Your Pastor: Is he preyed on or prayed for? If spiritual leaders are not prayed for they will be preyed on by a host of destructive forces. "Could the Pastor be the least prayed for person in church?" We need to pray for the protection of our Shepherd (Pastor) from Satan's fiery darts.
The more people in church who are praying for the Pastor, the fewer will be left to join the firing squad.
Solomon prayed for Wisdom
Paul prayed for Grace
Nehemiah prayed for Israel
King Hezekiah prayed for Blessings
Elisha prayed for Eyes
And somebody prayed for me.
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22: 31-32
Elijah's life was summed up in two words...'he prayed.'
Be a Barnabus to your Pastor. The apostle Paul had a faithful companion by his side, Joseph of Cyprus, nicknamed Barnabus, which meant "Son of Encouragement." Barnabus stood with Paul through shipwrecks, stonings and rejection.
"...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16
--Patti Hallford
Quotes:
I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had absolutely no other place to go. --Abraham Lincoln
Is Prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? --Corrie Ten Boom
Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge to Satan. --John Bunyan
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Happy Mother's Day
I would like to say Happy Mother's Day to my Mom, my Mother-in-law, my Sisters, and all of my friends who have experienced being a Mother. I thank you for all the good and bad times we have had together. May you always walk in the footsteps of God, and be the example to others around you, and be sheltered in the arms of God. May God bless and keep you. I love you all.
Love,
Patti Hallford
M... is for the million things she gave me,
O... means only that she's growing old,
T... is for the tears she shed to save me,
H... is for the heart of purest gold;
E... is for her eyes, with love-light shining,
R... means right, and right she'll always be.
Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER," A word means the world to me.
--Howard Johnson
Love,
Patti Hallford
M... is for the million things she gave me,
O... means only that she's growing old,
T... is for the tears she shed to save me,
H... is for the heart of purest gold;
E... is for her eyes, with love-light shining,
R... means right, and right she'll always be.
Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER," A word means the world to me.
--Howard Johnson
Friday, May 11, 2007
Perseverance
What is perseverance?
Perseverance is commitment, hard work, patience, endurance. Perseverance is being able to bear difficulties calmly and without complaint. Perseverance is trying again and again.
Perseverance and failure cannot coexist. Failure happens when you quit. When all is said and done, perseverance, commonly referred to as "stick-to-itiveness," is the ultimate success insurance. Nothing can take its place.
From learning to walk to riding a bicycle, our childhood teaches us that failure only occurs when we stop trying. It is a lesson many of us need to revisit in our adulthood. We need to consciously apply the techniques and principles that keep us on the "perseverance track."
The Christian life is like a race in which perseverance is necessary to reach the finish line. Sadly, many have abandoned this race due to lack of perseverance. Many have stumbled and decided not to get up. Many have been discouraged and stopped running. Those who were conscious of the great importance of perseverance, in the midst of difficulties and temptation, were able to finish the race.
Floggings and jail couldn't hinder Paul and Silas from singing and praying:
"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them." Acts 16:25
God is delighted with those who persevere in spite of opposition:
"Then the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job... Job 1:8; 19-22
The benefits of Persevance--to perfect our lives for when temptations and trials arrive we can resist:
...that the trying of your faith worketh patience. James 1:2-4
We can have the ability to help others persevere:
...that we may be able to comfort them which are in any toruble... 2 Cor. 1:4
The strength to persevere, for us, is a supernatural reward that God gives us. (Heb.10:35-39).
...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Rev. 2:10.
--Patti Hallford
"Quotes"
The difference between persevance and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't. Henry Ward Beecher
When the world says, "Give up," Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."
Author Unknown
Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crosed the mountain.
Author Unknown
He conquers who endures. Persius
The race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running. Author Unknown, in reference to Ecclesiastes 9:11
Perseverance is commitment, hard work, patience, endurance. Perseverance is being able to bear difficulties calmly and without complaint. Perseverance is trying again and again.
Perseverance and failure cannot coexist. Failure happens when you quit. When all is said and done, perseverance, commonly referred to as "stick-to-itiveness," is the ultimate success insurance. Nothing can take its place.
From learning to walk to riding a bicycle, our childhood teaches us that failure only occurs when we stop trying. It is a lesson many of us need to revisit in our adulthood. We need to consciously apply the techniques and principles that keep us on the "perseverance track."
The Christian life is like a race in which perseverance is necessary to reach the finish line. Sadly, many have abandoned this race due to lack of perseverance. Many have stumbled and decided not to get up. Many have been discouraged and stopped running. Those who were conscious of the great importance of perseverance, in the midst of difficulties and temptation, were able to finish the race.
Floggings and jail couldn't hinder Paul and Silas from singing and praying:
"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them." Acts 16:25
God is delighted with those who persevere in spite of opposition:
"Then the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job... Job 1:8; 19-22
The benefits of Persevance--to perfect our lives for when temptations and trials arrive we can resist:
...that the trying of your faith worketh patience. James 1:2-4
We can have the ability to help others persevere:
...that we may be able to comfort them which are in any toruble... 2 Cor. 1:4
The strength to persevere, for us, is a supernatural reward that God gives us. (Heb.10:35-39).
...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Rev. 2:10.
--Patti Hallford
"Quotes"
The difference between persevance and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't. Henry Ward Beecher
When the world says, "Give up," Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."
Author Unknown
Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crosed the mountain.
Author Unknown
He conquers who endures. Persius
The race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running. Author Unknown, in reference to Ecclesiastes 9:11
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Twas The Day of Friendship Sunday
“Twas the day of the Friendship dinner, when all through the church,
Setup crews were busy with details, sand and nails were in search;
The tents were up in the parking lot with care,
In hopes that guests soon would be there;
The children were dressed in yellow, blue and red,
While visions of fun and games danced in their heads;
And teachers dressed in casual wear, and I in my cap,
We had just settled down with a Sunday school map.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the chair to see what was the matter.
Away to the windows we flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The sun on the breast of the new-fallen dew
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects anew,
When, what to our wondering eyes should appear,
But basketballs goals, and five moon bouncers set up here,
Our Pastor excited, so lively and quick,
Bro. Kenny has grills, and wood by the rick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
“Now, Todd! Now, Cosme! Now, Will and Andy!
On, Charles! On, Eddie! On, Mark and Randy!
Fill up the parking lot to the back wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, look to the sky,
So up to the platform the musicians they flew,
With the children’s choir, and Sis Carmen too.
And then, in a moment, I heard them sing
The children’s melodious voices begin to ring.
As I drew in my breath, and was turning around,
Across the platform Bro. Elms came with a bound.
He was dressed in casual clothes from his head to his toe,
And his clothes were disheveled but hardly did show;
A mic in one hand, and took one step back,
And he greeted the visitors without any slack.
His eyes—how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He opened his Bible and read a short verse,
The teachings of God must come first;
Makeovers are like caterpillars that eat the leaves away,
Miracles are beautiful butterflies that will come your way.
The lesson was short, anticipation filled the air,
Everyone was ready for hamburgers, hotdogs and the social affair.
We had bouncers for the young and old,
And everyone had a blast,
Preparation was far-reaching, time shall unfold,
Pictures, slideshows, and memories will be a thing of the past.
There was even an “old fashion game,” called jump rope,
Some jumped fast, double Dutch, high stepping and others just loped.
The young people were busy as little elves
And I laughed when I saw them, in spite of myself.
Cleanup crews sprang to the kitchen and the parking lot,
There was plenty of work for everyone who sought.
We had a “Grand Ole Time,” which was just right,
“Thank you to all, and to all a good-night.”
Setup crews were busy with details, sand and nails were in search;
The tents were up in the parking lot with care,
In hopes that guests soon would be there;
The children were dressed in yellow, blue and red,
While visions of fun and games danced in their heads;
And teachers dressed in casual wear, and I in my cap,
We had just settled down with a Sunday school map.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the chair to see what was the matter.
Away to the windows we flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The sun on the breast of the new-fallen dew
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects anew,
When, what to our wondering eyes should appear,
But basketballs goals, and five moon bouncers set up here,
Our Pastor excited, so lively and quick,
Bro. Kenny has grills, and wood by the rick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
“Now, Todd! Now, Cosme! Now, Will and Andy!
On, Charles! On, Eddie! On, Mark and Randy!
Fill up the parking lot to the back wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, look to the sky,
So up to the platform the musicians they flew,
With the children’s choir, and Sis Carmen too.
And then, in a moment, I heard them sing
The children’s melodious voices begin to ring.
As I drew in my breath, and was turning around,
Across the platform Bro. Elms came with a bound.
He was dressed in casual clothes from his head to his toe,
And his clothes were disheveled but hardly did show;
A mic in one hand, and took one step back,
And he greeted the visitors without any slack.
His eyes—how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He opened his Bible and read a short verse,
The teachings of God must come first;
Makeovers are like caterpillars that eat the leaves away,
Miracles are beautiful butterflies that will come your way.
The lesson was short, anticipation filled the air,
Everyone was ready for hamburgers, hotdogs and the social affair.
We had bouncers for the young and old,
And everyone had a blast,
Preparation was far-reaching, time shall unfold,
Pictures, slideshows, and memories will be a thing of the past.
There was even an “old fashion game,” called jump rope,
Some jumped fast, double Dutch, high stepping and others just loped.
The young people were busy as little elves
And I laughed when I saw them, in spite of myself.
Cleanup crews sprang to the kitchen and the parking lot,
There was plenty of work for everyone who sought.
We had a “Grand Ole Time,” which was just right,
“Thank you to all, and to all a good-night.”
Monday, April 30, 2007
The 5 Senses
Touch someone's heart whenever you can.
Taste all that life has to offer.
Smell the roses.
Hear the nice things that others have to say.
See the beauty inside everyone.
--Author Unknown
Taste all that life has to offer.
Smell the roses.
Hear the nice things that others have to say.
See the beauty inside everyone.
--Author Unknown
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Star-Spangled Banner
A recent poll found that two out of three American adults don't know all of the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner"--and many don't even know which song is our National Anthem or why it is written. Where did the people who do know the words say they learned "The Star-Spangled Banner" and other Patriotic music? At school!
Let me tell you a little bit in a short story about the history of our flag and the Star-Spangled Banner which was written by Francis Scott Key, after he witnessed a British attack during the war.
An eerie silence fell across the early morning darkness on the morning of Sept. 14, 1814, and it was the first time in more than 18 hours that things had been quiet. The previous day more than 1,800 bombs, cannonballs, and the new Congreve rockets had lit the sky. and shattered the peaceful harbor. From the deck of his sloop behind the enemy fleet a young man breathed a sigh of relief. "Did you see it still there?" he may have asked his friends.
His friends knew to what Francis Key was referring. The men had strained their eyes through the darkness of night for the last several hours to get a glimpse of the American flag that flew from Fort McHenry. The flag was 30 feet high and 40 feet wide. But as darkness had fallen, the only time the flag could be seen was during those seconds when it was momentarily lit by bombs the enemy hurled at the small fort. As long as the men and their companion Colonel John Skinner could see the flag flying, they knew there was still hope that their Nation had survived.
The invasion by the British soldiers continued, and it did not look promising for the 16 United States of America. The British ground troops afforded the opportunity to position themselves for one final, crushing assault. Now and then a brief flicker of light from an exploding rocket would reveal what Mr. Key thought might be that hugh flag still flying proudly over Fort McHenry. Maybe he even caught himself anticipating, even hoping for another billiant flash of light from the enemy rockets. He stopped himself, realizing that the same explosions that lit the skies to reveal the flag and allay his fears, rained death on the men who fought to keep that flag flying.
So intense was the final bombardment that the early morning dawn was filled with smoke, and the odor of burned gunpowder. So thick was the curtain of smoke, even the morning sunshine could not reveal whether or not the flag still waved. The quiet returned. The men watched as the British ships began to withdraw. Had the fort, badly weakened by the enemy bombardment finally fallen to the British ground troops?
The sloop(ship) alone in the bay, the men look fearfully towards the shoreline. A breeze began to move across the water's surface and the smoke of the battle began to shift ever so slightly to reveal patches of blue sky. In the distant blue there appeared new colors--red, white, and blue. What a welcome site, hearts swelled with hope, and pride in the men who so valiantly fought through the night to keep that flag flying.
Reaching into his pocket Francis Scott Key withdrew an envelope, and began to write:
"O, say! can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?"
"And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O, say! does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?"
Mr. Key never knew that his poem would later be our National Anthem. It was not officially recognized as such until 1931.
Let me tell you a little bit in a short story about the history of our flag and the Star-Spangled Banner which was written by Francis Scott Key, after he witnessed a British attack during the war.
An eerie silence fell across the early morning darkness on the morning of Sept. 14, 1814, and it was the first time in more than 18 hours that things had been quiet. The previous day more than 1,800 bombs, cannonballs, and the new Congreve rockets had lit the sky. and shattered the peaceful harbor. From the deck of his sloop behind the enemy fleet a young man breathed a sigh of relief. "Did you see it still there?" he may have asked his friends.
His friends knew to what Francis Key was referring. The men had strained their eyes through the darkness of night for the last several hours to get a glimpse of the American flag that flew from Fort McHenry. The flag was 30 feet high and 40 feet wide. But as darkness had fallen, the only time the flag could be seen was during those seconds when it was momentarily lit by bombs the enemy hurled at the small fort. As long as the men and their companion Colonel John Skinner could see the flag flying, they knew there was still hope that their Nation had survived.
The invasion by the British soldiers continued, and it did not look promising for the 16 United States of America. The British ground troops afforded the opportunity to position themselves for one final, crushing assault. Now and then a brief flicker of light from an exploding rocket would reveal what Mr. Key thought might be that hugh flag still flying proudly over Fort McHenry. Maybe he even caught himself anticipating, even hoping for another billiant flash of light from the enemy rockets. He stopped himself, realizing that the same explosions that lit the skies to reveal the flag and allay his fears, rained death on the men who fought to keep that flag flying.
So intense was the final bombardment that the early morning dawn was filled with smoke, and the odor of burned gunpowder. So thick was the curtain of smoke, even the morning sunshine could not reveal whether or not the flag still waved. The quiet returned. The men watched as the British ships began to withdraw. Had the fort, badly weakened by the enemy bombardment finally fallen to the British ground troops?
The sloop(ship) alone in the bay, the men look fearfully towards the shoreline. A breeze began to move across the water's surface and the smoke of the battle began to shift ever so slightly to reveal patches of blue sky. In the distant blue there appeared new colors--red, white, and blue. What a welcome site, hearts swelled with hope, and pride in the men who so valiantly fought through the night to keep that flag flying.
Reaching into his pocket Francis Scott Key withdrew an envelope, and began to write:
"O, say! can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?"
"And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O, say! does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?"
Mr. Key never knew that his poem would later be our National Anthem. It was not officially recognized as such until 1931.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Friends/Friendship
What is friendship? Friendship is the evidence you portray in what kind of friend you really are. Friendship is a term used to denote co-operative and supportive behavior between two or more humans. Friends will welcome each other's company and exhibit loyalty towards each other, often to the point of altruism. (Altruism is selfless concern for the welfare of others.) Their tastes will usually be similar and may converge, they will share enjoyable activities. Friends will engage in mutually helping behavior, such as exchange of advice and the sharing of hardship. A friend is someone who may often demonstrate reciprocating and reflective behaviors. Friendship is nothing more than the trust that someone or something will not harm them. Value that is found in friendships is often the result a friend demonstrating the desire what is best for the other, sympathy and empathy, honesty, in situations where it may be difficult for others to speak the truth, and mutual understanding.
Friendship is considered to be closer than acquaintanceship, although there is a range of degrees in both friendship and acquaintances.
David and Jonathan were heroic figures of the Kingdom of Israel, whose friendship was recorded favorably in the Old Testament in the books of Samuel.
Friendship can be mistaken for comradeship. Comradeship is the feeling of affinity that draws people together in time of war. In wartime comradeship, is confused with friendship. Wartime always brings with it this comradeship, which is the opposite of friendship. As a war ends, enemy recedes, comrades return to being strangers, who lack friendship and have little in common.
"Fair weather friend" is a friend who supports others only when it is easy and convenient to do so.
"True friend" supports their own friends through emotional difficulties. The true friend often sacrifices something of his or her own (usually their time and resources) in order to help the friend in need. True friends are known to be very rare. A true friend may not be your best friend but someone who you know will be there for you.
"Best friends" is a friend to whom one feels closest. Best friend relationship can often be complex.
--Patti Hallford
There are 49 verses found in the Bible.
A friend loveth at all times... Prov. 17:17
A man that hath friends must show himself friendly; and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Prov. 18:24
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.John 15:13
Friendship is considered to be closer than acquaintanceship, although there is a range of degrees in both friendship and acquaintances.
David and Jonathan were heroic figures of the Kingdom of Israel, whose friendship was recorded favorably in the Old Testament in the books of Samuel.
Friendship can be mistaken for comradeship. Comradeship is the feeling of affinity that draws people together in time of war. In wartime comradeship, is confused with friendship. Wartime always brings with it this comradeship, which is the opposite of friendship. As a war ends, enemy recedes, comrades return to being strangers, who lack friendship and have little in common.
"Fair weather friend" is a friend who supports others only when it is easy and convenient to do so.
"True friend" supports their own friends through emotional difficulties. The true friend often sacrifices something of his or her own (usually their time and resources) in order to help the friend in need. True friends are known to be very rare. A true friend may not be your best friend but someone who you know will be there for you.
"Best friends" is a friend to whom one feels closest. Best friend relationship can often be complex.
--Patti Hallford
There are 49 verses found in the Bible.
A friend loveth at all times... Prov. 17:17
A man that hath friends must show himself friendly; and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Prov. 18:24
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.John 15:13
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