Working On Living Faith

Merry Christmas! Or is it???

2009-11-19T09:10:00.000-08:00

Twas the month before Christmas*

*When all through our land,*

*Not a Christian was praying*

*Nor taking a stand.*

*See the PC Police had taken away,*

*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*

*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*

*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*

*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*

* December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.*

*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*

*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*

*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*

*Something was changing, something quite odd! *

*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*

*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*

*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*

* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was nowhere to be found.*

*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*

*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*

*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*

*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*

*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*

*On Boxer, on Rather, on Obama & Biden!*

*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*

*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*

*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*

* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*

*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*

*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*

*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*

*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*

*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*

*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,

not Happy Holiday !*

Please, all Christians join together and

wish everyone you meet during the

holidays a

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!

A True Story for Veterans Day

2009-11-11T19:06:00.000-08:00

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THIS ON VETERANS DAY ---Something to Believe In---A True Story--- D. Doan

I wrote this in hope to help at least one person struggling with their faith. I experienced a true miracle several years ago and have NEVER questioned my faith since. It was a beautiful fall day outside, but I was feeling anything but beautiful on the inside. I was severely depressed at the time with my world crumbling before me.

So I went to visit my Grandfathers grave who fought in WW II. He always told my Grandmother that I was going to be someone special and we shared a special bond for the 4 years I knew him. When I first arrived at the cemetary, I struggled to locate his grave. Five years had passed since my last visit. I scanned the entire area where I new he was buried, sweeping away the leaves from headstone to headstone for at least an hour with no luck. Right when I was about to give up and go home, I glanced down at my feet and read the headstone---EARL DOAN PVT US ARMY WW II JUL 6 1924 - DEC 13 1979---.

So I kneeled down and began to pray. I told him of all the hardships in my life and that I didn't know if I cou...ld continue on living the way I was. I began sobbing uncontrollably as I spilled my guts to him, telling him everything that had brought me to this state. Then I began to tell him that I was losing my faith in God.

At that point my conversation shifted to God. I asked God how I was supposed to pick myself up yet again and continue on with my life being so miserable. I told God that my entire faith in him was almost completely lost. I so badly wanted to believe and wanted to know in my heart without question that God, Jesus and heaven were real. So I began to ask for a sign or a miracle.

The entire cemetary was covered with an abundance of leaves. I then fixed my eyes upon ONE SINGLE LEAF that was a couple feet away. I said "God if you are real and there is more to this life than my eyes can see, move this leaf for me". I waited for a couple of seconds and then I said "on the count of three". I began to count aloud "1....2...." and before I could get to three and say I didn't think so, that one single leaf my eyes were fixated upon, lifted up and floated very slowly by my face and softly landed right next to me. While every other leaf within my sight did not so much as even budge.

When that happened a tremendous feeling suddenly came over me, goosebumps and a feeling of complete happiness, bringing me instantly to tears of joy. Ever since that day, I have not and WILL NOT ever question my belief again. I hope this story can help at least one person out there. It is a true story and I felt selfish keeping it to myself. God bless all of you on this Veterans Day. Especially those who are or were in service for this great country we live in.

A John 3:16 story

2009-10-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

A little boy was selling newspapers on the corner, the people were in and out of the cold.

The little boy was so cold that he wasn't trying to sell many papers.

He walked up to a policeman and said, 'Mister, you wouldn't happen to know where a poor boy could find a warm place to sleep tonight would you?

You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and down the alley and it's awful cold in there for tonight.

Sure would be nice to have a warm place to stay.'

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

So he did. He walked up the steps and knocked on the door, and a lady answered. He looked up and said, 'John 3:16 .' The lady said, 'Come on in, Son.'

She took him in and she sat him down in a split bottom rocker in front of a great big old fireplace, and she went off.. The boy sat there for a while and thought to himself: John 3:16 ...I don't understand it, but it sure makes a cold boy warm.

Later she came back and asked him 'Are you hungry? ' He said, 'Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of days, and I guess I could stand a little bit of food,'

The lady took him in the kitchen and sat him down to a table full of wonderful food. He ate and ate until he couldn't eat any more. Then he thought to himself:
John 3:16 ....Boy, I sure don't understand it but it sure makes a hungry boy full.

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

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

The next morning the lady came back up and took him down again to that same big table full of food. After he ate, she took him back to that same big old split bottom rocker in front of the fireplace and picked up a big old Bible.

She sat down in front of him and looked into his young face. Do you understand John 3:16? ' she asked gently.
He replied, 'No, Ma'am, I don't. The first time I ever heard it was last night when the policeman told me to use it,'
She opened the Bible to John 3:16 and began to explain to him about Jesus. Right there, in front of that big old fireplace, he gave his heart and life to Jesus. He sat there and thought: John 3:16 -- don't understand it, but it sure makes a lost boy feel safe.

You know, I have to confess I don't understand it either, how God was willing to send His Son to die for me, and how Jesus would agree to do such a thing. I don't understand the agony of the Father and every angel in heaven as they watched Jesus suffer and d ie. I don't understand the intense love for ME that kept Jesus on the cross till the end. I don't understand it, but it sure does make life worth living.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life....

God, WHY ME????????

2009-10-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island.
He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. 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.

One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little
Hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the
worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned
with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, 'God! How could you do
this to me?'

Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship 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.

The Moral of This Story:
It's easy to get discouraged when things
are going badly, but we shouldn't lose heart, because
God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain
and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut
seems to be burning to the ground, it just may be a smoke
signal that summons the Grace of God.

P.S. You may want to consider passing this on, because you never know who feels as if their hut is on fire today.

If you can't be grateful for what God has given you, look around you
and be grateful for what He's protected you from......

Nice poem / hymn for a hard day

2009-09-28T21:59:00.000-07:00

I was at the Saddleback Women's study this evening, and really liked this poem / hymn Chaundel read to the group. Not sure when or who wrote it, but maybe it will brighten your day, too :)

God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.

But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain, rocky and steep,
Never a river, turbid and deep.

But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

Back To School Donations Desperately Needed

2009-08-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Its back to school time in South Cali and there are so many kids, schools & organizations that need our help in order to provide local children the resources for making a better tomorrow. Help us empower the future by donation a filled backpack, just supplies or even a cash donation.

Back to school means school supplies and book bag purchases. For many families this is an added burden on top of school shoes, clothes and registration fees. We at San Felipe want to help ease that stress. We are collecting supplies and backpacks for deserving families in our area by partnering with local homeless shelters and community outreach groups. Our goal is to have 30
supply laden backpacks by the start of school. Please help us as we assist those in greatest need. You can purchase supplies and mail them to us, or make a donation on our website. Thank you for your continued support!

Click HERE for our flier to see just what kinds of items we need for our backpacks!

Orange County Food Donations - Donate to Saddleback's Food Pantry Please!

2009-08-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I received this email as a small group host and wanted to pass the word along. If you have any of the items below to donate, Saddleback Church is constantly feeding hungry families and could use your help..............................

The need is still great and we are running out of some essential items. We need your help by replenishing the following items:

Powdered milk
Instant potatoes
Rice
Canned fruit
Jelly
Spaghetti sauce
Hamburger and tuna helper
Pop Tarts
Granola bars
Breakfast bars
Pancake/Bisquick mix
Syrup
Hot cereal
Crackers
Dried fruit
Boxed and canned fruit juice
Boxed jello/pudding mix
Cake or muffin mix
Condiments
Baby formula
Diapers of all sizes
General merchandising items
Canned meat (not tuna)

You can drop the items off at the church office during the week or put them in the blue barrels on the weekend.

Thank you for caring for those who are struggling. If you are one who is struggling, may you be blessed by this ministry.

Serving you in Christ,

Tom Atkins
Your Small Group Pastor

Newport Beach Fairmont Hotel volunteers needed!

2009-06-08T18:18:00.000-07:00

Want to give back ?
Help out with Families Forward and their major-fundraising event by being a volunteer at their annual gala on Sept. 26, 2009. Volunteers at the event will help with preparations of set-up and/or work the night of the event.
Click here for more information.

Orange County Adult & Youth Volunteer Opportunities

2009-06-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

Looking for an opportunity to volunteer in Orange County?

Click HERE to download our PDF with 17 pages worth of locations and specific for hourly, one day, weekend & yearly volunteering opportunities including mentoring, weeding, planting, admin work, food service, elderly relationships and more. Search by city in Orange County and find a volunteer opportunity with one of the following...

Adopt-a-Park
American Cancer Society
American Red Cross
YMCA
Someone Care Soup Kitchen
Project Cuddle
Serving People In Need (SPIN)
Orange County Food Bank
Working Wardrobes
Pet Life Line
Families Forward
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation
Alzheimer's Association of Orange County
American Heart Association
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Orange County Ronald McDonald House
Laura's House
Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County
Shelter for the Homeless
Senior Center

Download now!

San Felipe Humanitarian Alliance

2009-04-03T18:18:00.000-07:00

Join us in helping communities affected by poverty, conflict and disaster. Your support will help San Felipe Humanitarian Alliance to create programs that encourage self-reliance and positive, lasting improvements in the lives of people in crisis.

Read all about humanitarian programs HERE.

Click HERE to donate now.

YOU can help with clean water in Rwanda, can't you?? :)

2009-04-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

“Give me a drink.” What am I going to do with that request from Jesus?

I feel like the woman at the well, and – although she didn’t say it, she implied it – “Get your own drink!” And oh, by the way, “You don’t have a bucket or a rope to draw water with, do you Jesus?” Why can’t God get his own drink anyway? Why does he ask me?

Did you notice we never learn if Jesus got his drink. But he did get his food. Not the food he sent his disciples after – he didn’t want that food. Hmmmmm, just what does God really want when he asks for a drink and some food?

Darlene and I want to respond to Jesus’ “Give me a drink.” We want to give the people of Rwanda clean water to drink. Along the way, we will tell them about the Living Water Jesus offers – the real drink of eternal life – Jesus himself.

And we believe God wants a drink too – He wants worshippers – and we are out to find them and bring them to Him!

If Jesus is asking you to respond – giving a drink to one of these is like giving a drink to Him – then join us with your prayer support and financial support.

We are rapidly approaching our first support raising deadline, 25-Apr, where we need to begin the process of purchasing our airline tickets to Rwanda. I’m not being shy about this – we need $14,000 to make this happen. (Now I know some of you are going to Google airfare from LA to Rwanda and find it cheaper – we need shots, translators, van transportation, lodging in the bush and in town, …. Trust me, this trip costs more than $14,000 for three people!)

Want to help? OK, here’s how.

Just reply to the email below or comment here and we’ll get a “blue envelope” to you in the mail (send us your snail mail address please). The envelop you get won’t be blue, the envelop you put your check in and send back to us will be blue. So put your green in the blue so we can fly to Rwanda and work on the clean water initiative.

We want to hear from you!

Love,

Dan & Darlene
http://www.dsiems.org/
dan@dsiems.org

Refuel @ Saddleback - Lets Get Started!

2009-03-23T19:48:00.000-07:00

Pastor Doug fields launched the Refuel Inspiration Teaser. Lets support one another and encourage one another to fix our eyes on Jesus!

Message Focus: Ephesians 3:19 - May you the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and that comes from God.

The Power of Prayer and NEVER losing faith

2009-03-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

I thought this was an awesome and inspirational story, posting with Karen's permission:

Monday evening at about 9pm, while at Lisa & Danny's house for Bible study-- Jack got a call on his cell phone. Before he said a word-- Lisa began jumping up and down, "It's his heart! It's his heart!" So, how did she know? Sure enough, the Cedars Sinai heart transplant team member, Brian was on the phone to tell Jack the good news. "I can be there in an hour," Jack told him.

Meanwhile, Sam and I were already on our way home. I had come by myself after delivering some paintings to a print publisher in Vernon. Ordinarily, I didn't attend the weekly Bible Study at my sister's house. Jack, my Dad and Sam had been going weekly for a few years. I decided on my way home, since I was passing by her house, to stop there and join them. Jack's eyes lit up (did I see him get teary?), and it was nice to hear Danny pray especially for "God who was preparing the donor, and what a blessed gift the donor was to be giving Jack..." He prayed for the donor's family, and for them to know peace in this great gift of life.

As I was at about Bolsa Chica and Edinger, when Jack called me and told me they had a heart for him. He was going to meet me at home and we needed to be there in an hour. We both screamed and cried!

Immediately Sam and I got on our phones. At home, I grabbed Jack's toothbrush and unplugged the L-VAD power base unit. I was told to bring in his heart pump equipment when we got the call and I was more than happy to do so! Gone now are the noisy base unit, the emergency back up unit, the box of extra filters, the black bag full of extra batteries, emergency hand pump, etc. which Jack had to carry with him at all times; all the brick-sized extra batteries (like, eight of them!), and the shower-pack apparatus (still in its box). Jack was never comfortable getting that close to water because he thought he'd get electrocuted!

We piled into the van and headed up to LA, all three of us on our phones simultaneously to give family and friends the good news. Jack wanted to tell people as many people as he could, in that hour drive, that he loved them...

We arrived and went directly to his room on the 6th floor, in the heart unit at Cedars Sinai. There, he had a battery of tests, and around midnight was wheeled into the OR. I kissed him goodby and watched the doors close. In the waiting room were Samantha, Jack's mom and step-Dad, Paul. Lisa, Danny and their girls Britney and Madeline (in pj's) waited with us.

At 2:30 am, the OR nurse called to let us know the donor heart was indeed good, and they were going to proceed with the transplant. All we know about the donor was that he was in Santa Barbara. His heart (and liver-- going to a patient at UCLA) was flown by helicoptor.

We waited and tried to snooze in the uncomfortable waiting room chairs, each with wooden armrests so you couldn't lay down. Lisa finally gave up trying, and joined the girls on the floor. We took over half the waiting room with our blankets, bags, purses, books and assorted cups of caffinated drinks.

At 6:45 am, Dr. Simsir came out and said the surgery went, "without a hiccup." I'm thinking, that's a good way to put it, considering we're talking about heart transplantation. He reported that Jack was doing very well, had little bleeding, and was on his way to the ICU where he would be for the next 24-36 hours. We all hugged and cried for relief and gratitude. Danny, Lisa and the girls left for home to get some much-needed sleep; Linda, Paul, Sam and I headed over to the Sapparstein Tower (Cedars is huge!) to the heart ICU unit and waited some more.

At 10:30 or so-- we finally got to take a peek at Jack. Considering the invasive nature of his surgery (remember-- they had to also remove the L-VAD "Left Ventricular Assist Device" heart pump which had been implanted last Oct.) he looked pretty darn good! He was sedated, but they said after checking his vitals and responsiveness, all was very well with him. The nurse overlooking Jack said they would be gradually waking him after about 12 hours when the breathing tube would come out. They will be pumping him full of anti-rejection drugs and monitoring him closely.

He will then go to the 6th floor in the North Tower and spend up to 2 weeks, recovering and doing physical therapy; after which he will come home! He should be able to go back to work and resume "normal" life! I have hopes of going out dancing like we used to... As I write this, "The Early Show" drones on in the background. A report about another miracle surgery, a little girl who had 6 organs removed and replaced, was alive and well to tell about it on national TV. We are so blessed to have the medical technology (and the health insurance thanks to Jack's faithful employer, Goodwill Industries!) to realize extended life, when vital organs fail. And tremendous doctors and a great hospital like Cedars Sinai!

I do not under estimate the power of prayer. Jack has been on many prayer lists, and even had holy water (blessed by the Pope himself!) sprinkled on him just prior to both his surgeries. The fortunate timing of this will allow him to be healed 100 percent just in time for Matthew's graduation from boot camp in May. Jack was very strong, having gained back all the weight he lost, and was back to working almost 6 hours a day; taking out the trash, shopping for groceries, and getting around like any (middle-aged) man. He was able to spend the holidays with us, and our son (which may have been our son's last Christmas at home). He was fully available to be there for Matthew before going to Marine training. And we were able to attend Samantha's Improv Show, which thrilled her so much to finally have her dad there!

We have been lifted and held up by God's grace, by our family and friends, and all the support shown us.

Again, thank you for your prayers, friendship, good wishes and hugs. We are all incredibly grateful! With love,Karen (and Jack, Matt & Sam)

Karen Wall Garrison
ARTIST for HIRE

Anyone want to go to Rwanda to help with CLEAN WATER?

2009-03-02T12:29:00.000-08:00

It's so sad that we use gallons and gallons of clean water here in the US, and there are literally people DYING in Rwanda because they don't have the same luxury we have. Dirty water kills little kids, communities, and animals, so if there is anything you can or want to do to help, check out http://dsiems.org .

Dan's a great guy we know from Saddleback Church, and he's taking a team to Rwanda this summer to install water filtration and the like in some churches and communities that desparately need it.

Even if you just take a moment to PRAY, I'm sure the team would greatly appreciate it :)

Prayer Requests Feb 9th

2009-02-09T20:58:00.000-08:00

Prayer requests for Feb 9 2009

Angie F - strength and peace
Lexie & Abby
Mike's house - His will be done
The family of the Mission Viejo child who died in the washing machine
The president, the economy
Nana's foster home, strength on the anniversary of her husband passing
Paul's cancer, a peaceful transition for him and strength for his family
Fausto for wisdom in making the right choices
All of our businesses to be blessed, jobs for people who are looking

Do you have O+ blood type? We need your help!

2009-02-06T10:02:00.000-08:00

Hello! I just got this email forwarded from a friend of mine who coaches on the BCL Hockey league... one of the young players is having health issues and needs help. If you can help, please donate your time to change a childs life!!!!

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

Hi everyone - I promised that I would let you know how things are going and I will let you know just this - Dexter needs our help. This is an extremely invasive treatment that his poor little body is going through, and although it had gotten to a point with Dexter that there was no choice but to try anything to save him, this is a horrific process. What is needed now, however, is a huge need for O+ blood - yes, O positive blood is needed to store the antigens in for the length of time that will be necessary for Dexter to receive the treatment he needs. If they have healthy blood to store them in, there is not a need for the saline solution that is typically used. This Saline causes a harsh burn inside of Dexter and as you can imagine, this is already unbelievable on his little body.

If you or anyone you know is "O+" please contact CHOC Hematology blood and donor services immediately. It takes 5 days for the blood to be processed and they need lots and they need it now. The number is 1-714-532-8339. Ask for Maggie. THis is a designated donor program. Please specify that this is to be used for John Dexter Russo. He needs "o positive" blood.

Please call if there is anyway that you can help. Dexter is part of our hockey family, and I know that this is the least that we can do to try to help him through this nightmare.

Thanks everyone - sorry to sound so urgent, but really, this is. THanks so much and please don't hesitate to call me if you have any questions.
Kathy

Costa Mesa, Orange County Live In Care Taker Needed

2009-01-20T16:18:00.001-08:00

Orange County Live In Care Taker needed for 85 year old Christian Woman

Free Room n Board in Costa Mesa with $600/month government funding.

Please just comment on this blog post if you are interested and a rep will be in touch with you shortly.

Keeping Cool w/ Christ

2009-01-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

I noticed that I had been a lil' short tempered lately. Was praying that He would help me find peace and patience.

Today while filing a couple paid bills I found a piece of hotel paper with the following on it...

Slowness to anger makes for deep understanding . A quick tempered person stockpiles stupidity.
~Proverbs 14:29

Don't hang out with angry people. Don't keep company with hot heads. Bad temper is contagious. Don't get infected.
~Proverbs 22:24

I think. If Ive misquoted here, please comment. It was hard to read :)

Orange County Benefit Concert & Silent Auction

2009-01-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

Some wonderful friends of Working On Living Faith are throwing a Charity Benefit/ Silent Auction on Saturday, January 24th for a close friend whose dad passed away. The family, still with 2 kids in high school, was not left with much. :(

We are hoping to raise money for the family. If you know of anyone that would want to donate anything, simply comment to this blog and we will be in touch with details immediately.

PLEASE CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO THE LEFT TO ENLARGE FOR MORE INFO....

Thanks & God Bless!

Great Saddleback Church service - What will heal America?

2009-01-11T16:43:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to encourage you to watch Rick Warren's sermon online - he did a great message this week about saving our country, and how we can get "back to good".

http://saddlebackfamily.com/mediacenter/services/CurrentSeries.aspx?site=yDi0V4EwP58=

Read 2 Chronicles 7:14, and 2 Timothy 3:2-5 - enjoy watching - let's hold ourselves accountable!!!

The 10 Commandments served Southern Style :)

2009-01-11T16:31:00.000-08:00

The Ten Commandments

Some people have trouble with all those 'shall's' and 'shall not's' in the Ten Commandments. Folks just aren't used to talking in those terms. So, in middle Tennessee they translated the 'King James' into 'Jackson County ' language..... no joke, (posted on the wall at Cross Trails Church in Gainesboro,TN )

(1) Just one God.

(2) Put nothin' before God.

(3) Watch yer mouth.

(4) Git yourself to Sunday meetin'.

(5) Honor yer Ma & Pa.

(6) No killin'.

(7) No foolin' around with another fellow's gal.

(8) Don't take what ain't yers.

(9) No tellin' tales or gossipin'.

(10) Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff.

Now that's plain an' simple. Y'all have a nice day. :)

2009-01-08T12:08:00.000-08:00

Here's another fun forward from our friend Brie! Sooooo cute......

Heavenly Father,

Help us remember that the" jerk" who cut us off in traffic last night is a single

mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help

with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her

children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who

can't make change correctly, is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing

his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans

for next semester.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same

Spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we

can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the

store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment,

knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week,

this will be the last year that they go shopping together.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us,

the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold

dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity.

Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.

The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot protect you.

Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will

ever read. His love is always with you, His promises are true, And when

we give Him all our cares, You know He will see us through.

Stop looking at what you don't have. And be thankful for what you do have.

AMEN!!!!

2008-12-14T08:19:00.000-08:00

I found this on the internet and found it helpful for those who struggle with sharing the Lord and their testimony. I hope that you are blessed by it.

(A Biblical Perspective by Al Thomas)

Christmas is a wonderful time to give testimony
about what Jesus has done in your life.

Not every believer is required to preach, teach, or enter full time ministry. We may not all be called to be a leader but we all have something to say. Every Christian has a story to tell…EVERY CHRISTIAN! We grow spiritually when we give testimony… Ephesians 4:15 says “….speaking the truth in love that we may grow up in him…” Speaking what He has done for you causes you to grow up in Him. Don't be ashamed to tell anyone about your relationship with Christ. Some feel they will make a fool of themselves. Those who aren't held captive by pride don't care if they make a fool of themselves. Before I give you eight things about a true testimony remember this:

ALWAYS DO SOMETHING THAT REQUIRES A LITTLE BIT MORE THAN YOU THINK YOU HAVE (it forces us to grow). People say “Well, I wouldn't know what to say…” Really? Well, here are a few questions for you:

• “Before you met Jesus, did you have that assurance of salvation?”

• “Before you met Jesus, did you know you had a heavenly Father who loved you and was reaching out His hand to you?”

• “How come you don't do those worldly things you used to do…now that you know Jesus?”

• “Why is it that you keep walking with Jesus week after week, month after month, year after year?”

• “What’s so great about Jesus that in spite of the hardships you go through you continue to stay a believer?”

• “Before you came to Jesus did you have the joy of your sins being forgiven?”

Aha! You have a testimony!
AS YOU GIVE YOUR TESTIMONY KEEP IN MIND THESE THINGS:

1. IT SHOULD HARMONIZE WITH GOD’S WORD
A testimony should always line up to the truth of the Word of God. (Psalm 119:140; 2 Samuel 22:31).

2. IT SHOULD RELATE TO A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
The best witness is a personal witness. Yes, you can tell someone that they should be a Christian because it says so in the Bible, but when you begin to say “Jesus did this for me” or “I used to be a drunk, but Jesus delivered me” or “I used to be filled with guilt but Jesus washed me clean” or “God brought my family together” etc. you are beginning to connect your faith with Christ to a personal experience and the person hearing you will think about their personal life also. “Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul”, Psalm 66:16

3. IT SHOULD BE DONE WITHOUT SHAME OR FEAR
“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord…” 2 Tim 1:8 Remember, it’s the Lord’s testimony through you…Although it happened through you, it was the Lord who did it, hence it is His testimony…so there should not be any fear or shame.

4. KEEP IN MIND A BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE IS BEING WRITTEN ABOUT YOUR TESTIMONY
“Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name”. Mal. 3:16

5. AFTER A WHILE YOUR TESTIMONY SHOULD BECOME IRREPRESSIBLE
“For we cannot but speak the things which we seen & heard…” ACTS 4:20 As we experience more and more of the love of God…we will ache inside unless we share how wonderful our God is…” My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone” Psalm 71:15

6. YOUR FAITH WANTS TO GIVE TESTIMONY…
“We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.” 2 Cor. 4:13 Your faith is shouting to get out. Express it! Sometimes we don't know what God will do until we step out & speak up. You believe, now speak.

7. ALWAYS BE READY TO GIVE YOUR TESTIMONY
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3:15 Rehearse it if you have to. Imagine the situation and decide what you would do if asked about your faith.

8. LASTLY, HERE’S A PERSONAL BENEFIT OF GIVING YOUR TESTIMONY
You tend to forget your problems when you tell other people what Jesus has done for you. As you testify to others the change in your life since Jesus took over you are again reminded of how blessed you are. Your perspective changes. You heart returns to the thankful attitude it should be in (1 THESS. 5:18). The worst moment for an atheist is when he is really thankful and has nobody to thank. During this Holiday Season share your faith often, it will remind you of how blessed you truly are.

The Unpardonable Sin

2008-12-12T13:15:00.000-08:00

This is a quote from Billy Graham :
___"Many Christians have heard that there is an unpardonable sin and live in dread that something grave they have done before or after conversion might be that sin.

___"Their fears are unfounded. While there is an unforgivable sin, it is not one that a true believer in Jesus Christ can commit.

___"The one sin which God cannot forgive is mentioned in Mark 3:28-30 and Matthew 12:31-32. Jesus had been performing miracles, including driving demons out of people by the power of the Holy Spirit. Instead of recognizing the source of Jesus' power and accepting Him as God's Son, the religious leaders accused Him of being possessed by the devil and driving demons out in the power of the devil.

___"Jesus responded by saying, "I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin."

___"The sin of the religious leaders, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, was a refusal to accept the witness of the Holy Spirit to who Jesus was and what He had come to do, and then submit their lives to Him. Jesus said concerning the Holy Spirit, "When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment" (John 16:8). They chose rather to reject the Spirit's witness to their sin and to Jesus, and accused Him of being demon possessed!

___"The point for us is that if we have received Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we have not blasphemed the Holy Spirit; we have accepted His witness. One study Bible explains it as follows: "To commit this sin one must consciously, persistently, deliberately, and maliciously reject the testimony of the Spirit to the deity and saving power of the Lord Jesus." If a person keeps doing that until death, there is no hope of forgiveness and eternal life in heaven.

___"Once again, the unpardonable sin is not some particularly grievous sin committed by a Christian before or after accepting Christ, nor is it thinking or saying something terrible about the Holy Spirit. Rather, it is deliberately resisting the Holy Spirit's witness and invitation to turn to Jesus until death ends all opportunity.

___"In order to experience God's peace, we must come to Him, trusting His promises. Isaiah 1:18 says, "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." In 1 John 1:9 we read: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

___"Jesus Himself assures us, "Whoever comes to me I will never drive away" (John 6:37). Our God is a compassionate and merciful God. He desires that no one should be lost, but that all should come to salvation through repentance and personal faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord (2 Peter 3:9; Acts 2:21)."

Miracles

2008-12-08T21:49:00.000-08:00

Have you seen or experienced a miracle? One of the questions for this week's study was "How can remembering the miracles of Jesus help us in life?"

I think partly remembering miracles helps people because it helps us keep a positive outlook; so here is the post where everyone can comment on the miracles they have seen and heard in their life.

Its easy to remember the bad stuff, and forget about the good. If we always take time to be thankful for the good and remember the miracles we've seen, then we can always walk around with a smile!