Spiritual Motivation and Insight [Archive]

CrimsonTide4

05-10-2001, 08:23 PM

FOOTPRINTS...A New Version

Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road together.For much of the way, the Lord's footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace. But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures, and returns.
For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line with the Lord's, soon paralleling His consistently. You
and Jesus are walking as true friends! This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens: Your footprints that once etched the sand next to Jesus' are now walking precisely in His steps. Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones,you and Jesus are becoming one. This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change. The footprints inside the large
footprints seem to grow larger. Eventually they disappear altogether. There is only one set of footprints they have become one.
This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back. This time it seems even worse! Zigzags all over the place. Stops. Starts. Gashes in the sand. A variable mess of prints. You
are amazed and shocked. Your dream ends.

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

"That is correct."

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

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

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

"Precisely."

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

There is a pause as the Lord answers with a smile in his voice. "You didn't know? That was when we danced."

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to weep, a time to laugh, A time to mourn, and a time to dance. Ecclesiastes 3:1,4.

I ASKED GOD
I asked for a flower, He gave me a garden.
I asked for a tree, He gave me a forest.
I asked for a river, He gave me an ocean.
I asked for a friend, He gave me "YOU."

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He who asks questions cannot avoid the answers.

Rain does not fall on one roof alone.

Words are like eggs: when they are hatched they have wings.

Advise and counsel him; if he does not listen, let adversity teach him.

What one hopes for is always better than what one has.

CrimsonTide4

05-11-2001, 08:16 AM

THE BUTTERFLY STRUGGLE

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole.

Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could, and it could go no further. So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon.

The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time.

Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.

What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need
in our lives. If God allowed us to go through our lives without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. We could never fly!

I asked for Strength.........And God gave me
Difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for Wisdom.........And God gave me
Problems to solve.

I asked for Prosperity.........And God gave me brain and brawn to work.

I asked for Courage.........And God gave me
Danger to overcome.

I asked for Love.........And God gave me
Troubled people to help.

I asked for Favors.........And God gave me
Opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted........I
received everything I needed!

May your path be bright and full of light
everywhere you go. And, I pray your feet will never stumble out of God's plan.

------------------
He who asks questions cannot avoid the answers.

Rain does not fall on one roof alone.

Words are like eggs: when they are hatched they have wings.

Advise and counsel him; if he does not listen, let adversity teach him.

What one hopes for is always better than what one has.

CrimsonTide4

05-14-2001, 08:51 AM

This should help all of us keep things in the proper perspective when storms are raging on our secular jobs :

The Lord is my boss, and I shall not want.
He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.
He reminds me to pray, before I speak in anger.
He restores my sanity.
He guides my decisions that I might honor Him in all that I do. Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mail, system failures, copier jams, backordered supplies, unrealistic deadlines, staff shortages, budget cutbacks, red tape, downsizing, gossiping coworkers, whining customers, I won't give up, for You are with me. Your presence, peace and power, will see me through.

You raise me up, even when the boss fails to promote me. You claim me as your own, even when the company threatens to let me go.

Your loyalty and love are better than a bonus check Your retirement plan beats any 401K, and when it's all said and done, I'll be working for you a whole lot longer! Thanks be to God.

------------------
He who asks questions cannot avoid the answers.

Rain does not fall on one roof alone.

Words are like eggs: when they are hatched they have wings.

Advise and counsel him; if he does not listen, let adversity teach him.

What one hopes for is always better than what one has.

CrimsonTide4

05-14-2001, 10:46 AM

I open my heart and mind to be aware…I must believe

that whatever it is, I can handle it.

You have earned the right to be exactly where you are. Whatever, the situation, circumstances, predicament or challenges that face you at this very moment, you have earned the divine right to be where you are. You have earned the right to go through what you are going through based on the way you got through, got over, went around or handled a similar situation. You learned something then that you can surely use now. Think about it! You have already demonstrated your ability to get up. You have clearly exhibited your desire to get over. You have made it perfectly clear that you can handle the rough times and hard stuff as you navigated through the tight places. Now you have the opportunity to demonstrate how your skills have improved.

With all that you have been through, have been challenged by, have confronted and have overcome, you have earned the right to live with this, make it through this, overcome this and benefit from the divine opportunity that now stands before you. Think about it! You have always been there for you. You have demonstrated you have what it takes. You know how to make it through the ups and downs, the in's and out's, the good times and the hard times. You have done it before. You will do it again! Why you? Because you are a good student. Why now? Because you have earned the right to do what it takes. Now get to it.

Until today, you may not have realized just how good you are. Just for today, see everything that lies before you as a divine opportunity to remember.

Today I am devoted to reminding myself of the good

I have done and the goodness that I am!

this is reprinted from Until Today by Iyanla Vanzant. I hoped this blessed you as it blessed me.

CrimsonTide4

05-14-2001, 10:47 AM

Scars of Love

Some years ago on a hot summer day in south Florida a little boy decided to go for a swim
in the old swimming hole behind his house.

In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks,
and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle
of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore. His mother - in the house was looking out the window - saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, she ran toward the water, yelling to her son as loudly as she could.

Hearing her voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his mother.
It was too late. Just as he reached her, the alligator reached him.

From the dock, the mother grabbed her little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched
his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the mother, but the mother was much too passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard her screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.

Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal and, on his arms, were deep scratches where his mother's fingernails dug into his flesh in her effort to hang on to the son she loved.

The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my mom
wouldn't let go."

You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, or anything quite so dramatic. But, the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret.
But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go.

In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you. The Scripture teaches that God loves you. If you have Christ in your life, you have become a child of God.
He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way.

But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations.
The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-o-war begins - and if you have the scars of His love on your arms be very, very grateful. He did not - and will not - let you go. Be blessed, and pass this onto someone
else.

CrimsonTide4

05-19-2001, 01:12 PM

THE WILL OF GOD
The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you.
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your
needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the spirit of God cannot work through
you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your
fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule
for you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for
you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find
you.

------------------
He who asks questions cannot avoid the answers.

Rain does not fall on one roof alone.

Words are like eggs: when they are hatched they have wings.

Advise and counsel him; if he does not listen, let adversity teach him.

What one hopes for is always better than what one has.

CrimsonTide4

05-22-2001, 08:16 AM

The paradox of our time in history is that
we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower
viewpoints; We spend more, but enjoy less of it.
We have bigger houses and smaller families; More conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; More experts, but less solutions; More medicine, but less
wellness.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We have learned to make a living, but not a life. We have added years to life, but not life to years.

We have been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We have conquered outer space, but not inner space. We have cleaned up the air, but polluted the
soul. We have split the atom, but not our prejudice.
We have higher incomes, but lower morals; We have become long on quantity, but short on quality. These are times of tall men, and short characters; steep profits, and shallow relationships. These are times of
world peace and domestic violence. We have more leisure, but less fun;
More kinds of food, but less nutrition.

These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; Of fancier houses, but broken homes.
It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom; A time when technology can bring this letter to
you; A time when you can send this to your true friends....

CrimsonTide4

05-25-2001, 07:29 AM

Carl's Garden

Carl was a quiet man. He didn't talk much. He would always greet
others with a big smile and a firm handshake. Even after living in
our neighborhood for over 50 years, no one could really say they knew
him very well. Before his retirement, he took the bus to work each morning.
The lone sight of him walking down the street often worried us. He had a
slight limp from a bullet wound received in WWII. Watching him, we worried
that although he had survived WWII, he may not make it through our changing
uptown neighborhood with its ever-increasing random violence, gangs, and
drug activity.

When he saw the flyer at our local church asking for volunteers for
caring for the gardens behind the minister's residence, he responded in his
characteristically unassuming manner. Without fanfare, he just signed up.
He was well into his 87th year when the very thing we had always feared
finally happened. He was just finishing his watering for the day when three gang
members approached him. Ignoring their attempt to intimidate him, he simply asked,
"Would you like a drink from the hose?" The tallest and toughest-looking of the
three said, "Yeah, sure," with a malevolent little smile. As Carl offered the
hose to him, the other two grabbed Carl's arm, throwing him down. As the hose
snaked crazily over the ground, dousing everything in its way, Carl's assailants
stole his retirement watch and his wallet, and then fled. Carl tried to get
himself up, but he had been thrown down on his bad leg. He lay there trying to gather himself as the minister came running to help him.

Although the minister had witnessed the attack from his window, he
couldn't get there fast enough to stop it. "Carl, are you okay? Are you hurt?" the
minister kept asking as he helped Carl to his feet. Carl just passed a hand over his
brow and sighed, shaking his head. "Just some punk kids. I hope they'll wise-up
someday." His wet clothes clung to his slight frame as he bent to pick up the hose. He adjusted the nozzle again and started to water. Confused and a little concerned, the minister asked, "Carl, what are you doing?" I've got to finish my watering. It's been very dry lately", came the calm reply. Satisfying himself that Carl really was all right, the minister could only marvel. Carl was a man from a different time and place.

A few weeks later the three returned. Just as before their threat was
unchallenged. Carl again offered them a drink from his hose. This time they didn't rob him. They wrenched the hose from his hand and drenched him head to foot in the icy water. When they had finished their humiliation of him, they sauntered off down the street, throwing catcalls and curses, falling over one another laughing at the hilarity of what they had just done. Carl just watched them. Then he turned toward the warmth giving sun, picked up his hose, and went on with his watering.

The summer was quickly fading into fall. Carl was doing some tilling
when he was startled by the sudden approach of someone behind him. He stumbled and fell into some evergreen branches. As he struggled to regain his footing, he turned to see the tall leader of his summer tormentors reaching down for him. He braced himself for the expected attack. "Don't worry old man, I'm not gonna hurt you this time." The young man spoke softly, still offering the tattooed and scarred hand to Carl. As he helped Carl get up, the man pulled a crumpled bag from his pocket and handed it to Carl."What's this?" Carl asked. "It's your stuff," the man explained.
"It's your stuff back. Even the money in your wallet." "I don't understand," Carl said. "Why would you help me now?" The man shifted his feet, seeming embarrassed and ill at ease. "I learned something from you," he said. "I ran with that gang and hurt people like you. We picked you because you were old and we knew we could do it. But every time we came and did something to you, instead of yelling and fighting back, you tried to give us a drink. You didn't hate us for hating you. You kept showing
love against our hate." He stopped for a moment. "I couldn't sleep after we stole your stuff, so here it is back." He paused for another awkward moment, not knowing what more there was to say. "That bag's my way of saying thanks for straightening me out, I guess." And with that, he walked off down the street. Carl looked down at the sack in his hands and gingerly opened it. He took out his retirement watch and put it back on his wrist. Opening his wallet, he checked for his wedding photo. He gazed for a moment at the young bride that still smiled back at him from all those years ago.

He died one cold day after Christmas that winter. Many people attended his funeral in spite of the weather. In particular the minister noticed a tall young man that he didn't know sitting quietly in a distant corner of the church. The minister spoke of Carl's garden as a lesson in life. In a voice made thick with unshed tears, he said, "Do your best and make your garden as beautiful as you can. We will never forget Carl and his garden."

The following spring another flyer went up. It read: "Person needed to care for Carl's garden." The flyer went unnoticed by the busy parishioners until one day when a knock was heard at the minister's office door. Opening the door, the minister saw a pair of scarred and tattooed hands holding the flyer. "I believe this is my job, if you'll have me," the young man said. The minister recognized him as the same
young man who had returned the stolen watch and wallet to Carl. He knew that Carl's kindness had turned this man's life around. As the minister handed him the keys to the garden shed, he said, "Yes, go take care of Carl's garden and honor him." The man went to work and, over the next several years, he tended the flowers and vegetables just as Carl had done. In that time, he went to college, got married, and became a prominent member of the community. But he never forgot his promise to Carl's memory and kept the garden as beautifully as he thought Carl would have kept it.

One day he approached the new minister and told him that he couldn't care for the garden any longer. He explained with a shy and happy smile, "My wife just had a baby boy last night, and she's bringing him home on Saturday." "Well, congratulations!" said the minister, as he was handed the garden shed keys. "That's wonderful! What's the baby's name?" "Carl," he replied.

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http://www.plauder-smilies.de/elefant.gif #4 Spring 1997
Omicron Theta
Wittenberg University////__\\\\
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He who asks questions cannot avoid the answers.

Rain does not fall on one roof alone.

Words are like eggs: when they are hatched they have wings.

Advise and counsel him; if he does not listen, let adversity teach him.

[This message has been edited by CrimsonTide4 (edited May 25, 2001).]

99melodies

05-27-2001, 02:33 PM

I always say: Love is given but trust is earned! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

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As always...the inevitable, the divine, the epitome of womanhood!

CrimsonTide4

05-29-2001, 03:04 PM

This was posted in our Teacher Union's newsletter today and I found it to be a profound and celebratory statement about TEACHERS http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

You Want Heroes?

"Where are the heroes of today?" a radio talk show host thundered. He blames society’s shortcomings on public education. Too many people are looking for heroes in all the wrong places. Movie stars and rock musicians, athletes and models aren’t heroes, they’re celebrities.

Heroes abound in public schools, a fact that doesn’t make the news. There is no precedent for the level of violence, drugs, broken homes, child abuse and crime in today’s America. Public education didn’t create these problems but deals with them every day.

You want heroes? Consider Dave Sanders, the school teacher shot to death while trying to shield his students from two Neo-Nazi youth on a bombing and shooting rampage at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. Sanders gave his life, along with 12 students, but other less heralded heroes survived the Colorado blood bath.

You want heroes? Jane Smith, a Fayetteville, North Carolina, teacher was moved by the plight of one of her students, a boy dying for want of a kidney transplant. So, this pretty white woman told the family of this handsome 14-year-old black student that she would give him one of her kidneys. And she did. When they subsequently appeared together hugging on the Today Show, even tough little Katie Couric was near tears.

You want heroes? Doris Dillon dreamed all her life of being a teacher. She not only made it, she was one of those wondrous teachers who could wring the best out of every single child. One of her fellow teachers in San Jose, California, said, "She could teach a rock to read." Suddenly she was stricken with Lou Gehrig’s Disease, which is always fatal, usually within five years. She asked to stay on the job, and did. When her voice was affected, she communicated by computer. Did she go home? No. She is running two elementary school libraries. When the disease was diagnosed, she wrote the staff and all the families that she had one last lesson to teach ... that dying is part of living. Her colleagues named her Teacher of the Year.

You want heroes? Bob House, a teacher in Gay, Georgia, tried out for Who Wants to be a Millionaire? After he won the million dollars, a network film crew wanted to follow up to see how it had impacted his life. New cars? Big new house? Instead, they found both Bob House and his wife still teaching. They explained that it was what they had always wanted to do with their lives, and that would not change. The community was both stunned and gratified.

You want heroes? Last year the average public school teacher spent $468 of his or her own money for student necessities ... workbooks, pencils, supplies kids had to have but could not afford. That’s a lot of money from the pockets of the most poorly paid teachers in the industrial world.

Public schools don’t teach values? The critics are dead wrong. Public education provides more Sunday school teachers than any other profession. The average teacher works more hours in nine months than the average 40-hour employee does in a year.

You want heroes? For millions of kids, the hug they get from a teacher is the only hug they will get that day because the nation is living through the worst parenting in history. Many have never been taken to church or synagogue in their lives. A Michigan principal moved me to teach with the story of her attempt to rescue a badly abused little boy who doted on a stuffed animal on her desk ... one that said, "I love you!" He said he’d never been told that at home. This is a constant in today’s society ... two million unwanted, unloved, abused children in the public schools, the only institution that takes them all in.

You want heroes? Visit any special education class and watch the miracle of personal interaction, a job so difficult that fellow teachers are awed by the dedication they witness. There is a sentence from an unnamed source which says, "We have been so anxious to give our children what we didn’t have that we have neglected to give them what we did have." What is it that our kids really need? What do they really want? Math, science, history and social studies are important, but children need love, confidence, encouragement, someone to talk to, someone to listen, standards to live by. Teachers provide upright examples, the faith and assurance of responsible people ... by Frosty Troy.

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http://www.plauder-smilies.de/elefant.gif #4 Spring 1997
Omicron Theta
Wittenberg University////__\\\\
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He who asks questions cannot avoid the answers.

Rain does not fall on one roof alone.

Words are like eggs: when they are hatched they have wings.

Advise and counsel him; if he does not listen, let adversity teach him.

[This message has been edited by CrimsonTide4 (edited May 29, 2001).]

99melodies

05-29-2001, 11:02 PM

"Always be a first rate version of yourself, instead a second rate version of someone else"
-Judy Garland

"Love is given but trust is earned." - unknown

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As always...the inevitable, the divine, the epitome of womanhood!

DST Diva Oo-oop!!

06-09-2001, 09:18 AM

WAS IT ME?

I made a decision back in the past, to join a fraternity or sorority at last. The decision, I made was from my heart, time has passed, I'm not doing my part. What happened between now and then? Was, I committed or just wanting to fit in?

Oh!!!! My organization is the best, LOOK, I still wear the letters on my chest. What have I done to help it grow? Pay dues, community service, meeting, mentoring.............NO. I am just a member who's on the inactive roll, has my organization moved forward, "Hell, I don't know."

What has happen to the fire in me? Don't pay my dues, but wear the letters you see. My house, office and car has it all, cups glasses, boards, banners, key changes and more. I have grown and time has changed, I have a bond with those on my line. (only)

Those are true brothers and sister you see. Where I am now, they don't understand me, don't have time for! ! those games. Furthermore, what can "They" do for me? I have a family, job and business you see. Yes, I made a promise on that day, would hold high the aims, never to stray.

Your organization is dying, yes because of you. Will you be too busy for the funeral too? There will come a time when your children will say..... Mom/Dad what happened to the organization you once belong to? What will you tell them as tears swell in your eyes? Will it be the truth or some small lie? Just tell them it died............. "Because I was too busy to be involved."

written by: Zimbalist F. Chalk Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Fall 1986 Theta Chi Northwestern State University

Authors note:
The torch of your organization is burning slow. Do your part. If you cannot attend every event, become active then empower those who can and will. ($$$$) Yes, it's all about the dollars. Try not putting gas in your car and! ! driving it. What happens to a dream deferred? Reflect on what you had to endure to wear those letters. Better yet, think about what your founder's endured. Think about those young/old lives you as a member made a difference. You are the leaders of yesterday, today and tomorrow. You are the oil that keeps your organization torch burning. You are: ALPHA, AKA, KAPPA, DELTA, OMEGA, SIGMA, ZETA, RHO. You are your dream.

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

This is deep, but true. Hopefully it inspires those who are active members of their organizations to remain active. For those who aren't active, I hope this encourages you to get active, participate in, or support a local chapter of your organization.......

------------------
With Sisterly Love,
#32 Well Suited
Spring 2001 - Operation 1913: 41 Rescued
Iota Theta Chapter
operation1913@home.com

[This message has been edited by DST Diva Oo-oop!! (edited June 09, 2001).]

CrimsonTide4

06-12-2001, 08:24 AM

Life is a theater - Invite your audience carefully. Not everyone is healthy enough to have a front row seat in our lives. There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go, or at least minimize, your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not-going-anywhere relationships/friendships. Just for a moment....Observe the relationships around you. Pay CLOSE attention. Which ones lift and which ones lean? Which ones encourage
and which ones discourage? Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill? When you leave certain people, do you feel better or feel worse? Which ones always have drama or don't really
understand, know or appreciate you? The more you seek quality, respect, growth,
peace of mind, love and truth around you, the easier it will become for you
to decide who gets to sit in the FRONT ROW and who should be moved to the balcony of your life.

YOU CANNOT CHANGE THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU...BUT YOU CAN CERTAINLY CHANGE THE
PEOPLE YOU ARE AROUND.

CrimsonTide4

06-13-2001, 03:38 PM

At the prodding of my friends, I am writing this story. My name is
Mildred Hondorf. I am a former elementary school music teacher from Des
Moines, Iowa. I've always supplemented my income by teaching piano
lessons--something I've done for over 30 years. Over the years I found
that children have many levels of musical ability. I've never had the
pleasure of having a protege though I have taught some talented students.
However I've also had my share of what I call "musically challenged" pupils.
One such student was Robby.

Robby was 11 years old when his mother (a single mom) dropped him
off for his first piano lesson. I prefer that students (especially boys!)
begin at an earlier age, which I explained to Robby. But Robby said that
it had always been his mother's dream to hear him play the piano. So I took
him as a student. Well, Robby began with his piano lessons and from the
beginning I thought it was a hopeless endeavor. As much as Robby tried, he
lacked the sense of tone and basic rhythm needed to excel. But he
dutifully reviewed his scales and some elementary pieces that I require all
my students to learn. Over the months he tried and tried while I listened
and cringed and tried to encourage him. At the end of each weekly
lesson he'd always say, "My mom's going to hear me play some day." But it
seemed hopeless.

He just did not have any inborn ability. I only knew his mother
from a distance as she dropped Robby off or waited in her aged car to pick
him up. She always waved and smiled but never stopped in. Then one day
Robby stopped coming to our lessons. I thought about calling him but
assumed, because of his lack of ability, that he had decided to pursue
something else. I also was glad that he stopped coming. He was a bad
advertisement for my teaching!

Several weeks later I mailed to the student's homes a flyer on the
upcoming recital. To my surprise Robby (who received a flyer) asked me if
he could be in the recital. I told him that the recital was for current
pupils and because he had dropped out he really did not qualify. He said
that his mom had been sick and unable to take him to piano lessons but he
was still practicing. "Miss Hondorf...I've just got to play!" he insisted.
I don't know what led me to allow him to play in the recital. Maybe it was
his persistence or maybe it was something inside of me saying that it would
be alright.

The night for the recital came. The high school gymnasium was
packed with parents, friends and relatives. I put Robby up last in the
program before I was to come up and thank all the students and play a
finishing piece. I thought that any damage he would do would come at the
end of the program and I could always salvage his poor performance through
my "curtain closer."

Well the recital went off without a hitch. The students had been
practicing and it showed. Then Robby came up on stage. His clothes were
wrinkled and his hair looked like he' run an egg-beater through it. "Why
didn't he dress up like the other students?" I thought. "Why didn't his
mother at least make him comb his hair for this special night?" Robby
pulled out the piano bench and he began. I was surprised when he announced
that he had chosen Mozart's Concerto #21 in C Major. I was not prepared
for what I heard next.

His fingers were light on the keys, they even danced nimbly on the
ivories. He went from pianissimo to fortissimo...from allegro to virtuoso.
His suspended chords that Mozart demands were magnificent! Never had I
heard Mozart played so well by people his age After six and a half minutes
he ended in a grand crescendo and everyone was on their feet in wild
applause.

Overcome and in tears I ran up on stage and put my arms around Robby
in joy. "I've never heard you play like that Robby! How'd you do it?"
Through the microphone Robby explained: "Well Miss Hondorf...remember I
told you my mom was sick? Well actually she had cancer and passed away
this morning.

And well....she was born deaf so tonight was the first time she
ever heard me play. I wanted to make it special." There wasn't a dry eye
in the house that evening. As the people from Social Services led Robby
from the stage to be placed into foster care, I noticed that even their
eyes were red and puffy and I thought to myself how much richer my life had
been for taking Robby as my pupil. No, I've never had a protege but that
night I became protege...of Robby's. He was the teacher and I was the
pupil. For it is he that taught me the meaning of perseverance and love and
believing in yourself and maybe even taking a chance in someone and you
don't know why.

This is especially meaningful to me since after serving in Desert
Storm Robby was killed in the senseless bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah
Federal Building in Oklahoma City in April of 1995, where he was
reportedly....playing the piano.

Tanzanite

06-15-2001, 03:10 AM

I don't know how to make a smilie that cries but that last story about Robby has tears falling from my eyes http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif

------------------
29 Jewels of N.V. # 1
Delta Delta Chapter

CrimsonTide4

06-15-2001, 07:59 AM

Originally posted by Tanzanite:
I don't know how to make a smilie that cries but that last story about Robby has tears falling from my eyes http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif

Here you go soror, http://www.plauder-smilies.de/bawling.gif http://www.plauder-smilies.de/sad/bigcry.gif http://www.plauder-smilies.de/cry.gif

Tanzanite

06-15-2001, 09:35 AM

Thank You CrimsonTide4 http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

CrimsonTide4

06-16-2001, 12:04 AM

PANCAKES
Six year old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents
pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter,
opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on
the floor. He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten. Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad. He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on (he didn't know how the stove worked!). Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking
the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky. And just then he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon's eyes. All
he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess. He was
sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking.But his father just watched him. Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process. That's how God deals with us. We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend or we can't stand our job or our health goes sour. Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do. That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him. But just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying like Brandon to "make pancakes," for God or for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried.

CrimsonTide4

06-26-2001, 08:25 AM

SPIRITUAL WOMAN

Worldly women wonder where my secret lies,
I'm not flashy, conceited, or caught up in my size.
But when I tell them it's the Jesus in me,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say it's in the strength of God's arms,
The feel of His love,
He orders my every step,
Honey, I am covered in the blood.
I am a Woman, spiritually,
A sanctified Woman, that's me!

I walk into church, just as cool as I please,
I may grab a fan and raise my hand
Or worship falling down on my knees.
The Spirit comes up out of me to make my soul fly free.
I say it's the fire in my bones,
It's the wind in my dance on my Holy Ghost feet.
I am a Woman, Spiritually.
A Holy Ghost-filled Woman, that's me!

Men themselves have wondered what they see in me,
Oh they try so much,
But they cannot touch my inner chastity.
When I try to tell them,
Those lustful eyes still can't see,
I say no, I am not looking back,
I am not fooled by your smile.
I'm waiting on God: worldly men cramp my style!
I am a Woman, Spiritually
A living Sacrificial Woman, that's me.

Now you understand just why my head is not bowed,
Why I shout and jump about, or praise and sing out loud!
When you see my light shining, it ought to make you proud!
I say it is the faith I have in Jesus
Through all my ups and downs,
Each experience, a testimony
Leading straight to my crown.
"Cause I am a Woman, Spiritually.
A Sold-out for Jesus Woman,
Yeah, that's me!

c&c1913

06-26-2001, 07:14 PM

Tip/Advice

1. Love, Love, Love Yourself.
There’s only one of you, so love you to death!

2. Stop Playing the Victim.
Martyrdom is totally unnecessary for today’s Black woman. Your first allegiance is to yourself. Without a strong sense of self, there is no way that you can tackle the ups and downs of a relationship or the rigors of motherhood (if you so choose).

3. Stop Settling for Less.
A piece of a man is definitely not better than a whole healthy man. Your desperation is showing.

4. Stop Trying to Be a Savior.
If a man doesn’t have his head together and is on the skids, it is not up to you to try to save him. You are neither his mother nor his therapist. Let him go and move on. Men like this will bring you down if you aren’t careful.

5. Learn to Exhale Between Relationships.
In other words...no transitional lovers. Someone always end up being hurt and it could be you...again, or that poor man. Neither one of you deserves to be hurt or used. Give yourself some down time.

6. Learn the Difference Between Being Alone and Lonely.
Being alone is by choice and loneliness is only temporary. Get out and enjoy yourself. Wallowing in loneliness can often make women desperate for attention and lead then into unhealthy relationships.

7. Don’t Allow Any Man to Validate You.
Allowing any man to define who you are as a woman leaves you open to being controlled and eventually abused. Why give a man that type of power over you? Now, do you really want to be the kind of woman who thinks that her life if not complete unless she has a man in it...any man? Where is your self-respect?

c&c1913

06-26-2001, 07:20 PM

Inspiration For The Day: Instructions For A Happy Life

"Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

Don't believe all you hear.

When you say, "I love you", mean it.

When you say, "I'm sorry", look the person in the eye.

Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

Believe in love at first sight.

Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

Smile when picking up the phone, the caller will hear it in your voice.

Treat other's the way you want to be treated!"

Quote of the Day

Man does not live by words alone, despite the fact that sometimes he has to eat them.
-----------------------------------------
"Your Quick Inspiration For The Day: Belive In Yourself

There may be days when you get up in the morning and things aren't
the way you had hoped they would be.

That's when you have to tell yourself that things will get better.
There are times when people disappoint you and let you down.

But those are the times when you must remind yourself to trust your
own judgments and opinions, to keep your life focused on believing
in yourself.

There will be challenges to face and changes to make in your life,
and it is up to you to accept them.

Constantly keep yourself headed in the right direction for you.
It may not be easy at times, but in those times of struggle you
will find a stronger sense of who you are.

So when the days come that are filled with frustration and unexpected
responsibilities, remember to believe in yourself and all you want
your life to be.

Because the challenges and changes will only help you to find the
goals that you know are meant to come true for you.

Keep Believing in Yourself"
---------------------------------------

A Quality Relationship

A quality relationship is not made up of partners who try to rescue each
other
or become emotionally entangled in codependency. Only when both partners are
striving to be full and complete within themselves can love and happiness
bloom.

Ask yourself: Are you complete within yourself? Is your partner complete
within
him- or herself?

------------------
Sisterhood, Scholarship, & Service
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
"Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom"

luvsong1913

06-29-2001, 04:40 PM

Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.?

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

"There's work to do, deadlines to meet;
You've got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

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

It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather -
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our cares,
And He'll respond to all your needs
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER"

------------------
S.H.A.D.E.
10-Lambda-SP00
Memphis Alumnae Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Lady of DSTinction

luvsong1913

06-29-2001, 04:50 PM

"Prayer's Can't Be Answered Unless They are Prayed"

Life without purpose is barren indeed
There can't be a harvest unless you plant seed
There can't be attainment unless there's a goal
And man's but a robot unless there's a soul.
If we send no ships out, no ships will come in,
And unless there's a contest, nobody can win.
For games can't be won unless they are played,
And prayers can't be answered unless they are prayed.
So whatever is wrong with your life today
You'll find a solution if you kneel down and pray.
Not just for pleasure, enjoyment and health,
Not just for honors and prestige and wealth.
But pray for a purpose to make life worth living
And pray for the joy of unselfish giving.
For great is your gladness and rich your reward,
When you make your life's purpose the choice of the Lord.

(Poem by: Anonymous)

------------------
S.H.A.D.E.
10-Lambda-SP00
Memphis Alumnae Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Lady of DSTinction

CrimsonTide4

06-30-2001, 01:01 PM

CrimsonTide4
Senior Member posted April 28, 2001 07:23 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Something to make all of us think:
Thought for Today:

WHAT WILL FLOW OUT?

The preacher placed two identical jars on the table next to the pulpit. He quoted I Sam. 16:7, "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks
at the heart."

"These jars came from the same factory, were made of the same materials, and can hold the same amount. But they are different," he
explained.

Then he upset one and it oozed out honey. He turned over the other, and vinegar spilled out.

"When a jar is upset, whatever is in it comes out. Until the jars were upset, they looked alike. The difference was within, and could not be seen. When they were upset, their contents were revealed.

"Until we are upset we put on a good front. But when we are upset, we reveal our innermost thoughts and attitudes, for "out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45).

"What if someone tipped you over today? What would flow out? Would you reveal the "honey" of grace and patience, or the "vinegar" of anger and sarcasm?"

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a
multitude of sins" (I Pet. 4:8). Have a terrific day knowing that the
one who upsets you may be just looking for some honey. --unknown to me

"But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. … Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe
yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and
patience." Colossians 3:8, 12 NIV

CrimsonTide4

06-30-2001, 01:02 PM

CrimsonTide4
Senior Member posted April 30, 2001 10:31 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have been sitting on these sermon notes for over 3 weeks. These are notes from a revival that my minister preached in Cleveland. My mom took the notes and they have been such a blessing to me that I wanted to share with you.
Healing your Hidden Wounds 1 Peter 4:1-11

Sermon notes - Pastor Keith Troy
April 11, 2001

Opening Comments:
1. Wounds are our mask
2. Hidden wounds are hidden memories
3. Not the external wounds (broken bones, surgery scars, gunshot wounds, etc.)
4. But the internal wounds of life (abandonment, insecurity, feelings that you don’t matter, etc.)
5. Masked by beautiful faces but messed up lives.
6. Wounds by family hurt the most

Four Keys to Healing the Wounds
1. Forgive the Offender
a. It takes longer to get over emotional wounds than physical wounds
b. You must forgive the offender if you want to be healed.
c. Forgiveness is never deserved
d. Three reasons to forgive
i. God has already forgiven you
ii.You’re going to need forgiveness in the future
iii. You’re never going to stop hurting until you forgive
e. Resentment always hurts you more than the other person
f. You’re only hurting yourself with your anger
g. Forgive the offender so you can stop hurting

2. Focus on God
a. Get your attention off of you and get it on God
b. Focus on God’s will, that requires a mental shift
c. It’s ok to mourn your pain but don’t moan - moaning means you’ll never get over the hurt
d. Focus on the Healer, He can bring a positive out of a bad thing
e. God sees everything and judges righteously (1Peter2:23)
f. Psalm 56:8 God keeps a record of your tears
g. Your tears matter to God and he will remember the people who hurt you and he will settle the score
h. Give that thing to God and he’ll give you hope, joy and peace (Rom. 15:13)
i. Let go of the pain so you can have hope, joy and peace

3. Face your Future
a. Courage is moving ahead in spite of your fear (Job 11:13-16)
b. Don’t keep reliving the past
c. Focus on the future and the past hurts diminish and you forget
d. The key to forgetting is to re-focus on the future
e. The Lord saves you from all your troubles (Psalm 34:17)
f. How do you spell relief? Drugs, alcohol, sex, etc. don’t work and they don’t last. These things become addicting and they never solve the problem.
g. You keep bringing the same person home they just have a different name
h. Satan never tempts you with stuff you don’t like

4. Find a Supportive Person
a. You never fully recover by yourself
b. God didn’t intend for you to solve your problems alone
c. You were never meant to be a “Lone Ranger”
d. You went thru your mess to help someone else with the same problem
e. God never waste a hurt
f. He let you survive while others have died with the same problem
g. Hidden wounds heal when you get support from others
h. Offer hospitality – which is loving concern
i. Care about others
j. Love is the antidote to fear and all the things that eat you up on the inside
k. Get together with other folks and encourage one another (Heb. 10:25)
l. 58 times in the new testament is the term “one another”

CrimsonTide4

06-30-2001, 01:05 PM

CrimsonTide4
Senior Member posted April 19, 2001 01:14 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A friend sent this to me and I thought it was beautiful and worthy of sharing.
One day, the Greek gods Brotherhood and Sisterhood realized that they were
lonely in the world. They had given birth to various children, but all seemed to forsake their parents. So they decided to join together and create a new breed to fraternal children.

Brotherhood was given the oppurtunity to create the first child. He decided
to take something from the two hemispheres of the world. So he gathered some
"old gold" from the sun and black from the night in Egypt. There he created
his first born, Alpha Phi Alpha. He granted his son wisdom as a gift of love.

Seeing the child that Brotherhood had created, Sisterhood realized that APHIA should not be alone in the world. Sisterhood roamed the world, looking for entities that she could create her first daughter from. On
her journey, she came upon a field of pink flowers surrounded by a fence of green ivy. She knew that these were what she wanted to create her daughter from. Taking the beauty from the flowers and the ivy, Sisterhood
created her first daughter, Alpha Kappa Alpha. As a gift for her daughter,
Sisterhood created a mirror for AKA not only to view her outward beauty but her
inner beauty as well.

Seeing the greatness they had created separately, Brotherhood and Sisterhood
decided that they would join together and give birth to the rest of their children. Their first union brought about the birth of
their twin sons Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi.

These twins from birth were opposites. For one, they were born in two different locations. Kappa had obtained the beauty of his parents while Omega received the strength attibuted to the parents. Though there was much conflict between the two personalities, Kappa and Omega expressed much love for each other.

Brotherhood and Sisterhood decided to give their twin sons gifts as signs of
their personalities. Kappa was given a cane created out of red and white revealing that his beauty only came through blood and sweat. They gave Omega a pair of boots of gold that shined with lightening where ever he stepped and a vest of purple as a sign of his royalty.

To Sisterhood's delight, their next child was a girl who they called Delta Sigma Theta. Delta, like her older bother Omega, gained more of the strength attribute of her parents. Because of this, her parents gave
Delta a red elephant with bright ivory tusks as a sign of her strength.

Shortly after the birth of their daughter Delta, Phi Beta Sigma was brought into this world. His birth occurred as the moon was in its crescent phase. So his parents gave Sigma the sign of the crescent moon. His
peaceful nature was ascribed by the parents to the dove that sang the coming of
his birth and would sing to him throughout the day. Sigma's greatest pride
would come in the form of another sister, Zeta Phi Beta. Sigma and Zeta devloped a
bound that was greater than any of the other siblings. Because of their close relationship, Brotherhood and Sisterhood decided to give their daughter a gift of a white cat as an expression of her peacefulliness.

These proud parents would soon welcome their next and last daughter into
their family. She was given the name Sigma Gamma Rho. She would have an association with her brother Kappa because of the sharing of their birth places. Due to a certain degree of elegance that Gamma Rho exuded, her parents gave her the gift of a well groomed poodle to express this
elegance.

The elite eight would come together to establish their own nation called
the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The children of eight would become
siblings of nine after a long period of time. The last child that Brotherhood and Sisterhood brought into the world would be their baby boy, Iota Phi Theta. To celebrate this addition, they created a centaur as a
gift for their son. The other siblings were somewhat cautious of granting their
brother citizenship, but finally did.

Thus becoming known as the "Divine Nine."

The Greek gods looked down on all their children and say "Well done my children may your light shine in the East forever and may your glory never fade in the West. Never forget that you are all one and from
one."

Tyran White
Kappa Alpha Psi
Spring 2001

12dn94dst

06-30-2001, 01:38 PM

12dn94dst
Moderator posted October 16, 2000 02:54 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Sorors & Sisterfriends! I didn't compose this, I'm just passing it along.
Kelli

If the Devil were to write his own beatitudes FOR DELTAS, they would possibly go something like this:

* Blessed are those DELTAS who are TOO TIRED, TOO BUSY, & TOO DISTRACTED to spend time with their fellow SORORS, for they are my best candidates for inactivity.

* Blessed are those DELTAS who WAIT TO BE ASKED and EXPECT TO BE THANKED for I can use them to slow things down.

* Blessed are those DELTAS who are TOUCHY. With a bit of luck they may STOP GOING TO Sorority Meeting and get others to quit. They are my missionaries.

* Blessed are those DELTAS who are VERY RIGHTOUS but GET ON EVERYONE'S NERVES for they are my most effective stumbling blocks.

* Blessed are those DELTAS who are TROUBLEMAKERS for they are my best wrecking crew.

* Blessed are those DELTAS who have NO TIME TO PRAY. They are easy prey for me.

* Blessed are those DELTAS who are COMPLAINERS for they are my best discouragers.

* Blessed are YOU when you read this and THINK IT IS ABOUT OTHER SORORS and not YOURSELF, for I'VE GOT YOU!

REMEMBER, DELTA WAS BUILT ON CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES...THE DEVIL'S BEATITUDES DON'T FIT!

12dn94dst

07-01-2001, 12:13 AM

12dn94dst
Moderator posted April 25, 2001 10:32 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One of my LS sent this to me. Enjoy!
from Bishop TD Jakes' "Woman Thou Art Loosed" Edition of the Holy Bible.
Enjoy!!

Your Call
Exodus 33:12

In the theater world, actors and actresses often audition for roles. After that, the person in charge of the production will schedule callbacks. Certain ones who have auditioned will be asked to come back for a second and sometimes a third or fourth audition before they are either given the part or told that someone else has landed it.

A person in the entertainment world knows that he or she has arrived as a star when a director or producer calls and offers them a part without an audition. The candidate is being chosen to fill a role that the director believes is absolutely perfect for that person and nobody else.

God doesn't deal in auditions and callbacks for His children. He has something for you to do that only YOU can do. No one else can play the part or fill the role or meet the need. ONLY YOU.

If you just want to be "a woman," then you have a lot of competiiton. Only YOU can truly be you. The real you is a composite of what is on the inside and what is on the outside, and what is on the inside is the more important part.

Wait for the call that is specifically for you. Don't respond to a blanket call, or generic call, or a wolf-whistle call. Listen for the call that says, "I don't want anybody but you because only you will do." Then respond.

Wait for that call before you decide to marry someone. Wait for that call before you commit to a friendship (start that business, accept that job offer, etc). It's the same call God puts on your life. He calls you individually - by name, not by number - to do a very specific job and fill a very specific role in His Kingdom. Nobody else will do. He has designed you to meet all the qualifications (and He has equipped you with the proper materials to fulfill His calling on your life). He hasn't created any other person who will fit the bill like YOU fit the bill.

You don't need to be jealous of or intimidated by anyone else because when God calls for you, you are the only one who can answer. You have no contenders in His sight. You are the star He has in mind for the role He has written just for YOU.

12dn94dst

07-01-2001, 12:17 AM

candygirl
Senior Member posted April 22, 2001 04:38 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Someone gave me this poem and I thought that I would share it with you all.
A person who knows not and knows not they know not is foolish~disregard them

A person who knows not and knows that they know not is simple~teach them

A person who knows not and thinks that they know is dangerous~avoid them

A person who knows and knows not that they know is asleep~awaken them

A person who knows and knows that they know is wise~follow them

All these persons reside in you know thyself and maat be true.

12dn94dst

07-01-2001, 12:25 AM

aspiration
Senior Member posted October 13, 2000 10:18 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Sisterfriends!! I haven't been to the board for a few days now, but I'm back with something for everyone. These were shared with me and I wanted to share them with all of you. I call them PM's (Praise Messages), and I absolutely love them. They provide Positive and Uplifting messages to life that we should all abide by.
Have a good day & weekend, and God Bless you all!
THE 7-UPS

1. Wake Up - Decide to have a good day.
"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us
rejoice & be glad in it" Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up - The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
"The Lord does not look at the things man
looks at. Man looks at outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart" I Sam 16:7

3. Shut Up - Say nice things & learn to listen. God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.
"He who guards his lips guards his soul"
Proverbs 13:3
"Gossip betrays confidence avoid men who talk
too much" Proverbs 20:19
"Listen to advice, accept instruction and in the end, you will be wise" Proverbs 19:20

4. Stand Up - For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.
"Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up - To the Lord.
"I can do everything through Him who gives me
strength" Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up - For something higher.
"...press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

7. Lift Up - Your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY
ABOUT EVERYTHING" Philippians 4:6

CrimsonTide4

07-09-2001, 04:35 PM

A Prescription For You

If you are impatient, sit down quietly and talk with Job.
If you are just strong-headed, go and see Moses.
If you are getting weak-kneed, take a good look at Elijah.
If there is no song in your heart, listen to David.
If you are a policy man, read Daniel.
If you are getting sordid, spend awhile with Isaiah
If you are chilly, get the beloved disciple to put his arms around you.
If your faith is below par, read Paul.
If you are getting lazy, watch James.
If you are losing sight of the future,
climb up the stairs of Revelation
and get a glimpse of the promised land.

Be like the bird
That, pausing in her flight
Awhile on boughs too slight,
Feels them give way
Beneath her and yet sings,
Knowing that she hath wings.
--by Victor Hugo

"All the birds of the air nested in its boughs, all the beasts of the field
gave birth under its branches; all the great nations lived in its shade."
Ezekiel 31:6 NIV

CrimsonTide4

07-27-2001, 11:59 AM

TIPS on SEEKING A GODLY MAN!!

Ladies: (Men you need to hear this too), I hear a lot of women
around my office talk about how they want and need a "Good" man.

However, I've notice that all the qualifications given for that so called
"Good" man almost never lines up with the qualifications God has for
"Godly" man.

Ladies take it from a Born Again married man, with a House and a car, a
son on the way, and a CALLING/Vision for His family and life, who was
unsaved at one time. There is a big difference between a Godly man and a
Good man.

1st) Unsaved ladies listen to this very very carefully!

***GOD IS NOT GOING TO SEND A GODLY MAN TO AN UNSAVED/MESS!!

Ladies please understand before you get the man of your dreams you're
going to have to "get Jesus". Spirits attract. If you're walking around
with the hem of your dress around your neck and all of your "stuff"
showing, you're going to attract a man with a mind "just
below his waist" wanting to look at all of your "stuff".

Don't get me wrong, Godliness is not what you wear but what you portray.
What are you portraying? How does God know you are ready for a Godly Man?

1. You are a Born Again Christian (John 3:3-7) and you're operating as
such.
2. You understand the word SUBMISSION. Ladies if you're not saved
operating under God's MISSION and submitting to his Word you're gonna have
a big problem submitting to a Godly man.

****AND YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED TO SUBMIT*****

Why?

Because if you're not in the Word for yourself, you won't understand that
God has called that man to love you the way Christ loves the Church and
gave himself for it. A woman who has a true understanding of this will
trust God to lead her through (THAT MAN) and not "the man".

And if he misses God, since you have placed your trust in God you know
through your prayers for your husband that God will direct him back to
where he should be.

3) Never forget that you are first called to be his HELP!

God took one look at the MAN and said, "this man needs some help." Ladies
all the help that your man will ever need is in you. So stop being &
feeling so inferior and insecure!! In order for you to be HELP God had to
equip you with every anointing you might need for that man. (CHECK OUT
PROVERBS 31:10-31)

Your home comes first!

MEN remember your WIFE "(H)as (E)fficient (L)atitude to (P)rovide" 'HELP!'
Men make no mistake, she is the difference between you being the fool of
the house or being the "head of the house". Use your help and value her
God inspired advice.

The saying is true, "Behind a SAVED, HEAD, ANOINTED SUCCESSFUL HUSBAND is
a SAVED, SUBMITTED, WOMAN OF GOD. His HELP!

4) Ladies that man needs to be able to provide for you. I'll say it
again!

Ladies that man needs to be able to provide for you!!! If he is UNSAVED,
BROKE, BUSTED, AND DISGUSTED, (H*I*N*T!!!!!) He's NOT A CANDIDATE for
marriage!!! Too many of you all are willing to just settle! Remember that
man has been called by God to be the PRIEST of HIS HOUSEHOLD (Loving his
Wife and Family and leading them in the Word of God), and to pay the
bills, I SAID TO PAY THE BILLS!!!

Ladies if he doesn't know God, he doesn't know how to lead and to be a
priest and he won't know how to lead YOU! Also, if you have children
already, he should be coming to you with a house that has enough bedrooms
for you and yours! If not stop!! You need a roof and it needs to be a
condition for marriage! You need a car to get back and forth to church
also. You can ride the bus by yourself. Most of all ladies submit to
God. I'm tired of hearing there aren't any men out there. Why? Because,
I'm a SAVED, Godly Priest of my household man. But I'll tell you this;
God didn't send me to any mess. Be Blessed!

I would like to add a quote from the book, T.D. Jakes Speaks To Women!
"Often, unmarried women complain of their need for a husband. But rarely
does a single woman boast about the kind of relationship she is free to
build with the Lord. So before you ask God again for a man, take care of
Him."

"When you flee temptation, be sure you don't leave a forwarding address."
-
Anonymous

12dn94dst

08-06-2001, 04:58 PM

celestial_blues
Junior Member posted August 06, 2001 04:30 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
...a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,

...a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,

...a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

...a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

...a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,

...a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,

...a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace...

know thyself...

c&c1913

08-06-2001, 09:37 PM

How To Recognize A Good Woman

A good woman is proud of herself. She respects herself and others. She is
aware of who she is. She neither seeks definition from the person she is
with, nor does she expect them to read her mind. She is quite capable of
articulating her needs.

A good woman is hopeful. She is strong enough to make all her dreams come
true. She knows love, therefore she gives love. She recognizes that her
love has great value and must be reciprocated. If her love is taken for
granted it soon disappears.

A good woman has a dash of inspiration and a dabble of endurance. She
knows that she will, at times, have to inspire others to reach the
potential
God gave them.

A good woman knows her past, understands her present and moves toward the
future. A good woman knows God. She knows that with God the world is her
playground, but without God she will just be played with.

A good woman does not live in fear of the future, because of her past.
Instead, she understands that her life experiences are merely lessons,
meant to bring her closer to self-knowledge and unconditional self-love.

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

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS IS NOT STRAIGHT;
THERE IS A CURVE CALLED FAILURE....
A LOOP CALLED CONFUSION...
SPEED BUMPS CALLED FRIENDS...
RED LIGHTS CALLED ENEMIES...
CAUTION LIGHTS CALLED FAMILY...
YOU WILL HAVE FLATS CALLED JOBS BUT...
IF YOU HAVE A SPARE CALLED DETERMINATION...
AN ENGINE CALLED PERSEVERANCE...
INSURANCE CALLED FAITH...
A DRIVER CALLED JESUS...
YOU WILL MAKE IT TO A PLACE CALLED SUCCESS!
PASS IT ON TO TEN PEOPLE WHOM YOU WANT TO SEE
BLESSED. DON'T FORGET TO
SEND IT BACK TO THE ONE WHO SENT IT TO YOU...
WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT:
When Satan is knocking at your door, simply
say, "Jesus, could you get that?"

------------------
Spring 1997- Theta Nu
#22 "Prestigious"
24 Reflections of Perfection

CrimsonTide4

08-14-2001, 10:15 AM

HELP IS ON THE WAY!

There are 51 ways to get help from GOD:
1. Ask for it;
2. Believe;
3. Recognize help when it comes;
4. Listen;
5. Obey;
6. Love;
7. Praise;
8. Forgive;
9. Be Real;
10. Seek Truth;
11. Face Yourself;
12. Be Honest;
13. Order;
14. Understanding;
15. Silence;
16. Simplicity;
17. Purify;
18. Know;
19. Grace;
20. Joy;
21. Peace;
22. Trust;
23. Natural Law;
24. Balance;
25. Harmony;
26. Self-Sufficiency;
27. Dream;
28. Self-Discovery;
29. Right Thinking;
30. Right Action;
31. Right Reaction;
32. Breathe;
33. Shut Up;
34. Be Still;
35. Feel;
36. Live Now;
37. Friends;
38. Parents;
39. Children;
40. Openness;
41. Realization;
42. Relaxation;
43. Laugh;
44. Patience;
45. Give;
46. Cry;
47. Create;
48. Judge Not;
49. Oneness;
50. Faith;
51. Surrender.
Living in and withthe ways of God places you in alignment with the substance
of God. --excerpt from Acts of Faith, March 24 by Iyanla Vanzant

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom
I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my
stronghold. I will call on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, for he saves
me from my enemies. The ropes of death surrounded me; the floods of
destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death
itself stared me in the face. But in my distress I cried out to the LORD;
yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry
reached his ears." Psalm 18:2-6

2RealSoDeal

08-14-2001, 02:22 PM

The only false hope, is no hope.

sequel_1913

08-16-2001, 04:04 PM

when others hurt you, return to them with love.and when looked upon as foolish for doing so, simply state, " I am not responsible for how you treat me, I am only responsible for how I treat you!"

------------------
crimson and cream
and nine white pearls
there is nothing like
a Delta girl.....

tyshaun

08-16-2001, 08:33 PM

off in a village there were two friends (lets say tim and mike) who stayed down the street from each other. Whevever you saw tim, you saw mike, and vice versa. so one day, there was a man who was walking down the street with a black and red hat. But, this was no ordinary hat, see, this hat was all black on one side, and all red on the other. So as the man with the black and red hat walked down the road, he passed by mike's house who stayed on the left side of the road. Mike, being the nice person that he is, spoke to the man and complimented him on his beautiful red hat. Then, the man with the black and red hat reached Tim's house, which is on the right side of the road. Being that Tim and Mike are exactly alike, Tim spoke to the man and complimented him on his beautiful Black hat. As, the sun went down, Tim and Mike got together to eat dinner as they always do at the dinner table. While eating, Tim mentions that he say a man walking down the street with a beautiful black hat on today. So Mike says, "no, no my brother, you are mistaken, his hat was red". "But no, no, my brother, you are mistaken" says Tim, his hat was BLACK. "NO, TIM, YOU ARE WRONG, HIS HAT WAS RED". so now they get into a huge fight which leads outside, where the villagers witness such a terrible fight between these so-called brothers. So after a child hears why these friends are fighting, he yells out, "STOP, BOTH OF YOU ARE WRONG". so finallyTim and Mike stop fighting and ask the child what does he mean, and the child says, you only saw ONE SIDE of the hat, Tim sw the black side and Mike saw the red side, but if you were in the middle of the street like i was, you would have noticed that his hat was black and red.
You see, when you only see one side of something, you are missing the whole picture. The best of friends have been split apart because only one side of the story was told, so if you can always try to get the WHOLE TRUTH, and try to be open-minded about everything.

tyshaun

08-16-2001, 08:55 PM

okay, this one was actually a commercial, but i love it.

There is this father who works night and day trying to provide for his family, and since he works night and day, he tends to neglect his son. So one day, while the man is in the living room trying to do some work, the boy come and asks him for some money. The father looks at him and says "well didnt you get your allowance two days ago" and the boys replies "I, spent it all" so the father gives it to him anyway. So the boy goes back to the room, and the father continues with his work. About five minutes later, the boy comes back and asks his father what does he do at his job. His father gets a little upset but tells him anyways just to shut him up, then he tells him to back to his room and be quiet because he has to do work, so the boy says "but you do work everynight". After hearing this, the father replies, "i know" and tells the boy to go back to his room. So the boy does as his father tells him, but after ten minutes the boy returns with the money in his hand, and asks the father how much does he make an hour. Now, the father is furious and yells at him "why did you lie to me" and the boy replies, "im sorry, but i just wanted to buy an hour of your time.

CrimsonTide4

10-23-2001, 09:31 PM

SAND and STONE

A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert.

In a specific point of the journey, they had an argument, and one
friend slapped the other one in the face. The one, who got slapped,was hurt, but without anything to say, he wrote in the sand:

"TODAY, MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE".

They kept on walking, until they found an oasis, where they decided totake a bath. The one who got slapped and hurt started drowning, and the other friend saved him. When he recovered from the fright, he wrote on a stone :

"TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE"

The friend who saved and slapped his best friend, asked him, "Why, after I hurt you, you wrote in the sand, and now you write on a stone?"

The other friend, smilingly replied : "When a friend hurts us, we should write it down in the sand, where the winds of forgiveness erase it away. And when something great happens, we should engrave it in the stone of the memory of the heart, where no wind can erase it".

Learn to write in the sand, when you have differences and hurt feelings with your friend.

Learn to write in stone when your friend had done some thing really good to you.

CrimsonTide4

12-06-2001, 11:22 AM

1. Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special.

2. Don't set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you.

3. Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as you would your life, for without them, life is meaningless.

4. Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live ALL the days of your life.

5. Don't give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.

6. Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect. It is this
fragile thread that binds us together.

7. Don't be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.

8. Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find. The quickest way to receive love is to give; the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly and the best way to keep love is to give it wings.

9. Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only where you've been, but also where you are going.

10. Don't forget that a person's greatest emotional need is to feel
appreciated.

11. Don't be afraid to learn. Knowledge is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily.

12. Don't use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved. Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way.

CrimsonTide4

12-06-2001, 11:46 AM

Smart women get the nice guys because they don't lower their standards for men or anyone else for that matter.

Smart women dont take the attitude that if this is the best you can do, will do.

They'll just go to the dance without an escort, the movie without a date, and the rest of their lives without the true companion constantly celebrated on FM radio.

A smart woman has figured out that her biological clock is not really ticking that loud, that her grandmother was still fertile well into her fifties, and anyway, if she had wanted a rug rat, she would have had one by now.

Smart women have also worked out that all the media hype about not finding a husband when you're growing older is BS promulgated by male-owned media machines to make women desperate and compliant. To make sure that men will
always have their pick of scared women to choose from and that they won't have to work any harder at being decent.

Smart women have learned that the important question is not "Will I ever get married?" but "Do I want to get married?" (Or "Why on earth would I want to get married?").

Smart women know that you can ALWAYS settle for less than what you really want. You can always get serious with a guy you're not really in love with or one who doesn't treat you exactly right. So there's no point in making any compromises today or tomorrow either for that matter. There's always going to be time to do the wrong thing.

Smart women aren't lonely enough. They've noticed you get a lot done when you're on your own.

Smart women have often drawn the conclusion that sugar daddies aren't worth it. If you allow someone to buy you, he's going to think he owns you. (Imagine that).

Smart women know it's a hell of a lot easier to figure out what you're good at and make your own money than it is to entertain some tyrant. This frees you up to see a nice guy, whether he has money or not.

Smart women have also freed themselves from the psychological need to be dominated by their men.

Smart women like to feel powerful themselves and appreciate men who can handle that.

Smart women have adopted a firm line with men that can best be
summarized: "treat me right or take a picture of me." I have an architect friend who has an even better line - Whether it's a design not worth building or a relationship not worth any more investment, she shouts, "NEXT!"

Smart women are over men who fear commitment, who can't control their hormonal urges, who grunt instead of making conversation, who aren't reasonably punctual, who won't spring for an occasional evening out on the town, who don't listen, who don't know how to be supportive of their smart women's dreams.

Smart women know that being a jerk doesn't make a guy exciting.

Smart women are excited by men who call everyday without being pushy, who do what they say, who know how to say "I love you" and more importantly, how to act out that love in 100 ways that prove it.

In other words, smart women are no longer attracted to the bad boys. They've been out with all the bad boys. Yawn. Been there, done that. Now they cultivate the bad boy in the nice boys they go out with, which is something COMPLETELY different.

Take it from a grateful, recovering nice woman: SMART IS BETTER.

CrimsonTide4

12-06-2001, 11:47 AM

Most of us (men and women) spend an enormous amount of time making sure we're physically beautiful.

Society dictates to us what beauty is or should be.

We're determined to be the perfect height, shape and size, wear the latest designer clothes and buy the finest material things.

There's very little effort put into spiritual grooming.

Just think what the outcome might be if we spent as much time grooming our spirits, our souls, as we spend in the beauty and nail salons and shopping.

The one thing that's so wonderful and powerful about spiritual grooming is that Calvin, Donna, Tommy, Boss, Guess and Max have no fashions, designs, or makeup that can beautify your spirit.

Spiritual beauty comes from the one and only designer, The Almighty.

Spiritual grooming requires time alone to think and soul search.

It means taking inventory of your personal life and determining what's wrong and right about one's self.

Having a beautiful spirit surpasses physical beauty because your soul won't require acceptance from society but assurance from God that you are His unique creation, and therefore, BEAUTIFUL!

When your spirit's beautiful, kindness, love, compassion and
understanding are your wardrobe of choice. Giving, sharing, teaching, reaching are your daily accessories and makeup.

Your warm smile, gentle touch, positive attitude and humble disposition are your appeal.

With your spiritual beauty, God's beauty, you'll attract other God like spirits in your relationships with people.

Until we learn to spiritually groom ourselves, we'll always be unhappy with ourselves, and always attract negative spirits to us, and continue to have un-satisfying relationships in our lives. Think about it!

Remember....You Are "BEAUTIFUL".

CrimsonTide4

12-06-2001, 11:48 AM

Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the
air.
You name them:
Work,
Family,
Health,
Friends and
Spirit.

If you are keeping all of these in the air you will soon understand
that
work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back.

But the other four balls - family, health, friends and spirit are made
of
glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed,
marked,
nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You
must
understand that and strive for balance in your life.

CrimsonTide4

12-15-2001, 12:46 PM

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything. Love and peace be with you forever, Amen. WE SERVE A FAITHFUL GOD.

CrimsonTide4

01-07-2002, 05:19 PM

Some people have a way of bringing out the worst in us. Sometimes it is the way they talk to us. For some reason they think we don’t know things they do. It just makes you crazy! Some people just show up with their face and hair and attitude and that look that makes your skin crawl. You try to be nice. You really try to like them. Yet no matter how hard you try, they just
bring out the ugly in you. The next time you are in the company of someone like this, ask your self, “Why am I giving this person my power?” Better yet, you might want to remember that God works through people- all the time!

All people, no matter what you think about them, are embodiment of the same divine energy in you. They may not know it. You may not see it. Sometimes they may not act divine, but actions do not change the truth. People are God’s hands and feet, eyes and ears. People are God’s students and God’s
teachers. God will test you, teach you, and love you through the being of another person. Your job is to honor and respect people for the part of God they are.

The next time you are challenged by one of those nerve-wracking people, remember that God is in your face! How you respond to and treat other people is always a reflection of what you know and believe about.

"FAITH IN THE VALLEY: RESPECT:"

CrimsonTide4

01-07-2002, 05:21 PM

Do not undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others.
It is because we are different that each of us is special.

Do not set your goals by what other people deem important.
Only you know what is best for you.

Do not take for granted the things closest to your heart.
Cling to them as you would your life, for without them, life is meaningless.

Do not let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past nor for the future.
By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life.

Do not give up when you have something to give.
Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.
It is fragile thread that binds us to each other.

Do not be afraid to encounter risks.
It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.

Do not shut love out of your life by saying it is impossible to find
The quickest way to receive love is to give love.
The fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly.

Do not dismiss your dreams.
To be without dreams is to be without hope.
To be without hope is to be without purpose.

Do not run through life so fast that you forget not only where you have been but also where you are going.
Life is not a race but a journey to be savored each step of the way.

CrimsonTide4

01-07-2002, 05:26 PM

"Live your life without regret."

(An original by Natasha Munson)

The last thing you want to do in life is look back and regret the
choices you did or did not make. There is no way to go back, no way to correct life. Once a choice is made, it usually has lasting effects. So you have to look at your life and where you want to be clearly. Make decisions that will get you the most out of life.

It is very painful to look back on life and say, I wish I had done this or that. It's something I vowed I would never do to myself. I advise you to make the same vow and stick to it. This vow is not simple. You have to realize that when you say I vow never to regret, you are confirming that you will do things in your life. You will live life to the fullest. You will make decisions that enrich your life. You will do things that are new to you. You will try to create a life you love. This is a commitment to yourself. It is a commitment you must make.

When you make a commitment to yourself you establish a certain level of achievement for yourself. There are things you will have to accomplish in order for your life to be fulfilled. Since you do not want to regret not seeking opportunities and challenges you will be more open to thinking in your best interest and making wise choices.

When you get off track in life, remember that there is a bigger purpose for your life that God knows. So although you may wonder why you did this or that. In the scheme of things it was meant to happen. Everything happens for a reason.

While your life and the fulfillment of it are the main focus, you also
do not want to regret the way you did or did not treat others. It is important to treat others as you would want to be treated. When you accomplish things in life, give back to others in some way. Live a life that in the end you can say I loved, I lived, I laughed, I helped, I learned.

Lesson: Live your life in a way that you never have to look back and say I wish I could do this over.

Excerpt from, Life Lessons for My Black Girls: How to Make Wise Choices and Live A Life You Love! By Natasha Munson.

CrimsonTide4

01-07-2002, 08:14 PM

I Am Too Blessed To Be Stressed &
Too Anointed To Be Disappointed

I refuse to be discouraged, to be sad or to cry.
I refuse to be downhearted and here's the reason why:

I have a God who is almighty; who is sovereign and supreme;
I have a God who loves me, and I am on his team.
He is all wise and powerful; Jesus is His Name;
though everything else is changeable, My God remains the same.

I refuse to be defeated. My eyes are on my GOD.
He has promised to be with me, as through this life I trod.
I am looking past my circumstances, to heaven's throne above.
My prayers have reached the heart of God. I am resting in his love.

I give thanks to him in everything. My eyes are on his face.
The battle is his; the victory is mine; He will help me win the race.

I repeat, I'M TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED"
You have just taken a dose of encouragement.

CrimsonTide4

01-07-2002, 09:09 PM

Maybe what you need is a spiritual diet! A spiritual diet will cut down on the excess weight you carry around in your soul. The people who disappointed you or hurt you. The weight of things you should have done, could have done or wanted to do, but couldn’t bring yourself to do. As a matter of fact, that weight around your middle could be those people you’ve been hanging around or allowing to hang onto you. The heaviness in your legs could be all those things you convinced yourself you were not smart enough, good enough, or ready enough to do. That sluggish, heavy feeling you have in your heart might be your dreams, goals and fantasies. You haven’t put them to use, so they’ve turned to weight spiritual weight, which has your whole life, weighed down.

Yes! I believe a spiritual diet is exactly what you need! You can start right now with a heaping portion of forgiveness smothered in surrender. You will also need a big helping of laughter three or four times a day. Next, you must begin each day with prayer, followed by a dose of gratitude. For the next six to eight weeks, sprinkle everything with faith, wash it down with courage, and let your dessert be swig of confidence. If you follow these directions with all of your heart, you will experience a miraculous weight loss.

CrimsonTide4

01-07-2002, 09:20 PM

I once read that struggle; suffering and conflict are like magnets that draw us closer to God. It is not until we feel totally helpless, confused, and sometimes desperate, that we become willing or able to turn to the awesome power of life and living our creator offers us. We may know God exists. We may understand our connection to God. Yet it seems that it is not until we are down or on the way down that we invite God’s presence and power into our life. It doesn’t have to be this way. God not only offers emergence care S/he is a source of preventive care.

Your creator always wants the best for you. Your creator has a mission, plan and purpose designed just for you. Sometimes when things are going our way, when they are comfortable or easy, we forget about God. We get off track, out of line, we move away from the plan, mission and purpose. Difficulties in life are no meant to break us or break us down. Our greatest challenge may be a simple reminder, the only way we will remember that there is a higher authority to whom we are accountable. The real challenge we face is to keep God. God’s word, and God’s way in the forefront of our mind- in good times as well as bad.

CrimsonTide4

01-19-2002, 01:03 PM

Words to live by....

1.Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and
height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts,
gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the
devil's workshop," the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things. When the children are young, that is
all that you can afford. When they are in college, that is all
that you can afford. When you are on retirement, that is all that you can afford!

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. Laugh so much that you can be tracked in the store by your distinctive laughter. (MY mother used to call this being "a loud mouth" but that was a long time ago!)

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only
person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be alive while you are alive, don't put out a mailbox on the highway of death and just wait in residence for your mail.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it is family,
pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is
your refuge.

8. Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable,
improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Go to the mall, the next county, a
foreign country, but not to guilt country.

10. Tell the people you love, that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER Life is not measured by the number of
breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

CrimsonTide4

01-29-2002, 08:48 PM

Thought for Today

A 12 STEP PROGRAM - 12 steps to reach your goals

1) Take care of your health. You need energy, stamina and clear thinking to fly with the eagles.

2) You don't need a lot of people, just the right people in your life. Start networking and making positive alliances.

3) People will respect and respond to your tenancity. Hang in there.

4) Your goals require discipline and determination. Put some iron in your soul. Get up and do the things you don't want to do so that later you can do the things you want to do.

5) Things that are out of sight are out of mind. USE and keep a big calendar in sight to keep you organized and on track.

6) Think it. Ink it. Get it out of your head and on paper. Avoid
generalizations. Be specific about your goals.

7) Observe your learning style. If you are a visual learner, read books and watch inspirational/motivational videos. If you are an auditory learner, listen to motivational tapes at least once a week.

8) Have a feedback system so that you are accountable to someone for your progress.

9) Keep your faith strong with prayer, praise and worship.

10) Change is a part of life. Expect the unexpected. Remain focused yet flexible.

11) Have balance and some fun to avoid burnout. Don't neglect family, friends and some fun which reduce stress.

12) Set yourself up to win. Set small achievable goals. Reward yourself. Give yourself points. Build on the small successes. Think big but take small steps.
-- by Jewel Diamond Taylor

"For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need." Philippians 4:13 NLT

CrimsonTide4

02-22-2002, 07:47 AM

1. The best way to get even is to forget.

2. Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death.

3. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

4. Some folks wear their halos much too tight.

5. Some marriages are made in heaven, but they ALL have to be maintained on earth.

6. Unless you can create the WHOLE universe in 5 days, then
perhaps giving "advice" to God, isn't such a good idea!

7. Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, and faith looks up.

8. Standing in the middle of the road is dangerous. You will get knocked down by the traffic from both ways.

9. Words are windows to the heart.

10. A skeptic is a person who when he sees the handwriting on the wall, claims it's a forgery.

11. It isn't difficult to make a mountain out of a molehill -- just add a little dirt.

12. A successful marriage isn't finding the right person -- it's being the right person.

13. The mighty oak tree was once a little nut that held its
ground.

14. Too many people offer God prayers, with claw marks all
over them.

15. The tongue must be heavy indeed, because so few people can hold it.

16. To forgive is to set the prisoner free, and then discover
the prisoner was you.

17. You have to wonder about humans, they think God is dead and Elvis/TuPac is alive!

18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again.
Just be sure to flush when you are done.

19. You'll notice that a turtle only makes progress when it
sticks out its neck.

20. If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence,
you can bet the water bill is higher.

21. You are richer today if you have laughed, given or
forgiven.

CrimsonTide4

02-22-2002, 09:48 AM

Quiet Confidence
+++++++++++++++++++

The strongest confidence is quiet confidence. It does not boast
and is not arrogant. Quiet confidence pays no attention to those
who ridicule it simply because of their own insecurities. Quiet
confidence does what is right, no matter what others may think.

Quiet confidence is built from substance, and is not just made
for show. It is genuine and as such, it is powerful. Quiet
confidence does not seek the easy way out. Quiet confidence finds the true and the right way through whatever situations or obstacles there are. It makes no grand promises. Yet it delivers much value.

Quiet confidence is not overly concerned with appearances. Quiet
confidence simply gets things done. You don't always see it, nor
do you often think about it. Yet quiet confidence works tirelessly
behind the scenes, bringing you many good and valuable things.

Quiet confidence is real, persistent confidence that makes a
positive difference every day. Try some yourself, and see how
much real and lasting value it can add to your world.

kmasheld

03-03-2002, 03:07 PM

I have not had an easy life and I have been through a lot. When I graduated high school, I was going to go to college and I always wanted to pledge Delta. Instead of attending College - I enlisted into the US Army and I thought that I would never get the chance to beome a Delta. Well, in the wake of tragedy I lost a child and got reassigned to Oklahoma and decided with the help of freinds to get my degree. Again I am in the presence of Delta and hopefully will meet the challenge of one day being a Delta. I have been reading the message on this web site and it amazes me that you never bicker and you inspire me more and more each day. especially, Crimson Tide4.

I just wanted to say thank you. The world should be made of Deltas.

CrimsonTide4

03-03-2002, 03:46 PM

Originally posted by kmasheld
I have not had an easy life and I have been through a lot. When I graduated high school, I was going to go to college and I always wanted to pledge Delta. Instead of attending College - I enlisted into the US Army and I thought that I would never get the chance to beome a Delta. Well, in the wake of tragedy I lost a child and got reassigned to Oklahoma and decided with the help of freinds to get my degree. Again I am in the presence of Delta and hopefully will meet the challenge of one day being a Delta. I have been reading the message on this web site and it amazes me that you never bicker and you inspire me more and more each day. especially, Crimson Tide4.

I just wanted to say thank you. The world should be made of Deltas.

WOW! Thank you for your kind words. Welcome to GC. May God bless you for sending you our way. We hope your trip to GC is a pleasant one. Make yourself at home but please search before posting a new thread.

Sisterly,
CT4:)

CrimsonTide4

03-03-2002, 07:48 PM

March 2 Defeat Your Giant

"Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?"(1 Samuel 17:26)

You may be facing a giant today. He may be a giant of sickness or failure, of financial shortage or another kind of trouble. But don't let him scare you. You have a secret weapon. A weapon that once turned a shepherd boy into a bear-busting, lion-killing, giant-slaying champion.
That weapon was a blood covenant with Almighty God.

Back in David's day, circumcision was the sign of that covenant. So, when he called Goliath uncircumcised, David was saying: This guy may be a giant; he may be strong; but he has no covenant with God and that's why I can kill him.

Like David, you, too, have a covenant. But yours is better. The covenant David had offered a wealth of blessings to those who kept it, but it also included curses for those who broke it.

Yours doesn't. Yours is a New Covenant that Jesus bought with His own blood. It doesn't depend on your ability. It depends on Him and what He has already done. He has done it all! All you have to do is believe it and receive it.

Read Deuteronomy 28:16-68. That's a list of the curses Christ has freed you from. You might even call it a list of the giants Jesus has already slain for you. It contains every diabolical thing the devil
could ever use to destroy you.

Read it and rejoice. God has healed you and delivered you from those things!

Don't let any giant intimidate you. You have a blood covenant with Almighty God. There's no uncircumcised circumstance on the face of this earth that can take your victory away from you.

SCRIPTURE READING: Galatians 3:13-29

CrimsonTide4

03-07-2002, 11:28 AM

Stay Focused

There once was a man who had nothing for his family to eat. He had an old shotgun and three bullets. So, he decided that he would go out and kill something for dinner.

As he went down the road, he saw a rabbit and he shot at the rabbit and missed it. Then he saw a squirrel and fired a shot at the squirrel and missed it.

As he went further, he saw a wild turkey in the tree and he had only one bullet, but a voice came to him and said "pray first, aim high and stay focused."

However, at the same time, he saw a deer which was a better kill. He brought the gun down and aimed at the deer.

But, then he saw a rattlesnake between his legs about to bite him-so he naturally brought the gun down further to shoot the rattle snake.

Still, the voice said again to him, "I said 'pray, aim high and stay focused." So, the man decided to listen to the voice.

He prayed, then aimed the gun high up in the tree and shot the wild turkey.

The bullet bounced off the turkey and killed the deer. The handle fell off the gun and hit the snake in the head and killed it. And, when the gun had gone off, it knocked him into a pond.

When he stood to look around, he had fish in all his pockets, a dead deer and turkey to eat.

The snake (Satan) was dead simply because the man listened to God.

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

CrimsonTide4

03-11-2002, 09:53 AM

1. Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it.

2. Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have power to create conditions in your life.

3. What you speak about, you can bring about.

4. If you keep saying you can't stand your job, you might lose your job.

5. If you keep saying you can't stand your body, your body can become sick.

5. If you keep saying you can't stand your car, your car could
be stolen or just stop operating.

6. If you keep saying you're always broke,guess what? You'll always be broke.

7. If you keep saying you can't trust a man or trust a woman,
you will always find someone in your life to hurt and betray you.

8. If you keep saying you can't find a job, you will remain unemployed.

9. If you keep saying you can't find someone to love you or believe in you, our very thoughts will attract more experiences to confirm your beliefs.

10. Turn your thoughts and conversations around to be more positive and power packed with faith, hope, love and action.

11. Don't be afraid to believe that you can have what you want and deserve.

A. Watch your "Thoughts," they become words;
B. Watch your "Words," they become actions;
C. Watch your "Actions," they become habits;
D. Watch your "Habits," they become character;
E. Watch your "Character", for it becomes your "Destiny"

GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY!!!
--author unknown to me

"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:" Proverbs 23:7 KJV

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." I Peter 1:13 NIV

volgirl2376

03-11-2002, 11:31 AM

I saw this on a sign at my church (one of those they change out every week and has words of wisdom)

"Mans rejection results from God's protection"

Just a comforting thought to a single girl like myself...

12dn94dst

03-23-2002, 09:58 AM

" ...ANGER RESIDES IN THE LAP OF FOOLS. "
ECCLESIASTES 7 : 9 (NIV)

One day an eagle swooped down and caught up a weasel. As the big bird flew away, its wings suddenly went limp, and it dropped to the ground like a brick. With just one blow, the tiny weasel struck the eagle's heart and killed it. Bitterness will do the same thing to you!

We all get angry at times, but Solomon says only a fool allows anger to move in and take up residence.

Max Lucado writes: "Hatred begins like the crack in my windscreen. Thanks to a speeding truck on a gravel road, my window was chipped. With time, the nick became a crack, and the crack a winding tributary. Now I can't drive my car without thinking about the idiot who drove too fast. Though I've never seen him, I could describe him. He's a dead-beat who probably cheats on his wife, drives with a 6- pack of beer on his seat, and keeps his television volume so loud that the neighbours can't sleep."

Blind rage will sour your outlook. It'll break your back, not to mention your spirit. You'll buckle under the weight of it. The mountain before you is steep enough without carrying that load. Drop it! You'll never be called upon to give more grace than God has already given you.

Want to set yourself free today? Pray, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Lk 23:34). Want to please God? Listen: "If you suffer for doing good, and you are patient, then God is pleased" (1 Pet 2:20 NCV).

Printed copies of "The Word for Today" are available free from UCB, PO Box 255, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 8YY, England. www.ucb.co.uk

CrimsonTide4

03-26-2002, 10:45 AM

HOW TO WORK IN A HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT

1. Understand that God anoints you for trouble.
Be sure you are a Christian.
Put on the armor of God before going to work.

2. Don't expect to be appreciated.
Your only expectation should be to get a paycheck.
Don't come to work to have personal relationships.
Don't allow what you do to affect who you are.

3. Do your job well, but remember your mission.
God put you there to be a light.

4. Seek opportunities to change the atmosphere without commenting on the problems.
You have a God to talk to.
You're on an assignment.
In quietness and competence shall be your strength.

5. Don't let your environment get inside of you.
You should influence it, not let it influence you.
Stop going to work to be fed- you didn't come to receive, you
came to give.

6. Increase your capacity to work with different personalities.
God will often bless you through people you don't even like!

7. Remember where you are does not define where you are going.
This will deliver you from frustration.
God has a plan for your life.
Keep your eye on the prize.
When Peter did this, he was able to walk in what other people
sank in!

8. Get the optimum results with minimal confusion.
Be effective without making the environment worse.

9. Don't be associated with one group or clique.
Labels limit your usefulness.
God wants you to work with everybody but be labeled by nobody.
Use all your gifts.

10. Always keep your song near you.
Keep a consecrated place in your soul.
Hold on to your praise.

--points from T. D. Jakes

Salience

03-26-2002, 07:17 PM

Originally posted by volgirl2376
I saw this on a sign at my church (one of those they change out every week and has words of wisdom)

"Mans rejection results from God's protection"

Just a comforting thought to a single girl like myself... I'm with YOU!It is a comforting idea. We're just being prepared for The Right One.

12dn94dst

04-12-2002, 12:50 AM

just passing this along.
Kel
---------------------------

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung
on the ends of a pole which he carried across his
neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, while the
other pot was perfect and always delivered a full
portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the
stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half
full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the
bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of
water to his house. Of course, the perfect pot was
proud of its accomplishments, perfect for which it was
made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own
imperfection, and miserable that it was able to
accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After 2 yrs of what it perceived to be a bitter
failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the
stream... "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to
apologize to you. I have been able to deliver only
half my load bec! ause this crack in my side causes
water to leak out all the way back to your house.
Because of my flaws,you have to do all of this work,
and you don't get full value from your efforts," the
pot said.

The bearer said to the pot... "Did you notice that
there were flowers only on your side of the path, but
not on the other pot's side? That's because I have
always known about your flaw, and I planted flower
seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we
walk back, you've watered them. For two years I have
been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate
the table. Without you being just the way you are,
there would not be this beauty to grace the house."

Moral:

Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked
pots, but it's the cracks and flaws we each have that
make our lives together so very interesting and
rewarding. You've just got to take each person for
what they are, and look for the good in them.

Blessed are the flexible! , for they shall not be bent
out of shape.

Remember to appreciate all the different people in
your life!

CrimsonTide4

04-30-2002, 05:59 PM

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside just before putting him into the box. There are 5 things you need to know, he told the pencil, before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and you will become the best pencil you can be.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone's hand.
Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil.
Three: You will be able to correct mistakes you will make.
Four: The most important part of you will always be what's inside.
Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.

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

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

Now, let's replace the pencil with __(your name)__. If you remember these
five things, you too will become the best that you can be.

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

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

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

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

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

CrimsonTide4

05-03-2002, 12:24 PM

Success Gems Thought for the Day....

Did is a word of achievement
Won't is a word of rebellion
Might is a word of mediocrity
Can't is a word of defeat and fear
Ought is a word of duty
Try is a word of little faith
Maybe is a word of procrastination
Will is a word of courage
Can is a word of power and self-determination
Doing is a word of progress and fulfillment
Done is a word of success

page 11 excerpt from Jewel's book "Don't GiveUp"

Stay in the Light,
Jewel Diamond Taylor, Motivational Speaker and Author, 323-964-1736

Where is Jewel Diamond Taylor speaking next?
DoNotGiveUp.net

CrimsonTide4

05-07-2002, 09:53 AM

The Lord is my Shepherd ----- That's Relationship!
I shall not want ----- That's Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ----- That's Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters ----- That's Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul ----- That's Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness ---- That's Guidance!
For His name sake ----- That's Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death ---That's Testing!
I will fear no evil ----- That's Protection!
For Thou art with me ----- That's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me ----- That's Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies ----- That's Hope!
Thou annointest my head with oil ----- That's Consecration!
My cup runneth over ----- That's Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
----That's Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord ----- That's Security!
Forever ----- That's Eternity!

12dn94dst

05-13-2002, 05:08 PM

Who Is That Lady?

Timmy was a little five-year old boy that his mom loved very much and being a worrier, she was concerned about him walking to school when he started kindergarten. She walked him to school for a couple of days but when he came home one day, he told his mother that he did not want her walking him to school every day. He wanted to be like the "big boys." He protested loudly, so she finally got an idea of how to handle it.

She asked a neighbor, Mrs. Goodnest, if she would surreptitiously follow her son to school, at a distance behind him that he would not likely notice, but close enough to keep a watch on him. Mrs. Goodnest said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.

The next school day, Mrs. Goodnest and her little girl, Marcy, set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor boy he knew.

She did this for the whole week. As the boys walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, the little friend of Timmy noticed that this same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week.

Finally, he said to Timmy, "Have you noticed that lady following us all week? Do you know her?"

Timmy nonchalantly replied, "Yea, I know who she is."

The little friend said, "Well, who is she?"

"That's just Shirley Goodnest" Timmy said.

"Shirley Goodnest? Who the heck is she and why is she following us?"

"Well," Timmy explained, "Every night my mom makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers 'cuz she worries about me so much. And in it, the prayer psalm says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life.' So I guess I'll just have to get used to it."

CrimsonTide4

05-27-2002, 06:26 PM

God's Thermal of Encouragement

Many of us have experienced that low Spiritual valley where we thought
the sun would never shine again. Some were sent quickly into the valley
by a very specific event; others drifted slowly to the bottom and can't
say by what path they arrived. In either case, we wandered in this
gloom until something began to lift us to new heights.

Isaiah 40:29-31
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but
those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on
wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and
not be faint."

An eagle seems to fly effortlessly through the air with only an
occasional flap of the wings. These great birds are experts at finding
areas of rising air called thermals which allow them to soar without
using any of their own energy.

God uses Spiritual thermals to lift up those who trust in Him. Those
who believe the truth of His Word and diligently search for the rising
currents will be rewarded with effortless soaring. Those who turn to
prayer and undeterred worship will be freed from the heavy baggage which
prevents upward flight. And those who continue to flap but are unable
to climb will receive a lift from a Brother or Sister - a thermal in the
form of encouraging words or deeds.

If we find ourself back in the valley today, we must continue to seek
Him with all our heart and trust that our thermal is on the way - He has
promised to strengthen us and cause us to soar once again! And if we're
currently flying high, we must give praise and honor to our Heavenly
Father; but we must also recognize there are many others in the valley
who desperately need a lift.

God has chosen to use people to accomplish much of His work on earth.
He could have chosen other methods; "If they {the people} keep quiet,
the stones will cry out," (Luke 19:40), but He chose us. We are to
"encourage one another daily," (Hebrews 3:13). Why? Because there is a
valley full of people waiting and hoping for that rising current to lift
them up and set them free.

We have been adopted into the "Family" of God...and our Family needs
each other very much! Let's live a life which glorifies God in all we
do, say, and think; let's dedicated ourselves to soaring high and
looking for those who need God's thermal of encouragement!

CrimsonTide4

05-27-2002, 07:17 PM

Once upon a time there was an island where all the feelings lived, happiness, sadness, knowledge, and all the others, including love. One day it was announced to all of the feelings that the island was going to sink to the bottom of the ocean. So all the feelings prepared their boats to leave.

Love was the only one that stayed. She wanted to preserve the island paradise until the last possible moment.

When the island was almost totally under love decided it was time to leave. She began looking for someone to ask for help.

Just then Richness was passing by in a grand boat. Love asked, "Richness, Can I come with you on your boat?" Richness answered, " I'm sorry, but there is a lot of silver and gold on my boat and there would be no room for you anywhere."

Then Love decided to ask Vanity for help who was passing in a beautiful vessel. Love cried out, "Vanity, help me please." "I can't help you", Vanity said, "You are all wet and will damage my beautiful boat."

Next, Love saw Sadness passing by. Love said, "Sadness, please let me go with you." Sadness answered, "Love, I'm sorry, but, I just need to be alone now."

Then, Love saw Happiness. Love cried out, " Happiness, please take me with you." But Happiness was so overjoyed that he didn't hear Love calling to him.

Love began to cry. Then, she heard a voice say, "Come Love, I will take you with me." It was an elder. Love felt so blessed and overjoyed that she forgot to ask the elder his name.

When they arrived on land the elder went on his way. Love realized how much she owed the elder.

Love then found Knowledge and asked, "Who was it that helped me?" "It was Time," Knowledge answered. "But why did Time help me when no one else would?" Love asked.

Knowledge smiled and with deep wisdom and sincerity, answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how great Love is."

CrimsonTide4

05-29-2002, 06:52 PM

JUST BE

Be understanding to your enemies.
Be loyal to your friends.
Be strong enough to face the world each day.
Be weak enough to know you cannot do everything alone.
Be generous to those who need your help.
Be frugal with what you need yourself.
Be wise enough to know that you do not know everything.
Be foolish enough to believe in miracles.
Be willing to share your joys.
Be willing to share the sorrows of others.
Be a leader when you see a path others have missed.
Be a follower when you are shrouded by the mists of uncertainty.
Be the first to congratulate an opponent who succeeds.
Be the last to criticize a colleague who fails.
Be sure where your next step will fall, so that you will not stumble.
Be sure of your final destination, in case you are going the wrong
way.
Be loving to those who love you.
Be loving to those who do not love you, and they may change.
Above all, be yourself!
--author unknown to me

"Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. It is God's will that you should be sanctified: ... For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit. Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more. Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."
I Thessalonians 4:1-12 NIV

CrimsonTide4

05-29-2002, 07:01 PM

A little boy visited his grandparents on their farm. He was given a
slingshot to play with in the woods. He practiced, but couldn't hit
the target. Getting discouraged, he headed back to dinner.

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

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

But Sally said, Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the
kitchen." Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes.
Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing. Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper."

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

After several days of Johnny doing his chores and Sally's, he could stand it no longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck. Grandma knelt beside Johnny and said, "I know. I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. Because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you."

Thought for the day: Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done that the enemy throws in your face (lying, debt, fear, hatred, anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, etc.), whatever it is, Jesus Christ was standing at the window and saw the whole thing. He wants you to know He loves you and that you are forgiven. He has paid the debt for whatever the enemy is trying to beat you with. Romans tells us that there is now no condemnation to them in Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5 tells
us that we are new creatures in Christ. He wonders how long you will let the enemy make a slave of you. When all we have to do is face the fear and repent. Tell the Father we are sorry and put the failure under the blood of Jesus.....

Remember, God not only forgives you, He forgets. Because of HIS great love!! The biggest hindrance to our walking in healing, peace, joy or anything else that Jesus died for...is to be sin conscience rather than SON conscience.

Lizanabavi

05-29-2002, 09:27 PM

"And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Galations 6:9

You can't take everyone with you on this journey, because some are not able to receive. Everybody does not need to know your dreams. When God has ordered your path... he ordered you. Not the woman down the street or the one at the bus stop. So don't ask them what they think about your way -they won't be able to give you directions. Every step you take has been carefully planned by the master. Sometimes that path may rough, it may lonely, but keep going anyhow! He is not someone who falls short, if he promised, he will deliever.

Lizanabavi:)

CrimsonTide4

05-30-2002, 09:57 AM

~Zaire Proverb~

I was sitting at the drive thru window at McDonald's this weekend (ok, I eat out a lot). I did the usual thing, I drove up to the menu and ordered. I proceeded to the first window and paid, then drove to the second window and waited for the order. After sitting there for a few minutes, the clerk slid back the window and asked, "Will you please pull over to the side; your order is not ready." I was a little upset and even impatient, but I pulled over and waited. I thought, "How come other folks ordered and drove straight through and I have to wait?" I waited for another two or three minutes- it seemed like hours before the clerk finally ran out, tapped on the window, and handed me the order. Of course I asked, "Hey, what took so long?" She replied, "You wanted the SPECIAL SAUCE, which meant it had to be especially made for that sandwich, it doesn't usually come with that one.

"The scene is a reflection of our prayer life. We make our request to the Lord. Our menu is His word where He has listed promise after promise. We stand before Him and request and plead and, sometimes, even beg. We go to the first window and pay, sometimes with fervent prayer, sometimes with prolonged suffering, sometimes with obedience, and sometimes not at all.

We then move to the second window and wait for our order. If God doesn't answer within a few minutes, we become upset. You know the phrase, "God, it's 5:00 PM Friday; I prayed to you yesterday, and You still haven't answered. I can't wait much longer." Why is it taking Him so long, I've seen people drive up before me and they received their orders right away?We even go so far as to tap on the window and ask if He has forgotten our order. We become impatient. We become upset. We become downright mad.

"Lord I asked for a mate ten days ago and I don't see him/her anywhere."
"Lord, I've been asking for a new job for two years; others have passed me by.
"I've been waiting on a financial blessing for ten years and I still have more month than money." "Where are You and why haven't you blessed me?"

And just when you think He is giving you the answer, He pulls back the royal curtain of eternity, and states, "Please pull over to the side and wait a while longer? "This once frustrated me to no end, made me mad, made me want to give up, made me want to holler; that is, until the clerk brought out my sandwich-then, the revelation became clear.

Do you know why the Lord has put you on the side?
Do you know why you have had to wait for this blessing longer than before? Do you know why He has put you through more this time than ever? Do you know why it seems as though He has not heard you and He does not care? DO you know why it seems like you have had to go through more tears, more pains, and more struggling this time?

Because this blessing is a SPECIAL SAUCE BLESSING. This is an OVERFLOWING, PRESSED DOWN, SHAKEN TOGETHER, BLESSING! You made a SPECIAL ORDER and GOD has been putting together a SPECIAL SAUCE BLESSING for you and He has to prepare it for you.

That mate you wanted, He's putting together a SPECIAL SAUCE. That job you wanted, HE'S putting together a SPECIAL SAUCE. That financial blessing, A SPECIAL SAUCE. That peace on the job, A SPECIAL SAUCE. That house...A SPECIAL SAUCE. That promotion...A SPECIAL SAUCE. That deeper anointing...A SPECIAL SAUCE.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end..." [and a SPECIAL SAUCE]. Jeremiah 29:11

How many people have driven away before the clerk brought their food, and how many people have missed their blessings because they did not wait? Hang in there. Keep on waiting. You made a SPECIAL ORDER, now wait on a SPECIAL SAUCE!

"But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).

They who wait shall get a SPECIAL SAUCE! ~~ Author known only to God.

LORD, according to Thy Word, bless the reader with an abundant blessing, a SPECIAL SAUCE BLESSING, an OVERFLOWING, PRESSED DOWN, SHAKEN TOGETHER, BLESSING!

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..."In JESUS' name. Amen.

Share the Blessing with a friend!

ASK THE LORD AND BELIEVE YOU HAVE RECEIVED IT IN HIS OWN TIME AND GIVE THANKS TO HIM--PRAISE HIM FOR HE IS A GIVING FATHER. WAIT AND ENJOY HIS BLESSINGS IN ABUNDANCE!!!!!

With Love + Prayers
"The testing of your faith produces patience."-James 1:3

candygirl

06-08-2002, 12:37 PM

ARE YOU REASON, A SEASON, OR A LIFETIME?

Pay attention to what you read. After you read this, you will know the reason it was sent to you! People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person. When someone is in your life for a REASON. . . It is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to
provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are!They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to
bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered. And now it is time to move on. Then people come into your life for a SEASON. Because your turn has come to
share, grow, or learn. They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season. LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons: things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Thank you for being a part of my life.
Work like you don't need the money.
Love like you've never been wronged.
Dance like no one is watching.
Sing like you love the song.
Stop here and just SMILE

CrimsonTide4

06-13-2002, 10:01 AM

You Deserve Love
While listening to my great Aretha Franklin CD selections (thanks Babs), I'm motivated to write you today about that "R" word.....relationships.

You can't make someone love you. How many times have you...I mean how many people have you known that sit and wait in vain, have rapped on the door and tapped on the window pane, did "drive-bys" wondering if he or she was home, charged up the credit cards, phone calls in the middle of the night, rearranging their life, changing their hair, can't eat, sleep or work...you know all that crazy stuff hoping love would be returned? If the one you love can't return the love, get a clue and move on with your life. If you've got to convince someone to see and honor your goodness and love....then it's not worth it. Your heart is going to end up in the Heartbreak Hotel or the Y-Tell Motel.

Like Aretha sings, "you're still a rose, you still got the power." You're not responsible for someone else's immaturity, addictions, temper, lack of faith, low self-esteem or inner turmoil. Maybe it's the sign...he's not the one....she's not the one. If someone is trying to hold onto broken pieces of a relationship or if it's all ONE-sided, is that really love? Or is it desperation, afraid to be alone, afraid you can't love or be loved again, or is it a fear of what people will think or is it time for you to heal and deal with your own issues?

All relationships have thorns but the rose is what makes it beautiful to behold. The rose makes it easier to endure the thorns in life. If the rose is gone and only the thorns remain, it's time to reevaluate your life.

Love should not need convincing. Love should not be a battle. Love should not be competition (sitting on the Jerry "Swinger" show). Love should not have you sitting by the phone waiting, waiting, waiting. Love is kind. Love forgives. Love affirms. Love responds. Love serves. Love communicates. Love encourages. Love is a decision. Love heals. Love pays attention. Love is present. Love remembers. Love listens. Love cares. Love answers the phone! Love comes home! You deserve love!

By Jewel Diamond Taylor

CrimsonTide4

06-15-2002, 10:22 AM

CASTING OFF THE OLD
By Sandra Clifton

"Lord, open the windows of heaven and let Your blessings roll in!" This was the prayer of my husband, Terry, and me during a rather long and financially bleak season after the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

We studied our 10-year-old file cabinet, which was so stuffed with former free-lance art and writing projects that there was little to no room for anything new. The promise of new projects was there; they just hadn't come in yet. We needed to clear some space for them.

So we rolled up our sleeves, plopped down on the floor and began the task of sorting and combing through old papers and files. Most of the old was just taking up space. We agreed to toss EVERYTHING-with the exception of things near and dear to us, things that could be merged with others things, and things misfiled.

Noon came. When we got up from the floor for lunch, we were shocked to discover that in spite of our valiant efforts to purge, we seemed to have more of the old than we'd had before!

"Something's definitely wrong with this picture," said Terry, slipping and sliding across the floor, his foot making contact with my "regroup" and "rename" files.

Often I sense the Lord is smiling about the situations we get ourselves into. In this case, I perceived that He was laughing. Here we were praying for Him to open the windows of heaven, yet how would we have seen the blessings amid the clutter and old stuff stacked around us?

Working on the purge project with my husband made me realize how easy it is-instead of getting rid of the old-to merely rename and refile it! Old grudges are a good example. The anger we feel (initially filed under "Anger") becomes "Wounds Caused to the Innocent." We build a case (and a file) and hold onto all the negatives ("I'm a victim!" "I've always been a failure!" "People are always that way!") and the file cabinet within us grows, bulging with old stuff, leaving no room for the new that God wants to bring in.

The remedy, Jesus said, for such things as grudges and anger, is reconciliation, forgiveness and letting go (see Matt. 5:21-24; 6:14-15; Eph. 4:31-32; Col. 3:12-13). Perhaps in yielding our lives each day to the Spirit of the Lord and "casting all [our] care upon Him" (1 Pet. 5:7), we can not only let go of what ails us, but we can let God in to do His work and His will-which is always great-for our lives.

The word for "casting" in the Greek refers to the act of humbling oneself and trusting everything to God. The use of the present progressive ending "-ing" shows that this act of trusting God is to be an ongoing, daily activity-a regular part of the way we live. God wants us to rely on Him for everything.

As a pack rat in rehabilitation, I invite you to join me today in letting go of what is overtaking you-and turn to God, who is over all things (see Col. 1:17; 2:9-10). Jesus Christ, the Way Maker, has already made a way for you and me to walk in victory, past the rubble and blockades of past hurts and failures-by His work on the cross.

You can make a fresh start by casting off the "old stuff" and letting Him work a miracle to bring fresh blessings to your life. Today is a new beginning, and there is a window of heaven open just for you.

Ask the Lord to reveal to you anything you need to release. Let go of it and yield yourself totally to Him. Continue to pray that the faith of those persecuted around the world for Christ's sake, would not waiver, but be strengthened. (Rom. 12:1-2; I John 3:22-23)

Exquisite5

06-19-2002, 05:39 PM

I didn't see this anywhere yet, so I had to add it. It is framed and hangs on my wall...I absolutely LOVE IT!

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble, it's a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantement, it is as perrenial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

"Desiderata" was written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann (1872-1945). In 1956, the rector of St. Paul's Church in Baltimore, Maryland, used the poem in a collection of mimeographed inspirational material for his congregation. Someone who subsequently printed it asserted that it was found in Old St. Paul's Church, dated 1692. The year 1692 was the founding date of the church and has nothing to do with the poem.

12dn94dst

06-19-2002, 10:26 PM

I thought this was especially important in light of recent discussions. It happens to be onne of my favorites.

~Kel

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

from "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" by Robert Fulghum

All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in Kindergarten. Wisdom is not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sandpile at Sunday School. These are the things I learned:

Share everything.

Play fair.

Don't hit people.

Put things back where you found them.

Clean up your own mess.

Don't take things that aren't yours.

Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.

Wash your hands before you eat.

Flush.

Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.

Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.

Take a nap every afternoon.

When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.

Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrafoam cup: The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.

Goldfish and hampsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrafoam cup -- they all die. So do we.

And remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned -- the biggest word of all -- LOOK.

Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.

Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or your government or your world and it holds true clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if we all -- the whole world -- had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess.

And it's still true, no matter how old you are -- when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.

DSTilmatic_1913

06-20-2002, 12:41 PM

I like the following quote:

"No man/woman is worth your tears because the only one who is will never make you cry."

(A little contradictory but you get the point :) )

CrimsonTide4

06-22-2002, 10:35 AM

TUG-OF-WAR

Some years ago, on a hot summer day in south Florida. A little boy decided
to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to
dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes,
socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as
he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the
shore His mother in the house was looking out the window saw the two as they
got closer and closer together. In utter fear, she ran toward the water,
yelling to her son as loudly as she could. Hearing her voice, the little boy
became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his mother. It was too late.
Just as he reached her, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the mother
grabbed her little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs.
That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much
stronger than the mother, but the mother was much too passionate to let go.
A farmer happened to drive by, heard her screams, raced from his truck, took
aim and shot the alligator.

Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived.
His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal, and, on
his arms, were deep scratches where his mother's fingernails dug into his
flesh in her effort to hang on to the son she loved. The newspaper reporter
who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his
scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said
to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I
have them because my
Mom wouldn't let go."

You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not
from an alligator, or anything quite so dramatic. But the scars of a painful
past, some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But,
some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go. In the midst
of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you. The Scripture teaches
that God loves you. You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and
provide for you in every way. But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous
situations. The swimming hole of life is filled with peril and we forget
that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-of-war begins - and
if you have the scars of His love on your arms be very, very grateful. He
did not and will not - let you go. …--author unknown to me

“The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages. [To all eternity they shall never by any means be destroyed.] And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand. My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater and mightier than all [else]; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are One.” John 10:27-30 AMP

CrimsonTide4

06-23-2002, 04:23 PM

Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
...
1 Samuel 16:7

Last week, I went to Wal-mart. At the checkout, the cashier noticed my nails. She went off. She could not believe they were mine... Oh, how pretty, I'm so lucky ... and so on, and so on, and so on.

Then, she started getting down on herself. Mine won't grow.. I've done everything... I hate my stupid nails, etc. We chatted for a while about nail care, I paid my bill and left.

Later, I thought: I should have showed her my thumbnail on my left hand.

At the base, down near the skin, it was cracked and splintered; In a word: broken. Instead of having the manicurist clip it off, I asked her to paint over it and hide it. The cashier couldn't see that.

All she saw were my other nails, which I'd just gotten done. Had she peered closer, she would have seen the imperfection I was trying to hide.

What looks good isn't always good.

So often, we look at others and compare ourselves to them. And often, "Oh she's 25 and she's done this, "have it all " and we begin to get down on ourselves.

We find any number of ways to compare ourselves to the next sister and Stop!

There's a saying that the grass is always greener on the other side. Well, their water bill is higher too. And guess what? You can have green grass too.

You can't have what somebody else has if you're not willing to go
through what they went through.

Stop comparing yourself to others. Love yourself. Each of us has our own thorns. Be it weight, single-parenting, job dissatisfaction,
husband problems, financial distress, children woes, overworked/underpaid issues, loneliness, confusion, self doubt, etc.

You've got to love yourself and if you can't do that right now, at
least quit comparing yourself to others, because you don't know what they are going through.

Someone will always be prettier. They will always be smarter. Their house will be bigger. They will drive a better car. Their children will do better in school. And their husband will fix more things around the house.

So let it go, and love you and your circumstances. Think about it. The prettiest sister in the world can have Hell all up in her heart. The richest sister you know - she's got the car, the house, the clothes - might be lonely.

So, again, love you. And let Christ be your barometer. Mirror Him. He's the only standard, and even when you come up short, He will not leave you or forsake you.

CrimsonTide4

07-15-2002, 09:37 AM

Overlooking Offenses
Jul 13, 2002

"A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense." Proverbs 19:11

I have a friend who tells a story of a lesson the Lord taught him through his wife. It seems that every time he and his wife would get in the car to travel somewhere, his wife had a strong need to direct his driving. She would tell him where to turn and when to turn, even in their own subdivision. It was such a horrible habit that it drove my friend crazy and became the source of many an argument. Finally, one day my friend concluded that the Lord was trying to teach him something through this experience. He decided he would let go of his need to be free from this correction. He began to affirm his wife and even thank her for her input. It was excruciatingly painful to do this from where he sat.

A few months passed. He let go of the entire situation and actually got to a place where it just didn't matter to him anymore. An interesting thing happened a few months later. One day his wife looked at him and said, "John, I just realized that I have been directing your driving all these years and now realize why I do that. It goes back to my childhood when I had to direct my younger brothers and sisters. I am so sorry I have been doing that." My friend nearly fell out of his seat!

Whenever we work close to another person, whether in an office or home, small offenses can become the source of great conflict. Resentment and irritability soon follow. God brings these "offenses" into our lives to develop character qualities in us. He uses individuals in our lives to accomplish his goal of making us more Christlike. So the next time you complain or resist a habit or action from someone close to you, ask God if it has been placed there to develop some quality in you.

Pride is the root source of the need to change another person. A man's wisdom gives him patience-to let go of little offenses. This is where spiritual maturity is seen in the day-to-day activity of life. Is there someone close to you who has some habit you really want to change? Give up that desire to the Lord. Who knows, He may even change it after you let go of the need to change it.

CrimsonTide4

07-15-2002, 09:38 AM

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came her date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years. (1934-1998)

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth...
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
The cars...the house...the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile..
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read
With your life's actions to rehash...
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

Honeykiss1974

09-10-2002, 11:47 AM

How many people find that it is hard to walk away from the past?

Relationships, jobs, friends, family, church, etc.

There are times in life when walking away is the only option.
That unequally yoked relationship. You are moving in one direction and
they are moving in another. You want one thing out of life and they want another. How do you turn and walk away?

What about the job that stopped challenging you years ago? Do you stay there because you are half way to retirement, or do you walk away and go do something that brings your joy back? How do you walk away?

What about those friendships that seem to keep going up and down? One day you are friends and the next day you are not. Do you stay in that friendship when it causes more hurt than happiness? Is this one of those who will be removed? How do you walk away?

What about the family member that continues to cause you sorrow, pain and stress! Do you continue to allow them to mistreat you and respect you, or do you step back and allow God to be God? How do you walk away?

What about the church that you stopped growing in many years ago? Do you stay there because that's the only church that you know, or do you move on to a new church where you will have spiritual growth? How do you walk away?

Walking away is not easy, staying is sometimes worse. When a situation no longer has grace, is it better to stay or leave?

There are times when God is saying to walk away and there are times when He is saying to stay, but unless you have a personal relationship, you have no idea what He is saying.

God will allow us to stay in things as long as we would like. It is up to us to listen when He says go. We should not get mad when things
continue to go in the wrong direction, when God has given us His
direction.

I didn't post this today to say walk away, I came to ask the question "how do you walk away?" I too have asked this question many days and always heard the Lord say "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

That's the key, seek God for the answer.

There are times when He will have a delay in His response. There are
times when you will miss God's answer. There are times when you will stay regardless of His answer to you, but know that God is a
God that always answers the prayers of the righteous. He answers in His time, not ours. Just wait for Him.

So how do you walk away?

Ask God to order your steps and the walk becomes that much easier. Amen!!! :)

I pray that these words have somehow Blessed you and that you will share them with someone who needs to hear that He is still in the Blessing business.

FLKING

09-10-2002, 05:33 PM

REALIZEhttp://www.annegeddes.com/images/_postcards/everyday/thumbs/levdek1314n.jpg

To realize
the value of ten years:

Ask a newly divorced couple.

To realize
the value of four years:

Ask a graduate.

To realize
the value of one year:

Ask a student who has failed
a final exam.

To realize
the value of nine months:

Ask a mother who gave birth
to a stillborn.

To realize
the value of one month:

Ask a mother who has given
birth to a premature baby.

To realize
the value of one week:

Ask an editor of a weekly
newspaper.

To realize
the value of one hour:

Ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.

To realize
the value of one minute:

Ask a person who has missed the
train, bus or plane.

To realize
the value of one second:

Ask a person who has survived an
accident.

To realize
the value of one millisecond:

Ask a person who has won a silver medal
in the Olympics.

Time waits for no one.
Treasure every moment you have.
You will treasure it even more
when you can share it
With someone special.

To realize the
value of a friend:

Lose one.
http://www.annegeddes.com/images/_postcards/ltwl/thumbs/pwlekc1232t.jpg

oneinamillion

09-10-2002, 07:13 PM

Originally posted by Honeykiss1974

How many people find that it is hard to walk away from the past?

Relationships, jobs, friends, family, church, etc.

There are times in life when walking away is the only option.
That unequally yoked relationship. You are moving in one direction and
they are moving in another. You want one thing out of life and they want another. How do you turn and walk away?

What about the job that stopped challenging you years ago? Do you stay there because you are half way to retirement, or do you walk away and go do something that brings your joy back? How do you walk away?

What about those friendships that seem to keep going up and down? One day you are friends and the next day you are not. Do you stay in that friendship when it causes more hurt than happiness? Is this one of those who will be removed? How do you walk away?

What about the family member that continues to cause you sorrow, pain and stress! Do you continue to allow them to mistreat you and respect you, or do you step back and allow God to be God? How do you walk away?

What about the church that you stopped growing in many years ago? Do you stay there because that's the only church that you know, or do you move on to a new church where you will have spiritual growth? How do you walk away?

Walking away is not easy, staying is sometimes worse. When a situation no longer has grace, is it better to stay or leave?

There are times when God is saying to walk away and there are times when He is saying to stay, but unless you have a personal relationship, you have no idea what He is saying.

God will allow us to stay in things as long as we would like. It is up to us to listen when He says go. We should not get mad when things
continue to go in the wrong direction, when God has given us His
direction.

I didn't post this today to say walk away, I came to ask the question "how do you walk away?" I too have asked this question many days and always heard the Lord say "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

That's the key, seek God for the answer.

There are times when He will have a delay in His response. There are
times when you will miss God's answer. There are times when you will stay regardless of His answer to you, but know that God is a
God that always answers the prayers of the righteous. He answers in His time, not ours. Just wait for Him.

So how do you walk away?

Ask God to order your steps and the walk becomes that much easier. Amen!!! :)

I pray that these words have somehow Blessed you and that you will share them with someone who needs to hear that He is still in the Blessing business.

you're really telling it like it is.....Oh this is the story of my life..walking away from those relationships that I both love/hurt over.
The safest place in the whole wide world is in the will of God. Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D :D :D :D

CrimsonTide4

09-28-2002, 07:39 AM

PUMPKIN

Never looked at it like this before . . . . . . .

A woman was asked by a co-worker, "What is it like to be a Christian?"

The co-worker replied, "It is like being a pumpkin.

God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then he cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.

He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc., and then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see."

This was passed on to me from another pumpkin.

Now, it is your turn to pass it to a pumpkin. I like this enough to send it to all the pumpkins in my patch.

CrimsonTide4

10-30-2002, 06:00 AM

Heavenly Peace

I traveled so far that I lost my way.
I asked for guidance but my friends had nothing to say.
I was feeling desperate, alone and so scared.
It seemed to me that no-one cared.

Finally, I gave up and knelt to the ground.
I was convinced that love was nowhere around.
Quietly, the tears fell from my eyes.
Suddenly Someone heard my silent cries.

My soul was filled with such a sweet peace,
The chaos inside of me suddenly ceased.
My eyes were crying no more tears.
Gone from my heart was all worry and fear.

My Lord had reached down and touched my soul.
I knew at that moment I could reach my goal.
Although the road ahead will at times be unsteady,
With help from the Lord, I know I am ready.

I asked Him to go with me each step of the way.
He promised to be with me each hour of each day.
He promised to always be by my side
To protect, heal and love, support and to guide.

His love fills my heart; He’s my best friend.
My Lord will be with me all the way to the end.
--by Julie Cromer

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at
all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of
you." 2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again:
Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The
Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in
everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God. And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally,
brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is
excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from
me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God
of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:4-9 NIV

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with
hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
NIV

CrimsonTide4

10-30-2002, 06:01 AM

Get Rid of the Frogs

"When shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy
people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses?"

-- (Exodus 8:9)

Have you ever wrestled with one of those problems that stubbornly
refuses to go away? It seems to be immune to all solutions. You swat at
the thing in every conceivable way, but instead of being eliminated, it
expands and multiplies until it's wildly out of control.

An Egyptian pharaoh faced just that kind of problem, the Bible tells us,
thousands of years ago. He was in a hot dispute with God over the future
of the Israelites, and as a result of that dispute, he woke up one
morning to find his country swarming with frogs. Slimy, smelly,
hopping-all-over-the-place frogs.

It was a serious problem. I'm not talking about a frog or two in the
front yard. I mean frogs were everywhere--in their beds, on their
tables. Big old frogs in the ovens. Little bitty frogs in the bread
dough and the drinking water. Frogs. Frogs in your hair. Frogs in places
you wouldn't even want to think about!

Then God made a move. He sent His man Moses in to Pharaoh to ask, "When
shall I entreat the Lord to get these frogs out of here?"

Do you know what Pharaoh said?

"Tomorrow." Can you imagine that? He could have said, "Right now!
Today!" But instead he decided he'd spend one more night among the
frogs.

You say, "That's the stupidest thing I ever heard. Why in the world
would he do it tomorrow?" I don't know. Probably for the same reason you
want to wait until tomorrow to get saved or healed or prosperous.

Here's what I want you to notice. When Moses asked Pharaoh that question
and he answered, "Tomorrow," Moses said, "All right. So that you know
there's a God in heaven, BE IT DONE UNTO YOU ACCORDING TO YOUR WORDS."

Let me ask you this: How long are you willing to let that persisting
problem harass you? When are you going to get rid of the frogs in your
life? Do you realize they'll stay around as long as you'll let them?
They'll be there until you finally make a quality decision to go with
the Word of God and get them out.

Why don't you do it today?

CrimsonTide4

10-30-2002, 06:05 AM

Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark...

One: Don't miss the boat.
Two: Remember that we are all in the same boat.
Three: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark. Four: Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
Five: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
Six: Build your future on high ground.
Seven: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
Eight: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
Nine: When you're stressed, float a while.
Ten: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
Eleven: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting. :D

Honeykiss1974

11-06-2002, 11:23 AM

Dear God,

I'm writing to say I'm sorry
For being angry yesterday
When you seemed to ignore my prayer
And things didn't go my way

First, my car broke down
I was very late for work
But I missed that awful accident
Was that your handiwork?

I found a house I loved
But others got there first
I was angry, then relieved
When I heard the pipes had burst!

Yesterday, I found the perfect suit
But the color was too pale
Today, I found the suit in black
Would you believe, it was on sale!

I know you're watching over me
And I'm feeling truly blest
For no matter what I pray for
You always know what's best!

I have this circle of E-mail friends,
Who mean the world to me;
Some days I "send" and "send",
At other times, I let them be.

When I see each name download,
And view the message they've sent;
I know they've thought of me that day,
And "well wishes" were their intent.

I am so blessed to have these friends,
With whom I've grown so close;
So this little poem I dedicate to them,
Because to me they are the "Most"!

So to you, my friends, I would like to say,
Thank you for being a part;
Of all my daily contacts,
This comes right from my heart.

God bless you all is my prayer today,
I'm honored to call you "friend";
I pray the Lord will keep you safe,
Until we write again.

God Bless You
:)

BabyBlue91

11-06-2002, 03:40 PM

"QUIT! GIVE UP! YOU'RE BEATEN!" They shout and plead,
There's just too much against you now, this time you can't succeed.
And as I start to hang my head in front of failure's face,
My downward fall is broken by the memory of a race.

And hope refills my weakened will as I recall that scene.
For just the thought of that short race rejuvenates my being.
A children's race, young boys, young men; now I remember well.
Excitement, sure, but also fear; it wasn't hard to tell.

They all lined up so full of hope. Each thought to win that race.
Or tie for first, or if not that, at least take second place.
And fathers watched from off the side, each cheering for his son.
And each boy hoped to show his dad that he would be the one.

The whistle blew and off they went, young hearts and hopes of fire.
To win, to be the hero there, was each young boy's desire.
And one boy in particular, his dad was in the crowd,
Was running near the lead and thought, "My dad will be so proud."

But as he speeded down the field across a shallow dip,
The little boy who thought to win, lost his step and slipped.
Trying hard to catch himself, his hands flew out to brace,
And mid the laughter of the crowd, he fell flat on his face.

So down he fell and with him hope. He couldn't win it now.
Embarrassed, sad, he only wished to disappear somehow.
But as he fell, his dad stood up and showed his anxious face,
Which to the boy so clearly said, "Get up and win that race!"

He quickly rose, no damage done - behind a bit, that's all,
And ran with all his mind and might to make up for his fall.
So anxious to restore himself to catch up and to win,
His mind went faster than his legs. He slipped and fell again.

He wished that he had quite before with only one disgrace.
I'm hopeless as a runner now, I shouldn't try to race.
But, in the laughing crowd he searched and found his father's face
That steady look that said again, "Get up and win the race."

So, he jumped up to try again. Ten yards behind the last.
If I'm to gain those yards, he thought, I've got to run real fast.
Exceeding everything he had, he regained eight or ten,
But trying so hard to catch the lead, he slipped and fell again.

Defeat! He lay there silently, a tear dropped from his eye.
There's no sense running anymore - three strikes and I'm out - why try?
The will to rise had disappeared, all hope had flew away.
So far behind, so error prone, closer all the way.

I've lost, so what's the use, he thought, I'll live with my disgrace.
But then he thought about his dad, who soon he'd have to face.
"Get up," an echo sounded low. "Get up and take your place.
You were not meant for failure here, get up and win the race."

With borrowed will, "Get up," it said, "You haven't lost at all,
For winning is not more than this, to rise each time you fall."
So up he rose to win once more. And with a new commit,
He resolved that win or lose, at least he wouldn't quit.

So far behind the others now, the most he'd ever been.
Still he gave it all he had and ran as though to win.
Three times he'd fallen stumbling, three times he'd rose again.
Too far behind to hope to win, he still ran to the end.

They cheered the winning runner as he crossed first place.
Head high and proud and happy; no falling, no disgrace.
But when the fallen youngster crossed the line, last place,
The crowd gave him the greater cheer for finishing the race.

And even though he came in last, with head bowed low, unproud;
You would have thought he'd won the race, to listen to the crowd.
And to his Dad he sadly said, "I didn't do so well."
"To me you won," his father said, "You rose each time you fell."

And when things seemed dark and hard and difficult to face,
The memory of that little boy - helps me in my race.
For all of life is like that race, with ups and down and all,
And all you have to do to win - is rise each time you fall.
"Quit!" "GIVE UP, YOU'RE BEATEN." They still shout in my face.
But another voice within me says, "GET UP AND WIN THE RACE!"

BabyBlue91

11-06-2002, 03:45 PM

I use to have a Comfort Zone
Where I knew I couldn't fail
The same four walls of busy work
Were really more like jail.

I longed so much to do the things
I'd never done before,
But I stayed inside my Comfort Zone
And paced the same old floor

I said it didn't matter,
That I wasn't doing much
I said I didn't care for things
Like diamonds, furs and such

I claimed to be so busy
With the things inside my zone,
But deep inside I longed for
Something special of my own.

I couldn't let my life go by,
Just watching others win.
I held my breath and stepped outside
And let the change begin.

I took a step and with new strength
I'd never felt before,
I kissed my Comfort Zone "goodbye"
And closed and locked the door.

If you are in a Comfort Zone,
Afraid to venture out,
Remember that all winners were
At one time filled with doubt.

A step or two and words of praise,
Can make your dreams come true.
Greet your future with a smile,
Success is there for you!

Lovealious

11-08-2002, 03:02 AM

GREETINGS SORORS and SISTERFRIENDS....
I've been away for quite some time - work, school, life etc. has just kept me busy.. you know how that goes.. Although I've never been a frequent poster I just wanted to add a little something to this post...

I don't know who wrote this and just as I was about to post it I noticed the link to the website at the bottom.... Unfortuneatly it's not in English... anywho, enjoy!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
They call it the "Quarter-life Crisis."

It is when you stop going along with the crowd and start realizing that there are many things about yourself that you didn't know and may not like. You start feeling insecure and wonder where you will be in a year or two, but then get scared because you barely know where you are now.

You start realizing that people are selfish and that, maybe, those friends that you thought you were so close to aren't exactly the greatest people you have ever met, and the people you have lost touch with are some of the most important ones. What you don't recognize is that they are realizing that too, and aren't really cold, catty, mean or insincere, but that they are as confused as you.

You look at your job... and it is not even close to what you thought you would be doing, or maybe you are looking for a job and realizing that you are going to have to start at the bottom and that scares you.

Your opinions have gotten stronger. You see what others are doing and find yourself judging more than usual because suddenly you realize that you have certain boundaries in your life and are constantly adding things to your list of what is acceptable and what isn't. One minute, you are insecure and then the next, secure. You laugh and cry with the greatest force of your life. You feel alone and scared and confused. Suddenly, change is the enemy and you try and cling on to the past with dear life, but soon realize that the past is drifting further and further away, and there is nothing to do but stay where you are or move forward.

You get your heart broken and wonder how someone you loved could do such damage to you. Or you lie in bed and wonder why you can't meet anyone decent enough that you want to get to know better. Or maybe you love someone but love someone else too and cannot figure out why you are doing this because you know that you aren't a bad person. One night stands and random hook ups start to look cheap. Getting wasted and acting like an idiot starts to look pathetic.

You go through the same emotions and questions over and over, and talk with your friends about the same topics because you cannot seem to make a decision. You worry about loans, money, the future and making a life for yourself... and while winning the race would be great, right now you'd just like to be a contender!

What you may not realize is that everyone reading this relates to it. We are in our best of times and our worst of times, trying as hard as we can to figure this whole thing out.

by ?

quarterlifecrisis.com

CrimsonTide4

11-09-2002, 08:59 AM

The Emperor's Seeds

An emperor in the Far East was growing old and knew it was time to choose His successor. Instead of choosing one of his assistants or his children, he decided something different. He called young people in the kingdom together one day.
He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next emperor. I have decided to choose one of you." The kids were shocked! But the emperor continued. "I am going to give each one of you a seed one very special seed. I want you to plant the seed, water it and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from this one seed. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next
emperor!"

One boy named Ling was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his mother the story. She helped him get a pot and planting soil, and he planted the seed and watered it carefully. Every day he would water it and watch to see if it had grown.

After about three weeks, some of the other youths began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Ling kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks went by. Still nothing.

By now, others were talking about their plants but Ling didn't have a plant, and he felt like a failure. Six months went by; still nothing in Ling's pot.

He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Ling didn't say anything to his friends, however. He just kept waiting for his seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the youths of the kingdom brought their plants to the emperor for inspection. Ling told his mother that he wasn't going to take an empty pot but his Mother said he must be honest about what happened. Ling felt sick to his stomach, but he knew his Mother was right. He took his empty pot to the palace.

When Ling arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other youths. They were beautiful-in all shapes and sizes. Ling put his empty pot on the floor and many of the other kids laughed at him. A few felt sorry for him and just said, "Hey nice try."

When the emperor arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted the young people. Ling just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees and flowers you have grown," said the emperor. "Today, one of you will be appointed the next emperor!"

All of a sudden, the emperor spotted Ling at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered his guards to bring him to the front. Ling was terrified. "The emperor knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me killed!" When Ling got to the front, the Emperor asked his name. "My name is Ling," he replied. All the kids were laughing and making fun of him. The emperor asked everyone to quiet down.

He looked at Ling, and then announced to the crowd, "Behold your new emperor! His name is Ling!" Ling couldn't believe it. Ling couldn't even grow his seed. How could he be the new emperor?

Then the emperor said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone here a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds, which would not grow. All of you, except Ling, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Ling was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new emperor!"

If you plant honesty, You will reap trust.
If you plant goodness, You will reap friends.
If you plant humility, You will reap greatness.
If you plant perseverance, You will reap victory.
If you plant consideration, You will reap harmony.
If you plant hard work, You will reap success.
If you plant forgiveness, You will reap reconciliation.
If you plant openness, You will reap intimacy.
If you plant patience, You will reap inner strength.
If you plant faith, You will reap miracles.

But If you plant dishonesty, You will reap distrust.
If you plant selfishness, You will reap loneliness
If you plant pride, You will reap destruction.
If you plant envy, You will reap trouble.
If you plant laziness, You will reap stagnation.
If you plant bitterness, You will reap isolation.
If you plant greed, You will reap loss.
If you plant gossip, You will reap enemies.
If you plant worries, You will reap wrinkles.
If you plant sin, You will reap guilt.

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

CrimsonTide4

11-12-2002, 03:39 PM

Windshield message from a child:

One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets of town, taking those extra precautions necessary when the roads are wet and slick. Suddenly, my son Matthew spoke up from his relaxed position in the front seat. "Mom, I'm thinking of something." This announcement usually meant he had been pondering some fact for a while, and was now ready to expound all that his seven-year-old mind had discovered. I was eager to hear. "What are you thinking?" I asked. "The rain;" he began, "is like sin, and the windshield wipers are like God wiping our sins away." After the chill bumps raced up my arms I was able to respond. "That's really good, Matthew." Then my curiosity broke in. How far would this little boy take this revelation? So I asked... "Do you notice how the rain keeps on coming? What does that tell you?" Matthew didn't hesitate one moment with his answer: "We keep on sinning, and God just keeps on forgiving us." I will always remember this whenever I turn my wipers on.

CrimsonTide4

11-20-2002, 06:12 PM

Sometimes we need a quick reminder to slow down the do some things for ourselves. Here are 36 things we can do to help give us a better quality of life. While we might not be able to accomplish all of these things at one time, choose a few (or perhaps just one) to get yourself started. No one can care for you like you can care for yourself!

36 CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No, to projects that won't fit into your time schedule,
or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often
too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects
over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you to do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary
purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps,etc.,
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut.) This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line. (Try to read your Bible every day - make it a priority)
17. Get enough exercise.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write thoughts and inspirations down.
22. Everyday, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until its time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus!"
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but yourself not at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the
universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.

GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU**
"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

pinkey08

11-21-2002, 01:11 PM

Just because no one has been fortunate enough to realize what a gold mine you are, doesn’t mean you shine any less.
Just because no one has been smart enough to figure out that you can’t be topped, doesn’t stop you from being the best.
Just because no one has come along to share your life, doesn’t mean that day isn’t coming.
Just because no one has made this race worth while, doesn’t give you permission to stop running.
Just because no one has realized how much of a woman you are, doesn’t mean they can affect your femininity.
Just because no one has come to take the loneliness away, doesn’t mean you have to settle for a lower quality.
Just because no one has shown up who can love you on your level, doesn’t mean you have to sink to theirs.
Just because you deserve the very best there is, doesn’t mean that life is always fair.
Just because God is still preparing your king, doesn’t mean that you’re not already a queen.
Just because your situation doesn’t seem to be progressing right now, doesn’t mean you need to change a thing. Keep shining, keep running, keep hoping, keep praying, and keep being exactly what you are already... COMPLETE!

oneinamillion

11-22-2002, 10:03 PM

I wrote this at one turbulent time in my life obviously before I found Mr. Right and married him!!!!!:p :p

HOW LONG CAN I WAIT

How long can I wait
for you to get your priorities straight
It doesn't make sense when you say you care but you can't get be there
this I ask how long can I wait
for you to have a change of faith
beautiful, sweet, and smart...I've been told I am a thousand times
but why do I keep trying to change your dumb-as$ mind.
you yourself see these qualities of me like everyone else
but toward being with me you still rebell.
Now I feel silly asking myself what do I see in you
your qood qualities compared to mine equal few
So again why in the hell am I waiting on you
could it be your looks, the parties, the wine money or the romantic sex.
Although this is not all that I seek you gave it generously to me
I know that all of this blinded me to see that you're really not the one for me
and once I let go and God sees
He'll provide the real Superman thats already waiting to pamper me!!!!

-written in 1999 by me...dayum I felt like I was writing a song for Mary J. Blige.-

CrimsonTide4

12-06-2002, 08:38 PM

Thought for Today:

IT'S YOUR PEARL!

When something irritates you, how do you handle it?
Do you take it personal?
Do you stay in peace?
Do you take action?
Do you speak up?
Do you sit down?
Do you feel overwhelmed?
Or do you feel like you can overcome it?

When an irritation like a foreign substance gets inside an oyster, it produces a secretion. After months the secretion hardens and evolves into a pearl. Man dives dangerously in the deep seas seeking pearls. They are valuable sought after treasures. People actually pay for this "irritation"
that evolved into a pearl. When an irritation gets inside your spirit and life, you can either allow it to eat you up and develop ulcers, hypertension, back ache, head ache, stomach ache, heart ache or you can gain a pearl of wisdom from the experience. You can develop a new insight,
faith and a life lesson from your setbacks and pain. This pearl of great price that you've gained was once an irritation, an unwelcome intrusion into your life but now you see it differently. You come out of the depths of the
sea of despair, depression and discouragement. You can come out of the dark pool of water and rise to the surface and see the light. It's your pearl.
Turn your pain into pearls. --by Jewel Diamond Taylor

"We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all
things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those
who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. For
those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also
destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image
of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the
firstborn among many brethren. And those whom He thus foreordained, He also
called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made
righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He
justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and
condition or state of being]. What then shall we say to [all] this? If God
is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our
side?] He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up
for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all
[other] things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect [when it is]
God Who justifies [that is, Who puts us in right relation to Himself? Who
shall come forward and accuse or impeach those whom God has chosen? Will
God, Who acquits us?] Who is there to condemn [us]? Will Christ Jesus (the
Messiah), Who died, or rather Who was raised from the dead, Who is at the
right hand of God actually pleading as He intercedes for us? Who shall ever
separate us from Christ's love? Shall suffering and affliction and
tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or
destitution or peril or sword?
36Even as it is written, For Thy sake we are put to death all the day long;
we are regarded and counted as sheep for the slaughter. Yet amid all these
things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him
Who loved us. For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death
nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and
threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor
anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of
God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:28-39 AMP

Afrochic

12-06-2002, 10:11 PM

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

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

If you can express your beliefs without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed that almost three billion people in the world.

If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.

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

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

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

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

If you own just one Bible, you are abundantly blessed. 1/3 of the world does not have access to even one.

If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read anything at all.

CrimsonTide4

03-01-2003, 09:30 AM

LOVING BACK WILL TEACH YOU

Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of good luck.

Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness, and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, whatever they may be, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere. It would be safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly
pointless.

The people you meet who affect your life, and the success and downfalls you experience, help to create who you are and who you become. Even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important ones.

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

If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because in a way, they are teaching you to love and how to open your heart and eyes to things.--author unknown to me

"Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." Romans 12:9-10 NLT

CrimsonTide4

03-03-2003, 08:34 PM

LORD'S BASEBALL GAME!

Bob and the Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord's team was playing Satan's team. The Lord's team was at bat, the score was tied zero to zero, and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs. They continued to watch as a batter stepped up to the plate whose name was Love. Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because Love never fails.

The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single because Faith works with Love.

The next batter up was named Godly Wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass: Ball one. Three more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked, because Godly Wisdom never swings at what Satan throws. The bases were now loaded.

The Lord then turned to Bob and told him He was now going to bring in His star player. Up to the plate stepped Grace. Bob said, "He sure doesn't look like much!" Satan's whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking he had won the game, Satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen. But Satan was not worried; his center fielder let very few get by. He went up for the ball, but it went right through his glove, hit him on the head and sent him crashing on the ground; then it continued over the fence for a home run!

The Lord's team won. The Lord then asked Bob if he knew why Love, Faith, and Godly Wisdom could get on base but could not win the game. Bob answered that he did not know why. The Lord explained, "If your love, faith, and wisdom had won the game you would think you had done it by yourself. Love, Faith and Wisdom will get you on base but, only My Grace can get you Home.

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly."

CrimsonTide4

03-11-2003, 07:57 PM

"Once you make a decision...Never look back."

This is my mom's e-mail signature and it is the sho nuff truth FOR ME. :D

Honeykiss1974

03-14-2003, 12:02 PM

How to Change Your Mind

ACCEPTANCE
Accept what you feel without judgment or criticism. Your feelings are telling you something, learn how to listen.

WILLINGNESS
Be willing to change. Be willing to learn. Be willing to act. Be willing to listen. Be willing to be wrong.

FORGIVENESS
Give up what happened in the past for a change in the present.

CREATE
Look at what you do moment by moment, day by day. If what you are doing is not getting you what you want, STOP DOING IT! Create something new by doing a new thing.

What you focus on will become your reality.
Change your mind ...Change your Life

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.innervisionsworldwide.com/enrichment.htm#time

Honeykiss1974

03-19-2003, 12:26 PM

The Silent Years
=================

There are times when God will speak to you and then be silent
for an extended period of time. Silence does not mean you have
been forsaken by God. It simply means that God has spoken,
and now is the time to allow the word that He spoke to germinate
and come to pass.

Silence is not the same as peace. Silence is the absence of
noise, but peace is the presence of God! While you are going
through "silent years," you should focus on inner peace.

Inner peace produces outward confidence in the face of negative
circumstances so that we can go forward in the assurance that
even though tribulation is coming against us, we are more
than conquerors over it!

The Greek word for peace actually describes a spiritual
equilibrium no matter whatever may seek to upset us. The
biblical meaning of peace never denotes the absence of trouble.
Peace is not the absence of negatives but the presence of
positives. God's peace is inward and spiritual and never
predicated by contrary circumstances or negative events.

Poverty, sickness, death nor debt can override internal peace!

Silent years should indicate a time of reflection, introspection
and listening. The quieter we become, the more we hear.
However, we cannot rush the silent years.

Silent years are times of transition. Transition is always
uncomfortable and appears to last forever. We must ENDURE the
silent years! Whenever you see the word endure, it means that
there is no short cut through it. It must be endured.
You cannot circumvent what must be endured.

We are told to ENDURE unto the end. (Matt. 24:13)
We are told to ENDURE persecution and tribulation. (II Th. 1:4-10)
We are told to ENDURE hardness. (II Tim. 2:1-3)
We are told to ENDURE affliction. (II Tim. 4:5)
We are told to ENDURE chastening. (Heb. 12:7)

The key to being able to ENDURE is to see the END (ENDure).

Now, here are some things for you to question during the silent
years:

Is my life really submitted to God?
Am I submitted at home, work, church and to the government?
Have I learned my lesson?
What is God trying to teach me?
Am I humble enough to be teachable?
Has the fruit of patience been sufficiently developed in me?
Do I still have an appetite for the world in me?
Did I properly respond to the last thing God told me to do?
Have I attained a deeper faith?
Is my attitude right toward God and others?
Am I harboring unforgiveness?
What am I becoming?
Have I sufficiently developed and matured as a person?
Have I taken the time to minister to the Lord? (Acts 13:2)

During your silent years you should:

1. Practice and develop your gifts. Study.
2. Clarify. Define goals. Reorder priorities.
3. Serve (even while you are hurting).
4. Trust God.
5. Pray

Your silent years should change your life! You should come out
as a new person! When you come out, you should have a new level
of:

1. Knowledge
2. Responsibility
3. Authority/Power
4. Faith
5. Trust

Remember, problems never come to last, they only come to pass!

LeLe

03-21-2003, 11:06 PM

I'll be happy when...
We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are. After that, we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, when we are able to go on a nice vacation or when we retire. The truth is there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when? Your life will always be filled with challenges.

It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time with .. and remember that time waits for no one.

So, stop waiting ...
Until your car or home is paid off.
Until you get a new car or home.
Until your kids leave the house.
Until you go back to school.
Until you finish school.
Until you lose 10 lbs.
Until you gain 10 lbs.
Until you get married.
Until you get a divorce.
Until you have kids.
Until you retire.
Until summer..
Until spring.
Until winter.
Until fall.
Until you die.

There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. So work like you don't need money, love like you've never been hurt, and, dance like no one's watching.

This is somehting that I wanted to share especially since at this very minute are country is in a difficult position. I pray that every soldiers family be at peace with their place in this world and know that God will keep them and Bless them!!!

Honeykiss1974

03-27-2003, 10:48 AM

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you . . ." (John 14:27).

There are times in our lives when our peace is based simply on our own ignorance. But when we are awakened to the realities of life, true inner peace is impossible unless it is received from Jesus.

When our Lord speaks peace, He creates peace, because the words that He speaks are always "spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63). Have I ever received what Jesus speaks? ". . . My peace I give to you . . ." -- a peace that comes from looking into His face and fully understanding and receiving His quiet contentment.

Are you severely troubled right now?

Are you afraid and confused by the waves and the turbulence God sovereignly allows to enter your life?

Have you left no stone of your faith unturned, yet still not found
any well of peace, joy, or comfort?

Does your life seem completely barren to you?

Then look up and receive the quiet contentment of the Lord Jesus. Reflecting His peace is proof that you are right with God, because you are exhibiting the freedom to turn your mind to Him.

If you are not right with God, you can never turn your mind anywhere but on yourself. Allowing anything to hide the face of
Jesus Christ from you either causes you to become troubled or gives you a false sense of security.

With regard to the problem that is pressing in on you right now, are you "looking unto Jesus" (Hebrews 12:2) and receiving peace from Him? If so, He will be a gracious blessing of peace exhibited in and through you. But if you only try to worry your way out of the problem, you destroy His effectiveness in you, and you deserve whatever you get.

We become troubled because we have not been taking Him into account. When a person confers with Jesus Christ, the confusion stops, because there is no confusion in Him. Lay everything out before Him, and when you are faced with difficulty, bereavement, and sorrow, listen to Him say, "Let not your heart be troubled . . ." (John 14:27).

CrimsonTide4

04-12-2003, 12:12 AM

RELEASE, RELEASE, RELEASE

Lightening your load also means knowing when to release things. One of the most dangerous things is to be shackled to your past. We all make mistakes, we all have regrets, but we must learn how to move beyond them. Life is too short to allow yourself to be an inmate in the prison of bad choices and weak decisions. The prison of previous mistakes comes with jailers of guilt and regret. Together they hold you captive, torturing you with images of what you could have been and what you could have accomplished had you not done this or that or the other.

What's unfortunate is that most of us don't realize that the key to release ourselves is within our own hands. Often, we are our own wardens, prolonging the sentence. Actually, many times we are the judge, jury, and prosecutor, giving ourselves a life sentence of misery, mourning and regret. What we
need to realize is that there is only one Judge, and He is forgiving.

"Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God for He will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:7 NKJV)

Yes, we all make bad choices at one time or another, but all we need to remember is that if we ask the Lord for His forgiveness, He will be merciful and release us from our sins. So if our Father releases us from our sins,
why do we remain in the self-imposed shackles of our past? Let us lift up our voices in repentance, and the walls of our prison cells will fall away.

I'm not saying you can just walk away from your mistakes. Sometimes there are consequences that we have to live with. However, when we make a bad choice, we need just to apply the three Rs: We need to repent, try to rectify the situation, and take responsibility for our deeds. But once we do
that, we need to move beyond the guilt. --by T.D. Jakes (Maximize The Moment
- God's Action Plan for Your Life)

"THE SPIRIT of the Lord God is upon me, ecause the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the
prison and of the eyes to those who are bound, To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord [the year of His favor] and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion--to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit--that they may be called oaks of righteousness
[lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." Isaiah 61:1-3 AMP

Honeykiss1974

04-12-2003, 12:47 AM

I stumbled across my middle school's website and ran across this poem that was posted on the Special Education Teacher's page.

I just felt like sharing it.

Kids Who Are Different

Here’s to the kids who are different
The kids who don’t get all A’s
The kids who have ears twice the size of their peers
And noses that go on for days

Here’s to the kids who are different
The kids they call crazy or dumb
The kids who don’t fit, with the guts and the grits
Who dance to a different drum

Here’s to the kids who are different
The kids with the mischievous streak,
For when they have grown, as history’s shown
It’s their difference that makes them unique

CrimsonTide4

04-16-2003, 01:31 PM

YOU PUT THE DEVIL OUT BUT YOU LET HIM LEAVE HIS BAGS!!!!

You got out of a bad relationship because it was bad, but you are still resentful, and angry
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You got out of financial debt, but you still can't control the desire to spend on frivolous things
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You got out of a bad habit or addiction, but you still long to try it just one more time
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You said, I forgive you, but you can't seem to forget and have peace with that person
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You told your unequally yoked mate that it was over, but you still continue to call
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You got out of that horribly oppressive job, but you're still trying to sabotage the company after you've left
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You cut off the affair with that married man/woman, but you still lust after him/her
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You broke off your relationship with that hurtful, abusive person, but you are suspicious and distrusting of every new person you meet
(you let the devil leave his bags)

You decided to let go of the past hurts from growing up in an unstable family environment, yet you believe you are unworthy of love from others and you refuse to get attached to anyone
(you let the devil leave his bags)

WHEN YOU PUT THE DEVIL OUT, PLEASE MAKE SURE HE TAKES HIS BAGS, TOO!!

CrimsonTide4

04-18-2003, 10:27 AM

Usually two people start out together. One pulls ahead, the other drops to the rear. In some cases, the one in the lead can reach back and pull the other up to speed. In most cases, the one who reaches back gets slowed down, sometimes to a halt. Find your center and stay grounded in it. Know that you can still love a person who is running behind you, but if he/she starts walking, it is your responsibility to yourself to keep running.

Honeykiss1974

04-19-2003, 04:13 AM

The Holy Alphabet

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

Honeykiss1974

04-25-2003, 12:31 PM

In spite of the tragedies of war, terrorism, crime, social inequality, and economic disasters, isn't it good to be assured of these predictions?

10. The Bible Will Still Have The Answers

9. Prayer Will Still Work

8. The Holy Spirit Will Still Move Throughout The World

7. God Will Still Inhabit The Praises Of His People

6. There Will Still Be Incredibly Gifted Preaching

5. The Church Will Grow Faster Than Ever

4. God Will Still Pour Out Blessings On His People

3. There Will Still Be Room At The Cross

2. Jesus Will Still Love You

1. Jesus Will Still Save The Lost

Honeykiss1974

04-28-2003, 04:54 PM

This is one of the most important questions anyone can ever ask. The answer is easier than you think, and it can change EVERYTHING in your life in a way you have probably never imagined. Millions of people can testify to this truth. Please take a moment to consider an answer to this question.
Forget for the moment everything you ever heard about Jesus Christ. Forget about Him being the Son of God. Forget about Him being your savior and dying for your sins. Forget about Him offering you salvation and eternal life. Forget about Him healing you from your diseases. Forget about him offering you an abundant, happy life, free from worry. For the moment forget all of this.

Many people believe all of the above to be true, but a lot of people cannot relate to them. Perhaps you are one of these people. Maybe your life is so full of worry, pain, suffering, and trials right now that you don't know which way to turn. Maybe you are filled with doubt and anxiety, or tormented with some illness or disease. Maybe you are just looking for answers, for the secret to an abundant, happy, worry-free life.

Well, there is one thing that everyone can relate to no matter who you are, or what culture you live in, or what your current state of life is. Regardless of the trials and troubles you may now be experiencing, regardless of the doubt and anxiety, regardless of the pain and suffering, everyone understands and appreciates the value of friendship.

Almost everyone has had a best friend sometime in their life. The nice thing about them is that they care about you unconditionally. Yet as good as your previous friendships have been they were not perfect. This one is different! You may not know it now, but the best friend you have ever had is already here!

He will not demand anything from you in exchange for his friendship. You don't have to do anything special to communicate with him. There are no prescribed prayers or rituals that you have to go through to talk with him. He will always be there for you, 24 hours a day, whenever you need him. You will have his undivided attention at all times. No matter what you have to tell him, no matter how bad it might be, He will not judge you or condemn you. He will listen patiently to all that is in your heart. He will comfort you in your time of need. He will give you peace in times of trial. He will fill your heart when you are sad. He will forgive anything that you have done. He will heal your spirit when you are troubled.

You don't have to go through life feeling empty. You don't have to constantly worry about everything. You don't have to be unhappy. You don't have to be alone. You don't have to feel unloved. You now have someone who cares about you more than you could ever imagine Remember what was said in the first paragraph about forgetting all those things that Christians believe about Christ? By themselves they don't mean much to most people; however, in the context of the most perfect friendship you will ever have they suddenly take on new meaning.

Imagine a friend who is willing to die for you so that you might live. Imagine a brother who can heal a disease you have. Imagine a friend who will carry all your worries and your fears. Imagine someone who is willing to give you eternal life, just because he loves you. Finally, imagine someone who just happens to have the Creator God of the whole universe as his Father, who can petition this all-powerful being on your behalf anytime you ask. Well, you don't have to imagine it any longer. You have all of this right now!

You don't have to wait for Him to do many of these things for you because He already has. He has already died for you. He has already offered you salvation. He has already offered you eternal life. He is ready and willing to do even more for you, if you will let Him. He wants to carry your burdens. He wants you to give him your worries and your fears. He wants to give you an abundant, happy life. You only have to do one thing. You have to be willing to accept Him and all that He offers you. His gifts are all free, but you have to open your heart and be willing to accept them.

So what do you do now? The Bible tells us that you must repent of your sins, which is a heart-felt sorrow for all that you have done wrong in your entire life. Then ask your savior to come into your heart and forgive you. If you repent, and believe in your heart that He is the Son of God, your savior, accepting His shed blood as a sacrifice for your sins, and then are baptized, you will be saved! It's that simple. Finding a minister who will baptize you is easy. Just ask.

Then the most wonderful journey of your life begins! Yes, you may grow slowly at first, but that's OK. For most people friendships develop slowly. They grow gradually. You may want to consider this suggestion to help you grow closer to Him. Whenever you feel like it, just start talking to Him. No, you don't have to use some special prayer, just talk to Him with plain old conversation, like you would do when talking to a brother. Then let Him talk to you through His Word, the pages of the Bible, especially the four Gospels. Listen to what He has to say to you. Learn about His love for you. Get to know Him in a personal way. He will come to you and He will live in you and be there for you....no matter what! His love will flow through you to others.

Not only can you get to know Him through talking to Him and reading His words, you can also meet Him in Christians in whom He lives. You may want to attend a Christian church where you can meet with others who are also developing relationships with our Lord. Your relationships with like-minded people will help you to grow closer to Him everyday. (If you would like to know if we have a WCG congregation near you just write to us at the address below.)

Your best friend is also YOUR savior! He died for YOU! He is the way for you to have a personal relationship with the incredible God who created you. Your past sins no longer separate you from God once you have accepted his sacrifice. His grace, love, and mercy is sufficient to cover anything you have every done...ANYTHING!

Remember, you don't have to go it alone anymore. You can call upon Him anytime and He will be there for you. No matter what you do, He will always be there for you. That's His promise to you!

CrimsonTide4

04-28-2003, 08:00 PM

Mom sent this to me, I copied her bold and coloring. . .

April 28
Follow Your Dream

"And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee." -- (Exodus 3:11-12)

Have you ever had a Holy Spirit inspired dream, a dream of doing something really great for Jesus? A dream of being so prosperous, for instance, that you can finance a nationwide revival? A dream of leading thousands of people to the Lord?

At one time or another, you probably have, but perhaps you backed away from it. Maybe you thought, "Oh my, I couldn't do that. Satan's kept me defeated for so long I have a poor self-image."

If so, I have some good news for you. If you'll believe God, even a poor self-image won't keep you from success. Look in the book of Exodus and you'll see a man who proved that. His name was Moses.

Moses didn't have a very good self-image. He'd made a terrible mistake early in his career. It was a mistake that drove him into the wilderness and kept him there for 40 years herding somebody else's sheep.

He'd once dreamed of being a deliverer of God's people, but no more. As far as he was concerned, he was finished...a failure...a flop!

But God didn't think so. In fact, when God came to Moses in that wilderness, He didn't ask for Moses' credentials. He didn't mention his shady history. He just told him to go see Pharaoh and tell him to let God's people go.

Moses, however, was still wrestling with his poor self-image. "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?" he stammered.

You know what God said in response? He just said, "Certainly, I will be with thee."

You see, it didn't matter who Moses was. What mattered was that the living God was with him. The same thing is true for you today. You don't need a history of successes behind you to answer God's call. You don't need a string of spiritual credentials. All you need is the presence of the Lord.

Think about that when the devil tells you you're a failure, when he says you'll never be able to do what God has put in your heart to do. Put him in his place. Tell him it doesn't matter who you are because the living God is with you.

Then dare to follow your dream!

Exodus 3:1-14

CrimsonTide4

04-29-2003, 08:49 AM

Never go to war where there are no spoils. Choose your battles wisely and make sure that what you fight for is worth the price you pay.

Have you ever met someone who seemed to thrive on conflict? They are always picking on others, arguing, disagreeing, trying to get something started. They fight just for the sport of it, not because they passionately believe in a particular cause or want the gold trophy. These folks usually make poor decisions and others learn to ignore them and not take them seriously. We learn that they are really in a battle with themselves. But as we've seen, self-confidence does not come from merely putting everyone else flat on the mat just to show how strong you are. Self-confidence, including confidence in our ability to make good decisions, comes from within, from wisdom, faith, and awareness. Fighting a battle without anything at stake is a mute point, as futile as chasing the wind or trying to pour salt on a bird's tail feathers."

T. D. Jakes

CrimsonTide4

04-29-2003, 08:33 PM

Subject: Prize Fights (2 of 5) Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2003 10:58:35 -0400

"No, part of the art of making winning decisions is knowing when to fight and what you're fighting for. I recall a situation with one of my children's teachers in elementary school. When my son came home with a long face, I asked him what was wrong. He revealed that he felt his teacher had been too hard on him that day. She had forced him to read in front of his class even though he was embarrassed and shy. I immediately reacted like any father would: the proud papa who wants to defend his little cub. My son encouraged me to talk to him teacher and tell her to leave him alone. He wanted me to tell her that he shouldn't have to read in front of everyone if he didn't want to. I told him that I would like to wait another day or two and then talk to his teacher. During that interval, I considered what was at stake. I could take on his teacher and defend my little angle, which was how I had reacted inside. But I asked myself, What would I gain by doing this? It not only seemed that I might not have anything to win in this battle, I clearly might lose the respect of his teacher. On the other hand, if I cooled off a day or two and then talked to her calmly, maybe I could understand the motive in her handling of my son. Maybe this battle was not a battle at all. As I came to find out from his teacher later, all the children were required to read in front of the class--my son just happened to go first. As she lifted the benefits of practicing oral literacy, I more than agreed with her approach. We even worked together so that my son could practice reading aloud more at home, a decision he didn't like at first but one that was ultimately for his good."

T. D. Jakes

CrimsonTide4

05-01-2003, 11:14 AM

Thought for Today:

YOUR VISION

What is your vision for your life? (That is where you want to be, do and have.)

How will your vision become real? (Your goals are your steps you take to make your vision a reality.)

Why do you want your vision to be a reality? (This is your motivation.)

When do you want your vision to be achieved? (This is your time table.)

What obstacles are you facing now? (These become your life lessons. They reveal your character, values, determination, faith and ability to
cope.)

Who do you spend a lot of time with? Who are your mentors, models and circle of family and friends? They have an influence on you. Is it helpful or hurtful?

I had countless dead end jobs and obstacles on the way to my living my vision of being a full time professional PAID motivational speaker and author. Many times I felt frustrated, lost, tired, impatient and financially stressed. I worked at so many temp jobs (shipping Dannon yogurt, telephone company, finance companies, hair care company, receptionist, home decorating sales secretary, car sales secretary, etc.) I did not allow temporary circumstances on the way to my dreams define or discourage me. I kept the main thing, the MAIN thing. I kept my vision clear. I cut out pictures and made treasure maps. I studied. I prayed. I spoke for free to learn the industry. I networked to make contacts. I took baby steps. I down sized my lifestyle and accepted delayed gratification. I fell down many times and got back up. I grew emotionally and spiritually. Many people around me did not see what I saw or believed what I believed. It was my dream. It was my life and it was my responsibility to work on it consistently. There will be many times you may feel like..."This is not where I'm supposed to be!" An Oliver Wendell Holmes quote confirms a success principle that kept me on my path. I pray that it encourages you today. He stated,..."The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving."

Keep moving. Keep growing. Keep believing and never give up!--by Jewel Diamond Taylor

"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." Proverbs 29:18 NIV

CrimsonTide4

05-01-2003, 11:16 AM

His Calm Within The Storm

In the message "Patiently Trust His Timing" we considered Abraham and Sarah as they waited for God's promise through the birth of Isaac. Waiting for God's direction and blessing can be a great test of our faith, but waiting on God for our rescue can be an even greater challenge.

There are three great storms detailed in the New Testament. The first occurred when Jesus was crossing the Sea of Galilee with His disciples. Jesus was asleep when the storm began, and the disciples became afraid and woke Him: "Lord save us! We're going to drown!" (Matthew 8:25). Jesus rebuked the disciples for their fear and proceeded to calm the storm; "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" (Matthew 8:26).

The second storm occurred immediately after the miraculous feeding of over five thousand people. This time, Jesus sent the disciples across the sea by themselves; and when the storm rose up, Jesus went out to them - walking on the water. As Jesus again calmed the storm, He spoke the same message against fear; "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid"
(Matthew 14:27).

The last storm occurred about thirty years after Jesus was crucified. Paul had proclaimed the gospel through much of the Roman empire and was being transported by boat to stand trial in Rome. A storm arose which blew the ship terribly off course. The ship was battered and tossed for several days: "We finally gave up all hope of being saved" (Acts 27:20).

It must have been difficult to trust God's timing as the storm continued through the many long days and sleepless nights. But as hope was fading away, God sent an angel to Paul with a familiar message.

Acts 27:23-24 "Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid.'"

There may be times when our ability to trust is severely tested. But our faith in God - in His ability to hold us secure - must be independent of the force of the wind. Though the winds may blow, we remain in His hands and must not fear; "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, but even if He does not..." (Daniel 3:17-18).

Most storms last longer than we prefer. But our Heavenly Father is leading us to the place where we can have peace, contentment, and even joy, whether the sun is shining or the storm is raging. He is calling us to be free of fear; calling us to trust Him more and experience His calm within the storm.

CrimsonTide4

05-01-2003, 06:35 PM

The Quilt

As I faced my MAKER at the last judgment, I knelt before
the LORD along with all the other souls. Before each of us
laid our lives, like the squares of a quilt in many piles. An
angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares
of cloth off the pile. I noticed how ragged and empty each
of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes.

Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had
been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced
with in everyday life.

I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest
holes of all. I glanced around me, nobody else had such
squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other
tapestries were filled with rich color and bright hues of
worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was
disheartened. My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of
cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed,
held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose,
each in turn, hold up their tapestries. So filled their lives
had been. My angel looked upon me and nodded for me
to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't
had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and
laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and
death, and false accusations that took from me my world as
I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled
with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the
strength to pick up and begin again.

I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been help up to ridicule, which I
endured painfully, each time offering it up to the FATHER
in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath
judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And
now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and
I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted
combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled
gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared
at me with wide eyes, then I looked upon the tapestry
before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an
image - the face of JESUS. Then our LORD stood
before me, with warmth and love in HIS eyes.

He said, "Every time you gave over your life to ME, it
became MY life, MY hardships, and MY struggles.
Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside
and let ME shine through, until there was more of ME
then there was of you."

May all your quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing
Jesus to shine through.

blackerican

05-02-2003, 10:09 AM

When you have discovered that your people have done everything....what it it that you can't do????

There are no impossibilities just levels difficulties!!!!

Give what it takes...and take what's given!!!!

Let's do the damn thing!!!!

Honeykiss1974

05-02-2003, 02:31 PM

Psalm 23
(For the Work Place)

The Lord is my real Boss, and I shall not want.
He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.
He gently reminds me to pray before I speak and
To do all things without murmuring and complaining.
He reminds me that He is my
Source and not my job.
He restores my sanity every day and guides my decisions
That I might honor Him in everything I do.
Even though I face absurd amounts
Of e-mails, system crashes, unrealistic deadlines,
Budget cutbacks, gossiping
Co-workers, discriminating supervisors, and an aging
Body that doesn’t cooperate every morning,
I will not stop -- for He is with me!
His presence, His peace, and His power will see me through.
He raises me up, even when they
Fail to promote me.
He claims me as His own,
Even when the company
Threatens to let me go.
His faithfulness and love are better
Than my bonus check.
His retirement plan beats every
401K there is!
When it's all said and done, I'll be
Working for Him a whole lot
Longer and for that,
I bless His Name

CrimsonTide4

05-05-2003, 12:54 PM

FORGIVE AND BE HEALED
By Deborah D. Delbridge

Not long ago, a woman approached me and asked me to pray for her because she had heart disease. As I began to intercede, I sensed the Spirit of God telling me that the healing of her physical heart was tied to the healing of her emotional heart. He showed me issues and hurts from her past that He wanted to heal. He also revealed to me that she was carrying unforgiveness that was blocking the healing He wanted to accomplish.

After I finished praying for her, we talked. She recounted a major tragedy in her life that had happened several years ago. She knew exactly who it was she was holding in unforgiveness but had never made the connection between the spiritual and the natural. She did not realize that her own health was linked to her ability to release those who had hurt her.

Roots of unforgiveness are so common in the church that we often simply overlook them, but we need to be aware that our physical and emotional healing is often linked to forgiveness toward others and forgiveness toward ourselves.

Throughout Scripture, we see a connection between healing and forgiveness. In fact, the two seem to go hand in hand. Second Chronicles 7:14 says, "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (NKJV). Psalm 103:2-3 says, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases."

When Jesus healed the paralytic man, instead of saying, "Be healed," He said, "'Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you'" (Matt. 9:2)-but the effect was the same. The man picked up his mat and walked home (see v. 7).

Healing and forgiveness are related. When Jesus died on the cross, His blood was shed for our forgiveness, and His body was broken for our restoration and healing. If we hold unforgiveness against another person, we refuse to extend to that person one of the benefits Jesus died to give us-and, according to Scripture, put ourselves in a position of losing the benefit as well.

That's why our Lord commanded us: "'And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses'" (Mark 11:25-26).

Notice that Jesus wasn't offering us a suggestion. He gave us a mandate with a serious repercussion for disobedience: If we don't forgive, we will not be forgiven.

Unforgiveness blocks our communication with God and can block the healing of our body and emotions. So why not opt for divine health instead? Take your unforgiveness to the cross and exchange it for the grace and mercy of God. Release those who have hurt you and, at the same time, set yourself free from the bondage of the enemy. Open the door to healing today!

Adapted from "Diseases of the Soul" by Deborah D. Delbridge, copyright 2003. Published by Creation House Press. This book will take you to the hidden-most places of your heart and help you identify, confront and ferret out internal iniquities that you may not know are there. If you're ready for total freedom in Christ, order your copy by clicking here: http://cbw.strang.com/c.cgi?ProdID=9762&Source=SWSPON

PRAYER POWER
Week of May 5, 2003

Ask the Lord for grace to forgive those who have hurt you, release them into His hands, and pray blessings on them. Thank God for mothers and especially mothers in the church who have taught and nurtured others. Continue to pray for the world situation, asking God for righteous leaders and open doors for the gospel. Pray for those in authority over us, and for the protection of our borders, our leaders, our military and our families. I Tim.2: 1-8

Honeykiss1974

05-05-2003, 01:47 PM

Is Your Hut Burning?
Author Unknown

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small,
uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he
scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of
driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few
possessions.
But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home
to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The
worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and
anger.

"God, how could you do this to me!" he cried.

Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a
ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.

How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his
rescuers.

"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

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

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

For all the negative things we have to say to
ourselves, God has a positive answer for it.

You say: It's impossible
God says: All thing are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: I'm too tired
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-20)

You say: Nobody really loves me
God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)

You say: I can't go on
God says: My grace is sufficient (IICor.12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: I can't figure things out
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: I can't do it
God says: You can do all things (Phil 4:13)

You say: I'm not able
God says: I am able (IICor.9:8)

You say : It's not worth it
God says: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)

You say: I can't forgive myself
God says: I forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: I can't manage
God says: I will supply all your needs (Phil 4:19)

You say: I'm afraid
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Tim. 1:7)

You say: I'm always worried and frustrated
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

You say: I don't have enough faith
God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)

You say: I'm not smart enough
God says: I give you wisdom (I Cor 1:30)

You say: I feel all alone
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Heb.13:5)

CrimsonTide4

05-06-2003, 02:00 PM

Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it:

Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have power to create conditions in your life.

What you speak about, you can bring about. If you keep saying you can't stand your job, you might lose your job.

If you keep saying you can't stand your body, your body can become sick.

If you keep saying you can't stand your car, your car could be stolen or just stop operating.

If you keep saying you're always broke, guess what? You'll always be broke.

If you keep saying you can't trust a man or trust a woman, you will always find someone in your life to hurt and betray you.

If you keep saying you can't find a job, you will remain unemployed.

If you keep saying you can't find someone to love you or believe in you, your very thoughts will attract more experiences to confirm your beliefs.

Turn your thoughts and conversations around to be more positive and power packed with faith, hope, love and action.

Don't be afraid to believe that you can have what you want and deserve.

Watch your "Thoughts," they become words. Watch your "Words," they become actions. Watch your "Actions," they become habits. Watch your "Habits," they become character. Watch your "Character," for it becomes your "Destiny."

GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY!

Author Unknown

CrimsonTide4

05-06-2003, 02:23 PM

A Fragile Victory

In the message "The Lord is God - Follow Him" we saw how Elijah was used to demonstrate God's power and call the people of Israel back to a life of worship. Elijah witnessed the miraculous and unequaled power of God as he prayed during his confrontation with the 450 prophets of Baal; "The fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench" (1 Kings 18:38).

After this unquestioned answer to prayer, Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and prayed for rain - there had not been rain in the land for three years. Once again, Elijah witnessed the miraculous hand of God; "The sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose and a heavy rain came" (1 Kings 18:45).

Within a few days of these great spiritual victories, Queen Jezebel vowed to have Elijah killed. As soon as Elijah heard of the Queen's threat, he became afraid and ran for his life into the desert.

1 Kings 19:4
"He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.'"

Elijah was a man who spoke directly with God and clearly witnessed His awesome power; yet, he fell into great despair when faced with adversity.

What caused Elijah to become so fragile? Had he already forgotten God's power? Had victory caused him to take his eyes off God and begin to rely on his own strength? Or was he just worn out from being on the front line of ministry? Whatever the cause, in his moment of greatest victory, Elijah became the most vulnerable to attack and failure; "I have had enough Lord."

When life is a struggle, we must pray and "trust in the Lord with all our heart" (Proverbs 3:5). When life is running smooth, we must pray harder and trust even more. But when we experience victory and dance on top of the mountain - when we begin to feel strong and "self" assured - we must pray as if our very life depended on it and lean on the Lord as never before. Our moments of greatest vulnerability come when we beginto think we no longer require God's help.

Let's keep our eyes on Jesus and continue to renew our strength through prayer and the study of His Word; "apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). As His promises are fulfilled in our lives, let's prepare for a sustained and constant walk of faith. Let's examine our continual need to abide in His presence and guard against a fragile victory.

Honeykiss1974

05-12-2003, 11:31 AM

We need to learn to praise the Lord as much for a closed door as we do an open door. The reason God closes doors is because He has not prepared anything over there for us. If he didn't close the wrong door, we would never find the right door.

God directs our path through the closing and opening of doors. Once a door closes, it forces you to change your course. Another door closes, it forces you to change your course again. Then, finally, you find the open door and you walk right into your blessing.

The Lord directs our paths through the opening and closing of doors, but instead of praising him for the closed door (which keeps us out of trouble); we get upset because we "judge by the appearances." You have an ever-present help in the time of trouble that is always standing guard. Because He walks ahead of you, He can spot trouble down the road and set up a roadblock or detour accordingly. But through our lack of wisdom, we try to tear down the roadblocks or push aside the detour sign. Then the minute we get into trouble, we start crying, "Lord, how could You have done this to me?"

We have got to realize that the closed door can be a blessing. Didn't He say that no good thing would He withhold from them that love Him?

If you get terminated from your job, praise God for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves: it might be another job, it might be school.

If that man or woman won't return your call, it might not be them, it might be the Lord setting up a roadblock (just let it go). One time, a person had a bank they had been in business with for many years tell them "No!" to a $10,000 loan. The Lord put in their spirit to call another bank. That bank gave them $40,000 at a lower interest rate than the first bank was offering.

We can sometimes trap ourselves in doubt and discouragement through judging by appearances. Be grateful for the many times our Father has closed doors to us just to open them in the most unexpected places. The Lord won't always say in spoken words: "Go to the left, now to the right" ...sometimes He will just close the doors that are wrong for you. God Bless You Always!

-- Author Unknown

CrimsonTide4

05-13-2003, 11:35 PM

Burden Give Us Wings (http://www.webspirations.net/burdens/index.htm)

CrimsonTide4

05-14-2003, 11:15 AM

THE BIG SQUEEZE

There are 5 sponges laying on your kitchen counter top. Each member of your family has been cleaning up different areas of your home, but all the sponges look the same. You are curious as to what was cleaned in your home, but you can't tell by looking...they all look the same...so what do you do?

You squeeze each sponge to see what comes out. As you squeeze the first sponge, you see that cola comes out, and so you decide that someone cleaned
the kitchen with that one.

Upon squeezing the second sponge, you find tub and tile cleaner - that one was used to clean the bathroom.

Next, in the third sponge, you find motor oil - hubby was cleaning the garage!

In the fourth sponge, baby powder puffs out when it is squeezed - yep, the baby's nursery was done with that one!

And finally, in the last one, is floor wax - that was the one you used on the hall floor!

As you lay the last one down, you look again at their similarity - and they all look the same until they're squeezed. Christians are the same way. As life squeezes us, different things come out - anger from one, a need for revenge from another, tears from one, remorse from yet another - also greed, untruth, lust - and finally, from one saint, pours forth the love of Christ.

Just like the sponge, we can only squeeze out what is put in - stay in the Word daily, and be in continuous prayer, so that when life puts the squeeze on you (and it WILL), Jesus, and Jesus ALONE will shine forth from you!
--author unknown to me

"How shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed and keeping watch [on himself] according to Your word [conforming his life to it]. With my whole heart have I sought You, inquiring for and of You and yearning for You; Oh, let me not wander or step aside [either in ignorance or willfully] from Your commandments. Your word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You. ... I will meditate on Your precepts and have respect to Your ways [the paths of life marked out by Your law]. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live; and I will observe Your word [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it]." Psalm 119:9-17 AMP

Honeykiss1974

05-15-2003, 02:15 PM

New Shoes

By Tomeco N. Woods
CBN Staff Writer

My daughter’s feet seem to grow like grass in the spring. Every few months I know it is time to go shoe shopping because she will begin to complain, "These shoes hurt my toes." This cycle will continue until she has reached the size and height that God has determined her to be.

Like my daughter’s feet, believers continue to grow until we have become the men and women of God that He has predestined us to be. We must steadily grow toward the goal of perfection. "But wait," you say, "No one is perfect except Christ." The perfection of which I speak, however, is not a state of sinlessness, but rather spiritual maturity. It is God’s will for us to be perfect: mature and complete in Him.

"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48).

Have you ever heard people say, "Pastor really stepped on my toes today," meaning the Word that went forth addressed their individual lives and convicted them of some error? When our toes begin hurting even in our favorite shoes (those areas in our lives we thought we had spiritually mastered), it is God’s way of informing us that we have grown. Sometimes, though, we get so comfortable where we are that we refuse to move forward.

- "We have been members of the same church since childhood, why should we change now that we are middle-aged?"

- "I have been with the company for 17 years. I am three years from retirement. The Lord can not be telling me to leave now."

- "I faithfully give my ten percent tithe. What does God mean I should start giving fifteen percent instead?"

Whether because of fear or doubt, which are the same thing, we remain in our comfort zones because it is familiar territory. We like having the safety net of a "guaranteed" paycheck from our employers rather than the risk of opening our own businesses. We must open our spiritual eyes and begin to look at things the way God does.

The economy is evidence alone that there is no such thing as "guaranteed" employment any longer. The only financial guarantee is that if you are a child of God, He will supply all your need (Philippians 4:19). If God has promised you a business of your own, He must have also promised to send the customers as well. If the customers do not come right away, He must have promised to sustain you in the meantime. If God is sending you to a new ministry or to a new fellowship within your current ministry, it is because your purpose in the old one is complete. God’s goal for you in that ministry has been met, and it is time to move forward. We always want God to manifest Himself in greater ways in our lives, but we never want to do greater things for Him. You can not continually give $5.00 offerings and expect to receive million dollar blessings.

Your current position in ministry or on the job was fine for a season, but it is sinful to remain there once that season has passed. It is sinful because remaining anywhere after God has told you to move is rebellion.

"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry" (1 Samuel 15:23).

We need to recognize the seasons in our lives and move and act accordingly. Often, we hold up our own blessings because we have failed to let go and move forward. When Joseph was sold into slavery and sent to Egypt, it was necessary so that he would be in place to bless God’s people. Years passed, Joseph was elevated and the famine drove Israel into Egypt, but when the famine came and went Israel did not. The memory of Joseph faded in the minds of the Egyptians, but not as rapidly as did his influence. A new pharaoh arose who was threatened by the presence of Israel. Hence came the oppression and bondage. God used pharaoh to make Israel so uncomfortable in Egypt they had no choice but to leave (Exodus 3).

In 2 Kings 7 (verses 3-8) we read the account of a group of lepers who dwelled outside of the gates of the besieged city. They were not allowed to enter the city because of their condition. They could not go beyond the immediate vicinity of the city because the Syrian army surrounded it. Tired of being in limbo, they finally decided to make a move. If they stayed where they were, they would die of starvation. If they broke the law and entered the city, they could possibly die of starvation. But if they went to the Syrian camp, there was a chance they would be fed. Even if the Syrians killed them, the lepers reasoned their fate would be no less than if they stayed put.

"If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die" (2 Kings 7:4). In later verses we find that when the lepers stepped out in faith and went to the enemy’s camp, God had a blessing waiting for them that they did not even have room to receive. God made the footsteps of four leprous men sound like an Egyptian army and caused the Syrians to flee in fear leaving behind all they owned.

What do you have to lose by stepping out in faith? The better question is what do you have to gain? If your spiritual feet are cramping relentlessly, perhaps it is God’s way of telling you it is time for a new pair of shoes. Do not be afraid to heed God’s call and step out into unfamiliar territory. God will honor your obedience and the blessing that will come is far beyond anything you could imagine in your wildest dreams. Stop trying to figure out what God is doing, where He is taking you and why. Do not try to dull the pain by adding corn pads and insoles. Alleviate the pain in your feet and go shoe shopping. The pain is God’s way of telling you it is time for new shoes.

CrimsonTide4

05-18-2003, 08:00 PM

Today I need to be still and let God love me.

God’s love is my strength.

God’s love is my protection.

God’s love is my light in the midst of any darkness.

God’s love is the fulfillment of every hunger, every thirst.

God’s love is my source and supply.

God’s love, ever present, is the only thing I need, want or seek today.

For in the presence of God’s love, all is well in my life and in my soul.

Today, I need to be still and let God love me.

As I speak these words, as I think these words,

They take on the presence of the Holy Spirit

To become the circumstances of this day in my life.

Let it be so!

And So It Is!

MSKKG

05-18-2003, 09:07 PM

Such wonderful stories and sayings! Here's one that came to me from a friend:

Piece of Cake

Sometimes, we wonder "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?" Here is an explanation:

A daughter is telling her mother how everything is going wrong. She's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her, and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her mother is baking a cake. She asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "Absolutely, Mom. I love your cake."

"Here, have some cooking oil," her mother offers. "Yuck!" says her daughter. "How about a couple of raw eggs?" "Gross, Mom!" "Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Mom, those are all yucky!" To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good!"

We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

If you like, send this on to the people you really care about. I did. Hope your day is a "piece of cake!"

Read this line very slowly and let it sink in:

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

CrimsonTide4

05-19-2003, 02:46 PM

I was touched by this story...
I pray that you will be equally touched enough to share even further.
Be reminded that Angels come and go in so many forms; You may not always know when you are in their presence. Treat others the way you wish to be treated.
For your further edification, read: Proverbs 18:24 - A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
You are friends, whether by blood or not.

Shoes

My alarm went off

It was Sunday again.

I was sleepy and tired,

My one day to sleep in.

But the guilt I would feel

The rest of the day

Would have been too much,

So I'd go and I'd pray.

I showered and shaved,

I adjusted my tie,

I got there and sat

In a pew just in time.

Bowing my head in prayer

As I closed my eyes,

I saw the shoe of the man next to me

Touching my own. I sighed.

With plenty of room on either side,

I thought, "Why must our soles touch?"

It bothered me, his shoe touching mine,

But it didn't bother him much.

A prayer began: "Our Father"

I thought, "This man with the shoes

has no pride.

They're dusty, worn, and scratched

Even worse, there are holes on the side!"

"Thank You for blessings," the

prayer went on.

The shoe man said a quiet "Amen."

I tried to focus on the prayer,

But my thoughts were on his shoes again.

Aren't we supposed to look our best

When walking through that door?

"Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought,

Glancing toward the floor.

Then the prayer was ended

And the songs of praise began.

The shoe man was certainly loud,

Sounding proud as he sang.

His voice lifted the rafters,

His hands were raised high,

The Lord could surely hear

The shoe man's voice from the sky.

It was time for the offering

And what I threw in was steep.

I watched as the shoe man reached

Into his pockets so deep.

I saw what was pulled out,

What the shoe man put in,

Then I heard a soft "clink"!

as when silver hits tin.

The sermon really bored me

To tears, and that's no lie

It was the same for the shoe man,

For tears fell from his eyes.

At the end of the service,

As is the custom here,

We must greet new visitors

And show them all good cheer.

But I felt moved somehow

And wanted to meet shoe man

So after the closing prayer,

I reached over and shook his hand.

He was old and his skin was dark,

And his hair was truly a mess

But I thanked him for coming,

For being our guest.

He said, "My names' Charlie,

I'm glad to meet you, my friend."

There were tears in his eyes

But he had a large, wide grin

"Let me explain," he said

Wiping tears from his eyes.

"I've been coming here for months,

And you're the first to say 'Hi.'"

"I know that my appearance

"Is not like all the rest,

"But I really do try

"To always look my best."

"I always clean and polish my shoes

"Before my very long walk

"But by the time I get here,

"They're dirty and dusty, like chalk."

My heart filled with pain and

I swallowed to hide my tears

As he continued to apologize

For daring to sit so near.

He said, "When I get here,

"I know I must look a sight.

"But I thought if I could touch you,

"Then maybe our souls might unite."

I was silent for a moment

Knowing whatever was said

Would pale in comparison.

I spoke from my heart, not my head

"Oh, you've touched me," I said,

"and taught me, in part,

"That the best of any man

"Is what is found in his heart."

The rest, I thought,

This shoe man will never know. . .

Like just how thankful I really am

That his dirty old shoe touched my soul...

You might be best friends one year,

pretty good friends the next year,

don't talk that often the next year,

don't want to talk at all the year after that.

So, I just wanted to say,

even if I never talk to you again in my life,

you are special to me and

you have made a difference in my life.

I respect you, and truly cherish you.

Send this to all your friends,

no matter how often you talk,

or how close you are,

and send it to the person who sent it to you.

Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them,

and tell new friends you never will.

Remember, everyone needs a friend,

someday you might feel like you have no

friends at all.

. . .with God, all things are possible!!!. . .

Honeykiss1974

05-20-2003, 12:32 PM

It Is Better To Be Alone Than In The Wrong Company
By John Mason

Tell me who your best friends are, and I will tell you who you are. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights. Proverbs says, "A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses." The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate - for the good and the bad.

Think about it; almost all of our sorrows spring out of the relationships with the wrong people. Instead, "Keep out of the suction caused by those who drift backwards" (E.K.Piper). The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others it increases your mediocrity. A true Bulgarian proverb confirms, "If you
find yourself taking two steps forward and one step backwards, invariably it's because you have mixed associations in your life."

If a loafer isn't a nuisance to you, it's a sign that you are somewhat of a loafer yourself. I have discovered that an important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people. A true friend is one who is there to care. They remain your friends even if you don't deserve to have a friend. They will see you through when
others think you're through.

If you were to list your greatest benefits, resources or strengths, you would find that money is one of the least important ones while some of your greatest resources are the people you know. A true friend sees beyond you to what you can be. Invest in good relationships. The way to make a true friend is to be one. Your wealth is where your friends are. Consider
what Francesco Guicciardini said: "Since there is nothing so well worth having as friends, never lose a chance to make the right ones."

As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are. Friends that don't help you climb, will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you.

Consider this: never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the
wrong person.

Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere. With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it. Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life. Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships.

Source: Know Your Limits - Then Ignore Them by John Mason.

CrimsonTide4

05-22-2003, 10:44 AM

LIFE EXPERIENCES ARE MERELY LESSONS

A good woman knows God. She knows that with God the world is her playground, but without God she will just be played with.

A good woman is proud of herself. She respects herself and others. She is aware of who she is. She neither seeks definition from the person she is with, nor does she expect them to read her mind. She is quite capable of articulating her needs.

A good woman is hopeful. She is strong enough to make all her dreams come true. She knows love therefore she gives love. She recognizes that her love has great value and must be reciprocated. If her love is taken for granted, it soon disappears.

A good woman has a dash of inspiration and a dabble of endurance. She knows that she will, at times, have to inspire others to reach the potential God gave them.

A good woman knows her past, understands her present and moves toward the future.

A good woman does not live in fear of the future because of her past. Instead, she understands that her life experiences are merelylessons, meant to bring her closer to self-knowledge and unconditional self love.

~Author Unknown

CrimsonTide4

05-22-2003, 07:37 PM

Thought for today: "I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

I love a good movie. Action, romance, suspense - every new twist keeps me glued to the screen. I cheer when the characters are successful and cry when things get tough. As the plot unfolds, I marvel at the creativity of the screenwriters.

But sometimes the events of my own life seem to play out like a bad movie. When a new romance doesn't turn out as hoped, or I don't get the job I desire, I have to stop and remember I'm only seeing the movie one small scene at a time. God, on the other hand, has seen the film in it's entirety. He wrote the script! Perhaps that romance didn't work because soon God will have someone else for me. Or maybe a better job offer is only a few months away. We can't know the future, but we know that God does. God has a distinct plan for our lives and knows what is best for us in all situations.

When scenes from my life don't fit the desired storyline, it's good to know that there is a divine screenwriter who already has the plot planned perfectly.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for having a plan for our lives. Help us to trust you more. Amen

Belinda S. Ayers - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Honeykiss1974

05-22-2003, 10:18 PM

CBN.com -- There is a lot of talk about faith. Do we really understand it? Let's think about the story of the Jericho walls. The people marched around, blew the trumpets, and raised a great shout. (Joshua 6:1-20) What happened then? The walls came down. Was it because there was an earthquake? No, it was their faith in believing what the Lord said to do. They put action with their faith and were obedient. At the right moment, they SHOUTED.

Faith does not wait for the walls to fall down. Faith shouts them down.

When we least feel like proclaiming a shout of praise and victory about our trials and circumstances, that is the time to do it. We must say what God has said and speak to that wall or mountain in our lives and watch it crumble. SPEAKING and SHOUTING are the actions we need to do. It is our response to what we believe in our hearts to be true. It is the key to seeing the walls fall.

God told Joshua that he had given him the city and how long it would take to possess it. Do we give up too soon when we are waiting on a situation to change? We need to remember to keep on believing. When God reveals the time for your victory, you can shout. His timing is perfect.

We march to the orders of the Lord. We blow the trumpet once we hear the sound of urgency for a situation. The Lord speaks to our spirits and gives us faith. Then we will know our victory is right around the bend. Let us hold fast to the profession of our faith and not lose hope.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

The Amplified version says it best.

NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].

Also in James 2:17, it reads:

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

Joshua's wall was a literal, physical wall, but it can be any wall. Our walls can be the need for a healing, a financial breakthrough, relationships restored, etc. We must exercise our faith by seeing beyond the walls. The Wall that looks so incredibly difficult will come down with the SHOUT (action on our part) of faith. We can know that our victory will be on the other side.

In my own life recently, I had an opportunity to put this into action. My new great granddaughter became ill with a cold and a fever. I felt that I should go and pray for her even though I was sick myself. Within hours after arriving home, her fever had come down and was normal by morning. This is where faith couldn't wait. Like shouting the walls down, I acted on what God's Word tells us to do. Even though I didn't have an abundance of faith at that moment, I knew I needed to believe and leave the end result in God's hands.

So if in your life you find a wall that needs to come down, begin to SPEAK and SHOUT, because FAITH WON'T WAIT.

CrimsonTide4

05-23-2003, 12:04 PM

Lord,

Sometimes when I look

At my life

It seems like a homespun

Patch-work quilt…

Quaint, but not quite “together”!

There are bits and pieces of

Cloths and colors,

Scraps of material.

The days of my life.

When you began to put together

The days of my life

You must have known

Where each piece would go…

You’ve told me that I am

Fearfully and wonderfully

Made…

And I believe you, Lord,

I do!

I may not be velvet tapestry,

But even crazy quilts

Have purpose,

To give warmth and

Cozy comfort and

Color to a room!

Whatever I am, Lord,

You made me…

Lovingly,

Carefully,

Reverently,

And exactly right!

Author Joy M. Davis

Psalm 139:13-16

CrimsonTide4

05-28-2003, 02:32 PM

When a relationship or job ends, look at it as being
pushed out so you can be pushed up.

It may not feel good right now knowing you've got to start all over again. It may seem unfair and frightening. Just begin to realize there is a reason and season for everything. Great things
new things can happen if you can just hold on to your faith,
positive attitude and self-determination to rise again.
Sometimes a kick in the butt pushes us forward. Don't
stay stuck in your misery and focus on your circumstances.
Get up! Move forward and focus on your choices. Even if it
doesn't seem as if you have some choices, you can chose
your attitude. Will you be pissed off, pitiful, depressed,
indifferent or hopeful? The next move is on you!"
by Jewel Diamond Taylor, The Inner-tainer

e-mail - Jewel@DoNotGiveUp.net. Get motivated
when you visit www.DoNotGiveUp.net

CrimsonTide4

05-30-2003, 03:50 PM

Thursday's Thought For Today
"Only by doing the work on ourselves that is required to heal mental, emotional, and psychological wounds can we ever hope to be whole in our spirits."

Friday's Thought for Today
"I know that when we learn to love and honor ourselves, there is nothing that we cannot do, say or have unless we make the choice not to. I also know that when we have this kind of love in our hearts, the truth, as shocking as it may be, will in the end save us a lot of grief. I also know that when we learn to live from a consciousness of truth, responsibility, integrity, and unconditional love, the things we once wanted will no longer be satisfying."

CrimsonTide4

06-03-2003, 11:43 AM

MAKE YOUR DEPOSIT By Gail Rodgers

Shelly spent a lot of time and energy thinking about herself and her needs. The needs of others were often an intrusion and a frustration. She felt that she just needed to find herself right now.

It's true that there are times in life when we need to catch our breath and regroup after change has come our way. But God cautions us not to stay there.

In these busy days we live in we often feel tempted to back away from people and keep as much of our lives to ourselves as possible. Sometimes a deep loneliness in our spirit develops as we try to cocoon ourselves.

God invites you to deposit your life into His hands or His account. He wants to use your life to touch others and bring you fulfillment in the process.

He says, "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 10:39).

God created you as a package that is uniquely you. He put gifts, ideas and passions into you that He wants to bring back to the surface to be used by Him to touch others. This is where you will find your greatest fulfillment...in letting the God who created you work through your uniqueness to touch others.

Be careful not to spend your days just in "finding yourself". Deposit your life into God's account for Him to spend in ways that will amaze you and bless you as He uses you to do just what He created you to do.

~ Father God, sometimes I feel wearied by people and all their needs and demands. Thank You that You have created me uniquely. Thank You that when I put myself in Your hands You will use my uniqueness to touch some other life... and I will be blessed. Today I deposit my life in Your account believing, that as I spend my life for Your sake, I will actually find myself. Thank You for Your amazing grace that can use me as I am today because You will flow through me. Fill me now with Your Holy Spirit so I may walk today in Your plans for me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

CrimsonTide4

06-03-2003, 11:48 AM

Thought for Today:

ENOUGH!

A time comes in your life when you finally get it ... When in the midst of all your fears and insanity you stop dead in your tracks, and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out - ENOUGH!

Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears, and through a mantle of wet lashes you begin to look at the world through new eyes. This is your awakening.

You realize that it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change, or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that he is not Prince Charming and you are not Cinderella, and that in the real world there aren't always fairytale endings (or beginnings for that matter), and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you; and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.

You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will not always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are... and that's OK. (They are entitled to their own views and opinions.) And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself; and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval. You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you) and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected.

You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say, and that not everyone will always be there for you; and that it's not always about you. So, you learn to stand on your own, and to take care of yourself; and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.

You stop judging and pointing fingers... and you begin to accept people as they are, and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties; and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.

You realize that much of the way you view yourself, and the world around you, is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche. And you begin to sift through all the crap you've been fed about how you should behave, how you should look, and how much you should weigh; what you should wear and where you should shop, and what you should drive; how and where you should live, and what you should do for a living; who you should sleep with, who you should marry, and what you should expect of a marriage, the importance of having and raising children, or what you owe your parents.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for.

You learn the difference between wanting and needing, and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with; and in the process you learn to go with your instincts.

You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive. And that there is power and glory in creating and contributing; and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix.

You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.

You learn that you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the world ... and that you can't teach a pig to sing.

You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility, and the importance of setting boundaries, and learning to say NO.

You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry, and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

Then you learn about love. Romantic love and familial love. How to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving, and when to walk away.

You learn not to project your needs or your feelings onto a relationship.

You learn that you will not be more beautiful, more intelligent, more lovable or important because of the man on your arm or the child that bears your name. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be.

You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes.

You learn that just as people grow and change, so it is with love...and you learn that you don't have the right to demand love on your terms... just to make you happy.

And, you learn that alone does not mean lonely. And you look in the mirror and come to terms with the fact that you will never be a size 5 or a perfect 10, and you stop trying to compete with the image inside your head and agonizing over how you "stack up."

You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK ... and that it is your right to want things and to ask for the things that you want ... and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands.

You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect; and you won't settle for less.

And, you allow only the hands of a lover who cherishes you to glorify you with his touch ... and in the process you internalize the meaning of self-respect.

And you learn that your body really is your temple, and you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin eating a balanced diet, drinking more water and taking more time to exercise.

You learn that fatigue diminishes the spirit and can create doubt and fear. So you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels the soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play.

You learn that for the most part, in life you get what you believe you deserve ... and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for, and that wishing for something to happen is different from working toward making it happen.

More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone and that it's OK to risk asking for help.

You learn that the only thing you must truly fear is the great robber baron of all time-FEAR itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it, and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live on your terms.

And you learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom.

You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve; and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions, you learn not to personalize things.

You learn that God isn't punishing you or failing to answer your prayers. It's just life happening.

And you learn to deal with evil in its most primal state - the ego.

You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you, and poison the universe that surrounds you.

You learn to admit when you are wrong and to building bridges instead of walls. You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about-a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.

Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself; and you to make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever, settle for less than your heart's desire.

And you hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind.

And you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.

Finally, with courage in your heart and with God by your side you take a stand; you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can. --author unknown to me

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous - and how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up in the morning, you are still with me!" Psalm 139:13-18

CrimsonTide4

06-03-2003, 04:45 PM

GOD'S GREEN THUMB

They shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited. -- Ezekiel 36:35 (KJV)

My daughter was living with me during a desolate season in her life.
She woke up one morning and found me watering my last living plant, whose withered leaves drooped from the neglected plant. I used to have a green thumb. Now plants seem to dry up at a mere glance from me.

"Mom, I dreamed about that plant last night," my daughter began. "I was taking care of it, and it was beautiful and thriving."

I looked at her with rising compassion. "You are the plant," I said. "Just as you nurtured the plant in your dreams, God cares for you. With God's care, you will thrive."

"Thanks for that, Mom," she said, smiling.

God has a green thumb. Seeing the variety of plants that cover the earth leaves me in awe. But God's talents don't end there. God takes our withering souls and causes us to spring forth in new splendor, to bear much fruit.

Prayer: Nurturing God, nourish our souls with living water so the
barren areas of our lives bear fruit. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
How is God caring for me today?

-- Jeri Darby (Michigan, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Those whose lives seem to be withering

CrimsonTide4

06-04-2003, 11:10 AM

June 4

Strength Made Perfect

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength
is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory
in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

-- (2 Corinthians 12:9)

When you run into an impossible situation, a situation you simply don't
have the strength or the ability to handle, are you often tempted to
simply give up and accept defeat? Don't! Instead shout, "Glory!" because
the Word says God's strength is about to be made perfect in you.

The word translated "strength" in this scripture is dunamis. It means
"God's miracle-working power." Just think about that. When your human
strength ends, God has promised that His miraculous power will bring you
through!

If you'll look in Acts 14, you can see that promise in action. The
apostle Paul was stoned by a group of Jews, taken out of the city and
left for dead. Paul's human strength had ended. He was absolutely
powerless.

But the disciples gathered around him and prayed, and the Lord raised
him up and he went on his way. In other words, when Paul didn't have
enough human strength to overcome, God's miracle-working power was
sufficient for him. It enabled him to be an overcomer in spite of his
weakness!

So, if you are facing a crisis today. If you're sick and medicine has
failed you. If your finances are out of control. If your family is
falling apart. If bad habits have you hopelessly bound. If you've done
absolutely all you know to do and you still haven't gotten results. Then
rejoice! For when human strength ends, the power of God excels! Only
believe! God's grace is sufficient for you!

-- Gloria Copeland

SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 14:1-22

CrimsonTide4

06-11-2003, 12:26 AM

Thought for Today:

HANG ON TO EACH OTHER

Too often we feel alone. But there is always someone ready to take our hand. There is a beautiful story of an overworked nurse who escorted a tired, young man to her patient's bedside. Leaning over and speaking loudly to the elderly patient, she said, "Your son is here."

With great effort, his unfocussed eyes opened, then flickered shut again. The young man squeezed the aged hand in his and sat beside the bed. Throughout the night he sat there, holding the old man's hand and whispering words of comfort.

By morning's light, the patient had died. In moments, hospital staff swarmed into the room to turn off machines and remove needles. The nurse stepped over to the young man's side and began to offer sympathy, but he interrupted her. "Who was that man?" he asked.

The startled nurse replied, "I thought he was your father!"

"No, he was not my father," he answered. "I never saw him before in my life."

"Then, why didn't you say something when I took you to him?"

"I realized he needed his son and his son wasn't here," the man explained. "And since he was too sick to recognize that I was not his son, I knew he needed me."

Mother Teresa used to remind us that nobody should have to die alone. Likewise, nobody should have to grieve alone or cry alone either. Or laugh alone or celebrate alone.

We are made to travel life's journey hand in hand. There is someone ready to grasp your hand today. And someone hoping you will take theirs. --author unknown to me

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. " 1 Peter 3:8-9 NIV

CrimsonTide4

06-11-2003, 12:26 AM

Why is my burden so heavy? I slammed the office door and
leaned against it.
Is there no rest from this life? I wondered. I stumbled to my desk and dropped into my chair, pressing my face into my arms to shut out the frustrations of my existence.

"Oh God," I cried, Let me sleep. Let me sleep forever and never wake up! With a deep sob I willed myself into oblivion, then welcomed the blackness that came over me.

Light surrounded me as I regained consciousness. I focused on the source.

The figure of a man standing before a cross.

My child, the Person asked, why did you want to come to
me before I am ready to call you?

Lord, I'm sorry. It's just that... I can't go on. You see how hard it is for me. Look at this awful burden on my back. I simply can't carry it anymore.

But haven't I told you to cast all of your burdens upon me, because I care for you? My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

I knew You would say that. But why does mine have to be so heavy?

My child, everyone in the world has a burden. Perhaps you would like to try a different one?

I can do that?

He pointed to several burdens lying at His feet. You may try any of these.

All of them seemed to be of equal size. But each was labeled with a name.

There's Joan's, I said. Joan was married to a wealthy businessman. She lived in a sprawling estate and dressed her three daughters in the prettiest designer clothes. Sometimes she drove me to church in her Cadillac when my car was broken.

"Let me try that one." How difficult could her burden be? I thought. The Lord removed my burden and placed Joan's on my shoulders. I sank my knees beneath its weight. Take it off! I said. What makes it so heavy?

Look inside.

I untied the straps and opened the top. Inside was a figure of her Mother-in-law, and when I lifted it out, it began to speak.

Joan, you'll never be good enough for my son, it began. He never should have married you. You're a terrible mother to my grandchildren... I quickly placed the figure back in the pack and withdrew another. It was Donna, Joan's youngest daughter. Her head was bandaged from the surgery that had failed to resolve her epilepsy. A third figure was Joan's brother. Addicted to drugs, he had been convicted of killing a police officer.

"I see why her burden is so heavy, Lord. But she's always smiling and helping others. I didn't realize."

Would you like to try another? He asked quietly.

I tested several. Paula's felt heavy: She was raising four small boys without a father. Debra's did too. A childhood of abuse and a marriage of emotional abuse.

When I looked at another, I didn't even try. I knew that inside I would find arthritis, old age, a demanding full-time job, and a beloved husband in a nursing home. They're all too heavy, Lord," I said. Give me back my own.". As I lifted the familiar load once again, It seemed much lighter than the others did.

Lets look inside He said.

I turned away, holding it close. That's not a good idea," I said.

Why?

There's a lot of junk in there.

Let Me see.

His gentle voice compelled me. I opened my burden. He pulled out a brick.

Tell me about this one.

Lord, You know. It's money. I know we don't suffer like people in some countries or even the homeless here in America. But we have no insurance, and when the kids get sick, we can't always take them to the doctor. They've never been to a dentist. And I'm tired of dressing them in hand-me-downs."

My child, I will supply all of your needs... and your children's. I've given them healthy bodies. I will teach them that expensive clothing doesn't make a person valuable in my sight. Then He lifted out the figure of a small boy.

"And this?" He asked. Andrew..." I hung my head, ashamed to call my son a burden. But, Lord, he's hyperactive. He's not quiet like the other two. He makes me so tired. He's always getting hurt, and someone is bound to think I abuse him. I yell at him all the time. Someday I may really hurt him.

"My child," He said, "If you trust Me, I will renew your strength, if you allow Me to fill you with My Spirit, I will give you patience." Then He took some pebbles from my burden.

"Yes, Lord," I said with a sigh. Those are small. But they're important. I hate my hair. It's thin, and I can't make it look nice. I can't afford.to go to the beauty shop. I'm overweight and can't stay on a diet. I hate all my clothes. I hate the way I look!

"My child, people look at your outward appearance, but I look at your heart. By My Spirit you can gain self-control to lose weight. But your beauty should not come from outward appearance. Instead, it should come from your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in My sight.

My burden now seemed lighter than before. I guess I can handle it now," I said.

"There is more, He said. "Hand Me that last brick. Oh, You don't have to take that. I can handle it." My child, give it to me. Again His voice compelled me. He reached out His
hand, and for the first time I saw the ugly wound.

But, Lord, this brick is so awful, so nasty, so...Lord! What happened to Your hands? They're so scarred!

No longer focused on my burden, I looked for the first time into His face. In His brow were ragged scars as though someone had pressed thorns into His flesh. Lord, I whispered. What happened to you?" His loving eyes reached into my soul.

"My child, you know. Hand me the brick. It belongs to Me. I bought it."

How? "With My blood."

But why, Lord?

"Because I have loved you with an everlasting love. Give the last brick to me."

I placed the filthy brick into His wounded palm. It contained the entire dirt and evil of my life: my pride, my selfishness, and the depression that constantly tormented me. He turned to the cross and hurled my brick into the pool of blood at its base. It hardly made a ripple.

"Now, My child, you need to go back. I will be with you always. When you are troubled, call to Me and I will help you and show you things you cannot imagine.

Yes, Lord, I will call on you.

I reached to pick up my burden.

"You may leave that here if you wish. You see all these burdens? They are the ones that others have left at my feet. Joan's, Paula's, Debra's, Ruth's... When you leave your burden here, I carry it with you. Remember, My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

As I placed my burden with Him, the light began to fade. Yet I heard Him whisper, I will never leave you, nor forsake you. A peace flooded my soul.

RedefinedDiva

06-11-2003, 01:01 AM

To be honest, I never read this thread. I have no reason not to. I just didn't. But tonight, I stopped in and decided to read the last post from CT4 about burdens and I began to cry. It was meant for me to read that. Sometimes, I am so moody and depressed about anything, nothing, and eveything. I always think that other people have it easier than I do and that I was dealt a bad hand in life. That post made me think and I am thankful that CT4 posted it, as well as the Lord guiding me in here to read it.

CrimsonTide4

06-11-2003, 09:53 AM

Originally posted by RedefinedDiva
To be honest, I never read this thread. I have no reason not to. I just didn't. But tonight, I stopped in and decided to read the last post from CT4 about burdens and I began to cry. It was meant for me to read that. Sometimes, I am so moody and depressed about anything, nothing, and eveything. I always think that other people have it easier than I do and that I was dealt a bad hand in life. That post made me think and I am thankful that CT4 posted it, as well as the Lord guiding me in here to read it.

My mama sent it to me 3 days ago and I almost just deleted it without reading it. I am glad I was obedient to God's spirit speaking to me.

I come read this thread a lot. . .:)

Honeykiss1974

06-11-2003, 12:56 PM

Maybe you are stuck in a dead-end job while all those around you are experiencing satisfying careers. Maybe you are an older, single woman waiting for Mr. Right while others younger than are experiencing marital bliss. Perhaps you have had difficulty starting a family when all your friends are having their second or third child.

Whatever the case, when you are waiting for God to fulfill your deepest desires, you can feel barren, stuck, and unable to move ahead; that is, if you let your expectations or others expectations of when and how things should happen rule your life.

It is my belief now, after having had many pity parties over being single and awaiting a blossoming career, that it isn't what you do or don't have that ultimately makes you happy or unhappy. It is how you approach those "barren" times that is the key to living a full life.

Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10b, NIV). He didn't say life starts only after you get married, or when you finally get pregnant, or when you are healed, or when you land your dream job. No, you can live life to the full now.

Hear me on this one: You are not bound by your circumstances. You can let circumstances keep you bound, causing you to wallow in self pity or to blame others for your ill fate, but ultimately you don't have to answer to your circumstances, because they don't define who you are or what you will become. Your success or failure does not depend on where you are in life right now. You are God's child, and in Him your future is guaranteed to be bright.

"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 hope and a future." That's the good news we learn from Jeremiah 29:11.

But often, we deceive ourselves into believing that God has better plans for others than He has for us, that He is blessing others more than He is blessing us.

If we let our minds follow this line of fallacious reasoning, we can become envious of the circumstances, social status, possessions, or talents of another. This is what the Bible considers "coveting," and it is the quickest way to ruin the work of God in your life.

While we are obsessing about what others have, we inevitably see the lack in our own lives. This makes us dissatisfied. Our jealousy leads to arguments, which will cause rifts in our relationships with others. Eventually, our covetous nature will poison our relationship with the Lord as we start to blame Him for our circumstances.

Did you know that when you accuse the Lord of not giving you what you want while you see others getting it, you are cursing the Lord and denying that all good and perfect gifts come from God (see James 1:17)?

But we don't see it this way. We continue to justify our behavior by reminding the Lord that we deserve to be happy and that we are only asking what others already have. Is it too much to ask the Lord to give us the same as others?

That kind of attitude will get us nowhere. God will not honor any requests made in selfishness and bitterness. He cannot, because He is holy and He is continually in the business of making you and I holy. And being holy means that He must wrench out those filthy motives. We must have clean hearts and hands before Him.

Don't get into the habit of comparing yourself with someone else. For one, it's sin. As it says in 2 Corinthians 10:12, "We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." We are therefore fools if we keep on measuring ourselves with those around us.

Second, who said you had to have the same timetable as someone else? "Well, so-and-so got married at 21, so I should, too," we reason. But the truth is that we each have our own timetables. In fact, as Christians, we are under God's timetable. We have inherited His day planner.

For some of you, this perspective on time may be frustrating, because God's timing often seems so slow, but I say it is one of the most freeing truths out there. The fact that I am not bound by time, that I am not bound by my own self-impinging deadlines is truly life changing. Knowing that my life is in His hands means I can concentrate less on checking boxes off my own checklist and let Him worry about it. I can take the focus off of myself, because I am not the ultimate ruler of my own destiny.

God says, "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). For some of us, that is a tough lesson. But when we focus on what we have rather than what we don't have or what others have, we experience joy and peace in knowing that God has provided greatly for us already.

We need not fear that God has forgotten us, because we can see His proven track record of faithfulness. And we need not worry that life is passing us by, because when we are in Christ, time and purpose are in God's hands.

When we focus on what He has done, we are focusing on Him. And when we set our minds on Him and choose to delight ourselves in the Lord, guess what He will do for us? He will give us the desires of our heart! (Check out Psalm 37:4.)

What does delight in Him mean? It means we can't be wasting our time arguing and complaining. It means we can't waste time striving to meet our own timetable. It means we can't waste time wishing we had what others have. All of those ways of thinking and acting will keep us in the wilderness, emotionally bankrupt and spiritually dry.

The way out of our barren moments is to enjoy the Lord right where we are.

You can bloom where you are planted. Give it to the Lord. Maybe it's not your season for marriage. Then it is a season for personal growth. It may not be your season for child-rearing, but it may be your season to reach out to your community. The key is not to waste those precious years where you can have a positive influence on others and be blessed in return.

Life doesn't start at 20 or 30 or 40. Life starts today. And when you mess up or miss the mark or find yourself in disappointing circumstances, you can rest in the mercies of the Lord, which are new every day, and look to Him with a thankful heart as you move through your own seasons of life.
___________________________________________-

http://www.cbn.org/living/family/relationships/singles-livelife.asp

Honeykiss1974

06-18-2003, 09:59 AM

DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Keep Your Dream Alive

By Charlene Israel
Staff Writer

Don't let fear, intimidation, doubt, lack of finances, etc., dictate to you that you can't fulfill your dream. Talk back to these killers. Tell them, "I can and will fulfill my destiny, my dream."

Do you have a dream -- something that you've always seen yourself doing? Perhaps you see yourself as a pastor, business owner, or even a news anchor. Whatever dream God has given you, don't let it die.

A dream is a wonderful thing. It can give you hope for your future and encourage you to try when all odds are against you. But beware, there are dream killers that want to snuff the life out of your dream. Don't let them do it!

People who can't or don't want to see your dream fulfilled can kill your dream. They may tell you that it is impossible for you, that you are not smart enough or that it's never been done before. However, many times the biggest dream killer is you.

Don't let fear, intimidation, doubt, lack of finances, etc., dictate to you that you can't fulfill your dream. Talk back to these killers. Tell them, "I can and will fulfill my destiny, my dream." You may have to do this everyday, but that's ok. The more you instill within your heart that you can do it, your dream will be held safe within you.

It is very important to take steps towards fulfilling your dream. For me, in order to fulfill my dream of one-day owning my own magazine, I needed to go back to school and finish my college degree. For you, it may be something different. You know deep inside what the voice of your dream calls for. Don't be afraid, just do it. Try not to let too much time go by. Time is another one of those dream killers.

Meditate on the words of a song by Yolanda Adams, "Keep the dream alive, don't let it die, it's something deep inside, keeps inspiring me to try, don't stop and never give up, don't ever give up on you. Sometimes, life can place a stumbling block in your way, but you've got to keep the faith…"

When you dream, dream BIG, and never give up. There's no law that says you have to dream small. Your dream is just that, yours. Never let anyone tell you that your dream can't happen, it can! Nurture your dream. Keep seeing yourself do what's never been done before. As you continue to feed your dream and protect it, not only will you keep it alive, but it has no other choice but to come forth!

Ephesians 3:20 sums it up this way:

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

Amen.

http://www.cbn.org/spirituallife/devotions/israel_dream.asp

CrimsonTide4

06-21-2003, 04:10 PM

Oseola McCarty

" WHAT THIS WOMAN HAS DONE WILL BE TOLD, AND PEOPLE WILL REMEMBER HER " MARK 14 : 9 (NCV)

The woman who anointed Jesus' feet wasn't looking for attention or trying to

impress anybody, she was just expressing her love for Him. But Jesus said, 'What this woman has done will be told and people will remember her.' Her act of love earned her a place in history.

Oseola McCarty lived in poverty in the Deep South of the USA. She left school early to care for a sick family member, taking in laundry for 50 cents a load. After paying her bills, she put the rest into savings. For years she lived a frugal life of quiet integrity, attending church, reading her Bible and praying every day.

When she was 86, she discovered to her amazement that she'd accumulated $250,000. The bank asked what she'd like to do with it. She'd always lived simply and wasn't about to change. So what did she do?

Oseola McCarty decided that others should have what she had gone without - an education. In 1995, she donated $150,000 to the University of Southern Mississippi, without asking that a single brick be named in her honour. When word got out, she received numerous honours, including a Presidential Citizenship Award from the White House and an honorary doctorate from Harvard. She travelled the country being honoured by people who wanted to meet a modern-day saint.

What will history say about you? Greatness isn't measured by birth, wealth or fame. You've already got what you need to be great in God's eyes! But you must be willing to invest into something bigger than yourself!

-Bob Gass

Honeykiss1974

06-30-2003, 11:07 AM

What needs are you facing in your life? Go through the Bible right now and find the promises of God that relate to that need (Matthew 11:24). Then lift those promises to God as you pray, reminding yourself of His faithfulness -- and using the Sword of the Spirit against the devil.

Let's pray together:

Lord,
I stand on your promises today as I pray for revival in my life, and in the lives of those who I am praying for.

I stand on the same promise that Paul gave to the jailer -- that if I believe on the Lord Jesus Christ I will be saved and so will my household.

I stand on your promise that you forgive all my iniquities, and you heal all my diseases.

I stand on your promise that if I confess my sin you are faithful and just to forgive my sin and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness.

Finally, Lord, I stand on your promise that if I have faith and don't doubt, I can say to a mountain, `May God lift you up and throw you into the sea,' and it will happen' (Matthew 21:21).

Thank you, Father, that you hear my prayer when I ask in faith. And thank you that you are faithful to answer.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Be BLESSED!

From www.cbn.org

Honeykiss1974

07-02-2003, 01:23 PM

There are moments in life when you miss someone so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Worry is negative energy that blocks insight and inspiration and
blinds us to the evidence of God's endless giving. No matter how bad things appear, God is always preparing you for something
better.

-Susan L. Taylor

CrimsonTide4

07-22-2003, 09:09 PM

1. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

2. Dear God, I have a problem, it's me.

3. Growing old is inevitable, growing UP is optional.

4. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.

5. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.

6. You do the math. Count your blessings.

7. Faith is the ability to not panic.

8. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.

9. If you worry, don't pray. If you pray, don't worry.

10. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.

11. Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape.

12.THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS IN YOUR HOME ARE THE PEOPLE.

13. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still; God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.

14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.

16. We do not remember days, but moments. Life is moving too fast -- so enjoy your precious moments.

17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it, otherwise it's just hearsay.

18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to FLUSH when you are done.

19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk taking. Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks out it's neck. ------"We are continually faced with great opportunities disguised as insolvable problems."

20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

"Trust God even when the pieces don't seem to fit."

This email was cleaned by emailStripper, available for free from http://www.papercut.biz/emailStripper.htm

Honeykiss1974

07-23-2003, 10:12 AM

A Prayer for When Life Doesn't Make Sense

Dear all-knowing, all-loving Father,

I am facing one of the hardest battles of my faith. You don't make sense to me right now, Father. I don't understand why things happen that you could prevent. My mind and my heart cry out for reasons and answers, yet I know that may not be for me to know right now.

Everyone around me thinks I am crazy to remain faithful to you, but I know that it is my only choice. Either you are God in control of the universe or you are not God at all. I believe that you love me and want what is best for me, even when it doesn't feel that way.

Give me strength and grace to fight this battle. Help me to focus on you, remember your love, and take the next step.

In your Almighty name,
Amen

lostnfound117

07-23-2003, 12:27 PM

Here are my top three favorites:

1. "There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is though EVERYTHING is a miracle."

2. "Stop telling God how big your storm is. Start telling your storm how big GOD is!"

3. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phillipians 4:13

lostnfound117

07-27-2003, 09:43 AM

>1. Give God what's right -- not what's left.
2. Man's way leads to a hopeless end -- God's way leads to an endless hope.
>3. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.
>4. He who kneels before God can stand before anyone.
>5. In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma --but never let him be the period.
>6. Don't put a question mark where God puts a period.
>7. Are you wrinkled with burden? Come to the church for a face-lift.
>8. When praying, don't give God instructions -- just report for duty.
>9. Don't wait for six strong men to take you to church.
>10. We don't change God's message -- His message changes us.
>11. The church is prayer-conditioned.
>12. When God ordains, He sustains.
>13. WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning.
>14. Plan ahead -- It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
>15. Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory position.
>16. Suffering from truth decay? Brush up on your Bible.
>17. Exercise daily -- walk with the Lord.
>18. Never give the devil a ride -- he will always want to drive.
>19. Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it.
>20. Compassion is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.
>21. He who angers you controls you.
>22. Worry is the darkroom in which negatives can develop.
>23. Give Satan an inch & he'll be a ruler.
>24. Be ye fishers of men -- you catch them & He'll clean them.
>25. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
>26. Read the Bible -- It will scare the hell out of you.

Honeykiss1974

08-04-2003, 04:56 PM

Father,

I ask you to bless my friends reading this right now. I am asking You to minister to their spirit at this very moment.

Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy.

Where there is self-doubting, release a renewed sense of your power through them.

Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, I ask You to give them understanding, guidance, and strength as they learn submission to Your leading.

Where there is spiritual stagnation, I ask You to renew them by revealing Your nearness, and by drawing them into greater intimacy with You.

Where there is fear, reveal Your love, and release to them Your courage.

Where there is a sin blocking them, reveal it and break its hold over my friend's life.

Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up leaders and friends to support them.

Give each of them discernment to recognize the evil forces around them, and reveal to them the power they have in You to defeat it.

I ask You to do these things in Jesus' name.....Amen!

:)

honeychile

08-04-2003, 08:32 PM

Ladies, sorry for crashing your board - but this is one of the most beautiful threads I've ever seen on ANY message board!! I am a better person for reading it.

May the Lord bless you real good!!

CrimsonTide4

08-04-2003, 08:37 PM

Originally posted by honeychile
Ladies, sorry for crashing your board - but this is one of the most beautiful threads I've ever seen on ANY message board!! I am a better person for reading it.

May the Lord bless you real good!!

You're not crashing. Anyone is welcome here. I am glad you were blessed by reading it. I get blessed anytime I read it as well.

CrimsonTide4

08-04-2003, 09:04 PM

A wonderful message for single women. And for married women to pass onto their single friends, enjoy it... In a brief conversation, a man asked a woman he was pursuing the question" What kind of man are you looking for?" She sat quietly for a moment before looking him in the eye and asking "Do you really want to know?" Reluctantly, he said "Yes."

She began to expound... "As a woman in this day and age, I am in a position to ask a man what he can do for me that I can't do for myself. I pay my own bills. I take care of my household with out the help of any man...or woman for that matter. I am in the position to ask "What can you bring to the table?" The man looked at her. Clearly he thought that she was referring to money. She quickly corrected his thought and stated "I am not referring to money. I need something more. I need a man who is striving for perfection in every aspect of life." He sat back in his chair, folded his arms, and asked her to explain.

She said "I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection mentally because I need conversation and mental stimulation. I don't need a simple minded man.

I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection spiritually because I don't need to be unequally yoked...believers mixed with unbelievers is a recipe for disaster.

I need a man who is striving for perfection financially because I don't need a financial burden. I am looking for someone who is sensitive enough to understand what I go through as a woman but strong enough to keep me grounded.

I am looking for someone whom I can respect. In order to be submissive, I must respect him. I cannot be submissive to a man who isn't taking care of his business. I have no problem being submissive...he just has to be worthy. God made woman to be a help mate for man. I can't help a man if he can't help himself."

When she finished her spill, she looked at him. He sat there with a puzzled look on his face. He said "You are asking a lot." She replied "I'm worth a lot."

-Author Unknown

lostnfound117

08-06-2003, 10:49 AM

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Happy moments, praise God.

Difficult moments, seek God.

Quiet moments, worship God.

Painful moments, trust God.

Every moment, thank God.

lostnfound117

08-07-2003, 01:08 PM

A PARTY

http://www.promiseofgod.com/directions/

Honeykiss1974

08-08-2003, 12:42 PM

CBN.com -
Are you at a crossroads? Have you been spinning your wheels too long? We want to see God move in our lives. If we don't take a step of faith, we are going to stagnate and die. We are like our nation right now. We are at a crossroads.

I am reminded of several stories in the Bible and how God moved for them.

1 Kings 4:1-7 is about the widow and the oil. The widow was told to collect the pots. She was asked to trust God for her needs. If we trust Him and have faith, He will supply our needs. God will provide! What do we have? God will add to it to supply the remainder of what we need.

I Kings 17:13-16 tells another example of a widow who was asked by Elijah to bake a cake for him. She only had enough for one more cake. We must trust God that He is going to supply our needs.

John 6:9-13 reminds us of how God multiplied the loaves and fishes. He can take our meager bit and multiply it.

Joshua 3:15,16 speaks of our need to step out by faith. The children of Israel had to step into the Jordan before God moved on their behalf. We've got to step out by faith so that we can let God work.

"…the Jordan was overflowing its banks. But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river's edge, the water began piling up…".

Deuteronomy 1:21, 27-32 exhorts us to be like Joshua and Caleb. The spies saw giants in the land, but Joshua and Caleb brought back a good report.

It took the Israelites 40 years to make an eleven-day journey to Canaan. We don't want to have the wilderness mentality that keeps us in bondage! We need to let go and let God! We need to take that step of faith and step into the Jordan. God will give you the peace and provide. We need to trust Him and He'll take care of the rest.

A word of prophecy was given at a prayer meeting recently. It said, "Put your hand in the hand of the Shepherd… It is a season of growth. It is a season of challenge. It is not a season of pulling back. You are at a time now where I am challenging you to grow, to trust me, to put your faith in me. I have never let you down and I will not let you down now."

Let's face it. We can't, but God can! Let's not limit God. Let us step into the Jordan!

CrimsonTide4

08-11-2003, 08:53 PM

If you are impatient, sit down quietly and talk with Job.
If you are just a little strong-headed, go and see Moses.
If you are getting weak-kneed, take a good look at Elijah.
If there is no song in your heart, listen to David.
If you faith is below par, read Paul.
If you are getting lazy, watch James.
If you are losing sight of the future,
Climb up the stairs of Revelation and get a glimpse of
The promised land.
--Charles E. Fuller

CrimsonTide4

08-12-2003, 02:38 PM

The Rope (http://www.ticz.com/homes/users/bob/The-Rope/The-Rope.htm)

Honeykiss1974

08-19-2003, 12:14 PM

What Do You Have Tied Up?

The question I'm hoping you are asking yourself is "What do I have tied up that Jesus wants to use?" You remember the story in Luke 19 where Jesus sent two disciples to get a donkey for him to ride into Jerusalem. He told them where that donkey would be, and he instructed them to untie it and bring it to him.

When they started to untie it, as Jesus told them to do, the owners of that donkey asked them what they were doing. Well, wouldn't you if that was your donkey? I can also imagine that they were a little perturbed to see two strangers taking their prized colt, evidently a young colt, since it had never been ridden. Can you put yourselves in their shoes? I wonder if they screamed at the disciples: "Why are you untying our colt?" I wonder if they were upset?

At any rate, when the disciples explained that Jesus had requested to use this colt, this one particular colt, it seemed to put an end to the entire discussion. Without another question, they gave the colt to the disciples for Jesus to use. I have to believe they knew who Jesus was. Perhaps they had heard him speak; maybe they'd seen him heal someone or cast out a demon. Their willingness to let go of a valuable possession so unquestioningly leads me to believe that Jesus was someone they knew about, someone they respected, perhaps even loved. I don't believe they would have so easily let that donkey go if they hadn't met Jesus.

You know, when you've met Jesus, when he has touched your life, when you've been transformed by his saving grace, it's not a matter of giving anything up or sacrificing. It is, instead, a deep desire to give him anything you've got that he wants. The greatest joy of your heart is to give back to the One who has given so much for you.

There should be no hesitation on our part to untie anything we have and allow Jesus to use it. But often I find myself in selfish mode, do you? I think in terms of my time or my money or my things, and I don't want to untie them. Just recently as I was traveling a situation arose where I didn't want to untie my time; I didn't want someone to intrude on my plans for my time. That old selfish nature comes to the surface easily.

But the Spirit of God convicted me and I was reminded again that it isn't my time, because I belong to Jesus and everything I have is his. One of the prayers I regularly pray is that God will make me to see that I am possessionless and positionless. In reality, I own nothing; I am a steward of God's gifts and will be accountable to him for all that has been entrusted to me. When we really come to see that, it isn't so hard to untie whatever it is that Jesus asks for, because it doesn't belong to us anyway.

What do you have tied up? What are you clinging to that God wants to use? You're missing a great blessing by hanging on to it.

CrimsonTide4

08-22-2003, 09:43 AM

How you define life determines your destiny. The way you view life is your life metaphor. It's your description of how life works and what you expect from it; it influences your life more than you realize and determines your expectations, values, relationships, goals, and priorities.

To fulfill the purposes God has for you, you will have to base your view on the biblical metaphors of life. These are: Life is a test, life is a trust, and life is a temporary assignment.

Life is a test.
God continually tests people's character, faith, obedience, love, integrity, and loyalty. Character is both developed and revealed, and all of life is a test. When you understand that life is a test, you realize that every day is important. God wants you to pass the tests of life, so he never allows the tests to be greater than the grace he gives you to handle them.

Life is a trust.
We are to be stewards of whatever God gives us. All we enjoy is to be treated as a trust that God has placed in our hands. If you treat everything as a trust, God promises three rewards in eternity: affirmation, promotion, and celebration.

Life is a test and a trust; the more God gives you, the more responsible he expects you to be.

Eclipse

08-22-2003, 10:29 AM

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20.00
bill.
In the room of 200, he asked, Who would like this $20 bill?
Hands started going up. He said, I am going to give this $20 to one of
you but first, let me do this. He proceeded to crumple the $20 dollar
bill up. He then asked, Who still wants it? Still the hands were up in
the air.

Well, he replied, What if I do this, and he dropped it on the ground and
started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now
crumpled, and dirty. Now, who still wants it? Still the hands went
into the air.

"My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what
I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in
value.
It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped,
crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the
circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless.
But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose
your value."

"Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to
those who love you. The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or
whom we know, but by WHO WE ARE."

You are special - Don't EVER forget it. If you do not pass this on, you
may never know the lives it touches, the hurting hearts it speaks to, or
the hope that it can bring. Count your blessings, not your problems.
Never be afraid to try something new.

And always remember...Amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the
Titanic.

Honeykiss1974

08-24-2003, 01:12 AM

The Road of Life

At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know Him.

But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal. I don't know just
when it was that He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since.

When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but
predictable. It was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds. It was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, "PEDAL! "

I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure, and when I'd say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand.

I gained love, peace, acceptance and joy; gifts to take on my journey, My Lord's and mine. And we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away. They're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd
wreck it; but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten, scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.

And when I'm sure I just can't do it anymore, He just smiles and says... "PEDAL!"

CrimsonTide4

08-27-2003, 11:31 AM

BRING JOY

Bring joy to every moment, whatever the moment may be. Rather than taking your cue from the circumstances you find, set out to inject your own living joy into the places you go and the things you do. There is always room for real, sincere joy, even in the most difficult of situations. And it is in those difficult situations that a grateful, joyful, positive heart can make the biggest difference.

Others may judge a particular task to be dreary, tedious, or tiresome, but that's just their opinion. When you approach that same task with joy and enthusiasm, you can add enormous value.

There's no need to wait for joy to come to you. You're perfectly capable of spreading it yourself, far and wide. During work and during play, when times are easy and when things are difficult, bring joy. If there's a reason for it, if there's no reason for it, even if there are reasons not to, bring joy.

Bring joy to every moment, and that is where you will know it.

-- Ralph Marston

CrimsonTide4

08-29-2003, 09:16 PM

Encourage, Love & Forgive

There comes a time in every woman's life when she has to take a close look at herself. Not at her circumstance, not at what she did, not how unfair life is or not at who made you do it. She has to just look at herself in all her glory and imperfection.

For many women, this is a scary thing because often times they don't want to know the truth about themselves. Virtuous women know what I mean. As women, we have a tendency to water one another down. Maybe it makes us feel good or look better than the next woman. Or maybe we just don't know how to tell that woman how we admire her. In reality, we really need to look at ourselves and the pain we project towards other women.

Have you ever admired a woman who has been through changes in her life? Or have you made up in your mind that she is just messed up. Before you make this mistake, take a close look. A woman who has endured the most unusual life is someone of wisdom. Someone who has been chosen by God to go through.

Think of all the great women in the bible, Mary Magdalene, Ruth and Naomi, The woman with an issue of blood, and Esther, to name a few. Mary was a prostitute. A very uneasy woman. But, by the time God was done with her, she was His closest follower. Esther was unfortunate in marrying an abusive man.

By the time God was done with her, she married one of the wealthiest men in the land.

Have you ever admired the strength of a single mother? Or have you made up your mind that it's too bad she had children on her own. A single mother knows no bounds when it comes to her children. She is strong and durable. Single mothers are strong, not because she has to be, but because it comes naturally for her to protect the extensions of her very being. Her love for her children is like that of fuel to a car. Most mothers keep their tanks full because they understand that, if it runs low, you could jeopardize the car and have problems in the long run. Other women only fill it when it is needed. Their cars usually break down.

Have you ever wondered why some women are not approachable? Or have you made up your mind that she is just mean. A quiet woman is a smart woman. She is valuable. She doesn't go off half-cocked and she won't be the one to argue with you over nothing. She just may even let you go on "setting her straight" and politely back out without a fight. She doesn't let many in her world. After all, she has probably been through the fire and had to rebuild.

So why let just anyone in? This is usually the woman that only has "small talk" and knows her place, which is away from all the unnecessary things in life.

Have you ever wondered why that woman is so loud? Well, hey she has a lot to say. These are usually our younger women who have to learn refrain. They are eager and unsettled. They do before they think, and they do not think before they talk. They just go.

Have you ever wondered about that woman who appears to have everything, yet is still very unhappy? Well, she doesn't have everything. She doesn't have personal validation. This is something that cannot be bought. This is something developed over many mistakes and challenges that have taught lessons of the unbearable.

Women are so quick to beat the next one down instead of trying to hold her up. Before you wonder, "What's up with her?" ask yourself, "What's up with me?" Why do I beat down another woman to build myself up? That woman could be my mother, sister, aunt, in-law, step-mother, niece, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, friend, co-worker, etc. That woman could just be me.

Women are the carriers of life, not the channels of death. Let's build and encourage each other as did Ruth and Naomi.

Honeykiss1974

09-04-2003, 12:10 PM

Perhaps you have said, "I will surely be happy when…." Or "I will be glad when…."

We spend a lot of our lives looking forward to some event or the completion of some project that is to make us happier than we have ever been before. In doing so, however, we miss a tremendous amount of joy that the Lord has for us each day.

The Apostle Paul reminded us in Philippians (which was written while Paul was in prison, not the type of prison we have now, but a dungeon) that we should "Rejoice in the Lord always." He also said, "In everything, give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Have you ever thought that being unthankful for everything is to be out of the will of God?

Perhaps you are going through an experience right now that is not of your liking. The natural tendency is to say, "I will surely be happy when this trial is over!" But the right Christian attitude is the attitude of gratitude! Job could say, in the midst of it all, "But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:10) While Job was not comfortable in his trial, he was content that God knew what was happening and that He had a purpose for the trial.

Since "we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28), :) we can give thanks for the current good thing that is happening in our lives.

As Habakkkuk said, "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

CrimsonTide4

09-12-2003, 07:41 PM

The U in JesUs

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

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

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

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

Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?

The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew, And this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.

When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension, He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.

"Go into the world and tell them it's true That I love them all - Just like I love U."

So many great people are spelled with a U,

Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?

It all depends now on what U will do, He'd like them to know, But it all starts with U.

Will yoU pass it on?

This email was cleaned by emailStripper, available for free from http://www.papercut.biz/emailStripper.htm

CrimsonTide4

09-15-2003, 10:11 AM

Have you ever felt like there were people in your life that should not be
there? There may be someone who likes you (for you) and likes the things
that you do and project. There are those who like you, but don't like the
things that you are trying to do - or just don't like things about you.
There are also those who don't like you, but like what you stand for, like
what you are doing in your works or your life. And then, there are those
who just don't like you at all. Think about it. Think about everyone who
you surround yourself with and think which one of those four examples do
they fit in. Think long and hard now, and don't try to fit them in more
than one category. Be honest with yourself. Even if you THINK they are your
friend, best friend, family member, WHATEVER, don't fake. Put them in the
category that they truly belong.

Now, think about you being a bus driver. Think about what a bus driver
does and what the bus driver's purpose is. A bus driver drives a bus.
Think of this bus as your life and you are still the driver. Now, on a
bus, people get on and people get off. (You feel where I'm going here ).
Think about the reason people get on and get off. Now, people get off a
bus, why? Because they have reached their destination. Right before they
reach their destination, they ring a bell. Feel me.... Remember, you are
the bus driver and when that person RIDING YOUR BUS rings the bell, you have two choices....To either STOP and let them off....(keep up with me
now), or you can STOP the bus...and beg them to stay on. But remember,
that bell rang TELLING YOU THAT IT WAS TIME TO GET OFF....Right.....

Here is your lesson....Again, the bus driver - YOU...the bus - YOUR
LIFE... the riders...THOSE GOING ALONG FOR THE RIDE...the bell signaling the stop....JESUS and your SPIRIT telling you - IT'S TIME FOR THAT RIDER TO GET OFF THE BUS (out your life)....

BOTTOM LINE...when the bell rings...stop the bus....let that rider/hater
off, shut the door (move on) and pull away....THE GOOD THING IS....there are plenty of bus stops down the road and people will always, always, get on your bus to ride...the key is knowing when to let them off.....

Get them off your bus people....it's your journey.

De6

09-16-2003, 09:36 PM

My aunt gets a lot of these little messages and sends them to me. I thought this one was really cute,so,I wanted to share it with you all.

Lunch with God

A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God
lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of Root
beer and started his journey.
When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old man. He was sitting
in the park just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to him
and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer
when he noticed that the old man looked hungry, so he offered him a
Twinkie.
He gratefully accepted it and smiled at him. His smile was so pleasant
that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a root beer.
Again, he smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all
afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word.
As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and got up to leave,
but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back
to the old man and gave him a hug. He gave him his biggest smile ever.
When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his
mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him,
"What did you do today that made you so happy?"
He replied, "I had lunch with God." And before his mother could respond,
he added, "You know what? He's got the most beautiful smile I've ever
seen."
Meanwhile, the old man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home.
His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and asked, "Dad,
what did you do today that made you so happy?" He replied, "I ate
Twinkies in the park with God." And before his son responded, he added,
"You know, he's much younger than I expected."
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a
listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all
of which have the potential to turn a life around.
People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
Embrace all equally.
Send this to people who have touched your life in a special way. Let
them know how important they are...(Have lunch with God!)
And... Thanks for touching my life

TonyB06

09-17-2003, 05:40 PM

No Anxieties

"In heaven I'll have no anxieties."

"Why?"

"I won't have to worry about how I'll pay my bills next month, next year."

"Why?"

"My needs will be met."

"But, why?"

"Uh-h-h...."

"Will all the food you need for the next year sitting all at once on the
table in front of you?"

"No"

"So, why won't you have anxieties?"

"B-b-because..... God w-w-will provide."

"So, you will trust Him then?"

"Yes."

"So...does something happen to God when you go to heaven that makes Him
more able?"

Honeykiss1974

10-05-2003, 07:58 PM

Praise the Lord

Matthew 14

30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Many of times we sink so down in our situation is because we are continually looking at the problems we face. We focus to much on the problems and not on the Solution. Peter had faith at the begining when he step out of the Boat his eyes were focusing on the Lord. But when he begin to see the wind and the waves begin to roar up.. that when he lost his faith..

And that how we are today we start off with great faith..but all of the sudden when , children, spouses, love ones, jobs, Financial, sickness, start to come or mess up.. to etc..etc..etc..we get into this panic stage and we forget who holds all the power in his hand.. God can speak a word to your situation.. and it will turn around for you.

the point is.. Don't worry when you feel trouble arising.. stay focus on God. You can't handle it. it's to big, you can tame it, because it stubbon,..etc..etc.. Pray about it and give to the Lord.. Leave it in his hands. I know its hard.. But you can trust God. God will never let you down. nor will he forsake you. Keep your eyes on the solutions which is Jesus. and not the problem.

Trusting God is one of our biggest fears.. We don't want to give the Problem to the Lord.. and let him work it out. When we try to do it on our own .. we will fail. and start sinking.. Like Peter.. God came right in when he was drowing...God don't want us to get into a habit to where the only time we call him when we are drowing in situation.

When you see trouble comes, Give it to the Lord right then.. I don't care if you feel the devil on the back of your heal trying to pull you down.. Keep your eyes on the Lord.Keep praying, keep fasting, keep studying your word.. keep going to church.... the Lord see and he know each and everyone of our struggle. God is our deliverer

!!!!!!KEEP YOUR EYES OFF THE STORM!!!!

31of31

10-06-2003, 10:57 PM

"Women are like tea bags. You never know their TRUE strength until they get in hot water." :D

CrimsonTide4

10-08-2003, 08:24 AM

A WORD WITH YOU
By Ron Hutchcraft
#4367 - "Never a Sunset Without a Sunrise"
Jeremiah 31:3-4

The sun never sets without it rising again. That's not just
meteorology. It's theology. It's a spiritual fact of life, and an emotional fact, that it's real
easy to forget when it's been dark for a while. But the sunrise principle is the basis
for hope when things around you seem hopeless. Key word: "seem."

In fact, God has a hope-filled promise for us today in our word for today from the Word
of God in Jeremiah 31:3-4. He says, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have
drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you again and you will be rebuilt ... again
you will take up your tambourines and go out and dance with the joyful." God's people had
been plundered, relocated, wounded, with most of what they cared about destroyed. They
hadn't seen the sun for a long time. But God says, "It's not over, kids. The sun's going to
come up again, no matter how dark it looks. Yes, things are in ruins - but I am going to
build you again - and when I get to restoring what you've lost, you will be rebuilt!"

That may well be what He's trying to say to you right now. Yes, the sun went down, and
it's been a long night. But it's not a permanent night - there's no such thing! There's no
such thing as a sunset without a sunrise. And God promises one! He's the great Restorer,
who promises in Joel 2:25: "I will restore to you the years that the locusts have eaten"
(KJV). Yes, that relationship has ended. Yes, you are financially broke. Yes, there has
been a major setback or failure or loss. But it isn't the whole book, my friend - this is
a chapter in the book. And the author has much more to write.

My friend, Audrey, has pretty much defined her past year by unresolved grief over the
death of her closest friend. But last week we walked through Isaiah 61, which promises the
Lord will "bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim ... release from darkness for the
prisoners ... He bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness
instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." And with a
cleansing flood of tears, she let it all go and traded her despair for praise, her ashes for
beauty, and the sun has come up again.

It won't always be like this - unless you decide to make it always be like this. My
prayer for you is Paul's prayer for his friend in Romans 15:13 - "May the God of hope fill
you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the
power of the Holy Spirit." He's going to rebuild you, and you will be rebuilt! You will
dance again! There's no denying that your sun went down and it got dark. But, remember,
there's never a sunset without a sunrise!

CrimsonTide4

10-09-2003, 11:12 AM

Thought for Today:

FULL OR LESS

Every day and in every way you choose to be powerless or powerful.

If you want to create more uncertainty and powerlessness in your life
then...
wait
disregard
delay
take no action
despair
neglect
worry
become apathetic
procrastinate
frustrate
hold back

If you want to grow, expand and create power in your life then...
be persuasive
be patient
be gentle
be strong
be teachable
be accepting
be resilient
be kind
be punctual
be forgiving
gain knowledge
be prayerful
speak up
discipline yourself
be active
be consistent
live with integrity
be sincere
be proactive
be different
be helpful
believe in God's unseen hand in all that you do, say and think
--by Jewell Diamond Taylor

Honeykiss1974

10-23-2003, 12:20 PM

1.) You cannot fix the problem if you’re consumed with fixing the blame.

2.) Don’t be surprised when God allows pain in your life. Pain is a fuel for passion – it energizes us with an intensity to change that which we don’t normally possess.

3.) Relationships are what matter most in life.

4.) Love cannot be learned in isolation.

5.) Choose to encourage rather than criticize.

6.) Every time you forget that character is one of God’s purposes for your life, you will become frustrated by your circumstances.

7.) Christ-likeness is all about transforming your character, not your personality. God created your uniqueness, so he doesn’t want to destroy it.

8.) The Holy Spirit releases his power the moment you take a step of faith. Obedience unlocks God’s power.

9.) Every behavior is motivated by a belief, and every action is prompted by an attitude. Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.

10.) The best way to become a “doer of the Word” is to always write out an action step as a result of your reading or studying or reflecting on God’s word.

11.) You’ll never know that God is all you need until God is all you’ve got.

12.) Your focus will determine your feelings. Don’t give in to short-term thinking.

13.) We learn real peace by choosing to trust God in circumstances in which we are tempted to worry or be afraid. Patience is developed in circumstances in which we’re forced to wait and are tempted to be angry or have a short fuse.

14.) There is a purpose behind every problem.

15.) God is faithful

CrimsonTide4

10-31-2003, 08:13 PM

Psalm 94:17-19

Movies wouldn't be nearly as exciting without those stunt men. You know those high-priced stars aren't going to take all the risks that give the viewer those big thrills. Every once in a while, a script will call for a man to fall off a building or a cliff. And that star says, "I'm outta here, folks." But later the viewer will see a man hurtling through the air backwards, and you know it isn't a dummy because his arms are flailing. Or maybe some might argue that the stunt man is a dummy for taking a plunge like that. But it sure looks like we won't be seeing that falling man again. Oh, but appearances aren't everything. No! It looks like he's headed for a crash, but he's actually headed for a net!

That man going over the edge, arms flailing, out of control - that could be a picture of David's condition in our word for today from the Word of God. It's in Psalm 94 beginning at verse 17. In fact, it could be a picture of your condition right now.

David says, "Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' Your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul." The Psalmist has good news for those of us who may be feeling like we're close to the edge, or even over the edge. There's a net there to catch you - the Lord's "support," His "love," and His "consolation." If you belong to the Father through Jesus, there is always, always someone there to catch you.

David was falling, he said. Slipping, anxious, feeling like he was going down. Maybe some feelings you can relate to. And remember this was the one that was called the man after God's own heart. I don't think it's that God was angry with him, but He allowed His man to be pushed right to the breaking point. Now, you have this ironclad guarantee from your Heavenly Father that, though He may allow you to be pushed to the breaking point, He will never allow you to be pushed beyond the breaking point. In God's own words in I Corinthians 10:13, "He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear."

Now, God will allow you seasons of desperation because He can do so much with us in our desperate times. Desperation drives us to release all our earth-idols and cling just to Him. Faith grows only when it is stretched, sometimes to the breaking point. But then, in just the last minute, God will bring you the specific encouragement you need - just in time to break your fall. And He knows just what kind of customized encouragement you need for a moment like this.

Because God sometimes waits to bring an answer, it looks to us like an answer isn't coming. Wrong! When that stunt man is falling, oh, it looks like he's headed for a crash when he's actually headed for a net. So are you. That's why you can experience peace when everything you depend on is shaking, hope when everything feels hopeless, and buoyancy when it feels like you're sinking. Your Heavenly Father will not let you crash. He is always there to catch you!

CrimsonTide4

11-06-2003, 09:01 PM

Have you ever
told yourself that you loved him/her.

Now remember how much you wanted
to act like you were in a movie, and
yell to everyone in the football stadium
"I love (fill in the name)!"

You told family and friends how perfect he/she was...
You told your boys/girls how he/she
was just what you were looking for.

Well, I told GOD I love Him today.

And He said to me, "How much do you love Me?
You haven't told anyone how good I've been to you.
You haven't shared how perfect My love is.
You haven't spread the good news that I
am always there to listen to your problems.

You haven't told your family how I helped
you pay your bills when you didn't have a
high paying job, or how I got you a better one.

You didn't tell your boys/girls how I took
away that addiction that would have cost
you not only your job, but that woman/man
that was just what you were looking for.

So how much do ! you really love Me?"

So, I said I would share with my friends
and family (for starters) just how
wonderful,
perfect,
understanding,
patient,
loving,
unselfish,
considerate
and forgiving
GOD really is.

He has blessed me with a family that loves
me, and friends in which I can confide.
But even more than that He has saved me
from a destruction I couldn't even see coming.
He gave to me the peace of knowing Him
and He has never broken a promise.

Truly He is the best thing that has ever
happened to me. And I stand in my stadium
today to yell to all "I love GOD!"

BE BLESSED TODAY & SHARE WITH SOMEONE ELSE.

When was the last time you
told God you Love Him?

CrimsonTide4

11-06-2003, 09:02 PM

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh." (2 Corinthians 10:3)

Do you know why so many believers are losing the battles in their lives?

They're fighting the wrong enemy!

They've been deceived into believing that just because a person said or did something to hurt them, that person is the one they need to fight. But they're wrong.

You see, the Bible says we don't wrestle with flesh and blood. And since people are definitely flesh and blood, they're never the source of our problem.

You just don't know what So-and-so did to me!"

It doesn't matter. If you waste your time fighting So-and-so, your real enemy will get away scot-free.

Who is that real enemy? Look at Ephesians 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Satan and his demons. They are your lifelong enemies! They are behind every personal affront you encounter.

The people who hurt you and persecute you are only Satan's tools. When he wants to strike out at you, he uses them to get the job done.

Remember this: Persecution is not the manifestation of another person's hate for you. It's a manifestation of Satan's fear of you. When you get into the Word and start swinging it around--using it like the sword of the Spirit it is--he gets scared. So he looks for some person he can send in there to stop you.

Next time someone hurts you, don't let yourself get sidetracked into fighting them. Bind the spirit behind them. Put flesh and blood battles behind and war with the weapons of the Spirit. Zero in on Satan with authority and the Word of God and bring your real enemy down!

Scripture Study: Ephesians 6:10-18

CrimsonTide4

11-06-2003, 09:04 PM

Grocery list

Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face,
walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a
most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries.
She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they
had seven children and they needed food.

John Longhouse, the grocer scoffed at her and requested that she leave his
store.

Visualizing the family needs, she said: 'Please, sir! I will bring
you the money just as soon as I can."

John told her he could not give her credit, as she did not have a charge
account at his store. Standing beside the counter was a customer who
overheard the conversation between the two.

The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good
for whatever she needed for her family.

The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, "Do you have a grocery list?

Louise replied, "Yes sir"

"O.K." he said, "put your grocery list on the scales and whatever
your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries."

Louise, hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her
purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She
then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still
bowed The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the
scales went down and stayed down. The grocer, staring at the scales, turned
slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, "I can't believe it."

The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the
other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put
more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more. The
grocer stood there in utter disgust. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper
from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement. It was not a
grocery list, it was a prayer, which said: Dear Lord, you know my Needs
and I am leaving this in your hands."

The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned
silence. Louise thanked him and left the store. The customer handed a
fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said, "It was worth every penny of
it." Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs.

TonyB06

11-07-2003, 09:21 AM

The cheerful girl was almost 5. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them: a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil. "Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please?"

Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the eyes of her little girl's face. "A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I’ll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself."

As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday a week later, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.

Jenny loved her pearls. She wore them everywhere - Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed.

Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?"

"Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess --the white horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my favorite."

"That's okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night."

And he brushed her cheek with a kiss. About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again,

"Do you love me?"
"Daddy, you know I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."

"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is so beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."

"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you” And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.

A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.

"What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"

Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace.

With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, Daddy. It's for you." With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny.

He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her the genuine treasure.

So it is with our Heavenly Father. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so that he can give us beautiful treasure.

Isn't God good? YES!
Are you holding onto things which God wants you to let go of.
Are you holding on to harmful or unnecessary partners, relationships, habits and activities which you have come so attached to that it seems impossible to let go?

Sometimes it is so hard to see what is in the other hand, but do believe this one thing ..................

God will never take away something without giving you something better in its place.

CrimsonTide4

11-07-2003, 09:27 AM

Originally posted by TonyB06
Sometimes it is so hard to see what is in the other hand, but do believe this one thing ..................

God will never take away something without giving you something better in its place.

I have read this story before but these last few lines are so true!!!

CrimsonTide4

11-07-2003, 10:40 AM

Blessings in Disguise

If you look at your problems as problems, they will
continue to hold you down. See them instead as
blessings in disguise, and that is what they will
truly become.

If you treat the challenges as excuses for failure,
you'll have plenty of excuses but not much else.
Approach those challenges instead as pathways to
success, and that is precisely what they will be.

There is more than enough richness in life for all
those who are willing to recognize it. That richness
most often comes wrapped in challenge so as to keep
its value intact.

For if the good things in life had no cost at all,
they would not be worth very much. It is the effort,
the discipline, the commitment to overcome any
challenge, that makes a dream worth reaching.

So whatever stands in the way of your dream is really
a blessing in disguise. For when you work your way
through it, you arrive at the place you most want to
be.

-- Ralph Marston

Honeykiss1974

11-13-2003, 12:01 PM

Just when you think you have it all figured out, something will show up to make you doubt yourself. At the precise moment when you think that your troubles are over and that things are finally going your way, things will appear to turn around and head in the other direction.

On the very day that you are feeling up, happy, ready to go, you will get news that will knock the wind right out of your sails. Life is just like that don't take it personally.

When bad times show up in the middle of good times, just sit down, get quiet, remember the truth about who you are, and pray. All things really do work together for your good.

Just because things take a curve does not mean they are not on track!

The curve could very well be a part of the process! Life always brings us what we are divinely entitled to, and sometimes it will not look the way we want it to look.

Sometimes we are being tested.

At other times we are simply being called on to SURRENDER, TO BE PATIENT, AND HAVE LOTS & LOTS OF FAITH!

From: Faith in the Valley
By: Iyanla Vanzant, Esq.

Honeykiss1974

11-21-2003, 02:31 PM

God's Plan
Ephesians 3:20

Take My hand and walk with Me, for I know what to do.
When it comes down to the plan that I have for You.
Do not fret when the world looks down on the stand you take,
Just look to Me and be ready to obey!

I know every desire hidden within your heart.
I was the One who planted them there from the very start!
Your mind cannot begin to imagine what I'm going to do.
I will guide you and to My glory your life will be used.

Take My hand and walk with Me, knowing without a doubt
That the God who made you has things completely figured out!

CrimsonTide4

12-02-2003, 09:14 AM

YOUR PAST IS NOT YOUR FUTURE
By Lisa Bevere

The apostle Paul had a great plan for fulfilling his destiny. In his letter to the Philippians, he outlined it. He wrote: "One thing I do: FORGETTING what is BEHIND and STRAINING toward what is AHEAD, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:13-14, NIV).

Paul knew what many of us need to learn -- that when we stretch back and try to make sense of all that has happened in the past, we are bound to be frustrated. Constantly replaying, reviewing and rewinding, we build different scenarios of what might have been. It's like trying to walk forward while looking backward.

We think, "If only I had done this or that, things would have been different." Yes, it is true; things would have been different. But you didn't do it differently, and thinking about it now can't change it then. Your past, no matter how tragic or terrible, is gone. You can never reach back into it and change it.

Even the wonderful parts of your past are gone. Don't try to live in them and allow them to drain your life in the present. It will only waste your time and energy.

God never goes back, although He is the only one who can. He goes forward. He is always looking ahead and moving beyond the present. He tells us, "'Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland'" (Is. 43:18-19).

God enjoys turning our wastelands into fertile plains. He has a plan for irrigating our arid land.

Those who look back say, "Tomorrow will be like today, because today was like yesterday." This is not how God views things. He never measures what WILL be by what HAS BEEN. He knows an important truth -- that your past is not your future.

In fact, He says in His Word that He has "'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'" (Jer. 29:11). He does not outline the plans for you or promise that you will know them. He only assures you that He knows the plans and they are good.

Dare to believe when you cannot see or understand. Decide to trust God for the future instead of wondering about it or assuming it will be bad. Knowledge does not require faith; not knowing does. God challenges us simply to trust Him and His Word.

My husband, John, always shares this truth: "Only one person can get you out of the will of God -- you!" No man, woman, minister, ministry, parent, spouse or friend can do it. Only you.

When you set yourself in agreement with God's will and plan for your life instead of dwelling on the past, the opinions of men, women, organizations and devils no longer matter. It does not matter how many times those around you have failed. It does not matter how many times you've failed. God never has.

And if God is for you, who can be against you? (See Rom. 8:31.) Decide today to trust Him, and watch His purposes prevail in your life.

Stop telling God you've got big problems.

Tell your problems you've got a BIG GOD!

CrimsonTide4

12-02-2003, 04:30 PM

Tuesday, December 2, 2003

Living confidence

Think of confidence not as something you need, or as
something you must somehow acquire before taking
action. Instead, see confidence as something you do,
as something you express, and then go do it.

Real confidence comes from the act of investing
yourself in it. Real confidence comes with action, not
in advance of action.

If you wait in idleness for confidence to somehow
magically come, it never will, but there is no need to
wait. Everything you need to take action is there,
whether you are confident or not.

Confidence can add a powerful positive dimension to
all you do. To make confidence take hold, build it
with your actions.

Let go of the myth that you must first be confident
before proceeding forward. Go ahead, make the effort,
and the confidence will surely come to add even more
power to your actions.

Stop waiting, stop wishing for confidence. Go ahead,
take action, and start living the experience of it.

-- Ralph Marston

CrimsonTide4

12-04-2003, 04:10 PM

The LORD says, "My thoughts are not like your thoughts. Your ways are not like my ways. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. So you will go out with joy and be led out in peace". ISAIAH 55:8,12

There are going to be times in our lives that we just don't understand what is going on. We have prayed and fasted sought good counsel everything we could think of we have done in order for things to go our way. Then we get the big let down and don't no how to act. How could God let this happen to me ? I have done everything he asked me to do. I cannot understand this situation at all . What is going on . Well the answer is simple. Your ways are not my ways Your thoughts are not my thoughts Get it Got it good. God knows what is best for us at all times, and sometimes we need a little disappointment to bring us back to reality remember only God knows your heart and what is beast in every situation. His way will bring us true peace and joy and lead us to ever lasting life.

CrimsonTide4

12-04-2003, 04:10 PM

Highly Valued Mist

In the message "More Than Grasshoppers" we considered the spies who were
sent into the promised land to evaluate the enemy. We saw that without
a proper understanding of God and how we fit into His plan, the enemies
in our life will always appear as undefeatable giants.

This sense of walking among the giants causes many of us to struggle
with insecurities, low self esteem, and general feelings of inadequacy.
While it's true we are called to: "in humility consider others better
than ourselves" (Philippians 2:3), we also must walk with a sense of
identity, purpose, and worth. And while it's true that in the context
of eternity we are "a mist that appears for a little while and then
vanishes" (James 4:14), this seemingly insignificant "mist" is dearly
loved by the Creator of the Universe.

Our real sense of identity, purpose and worth, will only be realized as
we understand that our value is never attained through the things of
this world which all pass away; it only comes from our Heavenly Father
who has adopted us as His child and made us an heir of His Kingdom!

Romans 8:15-17
"You received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'
The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs
with Christ."

The eternal inheritance we receive through this adoption makes
everything of the world seem extremely insignificant. We are a child of
God! This is our identity. While we walk on this earth, we are being
"conformed into the likeness of His Son" (Romans 8:29). This is our
purpose. And in our adoption, we are made "co-heirs with Christ." This
is our worth!

As this world tries to pull us down, let's remember our Father owns ALL;
"Every animal of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills"
(Psalm 50:10). He owns it all, created it all, and nothing is beyond
His reach. As others try to continually show us our faults and put us
down, let's remember that Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us - one
day we will be made perfect and walk down streets of "pure gold, like
transparent glass" (Revelation 21:21).

Let's pull these truths together into a victorious Christian life.
Let's hold on very loosely to anything of the world which artificially
determines our worth and passionately cling to our worth in Christ; "For
what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians
4:18). Let's live our life as a "vanishing mist" while remembering we
are co-heirs with Jesus in the Kingdom of God - let's live as an
honored, protected, and highly valued mist.

Honeykiss1974

12-05-2003, 03:32 PM

2nd Timothy 1:13-14 “Hold fast (seize and retain) the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.”

Over the last few months and really over this last year of 2003, many of us have had many “good things” declared, decreed and prophesied to us…prophetic words concerning what is ahead for the body of Christ in abundance and great blessing. We have had many words of destiny, appointment, purpose, transference of wealth, nations, harvest and many other awesome things that God is about to do in the earth in these last days.

In the Spirit I can hear people saying, “When is all this going to happen”? “When Lord? When Lord?” “When am I going to step into my call?” “When are we going to see this transference of wealth?” “When are we going to see this great harvest of nations come in?”

In the Spirit I can see people wanting to see God results in their life concerning the rhema words that have been given unto them freely by the Spirit of God.

The bottom line, is we can give out encouraging words, prophetic words, inspired by the Holy Spirit over and over, but only YOU can step into the fullness of the destination God has for you. No one can do it for you. God has great and awesome plans for everyone of His sons and daughters, for He knows the plans for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.

Instead of saying “when Lord?”, we need to begin to speak and proclaim into existence the awesome things of God that He has promised us, and come into agreement with every personal prophecy, with every corporate prophetic word, with every rhema word and with the written Word of God for our lives. For God is committed to all these awesome Words that have been spoken over us, but we must line up with His will and His Word for these to manifest.

God wants to move and breathe in your life more than you want it. God however only moves on “words” and not just any words. God moves on words of faith. He will not move on words of complaining, grumbling, moaning, whining or begging or words of doubt and un-belief. These words will not move God. God will not respond to these. Faith is the only thing that will move God. When He does move, He moves by His Spirit-the Holy Spirit who is our “Helper”. If the Holy Spirit is to “Help” us, we must understand the Holy Spirits ministry of “helps” and how to cooperate in agreement with the Holy Spirit to see God results in our lives, to help us reach those destinations and fullness of everything God has for us and everything Christ has purchased for us on the cross. “For if two of you agree on earth concerning ANYTHING that they ask it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.” (Matt 18:19) When you come into agreement with the Holy Spirit and His will for your life, there will be no stopping you! You and the Holy Spirit, that makes two baby!

Wherever you are at today in your life, you got there by your mouth, and the words you have spoken. The Word says that you can “have” what you “say”. God works by words. He spoke the universe into being. Jesus did all His miracles, healings and deliverances by “words”. Jesus spoke, and the Holy Spirit moved in power. We are made in the image of God, and we are to imitate Christ- “…so as He is, so are we in this world.” (1st John 4:17) Through our mouth comes blessing or cursing, life or death. As Believers are words are spirit and they are life if they are words of faith. Our words carry impact and destiny in them. So the Holy Spirit our helper moves on our words of faith. Faith has a voice. Its speaks. Romans 10:6 “…faith speaks in this way” Faith without a voice is powerless. Faith with a voice will move mountains and nothing will be impossible for you. Every time we speak doubt and un-belief or waver, the Holy Spirit cannot move on those words.

James 1:6-7 “But let him ask in faith with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.”

The Holy Spirit is who “performs” God’s word. If we stop confessing God’s word, He stops performing. The Holy Spirit desires to be our helper in reaching our destinations and destinies that God has for us, but we must understand His ministry is Word based.

Our words will either build up our destinies and purposes in God or they will tear down. Our words will either build up people or tear them down. If we want to see God results in reaching our destinations we must hold fast to our confession.

Hebrews 4:14 “…let us hold fast our confession.”

In the greek “hold fast” means to seize and retain. We need to seize and retain our confession and let nothing stop it or steal it. Let no doubt, wavering or un-belief in concerning God’s word to us in both rhema and logos word. God’s word must be the ultimate authority in our lives.

2nd Timothy 1:13-14 “Hold fast (seize and retain) the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.”

In order to “keep” the good things which God has spoken to us whether in a prophetic word, a rhema word or the promises of God to us through the Word, we must hold fast to, we must seize and retain these promises, rhema words, destinies and callings and let no doubt, fear or un-belief creep in and steal these good things that God has ahead for us and for the “now”. Your words will either nurture your call or tear it down. You need to speak out your destiny, your call and all that God has promised you by faith and confession on a continual basis. For how long? Until it comes to pass! Speak to those things which do not exist as though they did. (Romans 4:17)

Every thought and every word you speak is a seed planted in your life and in your heart.

James 1:21 “…receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”

Sometimes the words we speak are planted into other people. Therefore we must be careful what we speak to other people, be sure they are words of building up and not of tearing down. Words of blessing and not of cursing. For the power of life and death are in the tongue.

Romans 10:8 “But what does it say? The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.”

Once that seed is planted in you, the more you confess that word whether bad or good, is how you water that seed.

Proverbs 18:4 “The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters.”

So the more you water that seed with your confession, the deeper the root will grow. The only way for that root to grow and produce fruit is to keep doubt and un-belief away, otherwise they will choke out the word of God, and the confession you are speaking. Confession is powerless without believing. (Luke 8:11) Whatever you are speaking in your life, is what is manifesting.

So everytime you look at your circumstances and talk about your circumstances the root grows deeper. Out of the abundance of your heart, your mouth speaks, and directs your destiny in where you are going in God. In proverbs it says you will either be satisfied by your mouth or snared by your words.

Even the angels only work on Gods words.

Psalms 103:20 “Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word.”

You either activate of de-activate your angels by the words you speak. Wanna see your angels move on your behalf? Then make the Word your confession, your speech, and believe the Word when you speak it. Your angels are always working on your behalf when you are speaking words that line up with God’s will. Its when you stop speaking those things of God’s will that you paralyze your angels.

Want to see your destination come to pass? Let His words abide in you, you will ask/speak what you desire and it shall be done for you. (John 15:7)

You will step into the supernatural things of God on a continual basis when you are walking in faith with your confession. Without the faith your words will profit you nothing. Its part of the good fight of faith:

1st Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight of faith lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

My friends, speak your way into your destination! For all creation is subject to you by the authority Christ purchase for you on the cross. You will be astounded at the God results in your life as you line up your confession with the Word of God, with His will. Instead of saying “when Lord?” speak out what is about to happen in your life. Speak out increase in your life. Speak out the big things God has spoken to your heart and proclaim them. Don’t let the devil steal any seeds from your heart that are “God” seeds. For the devil comes to steal, kill and destroy. What is he trying to steal? He is trying to steal the Word out of your heart and your mouth. If he can get you to talk against God’s will, against the destination He has for you, against His Word, then he’s been successful.

Your destination is much greater than you could ever think or imagine, for Jesus is able to do far above all that you could think or imagine. So even though some of those things seem so “far off” or “so big”, speak them out every day. God is committed to you. He is committed to ALL the good things He has spoken over you and promised you, but He needs you to hold fast with your words, mixed with faith, so these things can profit you.

2nd Timothy 1:13-14 “Hold fast (seize and retain) the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.”

CrimsonTide4

12-06-2003, 10:31 AM

Being Mr. History, I've made sure our family has visited our share of Colonial restorations. We step back in history and we see men in their tricorn hats, ladies in their lace caps, and a potter. There's always a potter, and they're intriguing to watch, skillfully shaping that blob of clay. Now leave it to me to think about what it might feel like to be the clay. First, you get pushed and squeezed and poked all over the place. Then the potter takes you for a spin, and you're going around in these endless circles. The wheel stops; you're saying, "Man, sure glad that's over." Then suddenly you're in an oven - at 2,200 degrees! When you're just about cooked, the potter pulls you out - only to put you back in a little later! If you're the potter's clay, you've got to be thinking, "Why are you doing this to me?"

Strangely, I recognize a lot of those "clay" feelings! "God, why do you have me spinning around like this? Why are you squeezing me this way? Why are you subjecting me to this intense heat?"

Some of the answers are found in our word for today from the Word of God, Romans 8:28-29. We do verse 28 a lot, but you have to keep it with verse 29 to get the whole picture. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Now, if you've got some apparently "not good" stuff going on in your life right now, you may need a reminder as to what "His purpose" is.

Verse 29: "For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son." What's the "good thing" Jesus is using "all things" in your life for? Well, the highest good He can accomplish in any life. You say, "Oh, to make me happy?" No, that's not the highest good for your life. It's for you to become more and more like Jesus.

We're God's clay. The mold is Jesus. And God designed you to be, through the uniqueness of your own personality and gifts, a replica of His Son.

One of life's most frequently asked questions is, "Why, God?" The only answer that fits all situations is this: This can make you more like Jesus than you've ever been. What happens in your life is either something your Heavenly Father sends or He allows. But in either case, He only allows into your life what can make you more valuable, more Christ-like.

You can't learn to love like Jesus unless there's someone in your life who's hard to love. You can't learn His sensitivity without hurting. You can't be Jesus-patient without having to wait or to put up with something difficult or someone difficult. You can't learn joy without circumstances that you have to rise above. You can't learn peace without some pressure. You can't learn faith without needs that are bigger than your ability to ever meet them.

But unlike clay, you choose whether the Potter's beautiful intentions are realized. If you forget the Potter's goal, you can become desperate, bitter, hard, and all self-absorbed. Or you can let Him use it for the ultimate good. If you're going to get the pain, you might as well get the point! And that is to make you more like Jesus.

The oven and the wheel are God's tools to transform us blobs of clay into His masterpieces!

TonyB06

12-08-2003, 11:57 AM

History of the First Frat!

The first frat was founded around 5 b.c. There was only one founder. His name was/is Jesus Christ. He pledged a line of 12 men from various backgrounds. The line was nicknamed "The Disciples." Jesus was known as Big Brother Divine. The Ace of the line was Peter, (line name "The Rock"); The deuce was Andrew, Peter's brother (line name "Baby Boy"); The tail of the line was Judas (line name "Big Money"). Judas was the chapters' treasurer. He was known for stealing dues and misreporting funds. He later denied that he had pledged and committed suicide after he arranged to have the founder crucified. But the founder had connections that, three days later, would completely undo what Judas set in motion. When the frat came under heavy opposition, Peter also denied that he had pledged and stated that he had no connection to the founder.

Jesus Christ was later crucified, bearing "the wood" (the cross) for all of us once and for all, and on that day only one member of the frat was present, John (line name "The Beloved").

Fortunately, the members regrouped and began to charter more chapters as the centuries passed. The first reformation meeting was held in the Upper Room which eventually took over a line of 120 people. (Peter later pledged a line of 3,000 who were all initiated in one day!)

The most famous of all the frat brothers, outside the founder, of course, was Paul of Tarsish. He was known for being a "hater" of the frat but was eventually "persuaded" to become a member. He helped to form chapters at Corinth (2 chapters), Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colossus and 2 chapters at Thessalonica. (Note: Paul was Timothy's DP).

The history of this Frat has been recorded in what we call the Holy Scriptures or the Bible. The motto, vows, constitution, bylaws and fraternity song (written by David who was a fore runner for the frat) were originally recorded in the Canons of the Holy Scrolls which are now included in the Holy Bible.

Today the frat is still going strong with over 956,000 chapters and 600 million members world wide. Unfortunately, only 20% are financial (tithers), about 60% are shirt-wearers who don't attend meetings and do no community service, 40% have pledged other organizations (Nation of Islam, Mormon, Jehova's Witness. etc..) and a large part of the world's population have decided not to pledge because of the inability to maintain the high standards of the frat. (Your best daily attempt at righteous living and a desire to increase in knowledge daily)

The Fraternity is open to all prospectives. Rejects from all organizations are always welcome. We have no respect of persons. The ritual consists of confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as Lord. Initiation is immediate although the "process" is a life long experience. If you happen to drop off line (which most people do more than once) you will not be banned from completing the process. Although bonding with your fellow frats is important, your main focus should be on knowing your history and making a divine connection with our founder. Dues are 10% of your total earnings and membership is renewed daily.

Disclaimer: B.O.C (Body of Christ) is a non-hazing organization.

CrimsonTide4

12-13-2003, 08:20 AM

WHAT GOES AROUND

He almost didn't see the old lady, stranded on the side of the road. But even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her.

Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so ... was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe; he looked poor and hungry.

He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you.
He said, "I'm here to help you, ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Brian."

Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Brian crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt.

As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid.

Brian just smiled as he closed her trunk.. She asked him how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Brian never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way.

He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Brian added, "And think of me."

He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.

A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The cash register was like the telephone of an out-of-work actor-it didn't ring much.

The waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude.

The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Brian.

After the lady finished her meal, and the waitress went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, the lady slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back.

The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin under which were four $100 bills.

There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote "You don't owe me anything. I have been there too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you."

Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the
baby due next month, it was going to be hard.

She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, "Everything's gonna be all right. I love you, Brian."

There is an old saying "What goes around comes around."

RedefinedDiva

12-13-2003, 03:14 PM

That was so touching! :D

Honeykiss1974

12-16-2003, 11:39 PM

The Impossible Is God's Ideal:

I'd like to underline a major truth in this world of ours that I don't pretend to understand. Here it is: The best framework for the Lord God to do all His most ideal work is when things are absolutely impossible and we feel totally unqualified to handle it. That's His favorite circumstance. :) Those are His ideal working conditions. :D

God does His most magnificent work when the situation seems totally impossible from a human point of view, and we feel absolutely unprepared and unable to do anything about it, yet our eyes are on Him... that's when God rolls up His big sleeves and says, "Step back out of the way a moment, and watch Me work."

Time after time, He brings us to our absolute end and then proves Himself faithful. That, my friend, is the story of the Bible in a nutshell. :)

Scripture: Exodus 14:13,14

CrimsonTide4

01-02-2004, 05:02 PM

Somewhere on cable or late night TV, you might run into my old hero. He's a masked man who rides on a white horse, who shoots silver bullets and always brings in the bad guys. Every episode ends with someone asking, "Who was that Masked Man?" And as the exciting William Tell Overture crescendos in the background, someone will say, "It's the Lone Ranger!" I'm getting all emotional here. Now there was one other thing about the Lone Ranger. He had a faithful sidekick, that Indian man in buckskins, Tonto. He's the one who got famous calling the Lone Ranger "Kemo Sabe." I never did know what that meant. Maybe the Lone Ranger didn't know either. Maybe that's a good thing. But there is one thing about the Lone Ranger that always seemed a little hard to understanding - even the Lone Ranger wasn't alone.

I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "No Lone Rangers."

Actually, there were never meant to be any Lone Rangers. Let's go all the way back to the original Lone Ranger - Adam, the first man God ever created. As the Creation saga unfolds in Genesis 1, the Bible uses a phrase repeatedly to describe how God felt about what He had been created each day - "And God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:31 says, "God saw all that He had made, and it was very good."

There was, in fact, only one thing in Paradise that God said was not good. Our word for today from the Word of God, Genesis 2:18, tells us what it was. "The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'" And along comes Eve, and the rest is history.

But the point is really important - none of us is created to be alone. God says it's not good. But right now, you may be at a point where you're feeling pretty alone. I want you to think about this for a moment - extended loneliness is often a choice you make. See, all too often, we're lonely because we make choices that are cutting us off from people. Like withdrawing because you're wounded, going into self-pity mode, insisting that it can only be a certain person or persons who you will allow to answer your loneliness.

It's not good for you to be alone. So instead of waiting for something or someone magical to come in and end your loneliness, would you take action to break out of Lonely Island. God will give you the strength, but you have to take the step.

You may need to open up those feelings you've been burying, even if showing your feelings isn't usually your style. You're a prisoner of yourself. You have to do what you may not feel like doing, and that's to reach out to people when you feel like crawling into your cave. Maybe it's time to broaden your world, to risk moving beyond the small circle you've been depending on to meet all your needs. There could be a broken relationship you have to start to restore. Look for some people who need your love and attention. Your community is full of lonely people who need you. And treat people as you would like to be treated, not necessarily the way people have treated you. Remember, that's the Golden Rule.

Don't allow yourself to remain alone. Give yourself completely to the Savior who says, "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). And then, with your trembling hand firmly holding His strong hand, venture out of the cave called Loneliness into the light called Loving Others. Remember, even the Lone Ranger wasn't alone. And your Lord never meant for you to be either.

CrimsonTide4

01-07-2004, 01:25 PM

Going All the Way Through with God

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched....
—Isaiah 43:2
God wants us to be diligent and go all the way through with Him, not just go until the way becomes difficult, and then stop there. One of our greatest challenges is to face our mountains rather than trying to go around them.

Sometimes we go around and around the same mountain, and we end up like the Israelites in the wilderness who wandered around for forty years. (Deuteronomy 2:1-3.) We must learn to face our mountains, determined to go all the way through with God. That is the only path to victory.

I encourage you to go all the way through with God no matter how difficult it may seem. Let God have His way in your life. Pray for God's will and not your own will. God's way is for you to set your face like flint, dig in both heels, and go all the way through.

By the way, the attitude that you have while you are going through is most important. The Word says that it is to be a joyful attitude, otherwise you may have to make the trip again. (James 1:2-4.)

NOWorNEVER

01-07-2004, 01:41 PM

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
By the way, the attitude that you have while you are going through is most important. The Word says that it is to be a joyful attitude, otherwise you may have to make the trip again. (James 1:2-4.)

Lord, this is SO hard to do sometimes.

Honeykiss1974

01-11-2004, 10:24 PM

We’re always being tested. We’re tested by major changes, delayed promises, impossible situations, unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism, and seemingly senseless tragedies.

An important test is how you act when you don’t feel God’s presence. Hezekiah experienced this. Listen: “God withdrew…in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart” (2Ch 32:31 NLT). Hezekiah had enjoyed close fellowship with God, but at a crucial point God left him alone to test his character, reveal his weakness, and prepare him for greater blessing. Could that be what’s happening with you?

When you understand that all of life is a test, you realize that nothing is insignificant. Every day is an important day, and every second a growth opportunity to deepen your character, demonstrate your love, and depend more on God.

Are you in a time of testing? If so, rejoice. God never allows the test you face to be greater than the grace He provides. Listen: “He will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you strength to endure it” (1Co 10:13 TEV).

Every time you pass a test, God notices and makes plans to reward you. James writes, “When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (Jas 1:12 GWT). So hang in there, God will bring you through this test and make you stronger and wiser.

Honeykiss1974

01-11-2004, 10:41 PM

You don’t have to have a dream that others consider great, for it to be important in God’s eyes.

If your dream’s to be a great parent, that doesn’t mean you don’t have great faith, it just means you understand your calling. All Moses’ mother did was to give birth - but oh what a baby! God protected her son when she couldn’t do a thing to help him. Then He brought her to Pharaoh’s house and paid her to raise him. And when you discover your purpose, God will provide for you too! If you want to see the resources come, get the mission straight!

No matter how big your dream is, don’t let it intimidate you! As a child Joseph dreamed of being a great leader - which first landed him in a pit, then a prison. “Where’s your dream now, Joseph?” Understand this: your dream won’t always look like it’s coming together. Sometimes it’ll seem to die before it springs to life. The Bible says that Abraham ignored the fact that his body was almost dead, believed God and fathered Isaac, even though biologically speaking; it seemed like a lost cause.

Paul dreamed of taking on the world for Christ and folks around him called him a fool. Did that derail him? Not one bit. Listen: “We are fools for Christ” (1Co 4:10 NIV). God uses radical people who don’t care what they look like, people who’ve survived difficult pasts, defied the odds, held on to their dream and declared, “My God is able!” And you can be one of those people!

Honeykiss1974

01-11-2004, 11:04 PM

MARK 11:23 NKJ 23
"For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain,
`Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in
his heart, but believes that those things he says will come to
pass, he will have whatever he says.

"Talk to mountains? Do you think I'm crazy?"

Jesus talked to things, and taught that "whoever" could also
speak to mountains.

A mountain is primarily any obstacle that stands in your way.

Faced with obstacles, most Christians pray to God. But Jesus
told us to speak directly to the obstacle and tell it to be
removed.

There is nothing wrong with discussing things with God. You
should. But when something is blocking your progress -- Jesus
said YOU should tell it to get out of the way.

Most Christians just speak to God about the mountain, instead
of following Jesus' directions and speaking directly to the
mountain.

Are you just talking to God about the problems in your life,
instead of talking directly to the problems and telling them to
be removed?

MATTHEW 17:20 NKJ 20
"So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for
assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed,
you will say to this mountain, `Move from here to there,' and
it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

According to Jesus, unbelief keeps us from speaking to our
mountains.

What is the mountain in your life? What stands in the way of
your progress? What holds you back from going forward and
fulfilling God's plan?

Speak God's Word to that mountain!

Speak to the devil and his forces and tell them to get out of
your affairs.

Speak to sickness and tell it that it can't stay in your body.

Speak to debt and financial lack and tell them to be removed
from your life.

Speak to doubt, fear, and worry and tell them to be gone.

If you say, "I just can't believe it would do any good for me
to talk to problems," that's why you still have them.

Read what Jesus said again, and again.

SAY THIS: I will speak to the mountains that try to hold me
back.

CrimsonTide4

01-22-2004, 09:03 AM

But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

In a culture filled with moral depravity and pressures, Paul gave strong encouragement to the Corinthians about temptation. He said: (1) wrong desires and temptations happen to everyone, so don't feel you've been singled out; (2) others have resisted temptation, and so can you; (3) any temptation can be resisted, because God will help you resist it.

Don't try to resist temptation on your own--trust God's power to help you.

CrimsonTide4

01-22-2004, 03:41 PM

Matthew 6:27
Which one of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature.

Tell me something. What is worrying going to do for you? Jesus says take no thought for your life, for your food, for your body, or for what you should wear. In other words, is worrying about the situation going to change anything? Well, this passage of Scripture says take no thought. So don’t worry about it. Don''t buy it. Refuse the package. Say, “No, I am not signing for that.”

Taking a thought means that you''re worrying about how you are going to do this, or what are you going to do about that, or how are you going to live through this, cancer runs in the family. When you start talking like that, it becomes your thought. You have purchased it with your mouth.

Now just as a thought comes in your mind and becomes yours by saying it, a thought also leaves your mind by saying the opposite. That means, you have to replace it with something higher. When you replace it with God’s Word, then you''re taking something of the spiritual realm that has more power than the natural realm.

The natural realm says, I''m broke and don’t have any money.” The spiritual realm says, “my God supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory.” The natural realm says, “I''m sick.” The spiritual realm says, “Himself bore my sicknesses and carried my diseases.” The natural realm says, “I''m going to be by myself.” The spiritual realm says, “ it is written, I am with you always even unto the end of the world.”

I Peter 5:7, tells you to cast all your care upon God for He cares for you. When you allow worry, confusion, and care to govern your mind, you play right into the hand of the enemy. Then you will try to fix the problem with fleshly means, instead of working through the power that is only available through God’s Word.

Put the Word of God in your mouth—it’s higher than anything else. What you say will affect you first. God wants you to start with issues from the Word spiritually, first dealing with yourself. Eventually what you say will affect the natural problems in your life. Don’t follow after the flesh, say the opposite. Replace every thought with something higher—the Word of God.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:25-34; I Peter 5:7: I Corinthians 2:14-16

CrimsonTide4

02-03-2004, 09:08 AM

THIS IS GOOD!

The story is told of a king in Africa who had a close friend with whom he grew up. The friend had a habit of looking at every situation that ever occurred in his life (positive or negative) and remarking, "This is good!"

One day the king and his friend were out on a hunting expedition. The friend would load and prepare the guns for the king. The friend had apparently done something wrong in preparing one of the guns, for after taking the gun from his friend, the king fired it and his thumb was blown off. Examining the situation the friend remarked as usual, "This is good!" To which the king replied, "No, this is NOT good!" and proceeded to send his friend to jail.

About a year later, the king was hunting in an area that he should have known to stay clear of. Cannibals captured him and took them to their village. They tied his hands, stacked some wood, set up a stake and bound him to the stake. As they came near to set fire to the wood, they noticed that the king was missing a thumb. Being superstitious, they never ate anyone that was less than whole. So untying the king, they sent him on his way.

As he returned home, he was reminded of the event that had taken his thumb and felt remorse for his treatment of his friend. He went immediately to the jail to speak with his friend. "You were right," he said, "it was good that my thumb was blown off. And he proceeded to tell the friend all that had just happened. "And so I am very sorry for sending you to jail for so long. It was bad of me to do this."

"No" his friend replied, "This is good!" "What do you mean, "This is good?" How could it be good that I sent my friend to jail for a year?"

"If I had NOT been in jail, I would have been with you when you were captured."

Situations may not always seem pleasant while we are in them, but the promise of God is clear. If we love Him and live our lives according to His precepts, even that which seems to be bleak and hopeless will be turned by God for His glory and our benefit.

~Author Unknown

Honeykiss1974

02-03-2004, 05:39 PM

HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU
Olivia Long

I have given My Beloved so many wonderful promises. My righteous ones who have been waiting, ready to move on in My plan and sometimes you wonder have I forgotten you?

For some it seems as though family is crumbling around you. Some are seemingly sitting in darkness praying just to have comfort and peace and hopefully that there will be ultimate deliverance.

Some are very lonely and depressed. Some have made tragic mistakes and feel they can't be forgiven let alone move forward. Some are in the midst of uncertainty and hopelessness. Some feel like you are suffocating under the weights that have beset you.

For some there are doubts, fear or anger and you feel abandoned. Some have grown weary from the waiting.

Some are battling with an illness that says you are at death's door - you are in need of a healing, a miracle healing and you feel so helpless and vulnerable.

Some ask why haven't my prayers been answered? Why is this tremendous hurt still besetting me? Why am I suffering? When will I see an answer to my financial problems?

Why don't you tell me what to do? What did I do wrong? Some have even gone your own way and you depend on the words of others instead of My Word.

You have trusted in your own thoughts rather than Me and wonder if there can be any hope that I will still use you? Some are distraught for you know My promises for you but still you remain in a waiting mode, not getting anywhere let alone accomplishing anything for My Kingdom purposes.

Some have a great fear that you will blow it, that after you have waited so long and so patiently even when everything in you screams to move forward, still you stand-now concerned that at the moment I move you will miss it.

The enemy wants you to believe I have forgotten you by besetting your mind that I won't see your needs or answer your prayers and to whisper in your ear that I AM not listening and have forgotten you.

My Beloved, I CANNOT forget you because I am a God of justice.

My Beloved, hear me and believe Me in what I say unto you. I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU !!! Now is the time that I wish to remove any areas of doubt - any areas of fear - any areas of anger or bitterness. Instead of despair I bring you hope.

Know that through this lengthy storm that you have been enduring,where you sometimes think I have been doing nothing, that this is when I have been doing My greatest work in you.

Haven't I said that you are engraved in the palms of My hands? Haven't I said that I will make a way where there is no way? Haven't I said that I will provide for your every need? Haven't I said that I would heal every hurt?

Forgotten you? Beloved, I CANNOT forget a child of mine! When others have abandoned you in your hour of need, Ihave never abandoned you! Although the answers seem agonizingly slow in coming, Beloved, the answersARE coming!!! NOT ONE PROMISE I HAVE MADE UNTO YOU SHALL FAIL, FOR I HAVE SPOKEN IT!

Haven't I said that I will come with a vengeance, a God of recompense? SURELY, I will come and save you and SURELY, I will move you into your Kingdom position.

The battlegrounds have been many, but still the hope in Me was always deep in your heart so that nothing or no-one could tear you from Me. For all who have listened to Me, spent time with ME, obeyed Me, depended on Me even through all your failings, and still you wait upon your Lord and you will see Me move in unprecedented power and glory upon you.

I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU. I know exactly where you are and what you are going through, trust Me, I have it all under control.

I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU and you have My unfailing and unending love and My plan for your life. I will never leave you alone or forsaken. Your answers are coming and they will be the 'correct' answers and they will come RIGHT ON TIME.

I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU and I shall come to you. Prepare your hearts for I AM coming!!! This long season of heartaches, tests and trials is coming to an end so prepare the way for the Lord!!!

"For the Lord thy God is a merciful God. He will not forsake you, neither destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore unto them." Deut. 4:31

"For the Lord loves justice and does not forget His saints (holy ones, consecrated ones); they are preserved forever, but the descendents of the wicked shall be cut off." Psalm 37: 28

"Say to those who are of a fearful and hasty heart, Be strong, fear not! BEHOLD, your God will come with vengeance; with the recompense of God He will come and save you." Isaiah 35:4

CrimsonTide4

02-03-2004, 08:16 PM

HoneyKiss,

Thank you sooo much for the God Has Not Forgotten You post. I needed to read that today. I have not read all of the posts in this thread, but I am surely glad that I read this one. :D

Honeykiss1974

02-03-2004, 08:17 PM

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
HoneyKiss,

Thank you sooo much for the God Has Not Forgotten You post. I needed to read that today. I have not read all of the posts in this thread, but I am surely glad that I read this one. :D

Girl, it ministered to me when I read it, so you know I HAD to share it! :D

Honeykiss1974

02-13-2004, 12:56 PM

ENCOURAGING WORDS WHEN I NEED HELP

~Help is always available for me
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened" (Matthew 7:7,8).

~Help in times of stress
"Jesus says: 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened. And I will give you rest for your souls'" (Matthew 11:28).

~Help when I need a way out
"And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it"
(1 Corinthians 10:13).

~Help when I need to see a reason why I am suffering
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (James 1:2).

"All kinds of trials have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold ... may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed" (1 Peter 1:6,7).

~Help when I am under pressure
"I was under great pressure, far beyond my ability to endure. But this happened that I might not rely on myself but on God, who raises the dead" (2 Corinthians 1:8,9).

~Help when I need to encourage others
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts me in all our troubles, so that I can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort I myself have received from God" (2 Corinthians 1:3,4).

~Help in times of trouble
"Jesus says: 'I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world '" (John 16:33).

~Help when I think nothing good will come out of a difficult situation
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

~Help when I did to do my duty
"Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'? Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty'" (Luke 17:7-10).

~Help when I need courage in fighting the battle !
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints"
(Ephesians 6:10-18).

~Help when I need to experience God
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power" (Ephesians 3:16-18).

~Help when your mind it is clouded with negative thoughts
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things" (Philippians 4:8).

~Help when I am fearful
"I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from my fears " (Psalm 34:4).

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind"
(2 Timothy 1:7).

~Help when I am anxious
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6).

~Help when I have done wrong
"If I claim to be without sin, I deceive myself. But if I confess my sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive my sins and purify me from my unrighteousness" (1 John 1:8,9).

~Help when I am afraid of death
"Jesus too shared in our humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil --- and free us who all our lives were held in slavery by our fear of death" (Hebrews 2:14,15).
"'Death has been swallowed up in victory.' 'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? ... But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ"
(1 Corinthians 15:54-55,57).

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die'" (John 11:25).

"To Jesus who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood ... to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen (Revelation 1:5,6).

~Help when I need power to stand firm
"They (Christians) overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their
testimony" (Revelation 12:11).

~Help when I think no one loves me
"This is how I know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for me" (1 John 3:16).

"To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father - to him be glory and power for ever and ever. Amen" (Revelation 1: 5-6).

"God so loved the world that he gave his only and only Son that if I believe in him I shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
Prayer: "Lord, you know my weaknesses. Set me free to love you."

~Help when I need comfort
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts me in all our troubles, so that I can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort I myself have received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3,4).

~Help when I can't find peace
"Jesus says: 'Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God; trust also on me'" (John 14:1).

~Help to overcome when I am tempted to sin
"And God is faithful; he will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. But when I am tempted, he will also provide a way out so that I can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).

~Help when I start to worry
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" " (Matthew 6:25-34).

~Help when I need to pray
(Jesus says); "This, then is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one'" (Matthew 6:9-13).
"You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask you do not receive because you ask with the wrong motives..." (James 4:3).
Remember God is in control!
"Yet not one (sparrow) will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of head are all numbered" (Matthew 10:29,30).

~Help when I am lonely
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5,6).

~Help I need to see that others also suffer
Paul the Apostle says "I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked"
(2 Corinthians 11:23-27).

~Help in times of weakness
God says to you; "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

~Help when I cry out
"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:17,18).

~Help when I lack strength
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is my strength" (Psalm 73:26).
"The joy of the Lord is my strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31).

~Help when I am discouraged
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul ... Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for you are with me, your rod and staff comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalm 23).

Prayer: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts."

GOD DID NOT DESIGN US TO LIVE WITHOUT HIS PRESENCE AND POWER!

Honeykiss1974

02-17-2004, 12:29 PM

GOD NEVER GIVES UP
by Max Lucado

How do I know God is with me? What if this is all a hoax?

How do you know that is God who is speaking?

The thick and dreadful darkness of doubt. The same darkness you feel when you sit on a polished pew in a funeral chapel and listen to the obituary of the one you love more than life.

The same darkness that you feel when you hear the words, “The tumor is malignant. We have to operate.”

The same darkness that falls upon you when you realize you just lost your temper.. . again. The same darkness you feel when you realize that the divorce you never wanted is final.

The same darkness into which Jesus screamed, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Appropriate words. For when we doubt, God seems very far away.

Which is exactly why he chose to draw so near.

Throughout time, though God’s people often forgot their God, God didn’t forget them. He kept his word.

God didn’t give up. He never gives up. When Joseph was dropped into a pit by his own brothers, God didn’t give up.

When Moses said, “Here I am, send Aaron,” God didn’t give up.

When the delivered Israelites wanted Egyptian slavery instead of milk and honey, God didn’t give up.

When Aaron was making a false god at the very moment Moses was with the true God, God didn’t give up.

When only two of the ten spies thought the Creator was powerful enough to deliver the created, God didn’t give up.

When Samson whispered to Delilah, when Saul roared after David, when David schemed against Uriah, God didn’t give up.

When God’s word lay forgotten and man’s idols stood glistening, God didn’t give up.

When the children of Israel were taken into captivity God didn’t give up.

He could have given up. He could have turned his back. He could have walked away from the wretched mess, but he didn’t.

He didn’t give up.

When he became flesh and was the victim of an assassination attempt before he was two years old, he didn’t give up.

When the people from his own home town tried to push him over a cliff; he didn’t give up.

When his brothers ridiculed him, he didn’t give up.

When he was accused of blaspheming God by people who didn’t fear God, he didn’t give up.

When Peter worshiped him at the supper and cursed him at the fire, he didn’t give up.

When people spat in his face, he didn’t spit back. When the bystanders slapped him, he didn’t slap them. When a whip ripped his sides, he didn’t turn and command the awaiting angels to stuff that whip down that soldier’s throat.

And when human hands fastened the divine hands to a cross with spikes, it wasn’t the soldiers who held the hands of Jesus steady. It was God who held them steady. For those wounded hands were the same invisible hands that had carried the firepot and the torch two thousand years earlier. They were the same hands that had brought light into Abram’s thick and dreadful darkness. They had come to do it again.

So, the next time doubt walks in, escort him out. Out to the hill. Out to Calvary. Out to the cross where, with holy blood, the hand that carried the flame wrote the promise, “God would give up his only son before he’d give up on you.”

CrimsonTide4

02-18-2004, 09:21 AM

- "The Hour Before the Sunrise"
Luke 5:4

If you've ever had to make a marathon drive over a long distance, or if you just wanted to squeeze every possible hour out of your vacation, you know what it's like to drive all night. If you're a long-haul truck driver, pushing through the night may well be a way of life for you. For me, that last hour or two before dawn, oh man, that's the toughest. That's when you turn on the most obnoxious radio station you can find and you blast it. That's when you start doing aerobic workouts behind the wheel. It's when you roll down the window in spite of the 30-below wind chill and hurricane force winds. What makes the last hours of the night particularly challenging is the truth of that old cliché, "It's always darkest before the dawn." It usually is the darkest time, right when the night is seeming the longest. Then suddenly, there's that little glow on the horizon. The glow gets steadily brighter, radiating light across more and more of the dark sky. And then, there it is - the sunrise! Hallelujah, the long night is over! Just when it felt like it was never going to end!

Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Hour Before the Sunrise."

That's what time it may be in your life right now. It's been a long drive; a long night. It feels as if it's been dark forever, doesn't it? And, in fact, it just got even darker. This is as bad as it's ever been. You're fighting hard to keep driving - especially when you feel like just giving up on the trip. But God wants to put a little glow in your dark sky right now. If it's getting darker, that means sunrise is coming soon! God has given you His word on this promise: "Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).

It's no secret that I like pictures of spiritual truth. And Jesus gives us a wonderful real-life picture of this "darkest before the dawn" truth in our word for today from the Word of God in Luke 5, beginning with verse 4. Simon, the veteran fisherman, has been unsuccessful in his fishing expedition on the Sea of Galilee. He's back in port, cleaning his nets when Jesus asks to use his boat as a pulpit. Then, Jesus "said to Simon, 'Put out into the deep water and let down the nets for a catch.' Simon answered, 'Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.'"

It may be daytime, but it's dark time for Simon. He's done everything his great ability and vast experience know how to do in order to bring in a catch - and all efforts to succeed, to change the situation have failed. Sound familiar at all? He is, in fact, accepting failure and, at least for the time being, giving up. It's dark. But the light is just about to dawn. The story concludes: "When they had done so (let down the nets, that is), they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break." The most amazing catch of Simon's life. Now, here's the principle of how Jesus works - a night of failure sets the stage for a day of fantastic results if you don't give up; if you keep fighting under the orders of Captain Jesus. So, as Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap if we do not give up."

God uses the long dark night to accomplish some important spiritual changes. He wants us to have those times when no human answers, no human consolation, no human heroes, no human efforts can change things. He's bringing you to the end of what you can do, the end of anything you can even think of doing. Because that's the beginning of the things only God can do. But first, He has to get us out of the way.

And He's not about to let your faith stay the size it's been. His power and resources are unlocked by faith, and He wants to use your long night drive to get you beyond trusting circumstances or earth-stuff or yourself or even God's miracles. He wants you to trust totally just in Him.

If it's been dark and it's getting darker, it's not because the night is going to last forever. It's because the night is almost over - it's almost sunrise!

Honeykiss1974

02-18-2004, 09:32 AM

Thanks for posting this CT4. This was exactly what I needed to hear this morning. :)

CrimsonTide4

02-18-2004, 11:42 AM

THE SCULPTOR'S ATTITUDE

I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or... I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or... I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.

Today I can grumble about my health or... I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or... I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

Today I can cry because roses have thorns or... I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

Today I can mourn my lack of friends or... I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.

Today I can whine because I have to go to work or... I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.

Today I can complain because I have to go to school or... eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.

Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or... I can feel honored because the Lord has provided shelter for my mind, body and soul.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.

What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have!

What will you choose to do with Today? Have a Great Day...unless you have other plans.

~Author Unknown

Honeykiss1974

02-23-2004, 05:12 PM

I want to encourage you today, that whatever you are waiting for from God, don't be afraid to wait. Satan wishes you to move into fear, while God desires you to stay in faith. Remember, "Perfect love casts out all fear." If we seek the perfect love of God, and seek to do only that which is loving, we will be able to move beyond the past, quit reaching constantly for when "things will soon be better for us," and capture the moment.

Too often we're busy binding and breaking, when we should be finding and making a place for God's grace to fill our lives to face what is, and isn't before us. The devil doesn't make us do anything, and he or his demons certainly don't overpower our will. God didn’t create them with that much power.

Try not to spend much of your prayer-time in Fear based-praying. Fear based-praying is praying from a place of what we think we need and feel we need, but may have absolutely nothing to do with faith-based prayers. Faith based-prayers are prayers of choice based on truth, which remain unchangeable.

Facts may change, but truth does not. God's word and will is the only truly Godly prayer we can pray. Anything else apart from it, results in "asking amiss," that James talks about. We can ask for whatever God wills for us. Be encouraged to wait in faith, which works by love. Let me say this a little differently.

FAITH DOESN'T WORK EXCEPT BY LOVE. LOVE DOES NOT CONTAIN FEAR. FEAR IS A WEAPON OF THE ENEMY.

God does not seek to reveal His will, only to paralyze us with fear, and then say believe, hope for the best, hang in there, it will get better. I know how tough the devil is, but bless your little heart, my son is praying for you here at my right hand.

God made the devil. God made hell. God made the darkness. God made every principality, the possibility of every stronghold, every ruler of darkness, as a creator. Who rules? God does. We do not have to fear what God has power over and tells us we have power over.

Our problem is that we don't really believe in the grace to face, the power to overcome, and that God will do for us, what we watch him do for everybody else. We think, “I'm nobody with any favor from God, and we hang our heads and say woe is me” (I've been there! I've done this). I know what the temptation and pattern is to believe how we've been taught to believe-the devil is strong, watch out, be careful, as soon as you get blessed, look out, another trial is coming. Well, if this is true, then why don't we learn to deal with life, and learn whatsoever state we're in to be content?

We miss the opportunities to learn, grow, change and become who we are eternally destined to be-creatures of enormous power to love, heal, bless the Father, bless others, and be image bearers of truth. Again I want to say...BE ENCOURAGED. GOD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN YOU. STEP INTO THE MOMENT and experience God right where you are and right where He is.

God can not possibly fail any of us, but we can fail others and ourselves. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Where you have been does not determine where God says you are and where God says you are going. His word is what we all must stand on, and get our minds, and words in tune with, so that we activate the power of faith.

Truth has nothing to do with what anything feels like, or looks like. Truth is whatever God has to say about anything. JUST BELIEVE. His word and His Spirit, always reflect the truth.