it comes to making mistakes.

excerts from Colson...my testimony, his words

my understanding

2011-04-12T10:18:00.001-07:00

God be in my head, and in my understanding;
God be in mine eyes, and in my looking;
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;
God be in my heart, and in my thinking;
God be at mine end, and at my departing.

Words: Sarum Primer, 1558

John Milton (1608-1674)

On His Blindness (audio)

When I consider how my light is spent

Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,

And that one Talent which is death to hide

Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent

To serve therewith my Maker, and present

My true account, lest He returning chide,

"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"

I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent

That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need

Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best

Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state

Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,

And post o'er land and ocean without rest;

They also serve who only stand and wait."

principalities and moms

2011-04-09T07:58:00.001-07:00

Everyone seems to be looking pretty good today.

The POTUS (president of the US)

Fri Apr 8, 11:23 pm ET AP

President Barack Obama says a last-minute deal with congressional leaders to avert a government shutdown happened because "Americans of different beliefs came together."

The SOTH (speaker of the house)

CBS News - ‎18 minutes ago‎

House Speaker John Boehner announcing a deal had been reached to avert a government shutdown, April 8, 2011. (AP) House Speaker John Boehner emerged the star when tense negotiations among congressional leaders wound up heading off a government shutdown...

and of course Brother Reid.

THE SEMAL (senate majority leader)

Posted at 11:59 AM ET, 04/08/2011

"The consequences of letting our country's funding expire would be devastating. It would be devastating to our troops, to our small businesses and to Americans' everyday lives..... It would damage our image and credibility around the world.

Not only are these individuals able

to claim some kind of victory, three

groups could be happy also, namely

Democrats, Republicans and the T-folk.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

THE POWERS THAT BE ( PTB )

What if every death is a homicide?

Since our perception is obscured by time

we don't often make connections too far beyond

the immediate. The BIBLE says its appointed

for all people to die, and after that....

JUDGENENT.

my mother - mommy, used to say this

"life is real and life is earnest

and the grave is not its goal,

dust thou art and dust returneth

was not spoken of the soul"

What if there are no friends just 'persons of interest'?

we find out about the people we meet

we exchange stories, they find out about us..

what we do with our findings is the thing

that moves us towards friendship.

On the down-side, my mom used to say this:

"Have your friends

and treat them well

but never to them

your secrets tell

for when your friend

becomes your foe

all over the world

your secrets will go"

Let every soul be subject to the higher powers.

For there is no power but of God:

the powers that be are ordained of God.

anyone remember enoch

2011-04-08T10:02:00.000-07:00

Blythe?...he was my favorite Elder he sang this song a lot.... Edward H. Bickersteth, Jr., 1875. Bickersteth was vacationing in Harrogate, England, where he heard a sermon on Isaiah 26:3 by Canon Gibbon. The minister related that the Hebrew text used the word peace twice to indicate absolute perfection. The idea was still on Bickersteth’s mind when he visited a dying relative that afternoon. To soothe the man’s emotional turmoil, Bickersteth opened his Bible to read from Isaiah 26:3. He wrote down these lyrics, just as they appear today, and read them to the man: perhaps the last thing he heard before Jesus called him “to Heaven’s perfect peace.” After one of Bickersteth’s sisters pointed out that there is nothing specific in the hymn about physical suffering. “That is soon remedied,” he replied. He took up an envelope and wrote the following verse (apparently never published) on the the back… Peace, perfect peace, ’mid suffering’s sharpest throes? The sympathy of Jesus breathes repose. **************************************** Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin? The blood of Jesus whispers peace within. Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed? To do the will of Jesus, this is rest. Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round? On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found. Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away? In Jesus’ keeping we are safe, and they. Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown? Jesus we know, and He is on the throne. Peace, perfect peace, death shadowing us and ours? Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers. It is enough: earth’s struggles soon shall cease, And Jesus call us to Heaven’s perfect peace. ***************************************** YOU MAY HEAR THE SONG HERE

the harder we fall - 3396

2011-03-31T13:16:00.001-07:00

"Sins can be such fun.

Of the seven supposedly deadly ones,

only envy does not give the sinner at least momentary pleasure.

And an eighth, schadenfreude — enjoyment of other persons'

misfortunes — is almost the national pastime."
Link: The economics of baseball — George Will

Posted October 15, 2006.
============================

Today I was forced once again to see evil.

When would anyone find pleasure
in the pain of another?

if it is deserved?

..is this Justice?

=============================

When people around us falter, the theory goes,

we often look better to ourselves. ...

part of the pleasure of watching others fail / fall

is the chance it gives people to feel morally superior.

Sorrow So Sweet: A Guilty Pleasure In Another's Woe
Published: August 24, 2002

========================

Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure;

I am clean and without sin"?

Romans 11:32 For God has bound all men over to

disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.

Galatians 3:22 But the Scripture declares that the whole

world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised,

being given through faith in Jesus Christ,

might be given to those who believe.

============================

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

Leon FestingerLeon Festinger (pronounced Feh-sting-er) (New York City, May 8, 1919 – New York City, February 11, 1989), was an American social psychologist, responsible for the development of the Theory of Cognitive Dissonance, Social comparison theory, and the discovery of the role of propinquity in the formation of social ties as well as other contributions to the study of social networks.

Festinger is perhaps best known for the Theory of Cognitive Dissonance, which suggests that inconsistency among beliefs and behaviors will cause an uncomfortable psychological tension. This will lead people to change their beliefs to fit their actual behavior, rather than the other way around, as popular wisdom may suggest.[1]

Festinger was also responsible for Social Comparison Theory, which examines how people evaluate their own opinions and desires by comparing themselves with others, and how groups exert pressures on individuals to conform with group norms and goals.[2][3]

Festinger also made important contributions to social network theory. Studying the formation of social ties, such as the choice of friends among college freshmen housed in dorms, Festinger (together with Stanley Schachter and Kurt Back) showed how the formation of ties was predicted by propinquity, the physical proximity between people, and not just by similar tastes or beliefs, as laymen tend to believe. That is, people simply tend to befriend their neighbors.[4].

Earlier in his career, Festinger explored the various forms that social groups can take [5][6] and showed, together with Schachter and Back [7], "how norms are clearer, more firmly held and easier to enforce the more dense a social network is."
===========================

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Each of you must examine your own actions. Then you can be proud of your own accomplishments without comparing yourself to others.

loyal

2011-03-31T10:41:00.001-07:00

"Stay committed to your decisions,
but stay flexible in your approach."

"The greater the loyalty of a group toward the group,
the greater is the motivation among the members
to achieve the goals of the group,
and the greater the probability
that the group will achieve its goals."

Lack of loyalty is one of the major causes
of failure in every walk of life"

Loyalty cannot be blueprinted.
It cannot be produced on an assembly line.
In fact, it cannot be manufactured at all,
for its origin is the human heart -
the center of self-respect and human dignity.
It is a force which leaps into being
only when conditions are exactly right for it
-and it is a force very sensitive to betrayal.
MAURICE FRANKS

An ounce of loyalty is worth
a pound of cleverness.
ELBERT HUBBARD

Always laugh heartily at the jokes of your boss,
it may be a loyalty test - UNKNOWN

Loyalty is the pledge of truth
to oneself and others.
ADA VELEZ-BOARDLEY

Enthusiasm reflects confidence,
spreads good cheers,
raises morale, inspires associates,
arouses loyalty,
and laughs at adversity
...it is beyond price.
ALLAN COX

Loyalty is a fine quality,
but in excess it fills
political graveyards.
NEIL KINNOCK

LOYALTY - is it a SHIFTING SHADOW?
WHERE DO OUR LOYALTIES LIE?

wolmers hymns...

2011-03-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

... that have stayed with me through the years A trip to London, hoping to find a publisher for his youthful poems, ended in failure. JAMES - died 100 years before I was born, he wrote this: Prayer is the burden of a sigh, The falling of a tear The upward glancing of an eye, When none but God is near. Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath, The Christian’s native air, His watchword at the gates of death; He enters Heav’n with prayer. Prayer is the contrite sinner’s voice, Returning from his ways, While angels in their songs rejoice And cry, “Behold, he prays!” I think this has some verses also IT WAS A GOOD ONE <-click it now the prayer First Sunday in Lent Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to betempted of Satan; Make speed to help thy servants who are assaulted by manifold temptations; and, as thou knowest their several infirmities, let each one find thee mighty to save; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

looking glass

2011-03-29T05:48:00.000-07:00

22Do what God's word says. Don't merely listen to it, or you will fool yourselves. 23If someone listens to God's word but doesn't do what it says, he is like a person who looks at his face in a mirror, 24studies his features, goes away, and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25However, the person who continues to study God's perfect teachings that make people free and who remains committed to them will be blessed. People like that don't merely listen and forget; they actually do what God's teachings say.

26If a person thinks that he is religious but can't control his tongue, he is fooling himself. That person's religion is worthless. 27Pure, unstained religion, according to God our Father, is to take care of orphans and widows when they suffer and to remain uncorrupted by this world.

this seems funny.....

Is he stealing?

Practical Spiritual Warfare.com (3365)

2011-03-28T12:09:00.001-07:00

Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that

would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

(Matthew 5:42)

What is a Christian Lifestyle?

Among other things it is having a Father's Heart, it is learning to hear How God Speaks and it is understanding what it means to have One Church in Christ.

It also means the following:

It is living every moment of your life for Christ.

It is living with love in your heart and seeing others as Christ sees them.

It is opening your eyes to see others and situations as Christ sees them.

It is learning to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.

It is taking steps of faith after hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit.

It is being willing to step out of your comfort zone.

It is being willing to delay immediate gratification or self-satisfaction for something better later on in time.

It is being willing to develop relationships with the lost and hurting people God puts in your sphere of influence.

It is keeping you pure and not allowing the world's system to taint or corrupt your mind.

It is seeing each person as a brother or sister in Christ.

It is living your life in a way that prejudices, generalizations, stereotypes, and labels disappear.

It is choosing to live a life that belongs completely to Christ.

It is choosing to love and serve openly, freely, and without exception just as Christ did.

It is living your life with joy and gladness.

It is choosing to please God in all the little, every day activities in which you become involved.

It is keeping your mind alive and active and staying focused on giving God all the glory for each and everything you do.

It is knowing you are in possession of the greatest gift – the gospel, or good news, of Jesus Christ, which includes salvation.

It is confessing to others that you believe in Christ.

It is knowing God is with you through good times and bad.

It is knowing God is in control.

It is living a life that obeys the Ten Commandments.

It is living your life with hope, knowing that one day we will fully claim all God's promises.

It is living your life in faith.

It is walking your talk, so that instead of just talking you actually discipline yourself to pray, confess and repent of your sins, read your Bible daily, and relate to and treat others just as Christ would relate to them and treat them.

It is being willing to submit to Christ and allow Him to live His life through you.

It is learning and growing daily to become more like Christ.

It is much more depending on whom you are and what giftings you have received from God and the kind of life experiences you have had to develop your personality.

the details

2011-03-24T08:32:00.001-07:00

Back in the day when I was a telecom major

We made the change from analogue to digital

There were still problems with 'degraded'

Transmission. We used amplification

And signal regeneration as needed

Depending on the medium and the span

When the medium was wireless we had

More options, some times we got by just

Using 'passive repeaters'.

When we used land lines we had

'wire-line drivers' to get a degraded

Signal just before it became totally

"corrupt" it was "regenerated" and

Sent down the line or span another

Few miles. This process could

Happen several times before the

Signal reached its end point.

This kind of repeater was

Considered as an

"active repeater"

the devil is in the details

the more communication the better?

not necessarily.

watch and pray

2011-03-19T07:17:00.001-07:00

Christian! seek not yet repose,
Hear thy guardian angel say;
Thou art in the midst of foes;
"Watch and pray."

Principalities and powers,
Mustering their unseen array,
Wait for thy unguarded hours;
"Watch and pray."

Gird thy heavenly armor on,
Wear it ever night and day;
Ambushed lies the evil one;
"Watch and pray."

Hear the victors who o'ercame;
Still they mark each warrior's way;
All with one clear voice exclaim,
"Watch and pray."

Hear, above all, hear thy Lord,
Him thou lovest to obey;
Hide within thy heart His Word,
"Watch and pray."

Watch, as if on that alone
Hung the issue of the day;
Pray that help may be sent down;
"Watch and pray."

Hear it Here

the lines

2011-03-18T11:52:00.001-07:00

Psalm16:6

The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

__________________________________________

My cousin Lennie was driving back from Bridgeport
on THE MERRIT PARKWAY in the winter. He was so
relieved to be back at our house.

We recently had some winter storms and that night
it was difficult driving. He said he was unable to
clearly see the lines. As a result he said he went
slowly and carefully trying to 'stay in line'.

The Merritt Parkway is a limited-access parkway in Fairfield County, Connecticut. The parkway is known for its scenic layout, its uniquely styled signage, and the architecturally elaborate overpasses along the route. It is designated as a National Scenic Byway and is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places.(WIKI)

I like this road sometimes because it is a winding
road just like the ones in the hill country surrounding
the area where I grew up.

There was this one particular
stretch, back home, that was known as
'the devil's racecourse'which, like the Merritt,

can be quite a challenge to drive on
especially in bad weather.

In spite of its pretty scenery, I am sometimes fearful
driving on the Merritt. Accidents may occur anywhere,
and the MERRITT has had its share.
Although no trucks, buses or
other commercial vehicles are
allowed on it.

One particular fatality occurred on
the Merritt that I don't forget.
A branch fell from an
overhanging tree onto a car
resulting in the death of a woman.

=========================

the lines are drawn and set in all of our lives**.
We know to live right even when it seems
better to do otherwise.
The line we sometimes refer to as
Conscience.

this awareness or consciousness
of good and of God
is sometimes blurred even totally
obscured by other things that attract our
attention and we loose our focus.

If the lines are blurred or obscured, we must
know the lines can never be erased. When the lines
seem to disappear from view it may be because
we have crossed the line, or have gotten out of line.
Confused, we sometimes blame others.
The lines seem twisted or broken.

Here is a picture that comes to mind from my
school days. Someone was needed by the
PE teacher to hold the line. We were having races
on the playing field to decide who were the fastest
runners. These events were called eliminations.
There were lines on the track but people or poles
were holding a line at the finish point.

There are places in life where parents or teachers
have stood holding the line as a race is done.
We accomplished some goal - crossing a
finish line.

During practice, there is no one
at that point. I had raced around the track many times.
Now the time for the elimination had come.

Last summer, my son had such an experience,
he graduated high school.

He and his older sister were baptized earlier
in their life, both times we stood and watched as
they "crossed those lines".

Then there was the summer I went with the kids to camp
as a counselor. This was new for me.

Fishing.

I learned lessons about patience as I sat on
the riverside holding that fishing line.

Waiting.

Another time, I was holding the line:
the other end of the line,
was out of sight;
I was flying a kite !

and so...
The journey or trip
is over.
A bus trip.
A train Trip....
everyone gets out.

the parting
of ways.

a shortened vacation
the end of a friendship
the loss of a job

these may remind us
of a finality* that
is unwelcome....
death!

THE END OF THE LINE?

========================

* Heb. 9:27People die once, and after that they are judged. 28Likewise, Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of humanity, and after that he will appear a second time.

**Titus 2:11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
15These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Picture this

2011-03-17T09:33:00.001-07:00

Who asked you

to do this?

Picture this:

court is called to order
'all rise the judge enters'
the clerk reads the charges

2Listen, heaven, and pay attention, earth!
The LORD has spoken, "I raised [my] children
and helped them grow, but they have
rebelled against me.

TRANSCRIPT OF THE PROCEEDINGS ARE HERE

===============
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
" 'But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn't blow his horn to warn the people and the enemy comes and kills someone, that watchman must die because of his sin. I will hold him responsible for their deaths.'

Ezekiel 33:6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does ... But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn
the people and the sword comes and takes the life of one of them, that man will ...
//bible.cc/ezekiel/33-6.htm - 17k

===============
Ezekiel 3:17 "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house ... "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so
hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. ...
//bible.cc/ezekiel/3-17.htm - 16k

Ezekiel 33:7 "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house ... "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so
hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. ...

Isaiah 21:6 This is what the Lord says to me: "Go, post a lookout ... ... Meanwhile, the Lord said to me, "Put a watchman on the city wall. ... For thus the Lord
said to me: "Go, set a watchman; let him announce what he sees. ...

Isaiah 21:11 An oracle concerning Dumah: Someone calls to me from ... An oracle concerning Dumah: Someone calls to me from Seir, "Watchman, what
is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night ...
//bible.cc/isaiah/21-11.htm - 16k

Hosea 9:8 The prophet, along with my God, is the watchman over ... The prophet, along with my God, is the watchman over Ephraim, yet snares await
him on all his paths, and hostility in the house of his God. ...
//bible.cc/hosea/9-8.htm - 15k

1 Samuel 15:22 But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt ... ... To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. ... Behold,
to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. ...
//bible.cc/1_samuel/15-22.htm - 18k

Ecclesiastes 5:1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. ... ... house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice
of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. ...
//bible.cc/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm - 17k

Luke 17:1 Jesus told his disciples, "Situations that cause people to lose their faith are certain to arise. But how horrible it will be for the person who causes someone to lose his faith! 2It would be best for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large stone hung around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to lose his faith. 3So watch yourselves! "If a believer sins, correct him. If he changes the way he thinks and acts, forgive him. 4Even if he wrongs you seven times in one day and comes back to you seven times and says that he is sorry, forgive him."
5Then the apostles said to the Lord, "Give us more faith."
=============
<< Matthew 18 >>
GOD'S WORD ® Translation

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3Then he said to them, "I can guarantee this truth: Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Whoever becomes like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5And whoever welcomes a child like this in my name welcomes me. 6"These little ones believe in me. It would be best for the person who causes one of them to lose faith to be drowned in the sea with a large stone hung around his neck.
7How horrible it will be for the world because it causes people to lose their faith. Situations that cause people to lose their faith will arise. How horrible it will be for the person who causes someone to lose his faith!

8"If your hand or your foot causes you to lose your faith, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life disabled or injured than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into everlasting fire. 9If your eye causes you to lose your faith, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hellfire.

which book

2011-03-16T15:32:00.001-07:00

HAVING MORE FRIENDS

make friends quickly and easily.
Increase your popularity.
win people to your way of thinking.
Increase your influence, your prestige, your ability to get things done.
win new clients, new customers.
Increase your earning power.
Make you a better salesman, a better executive.
Help you to handle complaints, avoid arguments, keep your human contacts smooth and pleasant.
Make you a better speaker, a more entertaining conversationalist.
Make the principles of psychology easy for you to apply in your daily contacts.
Help you to arouse enthusiasm among your associates.

The book has six major sections.

The core principles of each

section are quoted below.

Fundamental Techniques in Handling People

Don't criticize, condemn, or complain.
Give honest and sincere appreciation.
Arouse in the other person an eager want.

Six Ways to Make People Like You

Become genuinely interested in other people.
Smile.
Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
Talk in terms of the other person's interest.
Make the other person feel important - and do it sincerely.

Twelve Ways to Win People to Your Way of Thinking

The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it.
Show respect for the other person's opinions. Never say "You're Wrong.".
If you're wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.
Begin in a friendly way.
Start with questions to which the other person will answer yes.
Let the other person do a great deal of the talking.
Let the other person feel the idea is his or hers.
Try honestly to see things from the other person's point of view.
Be sympathetic with the other person's ideas and desires.
Appeal to the nobler motives.
Dramatize your ideas.
Throw down a challenge

Be a Leader: How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment

Begin with praise and honest appreciation.
Call attention to people's mistakes indirectly.
Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person.
Ask questions instead of giving direct orders.
Let the other person save face.
Praise every improvement.
Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to.
Use encouragement. Make the fault seem easy to correct.
Make the other person happy about doing what you suggest.

Letters That Produced Miraculous Results

This section was included in the original 1936 edition but omitted from the revised 1981 edition.

In this chapter, notably the shortest in the book, Carnegie analyzes two letters and describes how to appeal to someone's vanity with the term "do me a favor" as opposed to directly asking for something which does not offer the same feeling of importance to the recipient of the request.

Seven Rules For Making Your Home Life Happier ???

This section was included in the original 1936 edition but omitted from the revised 1981 edition.

Don't nag.
Don't try to make your partner over.
Don't criticize.
Give honest appreciation.
Pay little attentions.
Be courteous.
Read a good book on the sexual side of marriage.

3280 frienZ ?

2011-03-16T15:22:00.001-07:00

Is facebook helping
to revive the lost
art of true friendship?

9"I have loved you the same way the Father has loved me. So live in my love. 10If you obey my commandments, you will live in my love. I have obeyed my Father's commandments, and in that way I live in his love. 11I have told you this so that you will be as joyful as I am, and your joy will be complete.

12Love each other as I have loved you. This is what I'm commanding you to do. 13The greatest love you can show is to give your life for your friends. 14You are my friends if you obey my commandments. 15I don't call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn't know what his master is doing. But I've called you friends because I've made known to you everything that I've heard from my Father. 16You didn't choose me, but I chose you. I have appointed you to go, to produce fruit that will last, and to ask the Father in my name to give you whatever you ask for. 17Love each other. This is what I'm commanding you to do.

18"If the world hates you, realize that it hated me before it hated you. 19If you had anything in common with the world, the world would love you as one of its own. But you don't have anything in common with the world. I chose you from the world, and that's why the world hates you. 20Remember what I told you: 'A servant isn't greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they did what I said, they will also do what you say. 21Indeed, they will do all this to you because you are committed to me, since they don't know the one who sent me. 22If I hadn't come and spoken to them, they wouldn't have any sin. But now they have no excuse for their sin. 23The person who hates me also hates my Father. 24If I hadn't done among them what no one else has done, they wouldn't have any sin. But now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25In this way what is written in their Scriptures has come true: 'They hate me for no reason.'

GETTING MORE FRIENZ

there are in fact people who don't want
to be your friend...(close like that)....to this
end a book was written titled
HOW TO LOOSE FRIENDS AND ALIENATE PEOPLE or
HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS TO A POINT and
HOW TO KEEP THEM AT THAT POINT.

Also there was a Movie
Check this out on WIKI:
How to Lose Friends and Alienate People (2001) is a memoir by Toby Young about his failed five-year effort to make it in the U.S. as a contributing editor at Condé Nast Publications' Vanity Fair magazine. He has written a sequel called The Sound of No Hands Clapping which chronicles his failure as a Hollywood screenwriter in the years after he left New York.

A feature length film, titled How to Lose Friends & Alienate People was released in October 2008. It is directed by Robert B. Weide and stars Simon Pegg, Kirsten Dunst, and Megan Fox.

The title of Young's book is a parody of the title of Dale Carnegie's bestseller, How to Win Friends and Influence People.

If you knew everything about me
could you really be my friend?

What is friendship anyway?
forgiveness is very key

2dayzen3

2011-03-16T13:51:00.001-07:00

dear diary

does it matter what people think about you?
yes it does especially if they are going to
1.lend you money or
2.give you a job or
3.let you watch innocent little kids.

in the first case they want to know if
you have a history of paying
your debt on time
or as you agreed.
in the other cases they want to know if
you had raped anyone or was on
any offenders lists.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU.
taking the time to build relationships
or how to win facebook and other friends...
and influence people etc..

My friend Carl spent a very long time trying
to get a bunch of stuff off his 'record'.
He is past forty years old now
and has a family, he even has
grandchildren. He went to jail
a while back, maybe when he
was a kid and it remained
on his 'record'.

He DID get it off but....
he had to go through alot.

People communicate in different ways.
If a person thinks you act like you
are better than they think you really
are, they may communicate in different
ways, we sometimes call these
PUT-DOWNS.

So, who am I, really?

I can't be just who I think I am.
I also need to take into account
what people think about me.

MY REPUTATION maybe more
important than I want it
to be, so I should care
what people think about me, right?

Wrong says Jo.
Peolpe will be controling me if I be
thinking about their OPINION.

What do you think?

also check out the NEW KARATE KID
with will smiths son....and also
what is "shared sacrifice"?

i luv u

2011-03-14T15:34:00.001-07:00

the problem when we think we are capable of loving anyone.

The problem is usually we expect to be rewarded at some point.
That expectation is not always at the 'top' of our consciousness.
Neither are we always fully aware of what it is we hope to
GET out of any so-called LOVE relationship.

Take the example of a mother of two boys
who decided to 'adopt' a teen girl.
All was 'peaches and cream'
for the first 2 weeks.

Now a couple of months or so later,
There is increasing tension in
the family surrounding the
behavoiur of the teen girl.
The mother continues
to "love" and give
but is beginning
to feel used...
and hurt.

So, what is Love?

here is one statement from the bible:
friends, let us love one another;
for love has its origin in God,
and every one who loves has become
a child of God and is
beginning to know God.

this appears to be fairly
simple at first glance.

BUT

How does one "become"
a child of God?...and
how does one KNOW GOD?

AND

does this mean I am
incapable of LOVE
if GOD is not
involved?

your world

2011-03-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

California Pastor: End of the World Is Near, Really

By Audrey BarrickChristian Post Reporter "We don't know when the end of the world is, but listen, the end of your world could come sooner."

choices 3220

2011-03-12T18:57:00.001-08:00

a good report - Sunday School was pretty good the past 2 weeks but one particular student is becoming a bit uneasy saying "we need to come to a conclusion". Not everyone can deal with inconclusiveness. I am willing to learn and the thing that 'hit me between the eyes' was the comment by the teacher that we should ALWAYS be giving a good report. I have a tendency to give bad reports, so this is an area that I need to work on. I must start by listening less to the local news on radio and TV. I am beginning to realise that BAD NEWS SELLS.

Clutter is the by-product of indecision.
Make sure everything in your space
is there because you choose to keep it.
Teri Trespicio, Whole Living, Sep 2010

drug paraphernalia

Freedom to choose maybe the thing that separates humans from the animals...it is the thing that gets us into a lot of trouble. In the present unrest in Lybia, some are looking at all the posibilities for the common folk to throw off the tynanny of THE KERNEL. Others are even speaking of the comming 'free society'...a democratic Lybia!!

If the Son therefore, has set you free, you will be free indeed !!!

WHAT DO YOU THINK?... about these cartoonish TV shows: Family Guy and American Dad? the FAMILY CHRONICLE has more than a passing interest here. Is this the new Model for the family?

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY and FAMILY LIFE are two sources of Family Information that I find helpful

happy saint pats

2011-03-12T11:51:00.001-08:00

CAUTION - RAMBLING IN PROGRESS

one morning this week, I yelled at one of my
children, I used the word IDIOT, the child
thanked me (sarcastically), the other child
watching all this, wondered what was wrong
with me; and suggested (maybe with a little
cynicism) that I had got
up out of the wrong side of the bed.

I was casting about desparately as I
pulled away from the school door
where I had just dropped them both off...
I was searching for an explanation
for my outburst....I called the one
child back (the cynic) and explained to
her - as I handed over another seventy dollars
for an upcoming social event....to which I
was not going to be invited...

I did however manage to explain that
I was going to be late again to get
their mom, my wife, to work ...and I
tried to make a connection between
this situation and selfishness in
the children who seemed nonchalant ,
to me, about getting downstairs
earlier and getting into the
vehicle a little bit quicker.

====================================

One day last week Sean Hannity the talk
show host was speaking with
Imam Anjem Choudary and Frank Gaffney.
It seems that the Imam is also a lawyer.
He, the Imam (teacher), said that there
are no innocent people.
Sean said many innocent people were
killed because of the teachings and
beleifs of the killers.

Yesterday many people died because
of an earthquake in Japan.

these were innocent people, right?

From about chapter eleven to chapter 13
which is really where I began, it SEEMS
like Jesus is really in a bad mood...
based on the writings of the Doctor, Luke.

let's look at the narrative:
1At that time some people reported to Jesus
about some Galileans whom Pilate had executed
while they were sacrificing animals.
2Jesus replied to them, "Do you think
that this happened to them because they
were more sinful than other people from Galilee?
3No! I can guarantee that they weren't.
But if you don't turn to God and change
the way you think and act, then you, too,
will all die. 4What about those 18 people
who died when the tower at Siloam fell on them?
Do you think that they were more sinful than other
people living in Jerusalem? 5No! I can guarantee
that they weren't. But if you don't turn to God
and change the way you think and act,
then you, too, will all die."

====================================

6Then Jesus used this illustration:
"A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard.
He went to look for fruit on the tree but
didn't find any. 7He said to the gardener,
'For the last three years I've come to look
for figs on this fig tree but haven't found any.
Cut it down! Why should it use up [good] soil?'
8"The gardener replied, 'Sir, let it stand for
one more year. I'll dig around it and fertilize it.
9Maybe next year it'll have figs.
But if not, then cut it down.'"
====================================
I am out of time again
maybe I will continue
these RAMBLING later....

but b4 i sign out
I must mention that I am
a little upset with BHO
he said that he beleived
that marriage should be
between one man and one woman..
and he also beleived
in civil unions....I really
need to think about this
some more.

BTW I did apologise to my
daughters b4 that day
was done, for using the
idiot word.

light

2011-03-11T07:31:00.001-08:00

Micah 7:8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy!
Though I have fallen, I will rise.
Though I sit in darkness,
the LORD will be my light.

But the way of the wicked is like total darkness.
They have no idea what they are stumbling over.

Walk while you have the light,
before darkness overtakes you.
The ones who walk in the dark
do not know where they are going.

"Therefore their path will become slippery;
they will be banished to darkness
and there they will fall.

Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned...to guide our feet
into the path of peace

you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, a people belonging to God,
that you may declare the praises of him who
called you out of darkness
into his wonderful light

The sun will no more be your light by day,
nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you,
for the LORD will be your everlasting light,
and your God will be your glory. !!

Avoid them

2011-03-08T17:57:00.001-08:00

If you will return, I will take you back. If you will speak what is worthwhile and not what is worthless, you will stand in my presence. The people will return to you, but you will not return to them.

Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people's faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them.

after you have warned them once or twice....
have nothing further to do with any one who will not be taught

Do only what is necessary by keeping away from food sacrificed to false gods, from eating bloody meat, from eating the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual sins. If you avoid these things, you will be doing what's right.

Blessed are you when people hate you, avoid you, insult you, and slander you

2Corinthians 6:14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

the prayer

2011-03-08T14:53:00.001-08:00

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what Thou dost love,
And do what Thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until with Thee I will one will,
To do and to endure.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Blend all my soul with Thine,
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with Thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with Thee the perfect life
Of Thine eternity.

Words: Edwin Hatch, 1878;

first appeared in a private printing of

Between Doubt and Prayer.

have compassion

2011-03-08T08:15:00.001-08:00

Micah 7 >>
GOD'S WORD ® Translation

1Poor me! I am like those gathering summer fruit, like those picking grapes. But there aren't any grapes to eat or any ripened figs that I crave.

2Faithful people are gone from the earth, and no one is decent. All people lie in ambush to commit murder. They trap each other with nets.

3Their hands are skilled in doing evil. Officials ask for gifts. Judges accept bribes. Powerful people dictate what they want. So they scheme together.

4The best of them is like a briar. The most decent person is sharper than thornbushes. The day you thought you would be punished has come. Now is the time you will be confused.

5Don't trust your neighbors. Don't have confidence in [your] friends. Keep your mouth shut even when a woman is lying in your arms.

6A son treats his father with contempt. A daughter rebels against her mother. A daughter-in-law rebels against her mother-in-law. People's enemies are the members of their own families.

7I will look to the LORD. I will wait for God to save me. I will wait for my God to listen to me.

8Don't laugh at me, my enemies. Although I've fallen, I will get up. Although I sit in the dark, the LORD is my light.

9I have sinned against the LORD. So I will endure his fury until he takes up my cause and wins my case. He will bring me into the light, and I will see his victory.

10Then my enemies will see this, and they will be covered with shame, because they asked me, "Where is the LORD your God?" Now I look at them. They are trampled like mud in the streets.

11The day for rebuilding your walls and extending your borders is coming.

12When that day comes, your people will come to you from Assyria and the cities of Egypt, from Egypt to the Euphrates River, from sea to sea, and from mountain to mountain.

13The earth will become a wasteland for those who live on it because of what the people living there have done.

14With your shepherd's staff, take care of your people, the sheep that belong to you. They live alone in the woods, in fertile pastures. Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead like before.

15Let us see miracles like the time you came out of Egypt.

16Nations will see this and be ashamed in spite of all their strength. They will put their hands over their mouths. Their ears will become deaf.

17They will lick dust like snakes, like animals that crawl on the ground. They will come out of their hiding places trembling. They will turn away from your presence in fear, O LORD our God. They will be afraid of you.

18Who is a God like you? You forgive sin and overlook the rebellion of your faithful people. You will not be angry forever, because you would rather show mercy.

19You will again have compassion on us. You will overcome our wrongdoing. You will throw all our sins into the deep sea.

20You will be faithful to Jacob. You will have mercy on Abraham as you swore by an oath to our ancestors long ago.

gift

2011-03-07T08:31:00.001-08:00

Who is sufficient for these things?

you being evil
give good gifts.

Who is an evil man?
..whoever he is it seems
like he knows and does some good.

-----------------------

1I decided not to visit you again while I was distressed. 2After all, if I had made you uncomfortable, how could you have cheered me up when you were uncomfortable? 3This is the very reason I wrote to you. I didn't want to visit you and be distressed by those who should make me happy. I'm confident about all of you that whatever makes me happy also makes you happy. 4I was deeply troubled and anguished. In fact, I had tears in my eyes when I wrote to you. I didn't write to make you uncomfortable but to let you know how much I love you.

5If someone caused distress, I'm not the one really affected. To some extent-although I don't want to emphasize this too much-it has affected all of you. 6The majority of you have imposed a severe enough punishment on that person. 7So now forgive and comfort him. Such distress could overwhelm someone like that if he's not forgiven and comforted. 8That is why I urge you to assure him that you love him. 9I had also written to you to test you. I wanted to see if you would be obedient in every way. 10If you forgive someone, so do I. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did in the presence of Christ for your benefit. 11I don't want Satan to outwit us. After all, we are not ignorant about Satan's scheming.

12When I went to the city of Troas, the Lord gave me an opportunity to spread the Good News about Christ. 13But I didn't have any peace of mind, because I couldn't find Titus, our brother, there. So I said goodbye to the people in Troas and went to the province of Macedonia.

14But I thank God, who always leads us in victory because of Christ. Wherever we go, God uses us to make clear what it means to know Christ. It's like a fragrance that fills the air. 15To God we are the aroma of Christ among those who are saved and among those who are dying. 16To some people we are a deadly fragrance, while to others we are a life-giving fragrance. Who is qualified to tell about Christ? 17At least we don't go around selling an impure word of God like many others. The opposite is true. As Christ's spokesmen and in God's presence, we speak the pure message that comes from God.

---------------------

the problem of good and evil
will always perplex us.

The serpent is still trying to tell us that we can be
AS GOD - able to determine what is good
or what is evil.

He is still tempting us
to "eat of the tree of the knowledge of
good and evil." for instance,

Martha is upset with the teacher,
why? because she is doing all the work and Mary?
she just sits around (listening to the teacher)
and now the teacher wants to say
THIS IS GOOD !

the wife is upset because unlike grandma, the other guest is not very helpful. Grandma makes a bold and strong profession of faith. She sets the bar very high for herself and we are NOT disappointed....and yet for all the good deeds the word is not in vain that "the righteous are scarcely saved"..."not by works of righteousness"etc

So like the bewildered disciples we ask...
WHO, then, can be saved?

I should not, however, live with
the expectation that (whoever this
evil man is) the evil man will be
good to me or anyone else !!!

..every GOOD and perfect gift
cometh down from above from the
FATHER OF LIGHTS in whom is no
variableness or shadow of turning.

AMEN

the line

2011-03-04T16:00:00.001-08:00

the line set
the line blurred
the line crossed
the line twisted
the line broken
the line erased
----------------
against vs for
hate vs love
competition vs cooperation

delusional? 3145

2011-03-01T08:17:00.001-08:00

Susie and the Kernel

As I was leaving the office last evening
I stopped to talk with my friend from Africa.
As usual we discussed politics and world affairs.
We spoke about Egypt, Oman and the current unrest
in those regions as well as here at home in Wisconsin.
The discussion took a turbulent turn when my friend
launched into a vitriolic attack against (in his words)
glen effing beck. He said this man is dangerous.

So this morning I got up thinking first about democracy
and then freedom. It came to a focal point when I heard
a news item where Suzie was saying that the Kernel is
delusional because he said he was NOT attacking/hurting
his people...that is my loose understanding of what
was said.

Notwithstanding, I wanted to get some clarity on the use
of force and the nature of freedom. My friend was trying to
convince me that democracy was coming to the troubled regions
of the world and that the protests and uprisings that we are
seeing were all good. I was not convinced. I told him that
it seemed that people needed 'benevolent dictators'.

Can popular uprisings to overthrow despotic and tyranical
leaders be considered democratic in any sense?

In his recent state of the union address the President said:
"We should have no illusions about the work ahead of us.
Reforming our schools, changing the way we use energy,
reducing our deficit -- none of this will be easy.
All of it will take time. And it will be harder
because we will argue about everything."

IS THIS REALLY THE NATURE OF (OUR) DEMOCRACY?

he went on to say:
"some countries don't have this problem. If the central government
wants a railroad, they build a railroad, no matter how many homes
get bulldozed. If they don't want a bad story in the newspaper,
it doesn't get written. And yet, as contentious and frustrating
and messy as our democracy can sometimes be,
I know there isn't a person here who would trade
places with any other nation on Earth." (Applause.)

so far so good, as long as I understand contention and contentoiusness as:
disagreement
dialogue
debate
discussion
discourse (civil)

defense of an idea, opinion or beleif is usually verbal in our democracy ...maybe we should limit our 'defense policy' to verbal exchanges (LOL)

the president also said:
"We may have differences in policy, but we all believe in the rights enshrined in our Constitution. We may have different opinions, but we believe in the same promise that says this is a place where you can make it if you try. We may have different backgrounds, but we believe in the same dream that says this is a country where anything is possible. No matter who you are. No matter where you come from.
That dream is why I can stand here before you tonight."

This is the part that could move us beyond freedom to force, only if
we are not steadfastly committed to "finding common ground".

Now back to Suzie (Susan Rice) and the kernel (sp) Khadafi.
Who gets to decide if your opinions, ideas and beleifs are delusional?

...and if your mental state becomes an issue should we now move
beyond freedom to force?

and what about glen effing beck? is he also delusional?

this is a slippery slope...I will stick with the president:
CIVIL discourse ALWAYS... to find 'common ground'.

Happy Valentines Day ? 3115

2011-02-22T17:36:00.001-08:00

Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God created he him;
male and female created he them.

What, then, would we say about a society in which the overwhelming majority of children were born into homes without fathers and who grew up, in significant measure, without fathers? We would say that this society was in a state of disaster, heading toward disintegration....Millions of America's children live in a state of multiplied fatherlessness -- that is, in homes without fathers and in neighborhoods where a majority of the other homes are likewise without fathers. In 1990, 3 million children were living in fatherless homes located in predominantly fatherless neighborhoods -- neighborhoods in which a majority of the families were headed by single mothers. QUOTED

Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

---------------------

Ever since I can remember, shame has been connected to sexuality.My mother was ashamed to tell me about sex. I was ashamed to talk about any girl I might have tender feelings for. The boys spoke about budding sexual maturity either with bravado or with embarrassed silence. An erection was a great embarrassment that no amount of fear could control. It almost seemed like sexuality was something that was forced on a person, an irresistible attraction. At least it seemed my mother felt that way, and my father spoke nothing about it. Sexuality seemed almost to be a tabooed subject that grew stronger the more it was kept secret. How different that seems to be from today when everyone talks about sex and people live together almost as a matter of course. Yet the mystery and conflict have not gone away. Broken marriages are escalating, and there is little sign that the misuse of sexuality (incest, adultery, sexual abuse of many kinds) has lessened. Instead of the former mystique we now are in danger of "profaning" sexuality by our blatancy. We seem to have regressed to what used to be called "polygamy"-- many relationships according to how one feels. We have slipped into a kind of "shamelessness" that flaunts the taboo, but that deadens one to the sacredness of sex. In a word, sexuality is both sacred and profane. It is sacred because it opens us to the mystery of life and love -- domains of God -- and to the deep vulnerability of one another. It is profane because it touches our animality and threatens to overcome our reason by instinctual drives that can overwhelm us. It is a source of the greatest happiness by freeing us to give and receive love, but experience shows that it is also a source of the greatest sadness and conflict, and our deepest shame. FROM - Healing the Gender Wars by Robert T. Sears

---------------------

Lindsay Lohan's doing it. TV shows are based on it.
Is it our imaginations, or are wives and girlfriends ditching
their men and falling in love with other women?
New science says that sexuality
is more fluid than we thought.
The Oprah Magazine' - April 2009

FROM - Gender Wars: A Peace Plan

Why gender wars are still raging, and how to get along with the opposite sex.
By Mark B. White, Kirsten J. Tyson-Rawson, published on March 01, 1996

Gender is so basic to our assumptions about who we are and how we and others should behave that we are seldom aware that gender-related experiences influence and shape the ways we think about others and ourselves. Our beliefs--typically experienced as "oughts" and "shoulds"--nevertheless guide our behavior, establishing the nature of the interaction in...relationships without our conscious awareness.

The Gender Wars in Education by Susan McGee Bailey and Patricia B. Campbell February 9, 1999

What isn't talked about is our fear that boys who do "girl" things will somehow become "less manly". When caring, nurturing and the expression of feelings are seen as "girls' stuff" and "girls' stuff" is seen as not good for boys, boys are at emotional risk. This is not about being "masculine" or "feminine". It is about having the courage to challenge tradition. Without this courage neither boys nor girls will have all the choices they deserve.

Pitting boys against girls in competition for a good education is out of place in today's world. It shortchanges both sexes. The educational gender wars must cease. If we must have a war, let it be a war against ignorance. In this surely we are all on the same side!

AND NOW THIS

AND THIS

DEBATES and discussion

2011-02-22T16:50:00.001-08:00

All (diabolic) tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for

people of good conscience to remain silent.
Jefferson

....in the past the danger had been that leaders held power at the expense of the common people and the struggle was one of gaining liberty by limiting such ... power. But now that power has largely passed into the hands of the people at large through democratic excercises, the danger is that the majority denies liberty to individuals, whether explicitly through laws ... or more subtly through morals and public opinion ...Mill (paraphrased)

Sir, is there anyone you

trust enough to tell your story?

We have the Gospel

the MOST POWERFUL STORY

because the disciples were faithful

to tell the TRUE story.

Many hurt who never heard.

...or heard lies.

Many years have past...yet

I was thrrown for a loop.....

Did he just use the expression

"christian homosexual"?

Should I just leave this subject alone?

It's a 'can of worms'!!

The reason I can't let it go is: this teacher has not testified.

I am frustrated by the fact that I am only getting

'second-hand' information.

Yet the matter concerns me because I cannot give any

meaningful explanation to the children. They are getting

'information' from 'other' sources and coming to their own

conclusions.

So we just have to live with it.

The verdict: we are hypocritical,

judgemental and incincere.

END OF STORY.....

no, no no noooooo !!!

Lord, please help me get an opportunity....

just one...to talk.... one on one

with the teacher.

I would like to tell

this story....

I think the record

can be set straight.

bulldog

2011-02-22T10:59:00.001-08:00

"You can have everything you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want," - Zig Ziglar

IS THIS TRUE???

"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

Tenacity is more than endurance, it is endurance combined with the absolute certainty that what we are looking for is going to transpire. Tenacity is more than hanging on, which may be but the weakness of being too afraid to fall off. Tenacity is the supreme effort of a man refusing to believe that his hero is going to be conquered. The greatest fear a man has is not that he will be damned, but that Jesus Christ will be worsted, that the things He stood for - love and justice and forgiveness and kindness among men - will not win out in the end; the things He stands for look like will-o'-the-wisps. Then comes the call to spiritual tenacity, not to hang on and do nothing, but to work deliberately on the certainty that God is not going to be worsted.

If our hopes are being disappointed just now, it means that they are being purified. There is nothing noble the human mind has ever hoped for or dreamed of that will not be fulfilled. One of the greatest strains in life is the strain of waiting for God. "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience." - CHAMBERS

Remain spiritually tenacious.

greatly concerned

2011-02-21T06:51:00.001-08:00

If love is always discreet, always wise, always sensible and calculating, never carried beyond itself, it is not love at all. It may be affection, it may be warmth of feeling, but it has not the true nature of love in it.

Have I ever been carried away to do something for God not because it was my duty, nor because it was useful, nor because there was anything in it at all beyond the fact that I love Him? Have I ever realized that I can bring to God things which are of value to Him, or am I mooning round the magnitude of His Redemption whilst there are any number of things I might be doing? Not Divine, colossal things which could be recorded as marvellous, but ordinary, simple human things which will give evidence to God that I am abandoned to Him? Have I ever produced in the heart of the Lord Jesus what Mary of Bethany produced?

There are times when it seems as if God watches to see if we will give Him the abandoned tokens of how genuinely we do love Him. Abandon to God is of more value than personal holiness. Personal holiness focuses the eye on our own whiteness; we are greatly concerned about the way we walk and talk and look, fearful lest we offend Him. Perfect love casts out all that when once we are abandoned to God. We have to get rid of this notion - "Am I of any use?" and make up our minds that we are not, and we may be near the truth. It is never a question of being of use, but of being of value to God Himself. When we are abandoned to God, He works through us all the time. - CHAMBERS

"She hath wrought a good work on Me." Mark 14:6

worthy?

2011-02-14T15:36:00.000-08:00

Whatever happens,
conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ... whether I come to see you or whether I stay away, I'll hear all about you. I'll hear that you are firmly united in spirit, united in fighting for the faith that the Good News brings.
Philippians 1:27

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

Sin will take you further than you want to go.
It will keep you longer than you want to stay,
and it will cost you more than you want to pay.

pardoned

2011-02-12T07:30:00.000-08:00

survive the night

2011-02-10T07:49:00.001-08:00

A father takes his son into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him
alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the
blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot
cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN. He
cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each

lad must come into manhood on his own. The boy is naturally terrified.

He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him .

Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth,

and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold.

It would be the only way he could become a man! Finally,

after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold.

It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him.

He had been at watch the entire
night, protecting his son from harm.

We, too, are never alone.

Even when we don't know it, God is watching over us,

Sitting on the stump beside us.

When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.

If you liked this story, pass it on

(u never know who might need it,I did).

Moral of the story:

Just because you can't see God,

doesn't mean He is not there.

"For we walk by faith, not by sight"
"Tune out the nay-sayers, silence your doubts,

start speaking words of faith and

move in God's direction."

T E S T I N G 1 2 3

2011-02-04T18:42:00.001-08:00

James 5 :11 We consider those who endure to be blessed. You have heard about Job's endurance. You saw that the Lord ended Job's suffering because the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

Romans 5:3 But that's not all. We also brag when we are suffering. We know that suffering creates endurance, 4endurance creates character, and character creates confidence. 5We're not ashamed to have this confidence, because God's love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Hebrews 12:11 We don't enjoy being disciplined. It always seems to cause more pain than joy. But later on, those who learn from that discipline have peace that comes from doing what is right.

James 1:2 My brothers and sisters, be very happy when you are tested in different ways. 3You know that such testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 Endure until your testing is over. Then you will be mature and complete, and you won't need anything.

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he told me: "My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak." So I will brag even more about my weaknesses in order that Christ's power will live in me. 10Therefore, I accept weakness, mistreatment, hardship, persecution, and difficulties suffered for Christ. ....

....It's clear that when I'm weak, I'm strong.

those who endure

2011-02-04T10:25:00.000-08:00

Behold, we count them happy which endure.— JAS.5:11.
We glory in tribulations: . . . knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.—No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.—My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.—Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For when I am weak, then am I strong. - QUOTE

Rom.5:3-5. -Heb.12:11. -Jas.1:2-4,12. -II Cor.12:9,10.

everything?

2011-02-02T08:19:00.000-08:00

<< Hebrews 13:17 >>
Obey your leaders, and accept their authority.
They take care of you because
they are responsible for you.

+++++++++++++++++++++++
"do everything they tell you"
+++++++++++++++++++++++

"Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!"
1 Corinthians 9:16

Beware of stopping your ears to the call of God.
Everyone who is saved is called to testify to the fact....
Paul's words have to do with being made a servant
of Jesus Christ, and our permission is never asked as
to what we will do or where we will go.
God makes us broken bread and
poured-out wine to please Himself.

Every ambition is nipped in the bud, every desire
of life quenched, every outlook completely extinguished
and blotted out, saving one thing only -
"separated unto the gospel." Woe be to the soul
who tries to put his foot in any other direction
when once that call has come to him.
- CHAMBERS

+++++++++++++++++++++++
"do everything they tell you"
+++++++++++++++++++++++

"...many Christians would rather simply be
“nice” and “do good” while remaining silent
about why they’re being nice and doing good.
It is a good, moral life lived well among neighbors,
coworkers and family, but it is a life absent of the
proclamation of faith and God’s glory
as revealed in Jesus Christ."

Service without proclamation of Jesus’
love does indeed meet needs, but
a filled stomach without
hope is a tragic paradox.
QUOTE

+++++++++++++++++++++++
"do everything they tell you"
+++++++++++++++++++++++

last sunday pastor reminded us about the pharisees...

Many "woes" were pronounced against them, but
...was Jesus against them
because of their instruction?
apparently not:

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
So be careful to do everything they tell you.
But don't follow their example,
because they don't practice what they preach.
Matthew 23:3

+++++++++++++++++++++++
"do everything they tell you"
+++++++++++++++++++++++

state of the union

2011-01-28T09:27:00.000-08:00

dear Mr President,
I would like to think that I can depend on my senses.
I do beleive that I can keep myself from being
confused if I look and listen carefully.

This however seems to be the case,
only when all communication is given
and recieved with 100% clarity.

What is seen and heard may have just as
much to do with what is intended
as with what is expected.

If I am not looking for a pencil on my desk
how can I accurately say that I FOUND it?

Similarly what I listened to,
may not be what I heard.
I only HEARD what
I was listening for!

snow day

2011-01-28T09:02:00.000-08:00

the snow was piling up.
the first two storms were a week or so apart
the first had a lot of wind, and drifting
but it was the light fluffy stuff.
this third storm was the heavier wet stuff.
we were doing just fine until now.

night before last
one of the cars got stuck
could not even get out of the parking spot.
the big 4WD had to be put to work ferrying
one of the 'night crew'.
the minivan was doing fine until last evening.

it found its way home ok
but could not make it 'across the threshold'
into the driveway.

Although it turned out to be
sunny most of the day yesterday,
none of the teens who were home
for a snow day from school
even thought about snow in the yard.

So, four people home all day....
plus...zero snow removal (or other productive activity)
equals, DIFFICULT EVENING...
as the 'other workers' return from a gruelling day.

LESSONS TAUGHT & LEARNED
1. Children need instruction
2. Every situation requires leadership
3. There is a thin line between revenge and justice

+++++++++++++++++++++++
CHECK THIS OUT <-click here
+++++++++++++++++++++++

Children live what they learn
If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
BUT
If they live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If they live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If they live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If they live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If they live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If they live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If they live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If they live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If they live with fairness, they learn justice.
If they live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.

If they live with security,
they learn to have faith in
themselves and in those about them.

If children live with friendliness,
they learn the world is a
nice place in which to live.
With what are YOUR children living?

ALSO

"If teenagers live with pressure, they learn to be stressed"

snow storm rambling

2011-01-27T10:25:00.000-08:00

Take no thought for your life." Matthew 6:25
A warning which needs to be reiterated is that the cares of this world,
the deceitfulness of riches, and the lust of other things entering in,
will choke all that God puts in. We are never free from the
recurring tides of this encroachment.
QUOTE: from Oswald Chambers
++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"each student comes in with different attitudes towards,
and different aptitudes for the subject."
QUOTE: from Milton Francis

Another storm ....12 inches of the heavy wet stuff
fell overnight...this morning was really a challenge.

I must confess....although a snow lover....I was feeling
a little down.....I think I had too many cookies last night...

I'll post some pictures later.... CHECK HERE

HERE ARE SOME MORE QUOTES...while
I still have the STATE OF THE UNION ON MY MIND

"there are no words that can lift the sorrow that now engulfs
the families and friends of the fallen. What we can do is assure
them that the nation is praying for them; that, in the words of
the Psalmist, the Lord heals the broken-hearted and binds up
their wounds; and that over time grace will replace grief."
QUOTE: from Congressman Paul Ryan

"I believe that America is the indispensable nation of the world.
Just the creation of this nation itself was a miracle. Who's to say
that we can't see a miracle again?"
QUOTE: from Congresswoman Michele Bachmann

"We are poised for progress.
Two years after the worst recession
most of us have ever known,
the stock market has come roaring back.
Corporate profits are up.
The economy is growing again."

"...our journey goes forward,
and the state of our union is strong.
Thank you. God bless you, and may
God bless the United States of America."
QUOTE: from President Obama

++++++++++++++

Read and Share
some thoughts on
PARENTING &
POLITICS

bipolar (3011)

2011-01-26T05:40:00.000-08:00

Testimony
I give my testimony of christian conversion
when it took place, how it happened, what difference it made

Testimonial
You give a testimonial about me
how we met, when we met, why it matters

MONOSEXUAL - a term I will use to describe persons who
do not acknowledge the 'other sex'.
Whereas it may be possible to exist in the 'external' world
as a male without a female, in reality all human existence
must of necessity involve both sexes at some point.
Homosexuality is the physical
manifestation of a
monosexual mindset.

The Family Chronicle is interested in this phenomena
because of the impact it has on families and family life.

What do you think?

News 9 Report- QuiBids Offers Deals for Pennies

2011-01-23T11:15:00.000-08:00

thanks Faith

2011-01-21T19:14:00.000-08:00

THIS IS SUCH A BLESSING

Truth (2944)

2011-01-21T12:16:00.001-08:00

1 John 2:21 I do not write to you because you do not know the ...
I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but becauseyou do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. ... //bible.cc/1_john/2-21.htm - 17k
3 John 1:3 It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and ...
It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulnessto the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. ... //bible.cc/3_john/1-3.htm - 17k
2 Corinthians 13:8 For we cannot do anything against the truth ...
For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. ... For wecannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. ... //bible.cc/2_corinthians/13-8.htm - 16k
John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. ... Make them holy byyour truth; teach them your word, which is truth. ... //bible.cc/john/17-17.htm - 15k
John 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide ...
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. ... Whenthe Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. ... //bible.cc/john/16-13.htm - 18k
John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you ...
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." ... ... //bible.cc/john/8-32.htm - 15k
1 Timothy 2:7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an ...
And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle--I am telling the truth,I am not lying--and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles. ... //bible.cc/1_timothy/2-7.htm - 17k
Zechariah 8:16 These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth ...
These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other,and render true and sound judgment in your courts ... //bible.cc/zechariah/8-16.htm - 15k
Isaiah 65:16 Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by ...
Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by the God of truth; he whotakes an oath in the land will swear by the God of truth. ... //bible.cc/isaiah/65-16.htm - 17k

LIE(S) to me...rambling

2011-01-21T10:55:00.000-08:00

NEWS - "does he or doesn't he" CLICK HERE

... we can do nothing
against the truth,
but for the truth.
2 Corinthians 13:8

A WARNING - to carefully examine your own thinking
the title of a recent TV show ('LIE TO ME')
opened my eyes to an attitude that seems to be
very common these days. Most people don't take too
much time to check out what it is they are actually
hearing and beleiving to know if it is true.
or BASED ON TRUTH <-click this

The recent crime commited in Arizona...<-click this.
we now know involved some pretty
'messed up' thought processes.

The following are quotes from
A History of Propoganda

"Misinformation and disinformation
are widely used to distract people
from the truth and create new realities."

In "The modern world....
Propaganda and manipulation of reality continues to be used in large quantities in the modern world. Governments continue to tell their constituencies what they think they need to know. Advertisers use the whole gamut of propagandist techniques. And although some people can see the reality (and some theorize about improbable conspiracies), most people are taken in and see nothing of how they are manipulated."

++++++++++++++++++

It is a very important part of the education
that we want our children to have.
Some call it critical thinking skills.

"He has made you believe a lie"
read for yourself the full acount HERE
and ask yourself some serious questions...
then pay careful attention to these instructions
gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end...

ARE WE BELIEVING A LIE or LIES?
So God will cause them to be greatly deceived,
and they will believe these lies.
2 Thessalonians 2:11

Why would God allow such a thing ?
...because they received not the love of the truth,
that they might be saved....check it out for yourself !!

HERE IS ANOTHER CHILLING DESCRIPTION...
of a situation that may be widespread among us TODAY.
...they shall turn away their ears from the truth,
and shall be turned unto fables.

....Along with instruction for you..
5But watch thou in all things,
endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist,
make full proof of thy ministry.

The term 'propaganda' first appeared in 1622 when Pope Gregory XV established the Sacred Congregation for Propagating the Faith. Propaganda was then as now about convincing large numbers of people about the veracity of a given set of ideas. Of course, propaganda is as old as people, politics and religion. People with ideas will always want to persuade others about them and, if they have the power, they will pull every string they have to persuade everyone.
QUOTE from 'a brief history of propoganda'

But evil men and seducers
shall wax worse and worse,
deceiving, and being deceived.
2 Timothy 3:13

Many people who deceive others have gone into the world.
They refuse to declare that Jesus Christ came in flesh and blood.
This is the mark of a deceiver and an antichrist.
2 John 1:7

1 John 2:4 The man who says, "I know him," but does
not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

What do you think?

2011-01-21T10:42:00.000-08:00

whatever version of REALITY you happen to be running or beleiving...
throw it out...and THINK ON THESE THINGS.

keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable. 9Practice what you've learned and received from me, what you heard and saw me do. Then the God who gives this peace will be with you. - PAUL

"I find your ramblings quite interesting. Hope you are not offended by the word "ramblings"; but the seeming disconnect in the obvious thought processes, then the sublime connections in all said is qualified by me as such, and guess what? I realize that sometimes that is how my mind thinks. Anyway, what has surfaced in all you have said, is the realization of the TRUTH!! The Word of God!! And, when in doubt, believe the WORD. When you (general) are being bombarded with everything, finances, bank, TV, moms cussing you out/or rather having strong disagreements etc. the only comfort (even when it doesn't appear that way at the time) is the Word, and that our lives can be staked upon it. The trouble with most of us adults, is that we sometimes get so intelectual, we want to reason out every thing instead of believing what God says in His Word. Isn't that the reason why Jesus kept on exhorting us to have childlike faith. And when we reach that place we will believe, and by extension apply what the Word says we must do. Such as, "Whatever things are true... etc, think on these things.Then the "mind's powersave" automatically chips in and peace floods in, and health will be in our marrow etc.

lie to me (2910)

2011-01-19T18:27:00.000-08:00

when i was little,
mom made us memorize phillipians 4
the part about think on these things.

those were much simpler times.
the subject came up again tonight.

i dragged my sleep-deprived, (went to bed 3am)
half-starved (maybe)
self to listen to pastor rob...and wouldn't you know it...
yup...he said we could have peace if we think different...
and so he starts...."WHATSOVER THINGS ARE TRUE..."

don't get me wrong it was a great message
once again i was confronted with "stinking thinking".

we had a good time, folk came up and told him it was just for them etc.
and so did i....i also had to see him about the teenagers lost fone too..
but anyhow....i am driving home...thinking....

BTW....that is the real problem...i shouldn't really be thinking so much...!!!
but that'a a whole nother subject.....

i found out that i can set my computer to shut itself off five minutes after i
get done or stop...or fall asleep or whatever....they call it powersaving
my mind or thinker......not so easy....its like my mind has a mind of its own...LOL

so anyhow...WHATSOVER THINGS ARE TRUE?!!
its very hard to tell these days.
for instance, i had a H U GE ...fight about the bank balance....
nope...you don't want to know!...come to find out the balance
that you get at the ATM is not really true...
why do they
LIE TO ME !!?..you guesed it....the fees !...of course.

and why is the doctor telling me all this stuff
...sure he is V E R Y concerned about my health...right?
maybe.....

but this is one i can't figure out...
the weather man sat there talking bout....
ITS SNOWING.....in the upper atmosphere...
but....it's not reaching the ground....wat the &&$#@!
is he lying to me ?

me and mom got into a real ugly fight on watchnight..last
beleive it or not...i was in church...came out about 5 to twelve
to call mom and wish her a happy new year....we crossed the threshold
into 2011....in B I G disagreement.....mom wanted to know if it was
the devil that told me to call....the jury is still out on that one....
but mom usally knows what she's talking about...so i ain't touchin it !!!

but the bone of contention was how did she know it was true.
so tonight i finally come to realise that
WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE TRUE is not always easy....

this is the conclusion that i have come to.....
PSALM 23 IS TRUE !!!!...in fact the whole
BIBLE IS TRUE.....the rest of the stuff....on TV
in the newspaper, the legal advice, the medical advice...
and especially the financial advice....
MAY NOT BE TRUE !!!

the pridictions....the forecasts....the prognosis
MAY NOT BE TRUE.....but

THY WORD IS TRUE !!!

I didn't know what it was I was watching that night on TV...but
it was interesting....the kids were watching it.....that should have
been my clue ...right there.....but...I watched it ....
come to find out....it was
LIE TO ME !!!

I must confess I watched it again a couple times....
now...its in my head along with all the other 'stinking thinking'
that pastor Rob wanted me to get rid of...

so in order to get the PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING
my thinking first...should not be so much..I must use POWERSAVE.
then I must think more PSALM 23 etc.

ICE TONIGHT

2011-01-18T16:51:00.000-08:00

courage

2011-01-17T12:35:00.001-08:00

Moral courage is the courage to take action for moral reasons despite the risk of adverse consequences.^[1]

Courage is required to take action when one has doubts or fears about the consequences. Moral courage therefore involves deliberation or careful thought. Reflex action or dogmatic fanaticism do not involve moral courage because such impulsive actions are not based upon moral reasoning.^[2]

Moral courage may also require physical courage when the consequences are punishment or other bodily peril.

WIKIPEDIA

http://bible.cc/joshua/1-6.htm

"I have commanded you, 'Be strong and courageous!

Don't tremble or be terrified, because the LORD

your God is with you wherever you go.'"

King James Bible

"What we seek we shall find; what we flee from flees from us."Emerson

"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear" Mark Twian

"It is curious - curious that physical courage should be so common

in the world, and moral courage so rare" Mark Twian

"You don't develop courage by being happy in your relationships everyday.

You develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity." Epicurus

"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage

is also what it takes to sit down and listen." Churchill

"Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm."Churchill

profanity

2011-01-17T08:50:00.000-08:00

PROFANE:
Marked by contempt or irreverence for what is sacred.
1. To treat with irreverence
2. To put to an improper, unworthy, or degrading use; abuse.

In the eighties I was working with a prominent charity at a school for blind and visually impaired students. There was much political upheaval at the time. Labor and managenemt were going at it...full bore. Labor unions were flourishing. The organization for which I was working was a highly religious outfit...and yet...it became the object of intense industrial action by a local trade union seeking to gain 'a footing' among this 'new' hitherto immune section of the workforce - non-profits. The idea that 'church people' would never 'take advantage' of the working class. was an idea that was about to be challenged.
It was against this backdrop that I was first introduced to a gentleman by the name of Harvey Cox. The manager of the non-profit for which I worked had quite a collection of books from his college years. Among them were some writings by Mr. Cox from whom I will now quote the following:

The forces of secularization have no serious interest in persecuting religion. Secularization simply bypasses and undercuts religion and goes on to other things. It has relativized religious world views and thus rendered them innocuous. Religion has been privatized. It has been accepted as the peculiar prerogative and point of view of a particular person or group. Secularization has accomplished what fire and chain could not: It has convinced the believer that he could be wrong, and persuaded the devotee that there are more important things than dying for the faith.

I the face of the overwhelming onslaught of secularization
What is the christian supposed to do?
BTW...is this the same as worldiness?
1 John 2:15

ADVERT EYES ...more on this later

weluvu

2011-01-13T22:59:00.000-08:00

consecration

2011-01-11T14:00:00.000-08:00

What is THE PECULIAR DANGER OF A CONSECRATED MAN?
His danger is that his locks may be shorn, that is to say, that his consecration may be broken. As long as he is consecrated he is strong; break that, he is weak as water. Now there are a thousand razors with which the devil can shave off the locks of a consecrated man without his knowing it. Samson is sound asleep; so clever is the barber that he even lulls him to sleep as his fingers move across the pate, the fool's pate, which he is making bare. The devil is cleverer far than even the skilful barber; he can shave the believer's locks while he scarcely knows it. Shall I tell you with what razors he can accomplish this work? Sometimes he takes the sharp razor of pride, and when the Christian falls asleep and is not vigilant, he comes with it and begins to run his fingers upon the Christian's locks, and says, "What a fine fellow you are! What wonders you have done! Didn't you rend that lion finely? Wasn't it a great feat to smite those Philistines hip and thigh? Ah you will be talked-of as long as time endures for carrying those gates of Gaza away. You need not be afraid of anybody." And so on goes the razor, lock after lock falling off, and Samson knows it not. He is just thinking within himself, "How brave am I! How great am I!" Thus works the razor of pride—cut, cut, cut away—and he wakes up to find himself bald, and all his strength gone. Have you never had that razor upon your head? I confess I have on mine. Have you never, after you have been able to endure afflictions, heard a voice saying to you, "How patient you were!" After you have cast aside some temptation, and have been able to keep to the unswerving course of integrity, has not Satan said to you, "That is a fine thing you have done; that was bravely done." And all the while you little knew that it was the cunning hand of the evil one taking away your locks with the sharp razor of pride. For mark, pride is a breach of our consecration. As soon as I begin to get proud of what I do, or what I am, what am I proud of? Why, there is in that pride the act of taking away from God his glory. For I promised that God should have all the glory, and is not that part of my consecration? and I am taking it to myself. I have broken my consecration; my locks are gone, and I become weak. Mark this, Christian—God will never give thee strength to glorify thyself with. God will give thee a crown, but not to put on thine own head. As sure as ever a Christian begins to write his feats, and his triumphs upon his own escutcheon, and take to himself the glory, God will lay him level with the dust.
Another razor he also uses is self-sufficiency. "Ah," saith the devil as he is shaving away your locks, "You have done a very great deal. You see they bound you with green withes, and you snapped them in sunder, they merely smelt the fire and they burst. Then they took new ropes to bind you; ah! you overcame even them; for you snapped the ropes in sunder as if they had been a thread. Then they weaved the seven locks of your head, but you walked away with loon, and web too, beam and all. You can do anything, don't be afraid: you have strength enough to do anything; you can accomplish any feat you set your will upon." How softly the devil will do all that; how will he be rubbing the poll while the razor is moving softly along and the locks are dropping off, and he is treading them in the dust. "You have done all this, and you can do anything else." Every drop of grace distils from heaven. O my brethren, what have we that we have not received? Let us not imagine that we can create might wherewith to gird ourselves. "All my springs are in thee." The moment we begin to think that it is our own arm that has gotten us the victory, it will be all over with us—our locks of strength shall be taken away, and the glory shall depart from us. So, you see, self-sufficiency, as well as pride, may be the razor with which the enemy may shave away our strength.
There is yet another, and a more palpable danger still. When a consecrated man begins to change his purpose in life and live for himself—that razor shaves clean indeed. There is a minister; when he first began his ministry he could say, "God is my witness I have but one object, that I may free my skirts from the blood of every one of my hearers, that I may preach the gospel faithfully and honour my Master." In a little time, tempted by Satan, he changes his tone and talks like this, "I must keep my congregation up. If I preach such hard doctrine, they won't come. Did not one of the newspapers criticise me, and did not some of my people go away from me because of it? I must mind what I am at. I must keep this thing going. I must look out a little sharper, and prone my speech down. I must adopt a little gentler style, or preach a new-fashioned doctrine; for I must keep my popularity up. What is to become of me if I go down? People will say, Up like a rocket, down like the stick;' and then shall all my enemies laugh." Ah, when once a man begins to care so much as a snap of the finger about the world, it is all over with him. If he can go to his pulpit, and say, "I have got a message to deliver; and whether they will hear or whether they will not hear, I will deliver it as God puts it into my mouth; I will not change the dot of an i, or the cross of a t for the biggest man that lives, or to bring in the mightiest congregation that ever sat at minister's feet"—that man is mighty. He does not let human judgments move him, and he will move the world. But let him turn aside, and think about his congregation, and how that shall be kept up; ah Samson! how are thy locks shorn? What canst thou do now? That false Delilah has destroyed thee—thine eyes are put out, thy comfort is taken away, and thy future ministry shall be like the grinding of an ass around the continually revolving mill; thou shalt have no rest or peace ever afterwards. Or let him turn aside another way. Suppose he should say, "I must get preferment, or wealth, I must look well to myself, I must see my nest feathered, that must he the object of my life." I am not now speaking of the ministry merely, but of all the consecrated; and as sure as ever we begin to make self the primary object of our existence our locks are shorn. "Now," says the Lord, "I gave that man strength, but not to use it for himself. Then I put him into a high position, but not that he might clothe himself about with glory; I put him there that he might look to my cause, to my interests; and if he does not do that first, down he shall go." You remember Queen Esther: she is exalted from being a simple humble maiden, to become the wife of the great monarch—Ahasuerus. Well, Haman gets a decree against her nation, that it shall be destroyed. Poor Mordecai comes to Esther, and says, "You must go in to the king and speak to him." "Well," says she, "but if I do I shall die." "Ah," says he, "If thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther was not made Queen Esther that she might make herself glorious, but that she might be in a position to save the Jews; and now if she prefers herself before her country then it is all over with her—Vashti's fate shall be as nothing compared with her destruction.
And so, if you live in this world, and God prospers you, you get perhaps into some position, and you say, "Here I am; I will look out for myself; I have been serving the church before, but now I will look to myself a little." "Come, come," says human nature; "you must look after your family," (which means, you must look after yourself). Very well, do it sir, as your main object, and you are a ruined man. "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these shall be added to you." If you keep your eye single, your whole body shall be full of light. Though you seemed as if you had shut out half the light by having that single eye, yet your body shall be full of light. But begin to have two masters, and two objects to serve, and you shall serve neither; you shall neither prosper for this world, nor for that which is to come. Oh, Christian, above all things take care of thy consecration. Ever feel that thou art wholly given up to God, and to God alone. - SPURGEON

the danger

2011-01-11T13:29:00.000-08:00

If we obey God it is going to cost other
people more than it costs us ....
If we are in love with our Lord, obedience
does not cost us anything, it is a delight,
but it costs those who do not love Him...
...when we obey God it will mean that
other people's plans are upset,,

We can prevent the suffering;
but if we are going to obey God,
we must (cannot) not prevent it,
we must let the cost be paid.

We can disobey God if we choose, and it will bring immediate
relief to the situation, but we shall be a grief to our Lord.
Whereas if we obey God, He will look after those who have
been pressed into the consequences of our obedience.
We have simply to obey and
to leave all consequences with Him.
- CHAMBERS

freedom? (2853)

2010-12-30T09:29:00.001-08:00

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

< Romans 13 >>
GOD'S WORD ® Translation

1Every person should obey the government in power. No government would exist if it hadn't been established by God. The governments which exist have been put in place by God. 2Therefore, whoever resists the government opposes what God has established. Those who resist will bring punishment on themselves. 3People who do what is right don't have to be afraid of the government. But people who do what is wrong should be afraid of it. Would you like to live without being afraid of the government? Do what is right, and it will praise you. 4The government is God's servant working for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid.

Individual Freedom Vs. anything else

Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth

The opposite of statism is capitalism.

How does capitalism differ from statism?

Only capitalism declares that each and every man, may live his own life for his own happiness, as an end to himself, not by permission of others, but by right, and that government's sole responsibility is to protect those rights, and never violate them, because they are inalienable.

http://www.capitalism.org/faq/statism.htm

Popes, Atheists and Freedom

Secularists should recognize that the pope's fight is their fight.

"Karol Wojtyla, like many dissidents who emerged in these years, had lived with the daily reality of the communist system. John Paul pushed Vatican policy toward a public, unapologetic claim for individual freedom."

Days after Benedict XVI chastised China before thousands in St. Peter's Square last week, a Chinese newspaper run by the People's Daily replied to his defense of Christians there: "The Vatican has to face the fact that all religious beliefs are free in China, as long as they do not run counter to the country's laws."

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203525404576049802441667970.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_LEADTop

Why we fight

<< James 4 >>
GOD'S WORD ® Translation

1What causes fights and quarrels among you? Aren't they caused by the selfish desires that fight to control you? 2You want what you don't have, so you commit murder. You're determined to have things, but you can't get what you want. You quarrel and fight. You don't have the things you want, because you don't pray for them. 3When you pray for things, you don't get them because you want them for the wrong reason-for your own pleasure.

<< 2 Timothy 2 >>

20In a large house there are not only objects made of gold and silver, but also those made of wood and clay. Some objects are honored when they are used; others aren't. 21Those who stop associating with dishonorable people will be honored. They will be set apart for the master's use, prepared to do good things. 22Stay away from lusts which tempt young people. Pursue what has God's approval. Pursue faith, love, and peace together with those who worship the Lord with a pure heart. 23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments. You know they cause quarrels. 24A servant of the Lord must not quarrel. Instead, he must be kind to everyone. He must be a good teacher. He must be willing to suffer wrong. 25He must be gentle in correcting those who oppose the Good News. Maybe God will allow them to change the way they think and act and lead them to know the truth. 26Then they might come back to their senses and God will free them from the devil's snare so that they can do his will.

Genesis 13:7 And quarreling arose between Abram's herdsmen and the herdsmen of Lot. The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time.

Genesis 13:8 So Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers.

Proverbs 17:14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

<< Proverbs 20 >>

3Avoiding a quarrel is honorable. After all, any stubborn fool can start a fight.

<< 1 Timothy 6 >>

6A godly life brings huge profits to people who are content with what they have.

http://gwt.scripturetext.com/1_timothy/6.htm

no playing around

2010-12-21T15:29:00.001-08:00

14Stop forming inappropriate relationships with unbelievers. Can right and wrong be partners? Can light have anything in common with darkness? 15Can Christ agree with the devil? Can a believer share life with an unbeliever?

16Can God's temple contain false gods? Clearly, we are the temple of the living God. As God said, "I will live and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people."

17The Lord says, "Get away from unbelievers. Separate yourselves from them. Have nothing to do with anything unclean. Then I will welcome you."

<< 2 Corinthians 6 >>

+++++++++++

beware of dogs

sleeping with the enemy
knowing that he has every
intention to kill you...!!!

+++++++++++

greater love has no man
than this: that a man
lay down his life
for his friend

+++++++++++

love your enemies
do good to them
who dispitefuly use you
and persecute you.

+++++++++++

because you love your enemy
does that mean he is your friend?

can the snake be a pet?

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not

that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?

whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

have a happy Christmas

2010-12-21T07:44:00.001-08:00

FATHERHOOD,

FAMILY & FAITH
or things to fight for ...

- from Sonny the Chronicler

the prince of darkness grim
we tremble not for him
his rage we will endure
for lo, his doom is sure
one little word
shall fell him.- Luther

everywhere is war - Bob Marley
even bob in his weed 'enlightened' mind
could discern the unending conflict in life.

says St Paul: (paraphrasing) remember that
the people that appear to be opposing you
are not the object of the struggle.
This is not a wrestling match
against a human opponent.
http://bible.cc/ephesians/6-12.htm

now this:
there is FIRST; the ADVOCATE
then there is the ADVERSARY

there is no doubt that every single human
is 'hard wired' for war, that's perhaps
what Marley observed.

conflict, competition...the same thing?

..ever wonder why it is we seem to be so
obsessed with sports and games?

but let's hear again from St Paul:
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel.
Instead, he must be kind to everyone.
He must be a good teacher.
He must be willing to suffer wrong.
2 Timothy 2:24

ON A TANGENT
I was always suspicious of
emancipation. I think that
it is impossible to be free.
If you take the time to really
check it out....we are ALL
enslaved to something.
the KEY, I beleive, is in
CHOOSING YOUR MASTER ! !

...and speaking of choice:
since we are born to war
and born to serve
choose a side and start
fighting, in earnest....

BUT
Proverbs 17:14

Starting a quarrel
is like breaching a dam;
so drop the matter before
a dispute breaks out.

AND
Do not be in a hurry to go to court.
What will you do in the end if your
neighbor disgraces you?

SO
From strength to strength go on,
wrestle and fight and pray,
tread all the powers of darkness down
and win the well-fought day.
that having all things done,
and all your conflicts passed,
ye may o'ercome thru Christ alone
and stand entire at last.
Words from: Charles Wesley, 1749

BTW ...these Charles Wesley words
have been etched in my mind since
my high school years when we were
"compelled" to meet in a daily
morning assembly and sing
rousing songs of the faith
from the Anglican Hymnal
"Songs of Praise"

FINALLY
let us hear from Henry...

Henry was one of the best known
American poets of the 19th Century...
was written during the American civil war.

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I don't mind this first stanza at all
but seriously it is the fourth verse
that has stayed with me across the years
and so often brings tears to my eyes.

And in despair I bowed my head
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

LET ME CLOSE
23 Peace be to the family,
and love with faith, from God
the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Grace be with all them that
love our Lord Jesus Christ
in sincerity. Amen.

<< Ephesians 6 >>

struggle

2010-12-15T08:35:00.001-08:00

<< 1 Timothy 4 >>
GOD'S WORD ® Translation

1The Spirit says clearly that in later times some believers will desert the Christian faith. They will follow spirits that deceive, and they will believe the teachings of demons. 2These people will speak lies disguised as truth. Their consciences have been scarred as if branded by a red-hot iron. 3They will try to stop others from getting married and from eating certain foods. God created food to be received with prayers of thanks by those who believe and know the truth. 4Everything God created is good. Nothing should be rejected if it is received with prayers of thanks. 5The word of God and prayer set it apart as holy.

6You are a good servant of Christ Jesus when you point these things out to our brothers and sisters. Then you will be nourished by the words of the Christian faith and the excellent teachings which you have followed closely. 7Don't have anything to do with godless myths that old women like to tell. Rather, train yourself to live a godly life. 8Training the body helps a little, but godly living helps in every way. Godly living has the promise of life now and in the world to come. 9This is a statement that can be trusted and deserves complete acceptance.

10Certainly, we work hard and struggle to live a godly life, because we place our confidence in the living God. He is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

11Insist on these things and teach them. 12Don't let anyone look down on you for being young. Instead, make your speech, behavior, love, faith, and purity an example for other believers. 13Until I get there, concentrate on reading [Scripture] in worship, giving encouraging messages, and teaching people. 14Don't neglect the gift which you received through prophecy when the spiritual leaders placed their hands on you [to ordain you]. 15Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress. 16Focus on your life and your teaching. Continue to do what I've told you. If you do this, you will save yourself and those who hear you.

When?

2010-12-15T07:56:00.001-08:00

<< Matthew 25 >>
GOD'S WORD ® Translation

31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all his angels are with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32The people of every nation will be gathered in front of him. He will separate them as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right but the goats on his left.

34"Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, my Father has blessed you! Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you took me into your home. 36I needed clothes, and you gave me something to wear. I was sick, and you took care of me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' 37"Then the people who have God's approval will reply to him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you or see you thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you as a stranger and take you into our homes or see you in need of clothes and give you something to wear? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' 40"The king will answer them, 'I can guarantee this truth: Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant [they seemed], you did for me.'

41"Then the king will say to those on his left, 'Get away from me! God has cursed you! Go into everlasting fire that was prepared for the devil and his angels! 42I was hungry, and you gave me nothing to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me nothing to drink. 43I was a stranger, and you didn't take me into your homes. I needed clothes, and you didn't give me anything to wear. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't take care of me.' 44"They, too, will ask, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or as a stranger or in need of clothes or sick or in prison and didn't help you?' 45"He will answer them, 'I can guarantee this truth: Whatever you failed to do for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant [they seemed], you failed to do for me.' 46"These people will go away into eternal punishment, but those with God's approval will go into eternal life."

++++++++++++++++++++

ONCE IN ROYAL DAVID'S CITY

And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love,
For that Child so dear and gentle
Is our Lord in Heav'n above,
And He leads His children on
To the place where He is gone.

Not in that poor lowly stable,
With the oxen standing by,
We shall see Him; but in Heaven,
Set at God's right hand on high;
Where like stars His children crowned
All in white shall wait around.

refusing to go to the funeral

2010-12-09T07:03:00.001-08:00

December 9th. - Chambers

	THE OFFENCE OF THE NATURAL

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." Galatians 5:24 The natural life is not sinful; we must be apostatized from sin, have nothing to do with sin in any shape or form. Sin belongs to hell and the devil; I, as a child of God, belong to heaven and God. It is not a question of giving up sin, but of giving up my right to myself, my natural independence and self-assertiveness, and this is where the battle has to be fought. It is the things that are right and noble and good from the natural stand point that keep us back from God's best. To discern that natural virtues antagonize surrender to God, is to bring our soul into the centre of its greatest battle. Very few of us debate with the sordid and evil and wrong, but we do debate with the good. It is the good that hates the best, and the higher up you get in the scale of the natural virtues, the more intense is the opposition to Jesus Christ. "They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh" - it is going to cost the natural in you everything, not something. Jesus said - "If any man will be My disciple, let him deny himself," i.e., his right to himself, and a man has to realize Who Jesus Christ is before he will do it. Beware of refusing to go to the funeral of your own independence. The natural life is not spiritual, and it can only be made spiritual by sacrifice. If we do not resolutely sacrifice the natural, the supernatural can never become natural in us. There is no royal road there; each of us has it entirely in his own hands. It is not a question of praying, but of performing

Christmas gift ? (2779)

2010-12-07T09:18:00.001-08:00

THE GIFT OF TEARS

REPENTANCE

"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation." 2 Corinthians 7:10

Conviction of sin is one of the rarest things that ever strikes a man. Jesus Christ said that when the Holy Spirit came He would convict of sin, and when the Holy Spirit rouses a man's conscience and brings him into the presence of God, it is not his relationship with men that bothers him, but his relationship with God - "against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned,

and done this evil in Thy sight." Psalm 51:4

The marvels of conviction of sin, forgiveness, and holiness are so interwoven that it is only the forgiven man who is the holy man, he proves he is forgiven by being the opposite to what he was, by God's grace. Repentance always brings a man to this point: I have sinned. The surest sign that God is at work is when a man says that and means it. Anything less than this is remorse for having made blunders, the reflex action of disgust at himself.

The entrance into the Kingdom is through the panging pains of repentance crashing into a man's respectable goodness; then the Holy Ghost, Who produces these agonies, begins the formation of the Son of God in the life.

The new life will manifest itself in conscious repentance and unconscious holiness, never the other way about. The bedrock of Christianity is repentance.

Strictly speaking, a man cannot repent when he chooses; repentance is a gift of God. The old Puritans used to pray for "the gift of tears."

If ever you cease to know the virtue of repentance, you are in darkness. Examine yourself and see if you have forgotten how to be sorry.

from OSWALD CHAMBERS

___________________

Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven;
To His feet thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King.

Praise Him for His grace and favor
To our fathers in distress.
Praise Him still the same as ever,
Slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Glorious in His faithfulness.

Fatherlike He tends and spares us;
Well our feeble frame He knows.
In His hands He gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Widely yet His mercy flows.

HEAR IT HERE

impossible

2010-12-04T17:21:00.001-08:00

Sure I must fight if I would reign;
Increase my courage, Lord.
I'll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word.

HER IT HERE

"To him that overcometh. . . ." Revelation 2:7

Life without war is impossible either in nature or in grace. The basis of physical, mental, moral, and spiritual life is antagonism. This is the open fact of life.

Health is the balance between physical life and external nature, and it is maintained only by sufficient vitality on the inside against things on the outside. Everything outside my physical life is designed to put me to death. Things which keep me going when I am alive, disintegrate me when I am dead. If I have enough fighting power, I produce the balance of health. The same is true of the mental life. If I want to maintain a vigorous mental life, I have to fight, and in that way the mental balance called thought is produced.

Morally it is the same. Everything that does not partake of the nature of virtue is the enemy of virtue in me, and it depends on what moral calibre I have whether I overcome and produce virtue. Immediately I fight, I am moral in that particular. No man is virtuous because he cannot help it; virtue is acquired.

CHAMBERS

battered and bruised (2757)

2010-12-02T16:09:00.001-08:00

December 2nd.

	CHRISTIAN PERFECTION

"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect. . . ." Philippians 3:12 It is a snare to imagine that God wants to make us perfect specimens of what He can do; God's purpose is to make us one with Himself. The emphasis of holiness movements is apt to be that God is producing specimens of holiness to put in His museum. If you go off on this idea of personal holiness, the dead-set of your life will not be for God, but for what you call the manifestation of God in your life. "It can never be God's will that I should be sick." If it was God's will to bruise His own Son, why should He not bruise you? The thing that tells for God is not your relevant consistency to an idea of what a saint should be, but your real vital relation to Jesus Christ, and your abandonment to Him whether you are well or ill. Christian perfection is not, and never can be, human perfection. Christian perfection is the perfection of a relationship to God which shows itself amid the irrelevancies of human life. When you obey the call of Jesus Christ, the first thing that strikes you is the irrelevancy of the things you have to do, and the next thing that strikes you is the fact that other people seem to be living perfectly consistent lives. Such lives are apt to leave you with the idea that God is unnecessary, by human effort and devotion we can reach the standard God wants. In a fallen world this can never be done. I am called to live in perfect relation to God so that my life produces a longing after God in other lives, not admiration for myself. Thoughts about myself hinder my usefulness to God. God is not after perfecting me to be a specimen in His show-room; He is getting me to the place where He can use me. Let Him do what He likes.

Oswald Chambers <Click it

Greedy? (2743)

2010-11-30T08:49:00.000-08:00

Greed brings grief to the whole family,
but those who hate bribes will live.
Proverbs 15:27

GREEDY - The Movie <click it
Uncle Joe is ageing. He's also a millionaire. That's why his family is trying so very hard to get into his good books. They all want a piece of his empire. Unfortunately Uncle Joe isn't as stupid as his family thinks he is. He can see that his family is only nice to him because they want his money. Along comes Daniel McTeague, a struggling bowler, imported from another city by his family, to put an end to this ridiculous situation. The fight won't be easy, though, because the poor family has a little bit of competition - A beautiful nurse who takes care of Uncle Joe (and no doubt would love to take care of his bank account). Who gets all the money?
Written by Michael Feller
Plot Summary
Plot Synopsis

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T13:13:00.001-08:00

troubling?

2010-11-18T09:01:00.001-08:00

About half of all adults in the U.S. are married, down from 72 percent in 1960, while 4 in 10 people consider marriage obsolete and most say their definition of family has changed, according to a poll.

In a telephone survey of 2,691 Americans by the Pew Research Center in Washington, 86 percent of respondents said a single parent and child constitute a family. Four out of 5 respondents said an unmarried man and woman with a child also were a family, and 63 percent said a gay or lesbian couple raising a youngster could be described the same way.

WHAT CAN WE DO ?????

true confessions (2717)

2010-11-18T08:12:00.000-08:00

Every week, the Animal Planet (channel) features incredible footage of several wild animals, ranging from sea lions to hippos, and how they seek out and target other animals to prey upon. While some of the footage can at times be gruesome to watch, the cheetah is a real thing of beauty.

I have a rather startling confession to make. I've been a cable television subscriber for many years now, and up until this month, if I were ever asked by someone what my favorite channels were, I would probably reply with the usual suspects: CNN, ESPN, TNT, MTV, BET, HGTV…(HGTV? Sorry, thought I'd try picking up a few brownie points in case my wife was reading this…)

Despite being one the fastest animals on land, I was surprised to discover that the cheetah will tend to prey on the weak, even though it is fast enough to prey on the strong. One would think with its incredible agility and speed, the cheetah would set its sights on larger animals or targets. But in fact, the cheetah does the exact opposite. Another interesting fact concerning the cheetah is that while in pursuit of its prey, nearly half of its hunting attempts actually result in failure. The reason? Because the cheetah exerts so much energy chasing after its prey, that when it finally catches up and drags its target to the ground, it has very little energy left to ward off other predators from stealing its kill. In other words, the cheetah's method of attack often makes its prey vulnerable to other predators seeking to attack. - by Milan Ford

the rest of the confession is here

endgame

2010-11-16T07:43:00.001-08:00

as temporary residents on earth in fear. He is

the God who judges all people by what they

have done, and he doesn't play favorites.-

1 Peter 1:17

a barrier (2698)

2010-11-10T13:03:00.001-08:00

THE BIG " IF"

he old things passed away; behold,

new things have come.. - 2 Corinthians 5:17

It is difficult to state what your aim in life is, because IF God has taken you up into His purpose by the Holy Ghost; He is using you now for His purposes throughout the world as He used His Son for the purpose of our salvation. If you seek great things for yourself - God has called me for this and that; you are putting a barrier to God's use of you. As long as you have a personal interest in your own character, or any set ambition, you cannot get through into identification with God's interests. You can only get there by losing for ever any idea of yourself and by letting God take you right out into His purpose for the world, and because your goings are of the Lord, you can never understand your ways.

I have to learn that the aim in life is God's, not mine. God is using me from His great personal standpoint, and all He asks of me is that I trust Him, and never say - Lord, this gives me such heart-ache. To talk in that way makes me a clog. When I stop telling God what I want, He can catch me up for what He wants without let or hindrance. He can crumple me up or exalt me, He can do anything He chooses. He simply asks me to have implicit faith in Himself and in His goodness. Self pity is of the devil, if I go off on that line I cannot be used by God for His purpose in the world. I have "a world within the world" in which I live, and God will never be able to get me outside it because I am afraid of being frost-bitten.

- Oswald Chambers

healings

2010-11-07T17:51:00.001-08:00

We had a good time

at the family meeting

this past saturday

This was the reading

I was reading it over

just now and this phrase

'jumped out'

at me

...a breach in the spirit"

We did not sing

but this is such a

great song.

Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven;
To His feet thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King.

Praise Him for His grace and favor
To our fathers in distress.
Praise Him still the same as ever,
Slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Glorious in His faithfulness.

Fatherlike He tends and spares us;
Well our feeble frame He knows.
In His hands He gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Widely yet His mercy flows.

Frail as summer's flower we flourish,
Blows the wind and it is gone;
But while mortals rise and perish
Our God lives unchanging on,
Praise Him, Praise Him, Hallelujah
Praise the High Eternal One!

Angels, help us to adore Him;
Ye behold Him face to face;
Sun and moon, bow down before Him,
Dwellers all in time and space.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise with us the God of grace.

HEAR IT HERE

BILLY GRAHAM's birthday this week

2010-11-06T17:22:00.001-07:00

BILLY GRAHAM
Current Age: 92 Truth...........from a man the media has never been able to throw dirt on.....amazing!

He has certainly hit the "world" on the head!


   Billy Graham's Prayer For Our Nation

THIS MAN SURE HAS A GOOD VIEW OF WHAT'S HAPPENING TO OUR COUNTRY!

'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!'

Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, 'The Rest of the Story,' and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired. With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called 'One nation under God!'

Think about this: If you forward this prayer to everyone on your e-mail list, in less than 30 days it would be heard by the world. (It's worth a try!)   'One Nation Under God!

so true...

2010-11-05T08:21:00.001-07:00

Bowed beneath your burden, is there none to share?
Weary with the journey, is there none to care?
Courage, wayworn traveler, heed your Lord's commands,
There's a thought to cheer you, Jesus understands.

Refrain

Yes, He understands, all His ways are best.
Hear, He calls to you, "Come to Me and rest."
Leave the unknown future in the Master's hand,
Whether sad or joyful, Jesus understands.

Every heavy burden, He will gladly share,
Are you sad and weary? Jesus has a care;
Well He knows the pathway o'er life's burning sands,
Courage, fainting pilgrim, Jesus understands.

Refrain

Though temptation meet you, Jesus can sustain,
Life has vexing problems which He can explain;
Serve Him where He sends you, though in distant lands,
Do not doubt or question, Jesus understands.

Refrain

Weary heart, He calls you, "Come to Me and rest,"
Does the path grow rugged? yet His way is best;
Leave the unknown future in the Master's hands,
Whether sad or joyful, Jesus understands.

Refrain

HEAR IT HERE