Not "What" you say but "How" you say it!

(Please "mute" the music so you may get the full impact of this video)

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.    Psalms 19:14

Hold Your Head Up High

Standing for what you believe in regardless of the odds against you, and the pressure that tears at your resistance … is Courage.

Keeping a smile on your face when inside you feel like dying, for the sake of supporting others … is Strength.

Stopping at nothing and doing what's in your heart that you know is right … is Determination.

Doing more than is expected, to make another's life a little more bearable, without uttering a single complaint … is Compassion.

Helping a friend in need, no matter the time or effort, to the best of your ability … is Loyalty.

Holding your head high and being the best you know you can be when life seems to fall apart at your feet, facing each difficulty with the confidence that time will bring you better tomorrows, and never giving up … is Confidence.

Hold your head high and make your life better every day!

Three Things

Let Faith take the Lead

"It matters not how large or small
Your faith may seem to be;
What really counts is whom you trust
In life's uncertainty."
                        ~Fitzhugh~

Courage will follow when faith takes the lead!

Importance of Walking

I have to walk early in the morning, before my brain figures out what I'm doing!

 
I like long walks, especially when they are taken
by people who annoy me!

The advantage of exercising every day is so when you die, they'll say, 'Well, she looks good doesn't she.'

If you are going to try cross-country skiing . . .
start with a small country!

I know I got a lot of exercise the last few years . . .
just getting over the hill!

I joined a health club last year, spent about 400 bucks. Haven't lost a pound . . . Apparently you have to  go there!

Every time I hear the dirty word 'exercise', I wash my mouth out with chocolate . . .

 

Moments with God

Happy moments, praise God
Difficult moments, seek God,
Quiet moments, worship God,
Painful moments, trust God,
. . . Every moment, thank God!!!

This quote remindes me of a Bible verse.  I like the way it reads in the Message version.  It is Philippians 4:11 and it says this:

"I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am!"

I will be the first one to say that the past few years have been days, weeks, and months of my life that have been anything but "happily ever after"! But I have a God that has seen me through many trials and obstacles along the way.  No, it hasn't always been easy - but God has been there to help me make it through the tough times on to some very "blessed" times of pure joy unspeakable and full of glory, as the old hymn says!  I've had my share of happy times that I do praise God for.

There have been those difficult times where I learned to seek God and lay my burden at His feet, knowing that He knew every difficulty far better than I did. And He knew where it would take me and how much I would grow through the experience it taught me as I learned, lived and matured in my faith in a loving, caring God that wants us to bring our difficulties to Him.  Just as a child brings their difficulties to us as parents - so He longs for us to bring "all" of our difficulties to Him.

I've learned to treasure the quiet times when I worship Him.  It may be in my car, at home, at church, in the back yard - anywhere I am because that is where He is! My whole being simply taking in the awesome, unmatched sense of awe and wonder as I realize who He is and what He has done for me. He is the great "I am" - that means that He is EVERYTHING that I can even imagine and then some. He's been there, done that, He is IT!  He is all there is . . . just for me and you!  Anything I can imagine - He is IT!  He knows just how I feel, what's going on in my life, in my family, and everything about me. He has the answers I long to know.  He alone is waiting for me to truly worship Him in my day to day life and know that I have seen Jesus. . . can trust Him. . . can love Him. . . can obey His call to worship Him with my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength!

And what about those painful moments - can I trust Him then too?  Yes, Yes, Yes!!  It is during those painful times that I need Him the most.  The times of hurt, misunderstanding, sorrow, sickness, and just plain fearful times when I haven't known what was ahead.  These are the times I've learned to put all of my trust in His steady, unchanging hand. 

As I look back on my life's journey there have been times when I seemed to be holding on for dear life and do you know what??  He never let go of me!!!  And He will not let go of you either if you trust Him and give everything over to God's Almighty hand! The Hand of God reaches down to each one of us as we go through life's journey. It may lead us over the mountain, down into the valley, and maybe even across the plain - but He is there through it all. 

It is through each of these phases of our lives that we learn to simply thank God for every moment in our lives, knowing that these moments have brought us closer to Him.  Happy, difficult, quiet, painful moments . . . Every moment, thank God!!!

"I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am!"     (Philippians 4:11)

6 Steps to Successful Personal Change

1.  When you change your THINKING, you change your BELIEFS.
2.  When you change your BELIEFS, you change your EXPECTATIONS.
3.  When you change your EXPECTATIONS, you change your ATTITUDE.
4.  When you change your ATTITUDE, you change your BEHAVIOR.
5.  When you change your BEHAVIOR, you change your PERFORMANCE.
6.  When you change your PERFORMANCE, you change your LIFE!
                                                                                          -John Maxwell

Bullitin Bloopers

They're Back! Those wonderful Church Bulletin Bloopers!

Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
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A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow...
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At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
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Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
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Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
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Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered..
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The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
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Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
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The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
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This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
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Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.
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The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
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Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
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The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement, Friday at 7 PM . The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
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Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
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The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday: I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours.

It is good to be able to laugh at our mistakes - it is all a part of life. Living and learning!!!  So, lighten up and enjoy the journey!

Just Like Jesus

What if, for one day, Jesus were to become you? What if, for twenty-four hours, Jesus wakes up in your bed, walks in your shoes, lives in your house, assumes your schedule? Your boss becomes his boss, your mother becomes his mother, your pains become his pains. With one exception, nothing about your life changes. Your health doesn't change. Your circumstances don't change. Your schedule isn't altered. Your problems aren't solved. Only one change occurs.

What if, for one day, Jesus lives your life with his heart? Your heart gets the day off, and your life is led by the heart of Christ. His priorities govern your actions. His passions drive your decisions. His love directs your behavior.

What would you be like? Would people notice a change? Your family - would they see something new? Your coworkers - would they sense a difference? What about the less fortunate? Would you treat them the same? And your friends? Would they detect more joy? How about your enemies? Would they receive more mercy from Christ's heart than from yours?

And you? How would you feel? What alterations would this transplant have on your stress level? Your mood swings? Your temper? Would you sleep better? Would you see sunsets differently? Taxes differently? Any chance you'd need fewer aspirin or sedatives? How about your reaction to traffic delays? (Ouch, that touched a nerve.) Would you still dread what you are dreading? Better yet, would you still do what you are doing?

Would you still do what you had planned to do for the next twenty-four hours? Pause and think about your schedule. Obligations. Engagements. Outings. Appointments. With Jesus taking over your heart, would anything change?

Keep working on this for a moment. Adjust the lens of your imagination until you have a clear picture of Jesus leading your life, then snap the shutter and frame the image. What you see is what God wants. He wants you to "think and act like Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5).

God's plan for you is nothing short of a new heart. If you were a car, God would want control of your engine. If you were a computer, God would claim the software and the hard drive. If you were an airplane, he'd take his seat in the cockpit. But you are a person, so God wants to change your heart.

Perhaps an instant makeover is a little too overwhelming,

Take time to examine the heart of Jesus and get to know Jesus' heart . . .

                                                   -Max Lucado-

There are a lot of "what-ifs" in the above words by Max Lucado!  Have you thought about these in comparision to the life you are living today?  I kind of think if Jesus were me, I would look at things entirely different than this human mind of mine does today.  I think things would be a lot different if I were looking thru His eyes, seeing beyond the surface and realizing what really is important in life. If I were feeling what He is feeling - what would that be like?  Would I be feeling rejection, pain, sorry, hurt, joy, happiness, love, contentment and peace?  What would I be doing if He did have control of my "engine"?  Would I be doing the same things I am doing today or would I have some changes to make? Something to think about, huh?!

I love this old hymn by Helen Lemmel - "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus".

Turn you eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.

With Jesus in control of our "engines" in life, we can face each situation with confidence and hope as we "think and act" like Jesus!

Growing "Old" - Growing "Up"

All Things are Possible!

If you never were in trouble, How would you know that I will come to your rescue?

Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear.

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water."

So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying,
"Lord, save me!"

And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"  And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God."

John 14:25-33

Have you ever felt like Peter in the above picture?  Surrounded by the wind and waves of life, sinking deeper and deeper into the waves of worry and doubt?  When something is troubling you and trying to defeat you just remember that Jesus is the great "I AM". The Miracle Maker. The "Sea-Walker"!  Just as Jesus told the disciples to "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid" - we too can learn a lesson here.  We can put away our doubts, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, and step out of our boat when He says "Come." Peter walked on the water when Jesus said "Come". . . Impossible you may say!  Yes, to us somethings do seem impossible but with God, all things are possible.  Just remember that we can do the impossible with the power of Christ in our lives.  Just recognize who Christ is, ask as Peter did - "Lord save me", reach out to Him and take hold of Jesus' outstretched hand, worship and praise His blessed name - name above all names - JESUS - SON  OF  GOD!

So when things begin crowding in around you, just remember "do not be afraid", "trust Jesus" - with God all things are possible!

Maxine - Yearly Physical

Yesterday I went to the doctor

For my yearly physical.

My blood pressure was high.

My cholesterol was high.

I'd gained some weight,

and I didn't feel so hot.

My doctor said eating right

doesn't have to be complicated and

it would solve my physical problems.

He said:

Just think in colors.

Fill your plate with bright colors.

Try some greens, oranges, reds,

maybe something yellow, etc.

and eat an entire bowl of

bright colors.

And Sure Enough . . .

I Felt Better Immediately !!
I never knew eating right could be so easy !!

 
 
Have a great day and take time to laugh a little . . . or even a lot ! ! !  It's good for the soul!

Great Things - Small Ways

Here's a little "MONDAY MOTIVATOR"

1. Show kindness.

2. When someone asks for your love – give it.

3. Talk less and listen more.

4. Practice the art of patience every day.

5. Accept everyone for who they are; reject no one for who they are.

6. Leave an unexpected note of love, encouragement or appreciation.

7. Say, “thank you.”

8. When someone needs you, give your attention right away; don’t wait.

9. Honor boundaries and expect your boundaries to be honored, too.

10. Help your neighbors through their weeds.

11. Let those around you know you believe in them.

12. Let them know you respect them.

13. Don’t use your words as a weapon.

14. Show your children how to smile, relax and enjoy life.

15. Never do anything you wouldn’t want others & God to know.

16. Keep your word.

17. Be fully present when in the presence of others.

18. Share your wisdom when asked.

19. Create a safe place for your family to live.

20. Let go of grudges and live with a forgiving heart.

21. Show respect to everyone you encounter.

22. Give your shoulder for someone to grasp so they can take a leap of faith.
23. Find ways to serve every day.
24. Love your neighbor as you love yourself.
25. Let your corner of the world see the goodness and God in you.  

                                            -Alex Blackwell

We can do no great things, only small things with great love. 

– Mother Teresa

You Can Trust Him

S.M Lockridge shared the following powerful message.  When you don't know what to do and don't know where or who to turn to, think about this . . . 

"He's the one who made us. It is He who made us and not we ourselves. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork. No means of measure can define His limitless love, and no farseeing telescope can bring into the visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply. I'm telling you today . . . you can trust Him.

No barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing. He's enduringly strong, and He's entirely sincere. He's eternally steadfast, and He is immortally graceful. He's empirically, powerfully, and impartially merciful.  He's the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world. He's God's Son. He's the sinner's Savior. He's the centerpiece of civilization. I'm trying to tell you, Church, . . . you can trust Him.

He does not have to call for help, and you can't confuse Him. He doesn't need you, and He doesn't need me.  He stands alone in the solitude of Himself. He's august, and He's unique. He's unparalleled. He's unprecedented. He's supreme. He's preeminent. He's the loftiest idea in literature. He's the highest personality in philosophy. He's the supreme problem of higher criticism. He's the fundamental doctrine of truthology. He's the cardinal necessity of the spiritual religion. He's the miracle of the age, He's the superlative of everything good that you can call Him. I'm trying to tell you that . . . you can trust Him.

He can satisfy all your needs, and He can do it simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak, and He's available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He sees, He guards and He guides. He heals the sick, He cleansed the leper, He forgives the sinners. He discharges debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the people. He blesses the young. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent. He beautifies the meek. I'm trying to tell you, Church . . . you can trust Him.

He's the key to knowledge. He's the wellspring of wisdom. He's the doorway of deliverance. He's the path of peace. He's the roadway of righteousness. The highway of holiness. He's the gateway to glory . . . you can trust Him.

He's the master of the mighty. He's the capturer of conquerors. He's the head of heroes. He's the leader of legislators. He's the overseer of the overcomers. He's the Governor of the governors. He's the Prince of princes. He's the King of kings. He's the Lord of lords. . . you can trust Him.

His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His life is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy. His burden is light, I wish I could describe Him to you. He's indescribable because He's incomprehensible. He's irresistible because He's invincible. You can't get Him off your hands. You can't get Him off your mind. You can't outlive Him, and you can't live without Him. Pilate couldn't stand it when he found out that he couldn't stop Him. Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him, and the witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree, and Herod couldn't kill Him. There was nobody before Him. They'll be nobody after Him. He has no predecessor. He'll have no successor. You can't impeach Him, and He's not going to resign. . . you can trust Him.

He's the Alpha and the Omega. The beginning and the end. The first and the last. He's all things. He's the giver of life. He's the joy out of every sorrow. He's the light of every darkness. He's the peace that passes all understanding. He's the giver of every good and perfect gift. . . you can trust Him.

There's no God before Him. They'll be no one after Him. He is the first. He is the last. He is preeminent. There is no other God" . . . You can trust Him, Church. YOU  CAN  TRUST  HIM!!!

Do you trust Him - I mean really trust Him? How can we go wrong when we put our trust in HIM?

Power Verses:

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.  -Psalms 18:2, 3 (ESV)

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.   - Psalms 37:5 (KJV)

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.   - Psalms 91:2 (KJV)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.  - Proverbs 3:5, 6 (ESV)

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.   - Isaiah 12:2 (ESV)

The Joy of God's Everlasting Love

"God's love is a gift that can make you forget yourself at times. The Scottish writer George MacDonald said,"It is the heart that is not yet sure of its God that is afraid to laugh in His presence."

So often with old people and children, all sense of what would be appropriate is swallowed up in what feels right. That's refreshing. We waste too many years between childhood and our older years measuring our behavior on a scale we think we see in someone else's eyes.

God loves us as we are right now! That's one of the things I'm most grateful for. I love the freedom to be myself in God. I pray that a year from now, five years from now, I will be a godlier woman, but I know God won't love me any more than he does right this minute!

Let me tell you, you can run in out of the cold, sit by the fire, put up your feet, and just be yourself. You are loved, you are loved. you are loved!"   -Sheila Walsh

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you."    - Jeremiah 31:3

That is a loyal love, a "covenant" love coming from God himself down through the generations to "me" this very day! Just as Sheila Walsh stated above . . . "you can run in out of the cold, sit by the fire, put up your feet, and just be yourself. You are loved, you are loved. you are loved!"  -Sheila Walsh

7 Deadly Signs - Red Flags of Abuse

Know the 7 Deadly Signs and the red flags of abuse in a relationship, and exercise your options.

HELPLESSNESS - Helplessness often results when one partner assumes full control over the relationship and attacks the other partner’s competence. One person makes all the decisions. That person does not hesitate to ridicule or criticize the other in public and in private. Words like “stupid,” “ignorant,” or “incompetent ” are common.

ANXIETY - The abusing partner offers no reassurance, stability, or commitment. It is impossible to predict either the behavior or the feelings of the abusing partner or of the relationship. It may be characterized by the “off-again, on-again” pattern or by the abusing partner being frequently unavailable. Actions that produce pleasure one day may provoke verbal or even physical abuse the next.

HOSTILITY - Hostility typically takes the form of aggression, anger, rage and irritability.” The abused person responds in kindness to the partner’s behavior, either openly or privately. The open hostility would be characterized by a raised voice, hurtful or angry words, or accusations against the partner. Private hostility includes such things as hidden resentment, plotted revenge, and private negative fantasies. The hostility may also be internalized as guilt or anger.

FRUSTRATION - Frustration results when the abusing partner fails to satisfy needs for affection, intimacy, attention, acceptance, approval, reassurance, praise, or any other emotional need. No matter how hard the partner tries to please the other, it never is enough. They will praise others but never mention your own achievements. They “work the room” but leave you standing alone in the corner.

CYNICISM - Any action which constitutes a betrayal or abuse of trust is likely to result in cynicism. Obviously having an affair with another person fits into this category. Additionally, patterns of borrowing money which is never repaid, making promises which are seldom kept, or sharing information given in confidence will likely produce cynicism.

LOSS OF SELF-ESTEEM - This sign includes feelings of diminished self-worth, inadequacy, negative self-image, reduced self-confidence, and deterioration of self-respect, with associated depression. Choosing to remain in a relationship in which a person feels devalued inevitably leads to increased loss of self-esteem.

Loss of self-esteem happens through a cycle of faulty logic: First, you recognize that you are in a relationship in which you feel unloved, unworthy, and mistreated. That you would choose such a relationship causes you to doubt your judgment. You try to “fix” it by changing yourself or your partner, but when that doesn’t work you conclude that you not only have poor judgment, you also are inept at relationship skills. Thus, you reason that “people get what they deserve,” and since you are being treated badly, you must deserve it. Obviously, then, the only thing for you to do is to accept the treatment since you “don’t deserve nor could hope for a better relationship.

HOPELESSNESS - Hopelessness usually results after numerous vain attempts to communicate the need for a change, with the partner ignoring all approaches. A person who recognizes a lack of responsiveness in their partner can be warned from the beginning that the relationship is developing in an unhealthy manner and there is likely trouble ahead.    (Life Skills International)

Look for any of these "red flags" and do not take them lightly.  There are ways out of this kind of situation. Personalize the conviction that you do not have to tolerate abusive behavior. Seek help from a friend, a pastor, a counselor - but do not ignore these important signs in your relationships.

Don't Know the WHY look to the WHO!

Life brings with it all kinds of experiences.  Sometimes we walk through times of extreme joy and peace that we can't even explain.  Other times we experience times of deep sorrow, sadness, pain and confusion that leaves us wondering "why". Surrounded by questions like: what if I would have. . . or what if I would not have. . .  or where did this slip in. . .  how did this happen. . .  what could I have done to change the end result of this situation. . .  and the big question we have all asked at some time - "WHY"?  Why this or that - why cancer, why death, why depression, why financial struggles, why prodigal children, why the fear, why divorce, why teen pregancy, why abuse, why anger, why car accidents, why job loss, why, why, why?  What are you experiencing in your life right this moment?  Are you questioning some of the "whys" in your life?  Are doubts creeping in trying to confuse you?

I recently heard this quote in a sermon and it has been in my thoughts all week long.  Isn't it great how God can use sermons preached on Sunday throughout the whole week!! 

"When we don't know the WHY - look for the WHO."
                                              -R. LaSalle

I couldn't help but think just how many times I have tried to know the "why" and sometimes have forgotten to look for the "who"!

Our first tendency is to ask "why", sometimes knowing we will never know the reason for each experience in our lives.  But we still tend to struggle with that one little question. With that one little question it is easy to face thoughts of doubt.  Doubt in ourselves, doubt in others and more importantly - doubt in God! I've seen those that have turned their back on God when going through these "WHY-TIMES". And then there are those that have just grown deeper with God during these same "WHY-TIMES". They have come to know them as their "WHO-TIMES"!!!

It is in these difficult times that we are looking for something to hang on to, something that is steady, a firm foundation, a solid rock. Something that is stronger than we are! Something that does not change with the force of the wind or circumstance.  Something or should I say "someONE" that is constant and true! That is the "WHO"!  God is the "who" we need to look to instead of the "why".  He is faithful and He never changes. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!" (Hebrews 13:8) His grace is presently available to all who put their trust in Him.  His love is not affected by our present circumstances. He is changeless in a changing world of attitudes, life styles, habits, and experiences.  "Changeless" - He is the same and loves us (not our sinful ways) but US no matter where we are. And He is ready to forgive and forget. He is faithful and forgiving! (Am I as forgiving of others as He is of me? Or do I "remember" and "judge" and "criticize" others? Am I willing to forgive and forget and reach out a helping-hand to help and encourage others as Christ has done for me???) Just a thought!

To Christ darkness is light. Our confusion becomes clear through Him. Our doubts disappear when we run to the "WHO" and put our trust and faith in His never changing, loving and forgiving hand! We can then leave the "WHY" with the one that created darkness and light! The one that knows the way through our wilderness. Our anchor on the storm-tossed sea of life!  Just reach up and take the Hand of the "WHO" and let Him guide you through whatever "unknown" territory you (and I) may be going through.  Just hold on! Things are always changing in this life but He never changes, He is forever. Take His hand today! 

 But I'll take the hand of those who don't know the way,

who can't see where they're going.

I'll be a personal guide to them,

directing them through unknown country.

I'll be right there to show them what roads to take,

make sure they don't fall into the ditch.

These are the things I'll be doing for them -

sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute."

-Isaiah 42:16 

Maxine's Back

Let's face it . . . "nobody's" kidding Maxine!!!!! 
   .    .    .    .    .    .    or for that matter God!!!

What's Important

What's important is...
not what kind of car you drive,
but rather how many people you give a lift.

What's important is...
not the size of your house,
but rather the number of people you welcome into your home.

What's important is...
not your social status,
but whether you live your life with conviction and integrity.

What's important is...
not what you possess,
but rather what you give.

What's important is...
not how many friends you have,
but rather how many to whom you are a friend.

What's important is...
not how much overtime you worked,
but rather if you work overtime for your family and loved ones.

What's important is...
not if you live in a great neighborhood,
but rather how you treat your neighbor.

What's important is . . . You living out God's love each and every day!

Whipping Cream Biscuits

Here is a two-ingredient biscuit recipe that is so easy and so good! Heavy cream and self-rising flour and that is it.  The cream provides the fat, and the self-rising flour contains the leavening and the salt. 
Whip these up and add some sausage gravy . . .  yummy!
2 Cups self-rising flour
1 Cup whipping cream

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Combine flour and cream in a mixing bowl, stirring just until blended. (The dough will be a little stiff) Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead 10 times. Roll to 1/2 inch thinkness and cut with a 2-inch cutter. Place biscuits close together on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes. Makes 12 biscuits.

We Choose . . .

We choose how we shall live;
courageously or in cowardice,
honorably or dishonorably,
with purpose or in drift.



We decide what is important
and what is trivial in life.
We decide that what makes us significant
is either what we do or refuse to do . . .
WE DECIDE.
WE CHOOSE.
And as we decide and as we choose,
 . . . so our lives are formed . . .

I'm not sure who wrote this but it tells it so well - WE CHOOSE / WE DECIDE!

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are exellent and worthy of praise, Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you."     
(Philippians 4:8-9)

Funny Humor

Two horses were galloping along when one stumbled and landed on its side.
After a number of tries the tumbled equine finally regained his footing, but
when he tried to run to catch up to his buddy he found he couldn't even trot.
Calling after his friend he neighed, "I've fallen and I can't giddy-up!"

~       ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~

"Accountancy Exam"

Dewey wanted to be an accountant, so he went and took the accountancy exam.

Examiner: If I give you two rabbits and then I give you another two rabbits, how many rabbits do you have?

Dewey: Five.

Examiner: No, listen carefully again. If I give you two rabbits and then I give you another two rabbits, how many rabbits have you got?

Dewey: Five.

Examiner: Let's try this another way. If I give you two bottles of pop and then I give you another two bottles of pop, how many bottles of pop have you got?

Dewey: Four.

Examiner: Good! Now, if I give you two rabbits and then I give you another two rabbits, how many rabbits have you got?

Dewey: Five.

Examiner: How on earth do you work out that two lots of two rabbits is five?

Dewey: I've already got one rabbit at home!

 ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~

God Knows Our Situation

"God knows our situation; He will not judge us as if we had no difficulties to overcome. What matters is the sincerity and perseverance of our will to overcome them."  (C.S. Lewis)

I don't know about you but this quote by C.S. Lewis speaks loudly to me. As I thought about it I realized that God really does know my situation and he also knows your situation.  He knows every little and big detail of what's going on with you and me.  He knows the difficulties we may have to overcome. The struggles we may be facing. And isn't is comforting that He will not judge us as if we had no difficulties to overcome.  But He will look deep down into our hearts, into our "will" and He sees the sincerity and the perseverance with which we "press on" to reach and overcome these parts of life that seem so difficult at times. People seem quick to judge by the outward things that they see - the surface situations.  But God knows "our" specific situation - sees our sincerity, our perseverance, our trust in Him and tells us to keep on - don't give up now - you're almost there - you've almost overcome this struggle - VICTORY is on the way! It is so easy to judge when we have not been there.  We've not walked in that other person's shoes. We can't possible understand the whole situation because we look on the surface and seldom bother to look below the surface to see the real struggle. 

Will we always have struggles and difficulties to overcome?  I think we will but just remember . . . "God knows our situation; He will not judge us as if we had no difficulties to overcome.   What matters is the sincerity and perseverance of our will to overcome them."

"But those who wait on the Lord shall

renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings like eagles,

they shall run and not be weary,

they shall walk and not faint."

Isaiah 40:31

Courage

Bulletin Bloopers

They're Back! Those wonderful Church Bulletin Bloopers! Thank the Lord for church ladies with typewriters and computers. And may I say "human" ladies that every now and then make a "typo"!  (I always just say, thank you for catching that - I put that in to see if anyone really reads the bulletin!!!!) HA! HA!  I'm sure you have seen some of these but they are still comical as they appear in church bulletins and some even announced in church services:

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
--------------------------
The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
--------------------------
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
--------------------------
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.
--------------------------
Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
--------------------------
Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
--------------------------
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
--------------------------
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
--------------------------

THOUGHT:  "Humor is to life what shock absorbers
are to a car!"

VERSE:  " A happy heart is a good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing . . ."       (Proverbs 17:22)

Maple Bacon Flavored Coffee

Free Sample - Maple Bacon Flavored Coffee



The delicious flavors of sweet maple syrup and the aroma of crisp country bacon combine in this coffee brew to produce a taste you’ll jump out of bed for! Experience the ambiance of a charming maple farms with the fresh flavor of sugary sweet maple syrup. Maple bacon flavored coffee will not disappoint those lovers of breakfast flavors! . . .

I received this ad today and thought it sounded a little far out!!  Now, don't get me wrong - I like my coffee and I like lots of different flavors.  But I must say, this one really didn't hit me as the flavor that I would "jump out of bed for"!  (Sorry!)  I like maple syrup and I could "maybe" taste that in my cup of coffee but I'm not so sure about the "crisp country bacon" in my coffee cup!!!!  I like my crisp country bacon to crunch in my mouth not in my cup! And preferrably with a couple of eggs and toast. And, yes, with a cup of coffee that does NOT have crisp country bacon in it!

What do you think?  Does this sound like your cup of coffee? Needless to say - I did not send for my free sample.  I think I will just have to pass on this "freebie"!

Isn't if funny how some things in life we can simply live without - like Maple Bacon Coffee! And yet I am sure there is somebody out there that thinks "Maple Bacon Flavored Coffee" sounds just wonderful! And the smell of it in the morning probably does make them "jump out of bed for it"!  But that is what makes life so interesting, isn't it?  We can't all like the same things or we would be standing in line forever waiting to get our sample of Maple Bacon Flavored Coffee! (You know - because that is the kind everyone wants!!!)

Thank goodness we are all different! All unique in our own God-given ways. God gave each one of us special characteristics, talents, abilities, ambitions, dreams, and expectations.  Creating a special being that is like none other.  No two human beings alike - all special ordered by God Himself!   WOW!  That is exciting when you think about it, isn't it?  You and Me - special ordered by God.  And let me tell you - YOU are "special".  He (God) knows the plans He has for you and for you alone.  Plans that no one else can accomplish or fulfill - only you!  Jeremiah 29:11-14 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the lord, " plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you  a future and a hope." God gave you everything you need to fulfill those plans.  Everything you need to fulfill your future and your hope in Christ.

Have you thought about your "special-ness" and how you are using the gifts you have.  What are your special gifts and talents?  Is it teaching, reaching out to others, music, laughter, computer skills, babysitting, visiting those in the hospital, care-giving, sending cards, cooking, cleaning, showing hospitality, working on cars . . . oh my, the list could go on and on . . . the real question is, how are you using these abilities to impact those around you?  Those that could use a little help and encouragement.  

It's easy to get so busy with all that we are doing "in and of ourselves" that we forget that God wants us to share "who we are" and "spread His love" to others through the "gifts and abilities" He has given us.  God wants to "SHINE" in and through each one of us.

So tomorrow morning when you smell that coffee aroma (whatever flavor it is!) rise and shine - jump out of bed ready and willing to share who you are and what God has done for you.  Somebody needs to see God's love through you!