Merry Christmas

I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas, and enjoy making memories with family and friends. May God bless each and everyone.

A Very Smart Judge

I received this email, and I agree 100 percent. This actually happened. We need more people that will stand up for God.

A VERY SMART JUDGE


FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST HOLY DAY: In Florida, an atheist created a case against the Easter & Passover holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews & observances of their holy days. The argument was it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized day.

The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring, "Case dismissed."

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter & others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur & Hanukkah. Yet my client & all other atheists have no such holidays."

The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Counsel, your client is woefully ignorant." The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists."

The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is 'April Fools Day.' Psalm 14:1 states 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned."

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Storms of Life

Storm-Any disturbed state of an astronomical body's atmosphere, affecting its surface, and strongly implying severe weather. It may be strong winds, thunder, lightening, ice storms, dust storms, or snowstorms. Storms are not unique to planet earth, neither are they to the soul of a human body.

How can you dress for the storm in your life? Can you sleep through the storm? When you go through the storm you can still serve the Lord. When you are in the midst of the storm, how are you dressed? Are you able to lay the storms at the feet of Jesus and leave them there, or do you pick up the backpack of your storm when you walk out the door? Storms are a fact of life. Serious illness, diseases, accidents, catastrophes, unemployment, death, hardships, and personal problems are only a few to mention. Sometimes in the midst of our storm God seems to silent, waiting on us to turn it over to Him.

Mat 8:23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him,
Mat 8:24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
Mat 8:25 And his disciples came to him and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
Mat 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
Mat 8:27 But the men marveled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!


We need to do what the Disciples did--turn to Jesus. Pray: "Lord, save me from drowning. I am about to perish!" Just as Jesus was present with his disciples in their storms of life, He is with us in our storms of life. He does not forsake us, or leave us to struggle alone and drown. He is with us to hear our plea for help. He is our answer in the midst of all our troubles.

There is an old saying, "You never really understand a person until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." Which mean that you can't understand a person until you attempt to see things from his/her perspective. Some peoples storm may seem like a petty thing to you, but to them it is hugh, No one is exempt from the storms of life, but God is faithful, and will get you through the storms.

Psa 107:29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

Mar 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

He is a short story of someone sleeping in the storm and knowing that all is well.

Sleeping Through the Storm
By: Author Unknown
A young man applied for a job as a farmhand. When the farmer asked for his qualifications, he said, "I can sleep when the wind blows."
This puzzled the farmer. But he liked the young man, and hired him.
A few days later, the farmer and his wife were awakened in the night by a violent storm. They quickly began to check things out to see if all was secure. They found that the shutters of the farmhouse had been securely fastened. A good supply of logs had been set next to the fireplace.
The young man slept soundly.
The farmer and his wife then inspected their property. They found that the farm tools had been placed in the storage shed, safe from the elements.
The tractor had been moved into the garage. The barn was properly locked. Even the animals were calm. All was well.
The farmer then understood the meaning of the young man's words, "I can sleep when the wind blows."
Because the farmhand did his work loyally and faithfully when the skies were clear, he was prepared for the storm when it broke. So when the wind blew, he was not afraid. He could sleep in peace.

No Admittance
==============

Wishing to encourage her young son's progress on the piano,
a mother took the small boy to a Paderewski concert. After they
were seated, the mother spotted a friend in the audience and
walked down the aisle to greet her.

Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert
hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way
through a door marked "NO ADMITTANCE."

When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin,
the mother returned to her seat and discovered that her son was
missing.

Suddenly, the curtains parted and the spotlights focused on the
impressive Steinway on stage.

In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the piano,
innocently picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." At that
moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved
to the piano and whispered in the boy's ear,

"Don't quit. Keep playing."

Then leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand
and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right hand reached
around the other side of the child and he added a running
obbligato.

Together, the old master and the young novice transferred a
frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience.
The audience was mesmerized.

That's the way it is with God.

What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try
our best, but the results aren't exactly graceful flowing music.

With the hand of God, our life's work truly can be beautiful.
So the next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen
carefully and you can hear the voice of God whispering in your
ear, "Don't quit. Keep playing."

Feel His loving arms around you. Know that His strong hands are
playing the concerto of your life.

Remember, God doesn't call the equipped; he equips the called.

Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach
of God's grace.

And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the
reach of God's grace.

Don't Quit – Keep Playing


~Author Unknown

Life Is A Theatre

Life is a theatre. Invite your audience carefully. Not everyone is spiritual or emotionally healthly enough to have a Front row seat in our lives. There are some people in your life that are best 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.

Observe the relationships around you. Pay attention. Which ones lift and which ones lean? Which one 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 Change the people you are around.

--Author Unknown

The people we hang with will have an impact on our lives, so we must be careful to choose the right people we hang out with; as well as the information with which we feed our minds. We should not share our dreams or thoughts with negative people.

It's your choice and your life; but it is up to you who and what you let in it!

Ask God for wisdom, and seek His Face to help you choose the right people who sit in the front row of your life. Let your Haters be your motivators (but let them do it from afar).

LIFE IS A THEATRE, INVITE YOUR AUDIENCE CAREFULLY!!!

Curve Balls

Life ever throw you a curve ball?
The curveball is a breaking pitch in baseball thrown with a grip and hand movement that imparts down and/or sideways spin to the ball. The movement of a curveball is to deceive the batter. Ideally, a curveball will have its greatest break just as it reaches the plate and cause the batter to swing above it.

Curveball is a manual for people who face life-altering challenges,and is also proof that one need not fight such battles alone. Life throws curve balls at you all the time, which seem to be coming from all angles. When life throws you a curveball hold your ground and keep your eye on the ball!

When life throws you a curve ball something happens that you would never have expected. It may be that it is not the curveball itself that surprises us,but it is the disappointment from our expectations not being fulfilled. I guess that is the whole point of calling the "unexpected" a curve ball.

There are countless moments in everyday life when our thoughts are infused with the energy of fear or failure, shame, catastrophe, which makes it hard for us to be our selves. We face the possibility of our own personal "hanging curveball."

Our bodies respond to fearful thoughts the same way as if the events were actually taking place in the moment. The stress response further muddles our actions. We want to be prepared for any of those curveballs life might throw.

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.

The Wooden Bowl

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess
"We must do something about father," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor." So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up. " The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things:
a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents,
you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life.."I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.
People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
********************

This is to all of you who mean something to me,
I pray for your happiness.
The Gift Of Love, Hope & Friendship
May God richly bless you!

Wile-E-Coyote

Decisions, decisions. Sometimes you feel as though you are running around in circles, which way to go, or which way to turn. Frustrated, confused, unexpected happenings, your mind is a boogle, the world is like a merry-go-round that never stops; IF only time would stop so you could catch your breath, and refresh your memory, maybe we wouldn't make such quick decisions, and we would look at things in a different point of view. There is so much too do, and so little time to do it. There isn't enough hours in the day to get everything done, but it is always there in the morning when you wake up. Sometimes I feel like Wile-E-Coyote, but I have God to turn to, the world doesn't take the time to turn to God or give Him their problems.

As Paul Harvey would say, Good Day!

Southern Security System

How To Install A Home Security System In The South


1. Go to a second-hand store and buy a pair of men's used size
14-16 work boots.

2. Place them on your front porch, along with a copy of Guns
and Ammo Magazine.

3. Put a few giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazines.

4. Leave a note on your door that reads:

Hey Bubba, Me, Big Jim, Duke and Slim went for more ammunition.
Back in an hour. Don't mess with the pit bulls - they attacked
the mailman this morning and messed him up real bad. I don't
think Killer took part in it but it was hard to tell from all
the blood. Anyway, I locked all four of 'em in the house.
Better wait outside.

"Cooter"

Performance Mufflers

Where does the sound come from? Performance mufflers: Flowmaster, Flow-tech, Magnaflow, Dynomax, Glass-pack mufflers, and Cherrybombs, just a few to name.

Cherrybomb Oval Turbo muffler--Reduces back-pressure for more power and acceleration... plus a distintive sound.

Glas-pack muffler--The original performance; legendary deep and mellow.

Mufflers cancel out most of the engines noise. Sometimes we are like an old muffler with holes all through us. The little holes are flaws, mistakes, and areas in need of improvement. You'll never close them all, but you can work to close as many as possible. The process begins with pin-pointing where you need to improve. Mufflers rust from the inside out; visible rust indicates holes are developing in you muffler.

Growing up as a young teenager, my brother and I ran our cars with rather loud mufflers for more power and a better performance with the deep mellow sound flowing out. My brother's car had an exhaust leak, which meant that the exhaust had came loose from the manifold; which made the car very, very loud. Some of the elderly neighbors complained that it was too loud, along with a few of the local policemen. My brother was away at boot camp, (my transmission was out), so I drove his car, and I was in no hurry to get it fixed. The sound of loud mufflers just gets under you skin, it is considered a beautiful sound or music to the ears to anyone that loves fast and loud cars. My Grandmother always knew when we topped that old hill that we were coming home, because she could hear the cars.

Sin and the cares of the world is like an old loud muffler that never gets fixed. Sin finally takes its toll upon the soul. Gall, wormwood, poison, all of these words are words used in the Bible as synonyms for Bitterness. They all effectively conjure an image of an emotion that sours, pollutes, blinds and destroys a person from the inside out. Bitterness finds its root and its festering place: deep in the soul. Bitterness is the arch-enemy of hope, the ultimate corruptor of faith.

Another loud muffler sin is the Spirit of Jezebel, which is a controlling spirit working through the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. It has two aims:

1) To gain identity, glory, recognition, power, and satisfy the need for the "praises of men." The desire for love and self-worth focussed on
SELF.
2) The Jezebel spirit is a hater of all men and seeks to emasculate all men, and divest them of their authority and power over others. It fosters a distrust and hatred of men in general. The "Jezebel spirit" is in a constant agitation, terribly aggressive, very determined callous, controlling, selfish, power-hungry, manipulative, unrepentant, deceitful spirit, an overwhelming evil spirit. This spirit has indeed taken over the world, and can be definitely named "Satan's woman."

Jezebels are frequently "super achievers," which sadly is admired in church and the business world. He/she is a master in hindering others to achieve anything; doing everything they can to prevent others achieving their set goals, for then to criticise them for not having achieved these aims.

When we make up our minds to turn away from sin, and go back to that old altar of repentance with a desire and a determination in our hearts, God hears us top that old hill in prayer, and knows we are coming back to Him.

Fire Academy Graduation

Congratulations Andrew !!!

Dad and I are very proud of you upon your graduation for completing the Civilian Fire Academy course. You can accomplish anything you want, when you finally set your mind to do so.

You are a fine young man with a lot of potential, sensitive to God and to people around you. You have a heart of gold, and you are a lot of fun. Words cannot tell you how much we love and appreciate you. Always put God First in your life.

The most destructive habit... worry
The greatest joy... giving
The greatest loss... Loss of self-respect.

The most satisfying work... Helping others
The ugliest personality trait... Selfishness
The most endangered species... Dedicated leaders.

Our greatest natural resource... Our youth
The greatest "shot in the arm"... Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome...fear.

The most dangerous pariah... A gossiper
The world's most incredible computer... The brain
The worst thing to be without... Hope.

The deadliest weapon... The tongue
The two most power-filled words... "I can"
The greatest asset... Faith.

The most worthless emotion... Self-pity
The beautiful attire... SMILE!
The most prized possession... Intergrity.

The most powerful channel of communication... Prayer
The most contagious spirit... Enthusiasm.

Author Unknown

God Bless America Lyrics

God Bless America Lyrics: "While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer. '

God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home."

Have a Happy and Safe Memorial Day!

Burdens

What's your burden? How heavy is your load?

"Burden"--something that is carried, oppressive, or worrisome.

Everyone in the world has a burden(s). Burdens are like bricks stacked together. When you think that your burden is too heavy to bear, try carrying the burden of someone else. Sometimes your burden isn't as heavy as the weight of anothers burden. When you carry a heavy burden, can you still smile and help others?

When the circumstances of life become a burden, we want to cast them overboard; just as the person who is onboard a conveyance in distress. But casting is not as easy as it looks either for the survivor or the person who has burdens in their life.

Greek word for "cast" means to throw it away. Throw your pain, your disappointment, broken dreams, your heartache on the Lord for he cares for you.

"Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." I Pet. 5:7

People may want us to help them carry some of their load, but no one seems to have the time to listen. God doesn't put on us any more then we can handle, but how much do we put on ourselves. Worry is not God's will for us. It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it.

There is one place we can "cast" our burdens. There is someone who can be the best friend you'll ever have, and you can be a part of His family. He is a counselor, who has no equal and He is available and wants to listen--any time day or night. He takes whatever burdens you want to cast upon Him and takes care of them for you. His name is Jesus! He loves and cares for you.

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee:"... Ps 55:22

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matt. 11:28-30

Many hymns have been written by pioneers who have left their burdens at the altar of God. Hymns are written for purpose of praise, adoration or prayer. Hymns deal with life situations, problems and what people face day by day. Hymns are still relevant and we can still sing them. There is an old hymn that was written by Charles Albert
Tindley, "Leave It There."

Leave it there, leave it there,
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there

Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day
Saturday, May 17, 2008

President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.
On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department -- the Department of Defense.

Why Do Women Cry?

Happy Mother's Day to everyone. Just a little explanation of women.

Why Do Women Cry?

A little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?"
"Because I'm a woman," she told him. "I don't understand," he said.
His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will."

Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?"
"All women cry for no reason," was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry. Finally he put in a call to God; and when God responded he asked "God, why do women cry so easily?"

God said: "When I made the woman she had to be made special. I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort. I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children. I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly. I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

And lastly, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers and only hers exclusively to use whenever she needs it. She needs no reason, no explanation, its hers."

"You see my son," said God, "the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she
wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."

All Women are Beautiful

Author Unknown

"Sportsmanship"

As a kid growing up we were never allowed to play competitive sports like signing up for any sports team; so we played Softball at home. We always had two teams which consisted of brothers, sisters, cousins, and neighbor kids. We always played Softball with a hard-core softball, but we played by Baseball rules. We weren't allowed to use a baseball, because it was considered too hard. My Grandfather was the coach and umpire. He believed in being fair and square to everyone, and having good sportsmanship.

My Grandfather always laid down the ground rules to us before we started a game, and then he would always pray for God to keep His hand upon everyone as we played, and for everyone to enjoy themselves, keep a good attitude whether you won or lost. When his prayer was over, we all got into our places, and waited for his voice to ring out "PLAY BAll!"

Good Sportsmanship Rules:
1) The "Golden Rule"--Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
2) Have an understanding and appreciation of the rules.
3) Enjoy yourself and encourage enjoyment for others.
4) Take responsibility for you actions.
5) Recognize and appreciate good performances, especially by the opponent.
6) Exhibit respect for the officials.
7) Expect proper behavior from your teammates.

It seems in our sports, today, the concept of good sportsmanship has been lost. Sportsmanship in sports is a direct reflection of our own ethics in real life. Sportsmanship like ethics concerns both the character and the actions of an athlete. The image you project as an athlete is a product of your character.
"Character"-- is an attribute or quality that defines a person. Good sportsmanship is not just what you do on the field, but the way you conduct your life both on and off the field. Unsportsmanlike behavior on the field is probably an indication of your off the field conduct. Unsportsmanlike behavior--acts that are unfair, dishonest, disrepectful or against the rules; are unsportsmanlike because they are unethical. If you are unethical in sports, you are probably unethical in other areas of your life--such as business dealings, your treatment of others, your family, and your walk with God. Displaying good sportsmanship isn't always easy,
it can be tough to congratulate the opposing team. There is an old saying, "Actions speak louder then words!"

Encourage all surrounding people to display good sportsmanship behavior. "Win with class--lose with dignity." Every time we go out, we are being watched. We may not realize it but someone, possibly a young impressionable person, is observing you and how you act. Your behavior may have a signiciant impact--positive or negative. Remember your life is the only Bible others may read. Keep good sportsmanship.

"Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage:" Josh. 10:25

"For when the One Great Scorer comes to mark against your name, He writes not that you won or lost--but how you played the game." (Grantland Rice)

"13 Reminders of God's Love"

"13 Reminders of God's Love"

Selling Your Birthright

What have you sold your Birthright for today? The temporary thrill of sin can never replace the blessing of walking in God's peace, favor and presence. Sadly, like Esau in Gen 27:36, once you have sold your birthright, you will begin to lose God's blessing on your life.

And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright: and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me? Gen. 27:36

Before we look with contempt at Esau, we must look at ourselves. When we as Christians are unfaithful in our worship and our work or service, we forfeit our right to an inheritance. It may be rightfully said of us, as it was of Esau, that we have sold our birthright; that we have despised our birthright and become profane.

Things which cause Christian to sell their Birthright: the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, pride of life, pleasure of the world, cares of this world, the desire for riches, and the desire to be popular. These things will cause some to lose their sense of responsibility and fidelity to God and His word; to desire present gratification of fleshly desires with not regard to the consequences both on this earth and eternally. By unfaithfulness and disobedience the true value of life will be blinded. Christians give up thir soul's salvation fot a small amount of pleasure. There will a time when those selling their birthright today will understand the true value of their soul's salvation.

The nations that inherited the birthright blessings of Abraham are presently on a downward path. If our people do not change their ways, we will suffer the same fate as the ancient Israelites. God will turn away the excellency (remove the birthright blessings) of modern Israel. The greatness of the English-speaking nation to be removed.

For the Lord hath turned away the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel: for the emptiers have emptied them out, and marred their vine branches. Nah. 2:2

God had a special relationship with the descendants of Jacob. Because of this special relationship, if the people would not fulfil their part of the covenant, God would chasten them. Disobedience brings punishment.

Hear this word that the Lord hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying,
You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.
Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Amos 3:1-3

God will judge us according to our ways. The major English-speaking nations of the world have been loosing their vast wealth in a direct parallel with the decline of morality in the land. We are fast becoming nations of moral decay and spiritual rot!

We are unthankful people, who believe that we have gotten our vast wealth because we worked so hard for it. This is "the Amnerican way!" We believe that success is by our own efforts, not realizing that the only reason we have such abundance and national wealth to work with is that we were given this by God in fulfillment of promises made to Abraham. God says that because of rebellion against Him, we have turned Him into our enemy instead of our protector.

But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them. Isa 63:10

What is your Goliath?

Up late, can't sleep, the house is quiet, and I have finally have time to think and write about something that has been going thru my mind. I hope that this will be an encouragment to someone.

What is your Goliath? How tall is your God? Giants. We must face them, yet, we need not face them alone.

Goliaths still roam in our world. You know your Goliath. You recognize his walk, the thunder of his voice. He taunts you with bills you can't pay, people you can't please, habits you can't break, failures you can't forget, and a future you can't face. These super-sized challenges swagger and strut into our lives, pilfering our sleep, embezzling our peace and robbing us of our joy. While these giants try to dominate our lives, we know what we must do. We've learned what David learned, and we must do what David did. We have to be focused on God, pick up five stones, make decisions, and take a swing. The life of David digs deeply into the defeats he suffered, and the victories he won, as he faced the giants in his life. When David focused on God, giants tumbled; when David focused on giants... he stumbled.

All of us come in contact with and face "giants" in our lives. People who reach "higher" have defeated "giants." "Giants" are often tools in God's hand to fashion and prepare us for "bigger things." Most problems or obstacles we face do not stand alone. The "problems" represent more than what we see at the moment. When we defeat the "giant(s)", things begin to happen.

Comfort zones are no protection against "giants," neither is running from the giant. You must run toward the giant and overcome it, or you will find yourself running into a life of make-believe success and significance. You will find that your success and significance are nothing more than tattered, worn-out "tents." (I Sam. 17:20-21) Don't cower in timidity from the mocking voices of your Goliaths--run at them. The formula for defeat is to declare His name--Jesus! The mention of His name causes the forces of hell to tremble.

Acronymns for Fun

BIBLE-- Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.

FROG-- Fully Rely On God.

HOPE-- Hackers On Planet Earth.

SWAT-- Someone With A Testimony.

GAP-- God's Amazing People.

PUSH-- Pray Until Something Happens.

PRAY-- Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield.

ASAP-- Always Say a Prayer.

PH D-- Piled High and Deep

CADILLAC--Crazed and Demented Idiots Like Large American Cars.

DODGE- Don't Over Drive Gutless Engines

FORD-- Found On Roads Dead. Fix Or Repair Daily.

GMC-- Greatest Made Chevy.

My Grandson

The newest member of our family, and a proud Daddy.

DOB: January 8, 2008, at 6:29 pm; 7 lbs. 2 ozs., and 19" long. Joshua Leroy Hallford the son of Joshua and Jamie Hallford.

"I Must Tell Jesus"

Words and Music by Elisha A. Hoffman (1893)

Rev. Elisha A. Hoffman was summoned to help a friend who was permitted many visitations of sorrow and affliction. (Affliction- distress, grief or misery, a state of pain; sickness, loss, calamity, or persecution.) Rev. Hoffman tried to comfort her by telling her of the unfailing love of God. He spoke of that love which brought us into being, and follows us every step of our way. He urged her to surrender to God's mercy, and told her the help she needed could only come when she was fully repentant. He prayed earnestly for her, and while he was praying she suddenly screamed, "I must tell Jesus!" His pastoral visit, spiritual instruction and earnest prayer led to her conversion, and she became a great soul winner in the Master's service.

"I must tell Jesus," was wrought out of a minister's intimate dealing with a soul seeking deliverance from sickness and sin. Dealing impressed by this experience, Rev. Elisha A. Hoffman wrote these words after returning home.

I must tell Jesus all of my trials,
I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me,
He ever loves and cares for His own.

Chorus:
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I Must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.


I must tell Jesus all of my troubles,
He is a kind, compassionate Friend;
If I but ask Him, He will deliver,
Make of my troubles quickly an end.

Chorus.

Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior,
One who can help my burdens to bear;
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus,
He all my cares and sorrows will share.

Chorus.

O how the world to evil allures me!
O how my heart is tempted to sin!
I must tell Jesus, and He will help me
Over the world the victory to win.

When we are tempted, alone, and no one understands, we must tell Jesus. When we are hurting, and no one sympathizes with our pain, we must tell Jesus. Jesus came because He knew we could not bear the burden alone.

"Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." I Peter 5:7

The Presence of the Lord

The Presence of the Lord is like the wind. Wind is a flow of air. You can't see the wind because it is invisible. You can't see the wind, how do you know that it is there? The wind is there because you can see it moving things, like the leaves on the trees, and blowing things around. You can't see the wind, but you know it is there because you can see what the wind is doing.

We can't see God, or the Presence of God, but we know that He is there the same way we know the wind is there; but you can feel it,see the results, and how people react to the Presence of the Lord.

How can you deny God when you are standing in His presence?
"Cast me not away from thy presence: and take not thy holy spirit from me." Ps 51:11
The Presence of the Lord in our lives are one of the most important attributes in our lives. We cannot live without the Presence of the Lord.
"Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence." Ps 140:13 The presence of the Lord is so important, and yet few believers know what the Presence of God really means.

Scripture teaches that God is (Omni-present) everywhere, nobody can hide from Him.

Psa 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
Psa 139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
Psa 139:9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Psa 139:10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
Psa 139:11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
Psa 139:12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
Psa 139:13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
Psa 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Psa 139:15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Psa 139:16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
Psa 139:17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
Psa 139:18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
His Presence is more than that. God is with you no matter where life may take you. You are safe in the hands of God, regardless where you are. The Lord's main purpose is to bless his people--beyond anything they can imagine. The chief blessing is the Lord's own presence.

An old chorus:
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place,
I can feel God's mighty power and God's grace.
I can hear the brush of Angel's wings,
I see glory on each face.
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.

When Jacob awoke from his dream of angels ascending and descending upon the ladder to heaven: he exclaimed, "Truly the Lord is in this spot, although I did not know it!
Gen 28:16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.

There are times when His presence with us is in greater measure, and we experience God in a greater capacity. The manifest Presence of God is what brings power and changes lives. When we place ourselves before Him in worship, we make room for Him and increase our awareness of the "Presence of the Lord" in our lives. Practising the presence through worship is one of the most important things we can do. God has promised that as we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us, and we will experience His presence in ever increasing measures.

Lord, we can't see you, but we know you are there because we can see you moving, we can feel your presence, and we hear you speak to our hearts. Thank you for being there!

--Patti Hallford

Happy New Years

Happy New Years to everyone. May God richly bless each and everyone throughout this new year of 2008. It is a new year to start new beginnings, and always put God first in your life with whatever you may do or wherever you may go.