Hi there little Sis!!! I LOVE your new picture! It looks like you're not quite ready to have your little one. My babies dropped futher down before "the day" came. Did that happen with your other kids before they were born?
I don't have any mail with me this time. I just thought I'd say hi.
I'm thankful for you too Charlene. You've been a blessing to me young lady!
Yes, PLEASE DO let me know how your appointment goes on Thursday. I'll be looking forward to hearing from you about that.
I'm boiling potatoes and eggs to make potatoe salad. I need to go check them now. I love you! me
Good morning pretty lady!! I'm about to get ready to go to the dentist but I wanted to stop by and say hi and also drop off the following....
One who was there had been an invalid for thirty eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition a long time he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
John 5:5-6
Do you want to get well?! What a shocking question. Isn't the answer obvious? Why even ask?
One of the most confusing parts of the recovery process is the fact that we have many layers of resistance to recovery. As we begin to see the changes which recovery will demand, we begin to see how attached we have become to our existing way of life. Sometimes we play games to hold on to the past. We have a good friend who prayed early in recovery that God would deliver her from alcoholism so that she could continue to drink!
We are all like this - we want healing but we fear the changes which healing will bring.
Sometimes the fear of recovery comes from the fact that we can't imagine any way of being in the world other than what we have known. A life consumed with despair, rage and self-loathing may seem pretty awful, but its the only life we may have known. Any change may seem risky and uncertain.
God is not ignorant of our resistance to healing. God asks the difficult question: "Do you want to get well?" It's not always as obvious as it seems. The 12-Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous addresses this issue when it talks about being "entirely ready" for God to change us. The process of becoming "entirely ready" is at the heart of the struggle of recovery.
Our hearts and minds are being prepared to answer 'yes' to God's offer of wholeness.
My answer to your question, Lord, is yes.
I am ambivalent at times.
I am uncertain and afraid at times.
But, I do want to get well.
The answer is yes.
Amen.
Hi Sweetie. I think you're probably waiting as patiently as you can for your little one to arrive. I'm sure that will be a wonderful day. I remember so well when each one of our kids were born. I guess there are some things we just don't forget.
Don's asleep again so here's your mail......
Joy is Yours
By Jim Burns
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4
Did you know that over 500 times in the Bible we are commanded to rejoice? The Living Bible says, "Be full of joy." Every morning I repeat a particular verse in the Psalms to myself. In fact some mornings I say it while looking in the mirror, because I don't feel joyful. Nevertheless this verse is forever true and always helpful. Here it is:
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
The truth of that Psalm helps me get my day started on the right track. I have found that if I start my day rejoicing in the Lord, my day will be full of joy. A great preacher once said, "The surest mark of a Christian is not faith or even love but joy." Did you know that Jesus came to give you joy, a deep, overflowing joy that only comes from God? Jesus said, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete" (John 15:11).
God's kind of joy is not a giddy, superficial good feeling. Rather, His joy runs deep. Even during the tough times it prevails in your soul.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Why do you think the writer of Philippians repeats himself in verse 4:4?
2. Have you ever felt peace or hope in the midst of trials? If you have then you have experienced joy. What do you think is the connection between rejoicing in the Lord and being filled with joy?
FURTHER READING:
Romans 12:12; Philippians 3:1
Muuuuuuaaaaaaahhhhh and these are hugs..OOOOOOOOOOO
Hi Sis! Don's trying to sleep so I am typing VERY softly and VERY slowly. I hope U R doing well. I hope your family is well too.
lots of love, big Sis
Here's your mail...
The Key to a Good Life
By Jim Liebelt
…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Matthew 20:26-28
I don’t think I’ve ever met a person who didn’t want his or her life to matter. I think God creates us with a desire to live a great life. The problem is that we lose sight of what makes a life truly great, what it means to make a difference during our lifetime.
A friend of mine tells the true story of a man who once was an athlete. He played college football until one day, as a young adult, he suffered a stroke at practice. The stroke caused brain damage and the man was in a coma for a couple of weeks. When he woke up, he was paralyzed and couldn’t walk. The doctors told him that he would never walk again. Eventually, he regained the use of his legs and re-learned how to walk, but the brain damage was severe enough that he would never be his old self again. He would be challenged for the rest of his life.
The university where he had played football gave him a job as a custodian. He loved his job. He told my friend that he is so thankful to God that he is alive and can hug his wife and give piggyback rides to his kids. He said he was thankful that the school gave him a good job—even though it was picking up other people’s trash—because he loves helping people.
Here was a guy who has all the reason in the world to be angry with God and to give up. But instead, because his life has been touched by God’s love, he found real life and the way to greatness—to live a life that matters—by loving God and serving others. By the world’s standards, this custodian will likely never be considered great. But, in God’s eyes? Absolutely! This man makes a difference by being a servant, which by the way, Jesus defines as the core value of real leadership!
Sadly, many people never recognize that the key to greatness lies not in the amount of money they make, prestige of their career, or how many times they show up in a Google search. True greatness is not limited to the most popular, the most outgoing, the smartest or the most gifted. Rather, it is available to each of us, and is found in the simple, and often quiet, role of servanthood.
GOING DEEPER:
1. How have you defined greatness? Has your definition been in line with God’s definition? If not, why not?
2. Think about the people in your life. Who can you serve today? How can you serve that person?
FURTHER READING:
Matthew 20:20-28; John 13:2-17; Luke 10:27-37
Hi little Sis, I found something else I think you'll like. Here it is.....
DAILY VERSE
Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:18-19
DAILY QUOTE
Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing. Abraham Lincoln
DAILY THOUGHT
God promised that He will transform us when we become part of His family. He will do a new thing in us and He will continue to bring forth change that will be for our good and His highest.
God is able to make rivers spring forth in the desert. If He can do that, He can be trusted to cover the messes we made in our past—and supply everything we need for a bright new future. That’s the kind of God He is. He is the One who is able to take broken, worn out, failed, dusty experiences—and plant a beautiful garden.
If we want to experience all that He has for us, we must begin with the simple belief that He loves us and wants to do something special in us—no matter what has transpired up to this very moment. One of the ways you show that belief is by seeking His will for your life, trusting Him for His wisdom to make right choices and go in the right direction.
Ready for a fresh start? A new start? Turn to God. He is faithful to guide you to a brand new beginning!
Thank You God for Your love that draws me back to You when I’ve made a mess of my life and for showing me Your power to produce flowing rivers in the desert of life. Amen.
Hi sis! I was thinking about you earlier today. I hope you're well and content. I imagine you're a busy young lady!
I got this following thing in my mail and thought I'd share it with you. Here it is......
September 23, 2009
For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier...
-- Ephesians 2:14
Many years ago, the Prince of Wales visited the capital city of India. An arduous, stately barrier had been set up to keep back the masses of people, most of them lower class, who wanted to catch a glimpse of royalty.
When the prince arrived, he shook hands with some of the political dignitaries who were presented to him. Then, looking over their heads to the crowds beyond, he said, "Take down those barriers!" They were quickly removed, and the people, regardless of social rank, had free access to the heir to the British throne.
Several years later, the Prince of Wales visited the same district again. Waiting on him, were 10,000 outcasts that waited under a banner. The banner welcomed him with these words inscribed: "The Prince of the Outcasts."
Not many of us take time out of our hectic schedules to reflect on the majesty of Jesus and what He did for us. Born into sin, we were outcasts from conception. But by the grace and forgiveness of Jesus, we have been adopted into the family of God.
So often we don't thank Him or praise Him enough for the incredible mercy he showed us on the cross. We were separated from God, we were the outcasts, sin was the barrier, and the heir to the throne came and ordered it to be taken away. As a result, we now have free access to the Son. Thank God for our "Prince of the Outcasts"-Jesus Christ.
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Take a few moments to simply thank God for sending Jesus to provide forgiveness for your sins as a sacrifice on the cross through His shed blood. Take time to worship Him through song for bridging the gap so that we can have eternal life.
I love you girl!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Hi honey! It's been a busy time. I'm either sitting with my friend who's husband has been helping Don or I'm making meals or washing clothes, or I'm asleep!! I just got on the computer a few minutes ago and it's about 7:15.
I'm glad to hear you're doin ok. That's good news!!
There's a couple at our church that have been wanting to have a baby for a long time. They didn't have any little ones. They told us recently that's the lady is pregnant, I was so happy when I heard the news. I had been praying for them.
I brought something different with me today. It's not your usual mail Here it is............
Well prepared
When you're well prepared for the challenges, you can actually enjoy working through them. When you enjoy the challenges, you'll be able to create great value.
What can you do today that will make your work tomorrow go more smoothly? Though you may not know exactly what the challenges will be, there is still much you can do to prepare.
Preparation boosts your confidence. Good, solid, thoughtful preparation makes your efforts more effective.
Be well prepared, and your time will be spent moving forward instead of struggling to catch up. Be prepared, and you can effectively deal with small issues before they become big obstacles.
Imagine the possibilities and then prepare yourself for them. That puts you in position to make the best of whatever may happen.
Good preparation magnifies the positive influence of your efforts. Be prepared and everything becomes an opportunity.
Hi , it's early so I can type awhile!! Yeah!!
I'm listening to one of your songs right now. It's called Daddy's Girl. I sure did love my dad. When I was a child, he'd often take me with him when he went on an errand of some kind. We sang a lot in the car on the way to wherever we were going. One of the songs we sang was the A B C song. I don't know the actual title but here's the way it went. A, you're adorable, B, you're so beautiful, C, you're a cutie full of charm, D, you're a darling and E, you're exciting and F, you're a feather in my arms...and it went on through the alphabet. Those are precious memories. We took turns while we sang this. He sang the A and I sang the B thing and on we went. Then the next time, I'd begin the song. It was fun and like I said a very good memory! Memories can be so sweet but there was a time when I didn't remember all the good things. I am thankful that I do now.
I hope you're better than ok. love you lots, Darlene
All who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant - these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Isaiah 56:6b-7a
Rest can lead to joy because it creates a new perspective in us. Rest reminds us that we don't have to be compulsively responsible for the world and everything in it. Rest reminds us that God is in charge. Rest also leads to joy because it leads to a renewed relationship with God.
As this text puts it, God promises to lead Sabbath-keepers to his holy mountain. In rest we can be led to a place of joy in God's house ofprayer. It is a beautiful image of God rejoicing with people who rest.
Rest can also lead to joy because it restores us. It renews and
re-energizes us because it allows us to balance our "being" with our
"doing". When we cease doing for a time, our senses are opened again to the world around us. We can see life with new gratitude and awe. And gratitude and awe produce joy.
Rest frees us to be what we are - creatures. We are creatures who can work and play, give and receive, weep and laugh. Today we can balance our working, giving and weeping with playing, receiving and laughing.
Lord, I want to stop doing for a time today.
I want to stop and remember that you are God.
Help me to experience the freedom and joy of being your creature.
Help to keep the Sabbath.
Bring me to your holy mountain.
Give me joy in your house of prayer.
Amen.
Copyright Dale and Juanita Ryan
HI Sis!! A friend stopped by late this afternoon and it was good talking with her. I can't type cause I just woke Don up. I hope to write to you earlier tomorrow! love, Darlene
Reinstalled
By Kelly McFadden
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering…
Romans 8:1-3
With no warning, my computer suddenly shut off. My insides screamed, “No, no, no, no!” while on the outside I somehow maintained a relatively calm composure. Silently, I begged for a favor from God to bring my computer back to life. I hit the power button and held my breath. Nothing. I turned my laptop upside down, made sure all the screws were tight, shook it around a bit and tried again. The glorious sound of the computer turning on chimed through the speakers. “It’s alive!” I screamed in triumph. Quickly, I backed up all of data. But, it didn’t last long. Within a few days, my computer died once again.
To fix the computer, I had to delete everything on the computer and then reinstall from scratch back onto the hard drive. After reloading the original software, I added the personal files I had saved. As I did, I couldn’t help but think about the way God reinstalls us when we crash.
God molds us, and designs us. He gives us each some similar components, making us in His image. Then, He goes beyond creating carbon copies. He gives each of us a little of this, a bit of that—those things that make us unique—something like the personal drivers and varieties of software and files we add to make each of our computers unique.
In a way that also reminds me of computers, people often get overloaded with information, worry, struggles and, of course, we all get infected with that nasty virus we call sin. These problems cause trouble in our lives and without the right remedy, we crash. Fortunately, our remedy, Jesus Christ, is always there for us with open arms, ready to help troubleshoot our problem areas. God is always available to repair and restore our souls. When we seek Him, He comes to put the pieces back together.
Each of us has our own set of struggles, sins and failures. Isn’t it great to know that Jesus has already paid the price to have us cleaned up? He has paid the full price. He is waiting for each of us to ask Him to repair our souls.
GOING DEEPER:
1. What areas in your life make you feel overloaded?
2. How can you give God control in your life? What keeps you from doing this?
FURTHER READING:
Matthew 1:20-22; Luke 5:19-21; Acts 2:37-39
HI Sis! I'm glad you liked the duck story.
I'm goin to bed early tonight. I've been buring the canle at both ends and in the middle. That's supposed to be funny.
Here's your mail honey.......
Tuesday 15th of September 2009
"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.
"Bring them here to me," he said.
Matthew 14:17-18
Sometimes after reading the newspaper or watching the news on television we experience an intensely painful awareness of the enormity of the world's problems and the hopeless inadequacy of the resources available to solve these problems. During recovery we often experience these same feelings of helplessness and inadequacy. Our personal problems seem enormous. Our
resources seem incredibly limited. Part of our denial comes from our desire to avoid recognizing that our personal problems are bigger than our personal resources. We will need resources more extensive than our own to make any progress in recovery. Fortunately, God has a long and consistent history of working with people who have limited resources. It has been God's consistent pattern throughout the biblical record. God's preference is to bring strength out of weakness. The abundance which God brings from a few loaves and fishes is a clear sign of the surprising resource-full-ness of God. God does not seem to be at home among the well-nourished, the resourced, the un-needy. In a reversal of all of our expectations, God comes to the needy and limited with invitations to participate in the Kingdom.
When we see how few loaves and fishes we have, we become convinced that our needs for nourishment will not be met. And we conclude that there will be nothing left over to share. But the hopelessly limited resources somehow turn into abundance when offered to God. There is enough for us and enough to share. Each day, one day at a time, God accepts our limited resources and surprises us with what can be done. I am hungry, Lord. I have not been getting the nourishment I need. What I have is so limited. A few loaves. A few fish. There will not be enough to go around. I cannot imagine what use they will be but I make my limited resources available to you.
Accept my limited resources, Lord. I bring them to you for your blessing. Amen.
Copyright 2009 Dale and Juanita Ryan
This was a good one for me!!! OOOOOOOOOOOOO's love, Darlene
Hi Little Sis. This isn't your usual mail but it has a good message.
the Duck.........
There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm.
He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods.
He practiced in the woods; but he could never hit the target.
Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner..
As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck.
Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved!
In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile; only to see his Sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.
After lunch the next day Grandma said, 'Sally, let's wash the dishes'
But Sally said, 'Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen.'
Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?'
So Johnny did the dishes.
Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, 'I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper.'
Sally just smiled and said, 'well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help'.
She whispered again, 'Remember the duck?' So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.
After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's; he finally couldn't stand it any longer.
He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.
Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, 'Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you.'
Thought for the day and every day thereafter:
Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done...
And the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc......whatever it is...You need to know that: God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing.
He has seen your whole life... He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you..
The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness;
He not only forgives you, but He forgets..
It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved
Remember, God is always at the window.
Charlene, I'd like to add to this....and His arms are open wide cause He loves you!!!
Bye for now. Darlene
Hi Charlene, Don's sleeping so here's your mail........
xoxoxoxo
Strangers
By Kelly McFadden
Dear brothers and sisters, you are foreigners and aliens here. So I warn you to keep away from evil desires because they fight against your very souls.
1 Peter 2:11
Some years ago, I spent a few days in a little village in Scotland called Gullane. What makes Gullane famous is that it is home to Muirfield Golf Course and The Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. Their recorded history dates back to 1744, when the club wrote the original 13 rules of golf. The unique aspect of being there was that I was allowed inside the clubhouse. Few women get this opportunity, as it is an all men’s club. I found myself carefully minding my manners, enjoying the privilege, but never quite feeling totally at home inside. For as welcoming and as wonderful as everyone was, all the ladies and guests knew that the moment the match was over, the doors would be shut to us for good.
Is this not how it is for believers? Peter talks about Christians being “foreigners and aliens” here on earth. This world is a temporary dwelling place, as our permanent home is in heaven. Not the heaven we see in cartoons or on TV where angels with wings and harps are floating around on clouds, but the real heaven, where the Lord reigns for all eternity. God has been revealing His plan slowly through time, giving us Jesus and the Holy Spirit, so we participate in His kingdom even now. Someday, the Lord will return in His glory, and He will reign over all.
You are not alone if you sometimes feel out of place as a Christian. This is a world that, as a whole, disregards God. But knowing we are strangers here means we live with different priorities and loyalties. Our citizenship is in heaven. Our focus should be on living a life pleasing to God, which may mean that oftentimes we choose to make unpopular and sacrificial choices, remaining faithful to Him.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Think about a time when you were a visitor or stranger somewhere. Why is it important in those situations to be on your best behavior?
2. As Christians, strangers in this land, why is it especially important to “keep away from evil desires”?
FURTHER READING:
Psalm 132:17; Galatians 5:16-18; James 4:1-10
Hi Charlene! Won't you come join a terrific new social group here on AAG.Net, called healingPRAYERs? Our primary focus is praying and receiving prayer for the unhealthy, but there is so much more to discuss! We'd love for you to join and begin receiving the imminent blessings generated only through total devotion and prayer. This is a new group, just planting its roots, so come and be one of the first to enjoy the fruits of our services! I can't wait to meet you there! Just enter this link and poof, you're there... http://www.allaboutgod.net/group/familyhealthact208 ...or find the healingPRAYERs group under the "groups" tab at top of this page. Cheers!
HI Sis!! I found something a little different than your usual mail.
I think we all like to be reminded how much the Lord loves us. I know I do. Of course all we need to do to remember how much He loves us, is remember the cross.
I hope you like this mail....
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable then they? Matthew 6:26
Many of us learn early in life that we need to earn our sense of value. For some, value was earned by entertaining people with our clowning acts. For others, value came from taking care of everyone else. And for others, value was derived from achieving success of some kind. But often there is no way to entertain enough, take care enough or achieve enough to meet our needs for approval. No matter how compulsively we entertain, or care or work, we still are not able to feel valued. These substitutes do not meet the deepest longings of our heart. In addition we run the risk of becoming compulsively attached to these substitutes because we fear that the sense of value which they offer is our only hope of finding peace.
The longing to experience ourselves as valued is a fundamental human need. The need is really a need to be heard, seen, enjoyed and loved by others for who we are rather than for what we do. No amount of earned approval can meet this need. We long to know that we have value simply because we exist. This kind of value cannot be earned, it must be received as a gift.
Jesus says to us "you are valuable. Simply because you are, you are valuable". The birds of the air are God's creatures. God sees them and cares for them. God made them and God enjoys them. They are valuable. You, too, are God's creation, made and known by God. God sees you and cares for you. You are of great value.
As we grow in our awareness that our true value is a gift already given to us by God, we can begin to let go of the tight hold we have on our substitute strategies for achieving worth.
Father, you know how attached I have become to earning my sense of value.
But, I can never seem to work hard enough.
Thank you, Creator God, for valuing the birds of the air.
Thank you, Creator God, for valuing me.
Help me to receive this good gift from you.
Help me to see myself as valuable in your eyes.
Amen
Copyright Dale and Juanita Ryan
I believe God loves each and every one of us far more than an even imagine! lots of love, Darlene
Hi Sweetie, I'm finally taking the time to let you know more about Dawn. I'm sorry I didn't take the time to tell you sooner, especially since you were praying. Dawn called here this past Sunday. She wanted to let me know what her doctor had said about the random pain she's been having. Her doctor said a few things it could be, but the doctor isn't sure if it's any of those. So, Dawn is gonna be having lots of tests done this week. When she gets the results she said she would call me.
During our talk, she asked if we couuld pray. I said yes, do you want to? She prayed for us and ended up crying while she finished the prayer.
We're planning on seeing a counselor together so Dawn can talk to me about her childhood. I am nervous about this cause there were lots of things that were difficult when my kids were young. I know the Lord gives grace in the time of need and I'm counting on Him for that. My husband is against us seeing and paying for this counselor. Since we have good insurance and I want to help Dawn, I'm going ahead with this.
This was the first conversation on the phone in a while now where Dawn and I had both showed respect and love. We talked about the need for respect.
Charlene, thank you so much for praying!!!!!!! The Lord does answer prayer.
I'm dropping off your mail now...
Playing Favorites
By Jim Liebelt
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others?
James 2:1 (NLT)
The story has been told of a man who asked a minister to conduct a memorial service for his pet dog. The minister was incensed. “We do not hold memorial services for dead dogs! You might try another church down the street.” As he turned to go, the man said, “I really loved that dog. I was going to offer a million dollar memorial gift for performing the service.” The minister spoke up, “Wait a minute, you never told me your dog was a Christian!”
Unfortunately, to one extent or another, we all do it. Whatever the defining factors are: race, denomination, political views, gender, economic class, or interests, too often we categorize people as “in” or “out.” These categorizations are demonstrated when we play favorites. I know that I have been guilty of avoiding someone who may need a friend desperately only to befriend another person because they seem to be “more like me.” And too often, like the minister in the story, we determine others’ involvement in our lives by whether or not they useful to us.
Perhaps we all need a good reminder that playing favorites is simply wrong. True, we can’t be “best friends” with everyone. That’s okay. Yet, Jesus calls us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. The New Testament is full of instruction challenging us to avoid favoritism and to freely love others.
Another important reminder: Jesus said that the world will judge whether or not we are truly His followers by whether or not we display genuine love for one another (John 13). Today’s challenge is to move beyond our comfort zones and demonstrate that we are truly followers of Jesus by extending love, grace and friendship to others—regardless of our differences.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there someone in your life that you have “played favorites” against – excluding them from a relationship, community, ministry or of respect? Do you need to seek their forgiveness? Take appropriate action.
2. What steps can you take to begin including others in your life/ministry who may be “different” than you?
FURTHER READING:
John 13:34-35; 1 Timothy 5:21; James 2:1-13
These are getting better all the time! love, Darlene (big sis)
Hi Charlene, I need to go to bed real soon so I won't make this long. I'm gonna be using this keyboard as a pillow soon if I don't! lol
Here's your mail.............
Think Before You Speak
By Leslie Snyder
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Luke 17:28
One fateful afternoon, 55-year-old Marko retreated to his semi-detached workshop to make himself a tool for chimney cleaning. The chimney was too high for a simple broom to work, but if he could attach a brush to a chain and then weigh it down with something, that would do the trick. But what could he use as a weight?
He happened to have the perfect object. It was heavy, yet compact. And best of all, it was made of metal, so he could weld it to the chain. He must have somehow overlooked the fact that it was a hand grenade.
Marko turned on his welding apparatus and began to create an arc between the chain and the grenade. As the metal heated up, the grenade exploded. The force of the explosion killed poor Marko instantly. (2005 Darwin Award winner, from Darwinawards.com)
Every year the Darwin Awards remember those whose lives were cut short by actions that, let’s say, lacked forethought and even common sense. For example, it shouldn’t be surprising that heating a lava lamp on the stove or using an old grenade for chimney cleaning, or even teasing a wild animal are all bad ideas. But for a split second, some unfortunate people didn’t stop to think about the consequences of their actions and the results were tragic.
Fortunately, for most of us, our foolish actions stop well before our lives are in danger. The book of Proverbs is full of teachings about a fool and his or her actions, with many of them dealing directly with the words we speak. I once heard the saying, “God gave us two ears and one mouth…. use them accordingly.” If we would only follow that advice. How often I speak too soon only to give unwanted advice, hurt another’s feelings, say something I regret, or speak in anger to the ones I love. In short, my actions are foolish. Colossians 4:6 instructs, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” James 1:19 goes further, “Know this, my beloved brothers; let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”
Words are powerful and carry the power to bless, encourage, teach and build up, but when misused they can harm, abuse, shame and destroy. Like the writer of Proverbs understood, may we also listen more than we speak. And in so doing, even our foolishness may seem wise.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Think of a time you experienced pain through the words of another.
2. Evaluate your own words. How are you either continuing or stopping the cycle of pain caused by words?
FURTHER READING:
Luke 6:28; James 3:6–12; Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
Hi pretty lady! Don's asleep again so I can't type very much. I found out they do have quiet keyboards and Don would love for me to get one! I probably will one day soon.
Thanks for your letter. There's one problem, when I come here to your page, sometimes I forget what you've said on my page. I think you said you have 10 weeks to go before your little girl is born. One day at a time honey. I know you're able to do this cause I think you're stronger than you think you are. Or maybe you know you're strong. You'll do fine!! I know you will. I sure am looking forward to seeing your little one.
Well, before I wake Don up, here's your mail.....
God Provides
By Jim Burns
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the doors will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him.
Matthew 7:7-11
God cares for you. He wants the best for you. He always has your best interest in mind. Because He is your loving heavenly Father you must tell Him your needs constantly. He wants to provide abundant life and abundant blessings for you.
George Muller was a man of great faith in our God as a provider for the children in his orphanage in England. One day, things looked bleak for the children in his orphanage at Ashley Downs. It was time for breakfast, and there was no food. A small girl whose father was a close friend of Muller was visiting in the home. Muller took her hand and said, "Come and see what our Father will do." In the dining room, long tables were set with empty plates and empty mugs. Not only was there no food in the kitchen, but there was no money in the home's account. Muller prayed, "Dear Father, we thank Thee for what Thou art going to give us to eat." Immediately, they heard a knock at the door. When they opened it, there stood the local baker. "Mr. Muller," he said, "I couldn't sleep last night. Somehow I felt you had no bread for breakfast, so I got up at two o'clock and baked fresh bread. Here it is." Muller thanked him and gave praise to God. Soon, a second knock was heard. It was the milkman. His cart had broken down in the front of the orphanage. He said he would like to give the children the milk so he could empty the cart and repair it.
There's a word that comes to my mind after reading that incredible story. It's not necessarily a spiritual word—but it's the word I bet was also on the mind of the hungry children that day. WOW.
What else can you do but take a moment to thank God for all his provisions?
GOING DEEPER:
1. What makes this story so inspiring?
2. Take a few minutes and list the many ways God has provided for you in this past week (even if you took most of it for granted).
FURTHER READING:
Psalm 47
This was another good one!!! With lots of love to a very pretty young lady! Darlene
Hi, I just read this on your page and figured I'd send it to you.
Psalm 139:13-18
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous - how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!
Hi mama to be, Don's sleepin so I can't type.
I hope you're doing real well. Here's your mail. love, me
Eat Your Vegetables
By Kelly McFadden
Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.
Proverbs 15:17
As children, my sister and I were required to finish all the vegetables on our plate before we could have any dessert. I recall one night when my sister looked at our mom and, in a very matter-of-fact manner, stated that she would throw up if she had to have one bite of the string beans. Our mom insisted she have at least one bite or no dessert. Knowing ice cream was within reach, my sister held her nose and tried to force down a tiny bite of string beans. The moment she swallowed, true to her word, her entire meal ended up back on the table—not a pleasant moment at our dinner table!
Proverbs 15:19 reads, “the path of the upright is a highway.” The path of a Christian does not always seem easy. There are times when Christians have to stomach unpleasant situations, people or circumstances, but today’s Scripture assures us that this is better than the alternative. Compared to hatred, discord, envy or greed, the path of a Christian is smooth with open road ahead. Compared to the temporary pleasures and a life that looks only to please oneself, the life of a Christian focuses on the long term and, in the end, the reward is greater.
A meal of vegetables is not always the most pleasant choice. But, as we all have learned, it is in vegetables that we find essential nutrients for a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle. So while they are not always pleasant at the time, in the long term, vegetables are just what our body needs. The same is true with love. It is better to live a life built on the foundation of love, than to get carried away in the rocky roads of hatred.
My family still looks back on that meal and laughs until we cry. It has become one of our most endearing memories, not because of what my sister went through, but because we shared it with each other.
GOING DEEPER:
1. How does loving someone change your tolerance or actions towards that person?
2. Have you experienced a time when you reacted in love for someone who did not deserve it? How did they react? How did you feel?
FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 15:17-19; Proverbs 17:1; 1 Peter 4:8
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I don't have any mail with me this time. I just thought I'd say hi.
I'm thankful for you too Charlene. You've been a blessing to me young lady!
Yes, PLEASE DO let me know how your appointment goes on Thursday. I'll be looking forward to hearing from you about that.
I'm boiling potatoes and eggs to make potatoe salad. I need to go check them now. I love you! me
One who was there had been an invalid for thirty eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition a long time he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
John 5:5-6
Do you want to get well?! What a shocking question. Isn't the answer obvious? Why even ask?
One of the most confusing parts of the recovery process is the fact that we have many layers of resistance to recovery. As we begin to see the changes which recovery will demand, we begin to see how attached we have become to our existing way of life. Sometimes we play games to hold on to the past. We have a good friend who prayed early in recovery that God would deliver her from alcoholism so that she could continue to drink!
We are all like this - we want healing but we fear the changes which healing will bring.
Sometimes the fear of recovery comes from the fact that we can't imagine any way of being in the world other than what we have known. A life consumed with despair, rage and self-loathing may seem pretty awful, but its the only life we may have known. Any change may seem risky and uncertain.
God is not ignorant of our resistance to healing. God asks the difficult question: "Do you want to get well?" It's not always as obvious as it seems. The 12-Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous addresses this issue when it talks about being "entirely ready" for God to change us. The process of becoming "entirely ready" is at the heart of the struggle of recovery.
Our hearts and minds are being prepared to answer 'yes' to God's offer of wholeness.
My answer to your question, Lord, is yes.
I am ambivalent at times.
I am uncertain and afraid at times.
But, I do want to get well.
The answer is yes.
Amen.
Copyright Dale and Juanita Ryan
love ya, Darlene OOOOOOOOO's
Don's asleep again so here's your mail......
Joy is Yours
By Jim Burns
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4
Did you know that over 500 times in the Bible we are commanded to rejoice? The Living Bible says, "Be full of joy." Every morning I repeat a particular verse in the Psalms to myself. In fact some mornings I say it while looking in the mirror, because I don't feel joyful. Nevertheless this verse is forever true and always helpful. Here it is:
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
The truth of that Psalm helps me get my day started on the right track. I have found that if I start my day rejoicing in the Lord, my day will be full of joy. A great preacher once said, "The surest mark of a Christian is not faith or even love but joy." Did you know that Jesus came to give you joy, a deep, overflowing joy that only comes from God? Jesus said, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete" (John 15:11).
God's kind of joy is not a giddy, superficial good feeling. Rather, His joy runs deep. Even during the tough times it prevails in your soul.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Why do you think the writer of Philippians repeats himself in verse 4:4?
2. Have you ever felt peace or hope in the midst of trials? If you have then you have experienced joy. What do you think is the connection between rejoicing in the Lord and being filled with joy?
FURTHER READING:
Romans 12:12; Philippians 3:1
Muuuuuuaaaaaaahhhhh and these are hugs..OOOOOOOOOOO
lots of love, big Sis
Here's your mail...
The Key to a Good Life
By Jim Liebelt
…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Matthew 20:26-28
I don’t think I’ve ever met a person who didn’t want his or her life to matter. I think God creates us with a desire to live a great life. The problem is that we lose sight of what makes a life truly great, what it means to make a difference during our lifetime.
A friend of mine tells the true story of a man who once was an athlete. He played college football until one day, as a young adult, he suffered a stroke at practice. The stroke caused brain damage and the man was in a coma for a couple of weeks. When he woke up, he was paralyzed and couldn’t walk. The doctors told him that he would never walk again. Eventually, he regained the use of his legs and re-learned how to walk, but the brain damage was severe enough that he would never be his old self again. He would be challenged for the rest of his life.
The university where he had played football gave him a job as a custodian. He loved his job. He told my friend that he is so thankful to God that he is alive and can hug his wife and give piggyback rides to his kids. He said he was thankful that the school gave him a good job—even though it was picking up other people’s trash—because he loves helping people.
Here was a guy who has all the reason in the world to be angry with God and to give up. But instead, because his life has been touched by God’s love, he found real life and the way to greatness—to live a life that matters—by loving God and serving others. By the world’s standards, this custodian will likely never be considered great. But, in God’s eyes? Absolutely! This man makes a difference by being a servant, which by the way, Jesus defines as the core value of real leadership!
Sadly, many people never recognize that the key to greatness lies not in the amount of money they make, prestige of their career, or how many times they show up in a Google search. True greatness is not limited to the most popular, the most outgoing, the smartest or the most gifted. Rather, it is available to each of us, and is found in the simple, and often quiet, role of servanthood.
GOING DEEPER:
1. How have you defined greatness? Has your definition been in line with God’s definition? If not, why not?
2. Think about the people in your life. Who can you serve today? How can you serve that person?
FURTHER READING:
Matthew 20:20-28; John 13:2-17; Luke 10:27-37
Don's asleep so I'm just dropping it off. I do hope you're doing real well. love, Darlene
"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."
~Charles M. Schulz
DAILY VERSE
Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:18-19
DAILY QUOTE
Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing. Abraham Lincoln
DAILY THOUGHT
God promised that He will transform us when we become part of His family. He will do a new thing in us and He will continue to bring forth change that will be for our good and His highest.
God is able to make rivers spring forth in the desert. If He can do that, He can be trusted to cover the messes we made in our past—and supply everything we need for a bright new future. That’s the kind of God He is. He is the One who is able to take broken, worn out, failed, dusty experiences—and plant a beautiful garden.
If we want to experience all that He has for us, we must begin with the simple belief that He loves us and wants to do something special in us—no matter what has transpired up to this very moment. One of the ways you show that belief is by seeking His will for your life, trusting Him for His wisdom to make right choices and go in the right direction.
Ready for a fresh start? A new start? Turn to God. He is faithful to guide you to a brand new beginning!
Thank You God for Your love that draws me back to You when I’ve made a mess of my life and for showing me Your power to produce flowing rivers in the desert of life. Amen.
Goodnight...
I got this following thing in my mail and thought I'd share it with you. Here it is......
September 23, 2009
For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier...
-- Ephesians 2:14
Many years ago, the Prince of Wales visited the capital city of India. An arduous, stately barrier had been set up to keep back the masses of people, most of them lower class, who wanted to catch a glimpse of royalty.
When the prince arrived, he shook hands with some of the political dignitaries who were presented to him. Then, looking over their heads to the crowds beyond, he said, "Take down those barriers!" They were quickly removed, and the people, regardless of social rank, had free access to the heir to the British throne.
Several years later, the Prince of Wales visited the same district again. Waiting on him, were 10,000 outcasts that waited under a banner. The banner welcomed him with these words inscribed: "The Prince of the Outcasts."
Not many of us take time out of our hectic schedules to reflect on the majesty of Jesus and what He did for us. Born into sin, we were outcasts from conception. But by the grace and forgiveness of Jesus, we have been adopted into the family of God.
So often we don't thank Him or praise Him enough for the incredible mercy he showed us on the cross. We were separated from God, we were the outcasts, sin was the barrier, and the heir to the throne came and ordered it to be taken away. As a result, we now have free access to the Son. Thank God for our "Prince of the Outcasts"-Jesus Christ.
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Take a few moments to simply thank God for sending Jesus to provide forgiveness for your sins as a sacrifice on the cross through His shed blood. Take time to worship Him through song for bridging the gap so that we can have eternal life.
I love you girl!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
I'm glad to hear you're doin ok. That's good news!!
There's a couple at our church that have been wanting to have a baby for a long time. They didn't have any little ones. They told us recently that's the lady is pregnant, I was so happy when I heard the news. I had been praying for them.
I brought something different with me today. It's not your usual mail Here it is............
Well prepared
When you're well prepared for the challenges, you can actually enjoy working through them. When you enjoy the challenges, you'll be able to create great value.
What can you do today that will make your work tomorrow go more smoothly? Though you may not know exactly what the challenges will be, there is still much you can do to prepare.
Preparation boosts your confidence. Good, solid, thoughtful preparation makes your efforts more effective.
Be well prepared, and your time will be spent moving forward instead of struggling to catch up. Be prepared, and you can effectively deal with small issues before they become big obstacles.
Imagine the possibilities and then prepare yourself for them. That puts you in position to make the best of whatever may happen.
Good preparation magnifies the positive influence of your efforts. Be prepared and everything becomes an opportunity.
-- Ralph Marston
Muuuaaahhhh!!
I'm listening to one of your songs right now. It's called Daddy's Girl. I sure did love my dad. When I was a child, he'd often take me with him when he went on an errand of some kind. We sang a lot in the car on the way to wherever we were going. One of the songs we sang was the A B C song. I don't know the actual title but here's the way it went. A, you're adorable, B, you're so beautiful, C, you're a cutie full of charm, D, you're a darling and E, you're exciting and F, you're a feather in my arms...and it went on through the alphabet. Those are precious memories. We took turns while we sang this. He sang the A and I sang the B thing and on we went. Then the next time, I'd begin the song. It was fun and like I said a very good memory! Memories can be so sweet but there was a time when I didn't remember all the good things. I am thankful that I do now.
I hope you're better than ok. love you lots, Darlene
All who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant - these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Isaiah 56:6b-7a
Rest can lead to joy because it creates a new perspective in us. Rest reminds us that we don't have to be compulsively responsible for the world and everything in it. Rest reminds us that God is in charge. Rest also leads to joy because it leads to a renewed relationship with God.
As this text puts it, God promises to lead Sabbath-keepers to his holy mountain. In rest we can be led to a place of joy in God's house ofprayer. It is a beautiful image of God rejoicing with people who rest.
Rest can also lead to joy because it restores us. It renews and
re-energizes us because it allows us to balance our "being" with our
"doing". When we cease doing for a time, our senses are opened again to the world around us. We can see life with new gratitude and awe. And gratitude and awe produce joy.
Rest frees us to be what we are - creatures. We are creatures who can work and play, give and receive, weep and laugh. Today we can balance our working, giving and weeping with playing, receiving and laughing.
Lord, I want to stop doing for a time today.
I want to stop and remember that you are God.
Help me to experience the freedom and joy of being your creature.
Help to keep the Sabbath.
Bring me to your holy mountain.
Give me joy in your house of prayer.
Amen.
Copyright Dale and Juanita Ryan
Muuuuaaaaahhhhhh! and a big hug too!!
Reinstalled
By Kelly McFadden
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering…
Romans 8:1-3
With no warning, my computer suddenly shut off. My insides screamed, “No, no, no, no!” while on the outside I somehow maintained a relatively calm composure. Silently, I begged for a favor from God to bring my computer back to life. I hit the power button and held my breath. Nothing. I turned my laptop upside down, made sure all the screws were tight, shook it around a bit and tried again. The glorious sound of the computer turning on chimed through the speakers. “It’s alive!” I screamed in triumph. Quickly, I backed up all of data. But, it didn’t last long. Within a few days, my computer died once again.
To fix the computer, I had to delete everything on the computer and then reinstall from scratch back onto the hard drive. After reloading the original software, I added the personal files I had saved. As I did, I couldn’t help but think about the way God reinstalls us when we crash.
God molds us, and designs us. He gives us each some similar components, making us in His image. Then, He goes beyond creating carbon copies. He gives each of us a little of this, a bit of that—those things that make us unique—something like the personal drivers and varieties of software and files we add to make each of our computers unique.
In a way that also reminds me of computers, people often get overloaded with information, worry, struggles and, of course, we all get infected with that nasty virus we call sin. These problems cause trouble in our lives and without the right remedy, we crash. Fortunately, our remedy, Jesus Christ, is always there for us with open arms, ready to help troubleshoot our problem areas. God is always available to repair and restore our souls. When we seek Him, He comes to put the pieces back together.
Each of us has our own set of struggles, sins and failures. Isn’t it great to know that Jesus has already paid the price to have us cleaned up? He has paid the full price. He is waiting for each of us to ask Him to repair our souls.
GOING DEEPER:
1. What areas in your life make you feel overloaded?
2. How can you give God control in your life? What keeps you from doing this?
FURTHER READING:
Matthew 1:20-22; Luke 5:19-21; Acts 2:37-39
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO's
I'm goin to bed early tonight. I've been buring the canle at both ends and in the middle. That's supposed to be funny.
Here's your mail honey.......
Tuesday 15th of September 2009
"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.
"Bring them here to me," he said.
Matthew 14:17-18
Sometimes after reading the newspaper or watching the news on television we experience an intensely painful awareness of the enormity of the world's problems and the hopeless inadequacy of the resources available to solve these problems. During recovery we often experience these same feelings of helplessness and inadequacy. Our personal problems seem enormous. Our
resources seem incredibly limited. Part of our denial comes from our desire to avoid recognizing that our personal problems are bigger than our personal resources. We will need resources more extensive than our own to make any progress in recovery. Fortunately, God has a long and consistent history of working with people who have limited resources. It has been God's consistent pattern throughout the biblical record. God's preference is to bring strength out of weakness. The abundance which God brings from a few loaves and fishes is a clear sign of the surprising resource-full-ness of God. God does not seem to be at home among the well-nourished, the resourced, the un-needy. In a reversal of all of our expectations, God comes to the needy and limited with invitations to participate in the Kingdom.
When we see how few loaves and fishes we have, we become convinced that our needs for nourishment will not be met. And we conclude that there will be nothing left over to share. But the hopelessly limited resources somehow turn into abundance when offered to God. There is enough for us and enough to share. Each day, one day at a time, God accepts our limited resources and surprises us with what can be done. I am hungry, Lord. I have not been getting the nourishment I need. What I have is so limited. A few loaves. A few fish. There will not be enough to go around. I cannot imagine what use they will be but I make my limited resources available to you.
Accept my limited resources, Lord. I bring them to you for your blessing. Amen.
Copyright 2009 Dale and Juanita Ryan
This was a good one for me!!! OOOOOOOOOOOOO's love, Darlene
the Duck.........
There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm.
He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods.
He practiced in the woods; but he could never hit the target.
Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner..
As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck.
Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved!
In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile; only to see his Sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.
After lunch the next day Grandma said, 'Sally, let's wash the dishes'
But Sally said, 'Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen.'
Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?'
So Johnny did the dishes.
Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, 'I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper.'
Sally just smiled and said, 'well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help'.
She whispered again, 'Remember the duck?' So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.
After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's; he finally couldn't stand it any longer.
He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.
Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, 'Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you.'
Thought for the day and every day thereafter:
Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done...
And the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc......whatever it is...You need to know that: God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing.
He has seen your whole life... He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you..
The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness;
He not only forgives you, but He forgets..
It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved
Remember, God is always at the window.
Charlene, I'd like to add to this....and His arms are open wide cause He loves you!!!
Bye for now. Darlene
xoxoxoxo
Strangers
By Kelly McFadden
Dear brothers and sisters, you are foreigners and aliens here. So I warn you to keep away from evil desires because they fight against your very souls.
1 Peter 2:11
Some years ago, I spent a few days in a little village in Scotland called Gullane. What makes Gullane famous is that it is home to Muirfield Golf Course and The Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. Their recorded history dates back to 1744, when the club wrote the original 13 rules of golf. The unique aspect of being there was that I was allowed inside the clubhouse. Few women get this opportunity, as it is an all men’s club. I found myself carefully minding my manners, enjoying the privilege, but never quite feeling totally at home inside. For as welcoming and as wonderful as everyone was, all the ladies and guests knew that the moment the match was over, the doors would be shut to us for good.
Is this not how it is for believers? Peter talks about Christians being “foreigners and aliens” here on earth. This world is a temporary dwelling place, as our permanent home is in heaven. Not the heaven we see in cartoons or on TV where angels with wings and harps are floating around on clouds, but the real heaven, where the Lord reigns for all eternity. God has been revealing His plan slowly through time, giving us Jesus and the Holy Spirit, so we participate in His kingdom even now. Someday, the Lord will return in His glory, and He will reign over all.
You are not alone if you sometimes feel out of place as a Christian. This is a world that, as a whole, disregards God. But knowing we are strangers here means we live with different priorities and loyalties. Our citizenship is in heaven. Our focus should be on living a life pleasing to God, which may mean that oftentimes we choose to make unpopular and sacrificial choices, remaining faithful to Him.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Think about a time when you were a visitor or stranger somewhere. Why is it important in those situations to be on your best behavior?
2. As Christians, strangers in this land, why is it especially important to “keep away from evil desires”?
FURTHER READING:
Psalm 132:17; Galatians 5:16-18; James 4:1-10
God Bless!
Glenda
I think we all like to be reminded how much the Lord loves us. I know I do. Of course all we need to do to remember how much He loves us, is remember the cross.
I hope you like this mail....
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable then they? Matthew 6:26
Many of us learn early in life that we need to earn our sense of value. For some, value was earned by entertaining people with our clowning acts. For others, value came from taking care of everyone else. And for others, value was derived from achieving success of some kind. But often there is no way to entertain enough, take care enough or achieve enough to meet our needs for approval. No matter how compulsively we entertain, or care or work, we still are not able to feel valued. These substitutes do not meet the deepest longings of our heart. In addition we run the risk of becoming compulsively attached to these substitutes because we fear that the sense of value which they offer is our only hope of finding peace.
The longing to experience ourselves as valued is a fundamental human need. The need is really a need to be heard, seen, enjoyed and loved by others for who we are rather than for what we do. No amount of earned approval can meet this need. We long to know that we have value simply because we exist. This kind of value cannot be earned, it must be received as a gift.
Jesus says to us "you are valuable. Simply because you are, you are valuable". The birds of the air are God's creatures. God sees them and cares for them. God made them and God enjoys them. They are valuable. You, too, are God's creation, made and known by God. God sees you and cares for you. You are of great value.
As we grow in our awareness that our true value is a gift already given to us by God, we can begin to let go of the tight hold we have on our substitute strategies for achieving worth.
Father, you know how attached I have become to earning my sense of value.
But, I can never seem to work hard enough.
Thank you, Creator God, for valuing the birds of the air.
Thank you, Creator God, for valuing me.
Help me to receive this good gift from you.
Help me to see myself as valuable in your eyes.
Amen
Copyright Dale and Juanita Ryan
I believe God loves each and every one of us far more than an even imagine! lots of love, Darlene
During our talk, she asked if we couuld pray. I said yes, do you want to? She prayed for us and ended up crying while she finished the prayer.
We're planning on seeing a counselor together so Dawn can talk to me about her childhood. I am nervous about this cause there were lots of things that were difficult when my kids were young. I know the Lord gives grace in the time of need and I'm counting on Him for that. My husband is against us seeing and paying for this counselor. Since we have good insurance and I want to help Dawn, I'm going ahead with this.
This was the first conversation on the phone in a while now where Dawn and I had both showed respect and love. We talked about the need for respect.
Charlene, thank you so much for praying!!!!!!! The Lord does answer prayer.
I'm dropping off your mail now...
Playing Favorites
By Jim Liebelt
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others?
James 2:1 (NLT)
The story has been told of a man who asked a minister to conduct a memorial service for his pet dog. The minister was incensed. “We do not hold memorial services for dead dogs! You might try another church down the street.” As he turned to go, the man said, “I really loved that dog. I was going to offer a million dollar memorial gift for performing the service.” The minister spoke up, “Wait a minute, you never told me your dog was a Christian!”
Unfortunately, to one extent or another, we all do it. Whatever the defining factors are: race, denomination, political views, gender, economic class, or interests, too often we categorize people as “in” or “out.” These categorizations are demonstrated when we play favorites. I know that I have been guilty of avoiding someone who may need a friend desperately only to befriend another person because they seem to be “more like me.” And too often, like the minister in the story, we determine others’ involvement in our lives by whether or not they useful to us.
Perhaps we all need a good reminder that playing favorites is simply wrong. True, we can’t be “best friends” with everyone. That’s okay. Yet, Jesus calls us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. The New Testament is full of instruction challenging us to avoid favoritism and to freely love others.
Another important reminder: Jesus said that the world will judge whether or not we are truly His followers by whether or not we display genuine love for one another (John 13). Today’s challenge is to move beyond our comfort zones and demonstrate that we are truly followers of Jesus by extending love, grace and friendship to others—regardless of our differences.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there someone in your life that you have “played favorites” against – excluding them from a relationship, community, ministry or of respect? Do you need to seek their forgiveness? Take appropriate action.
2. What steps can you take to begin including others in your life/ministry who may be “different” than you?
FURTHER READING:
John 13:34-35; 1 Timothy 5:21; James 2:1-13
These are getting better all the time! love, Darlene (big sis)
Here's your mail.............
Think Before You Speak
By Leslie Snyder
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Luke 17:28
One fateful afternoon, 55-year-old Marko retreated to his semi-detached workshop to make himself a tool for chimney cleaning. The chimney was too high for a simple broom to work, but if he could attach a brush to a chain and then weigh it down with something, that would do the trick. But what could he use as a weight?
He happened to have the perfect object. It was heavy, yet compact. And best of all, it was made of metal, so he could weld it to the chain. He must have somehow overlooked the fact that it was a hand grenade.
Marko turned on his welding apparatus and began to create an arc between the chain and the grenade. As the metal heated up, the grenade exploded. The force of the explosion killed poor Marko instantly. (2005 Darwin Award winner, from Darwinawards.com)
Every year the Darwin Awards remember those whose lives were cut short by actions that, let’s say, lacked forethought and even common sense. For example, it shouldn’t be surprising that heating a lava lamp on the stove or using an old grenade for chimney cleaning, or even teasing a wild animal are all bad ideas. But for a split second, some unfortunate people didn’t stop to think about the consequences of their actions and the results were tragic.
Fortunately, for most of us, our foolish actions stop well before our lives are in danger. The book of Proverbs is full of teachings about a fool and his or her actions, with many of them dealing directly with the words we speak. I once heard the saying, “God gave us two ears and one mouth…. use them accordingly.” If we would only follow that advice. How often I speak too soon only to give unwanted advice, hurt another’s feelings, say something I regret, or speak in anger to the ones I love. In short, my actions are foolish. Colossians 4:6 instructs, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” James 1:19 goes further, “Know this, my beloved brothers; let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”
Words are powerful and carry the power to bless, encourage, teach and build up, but when misused they can harm, abuse, shame and destroy. Like the writer of Proverbs understood, may we also listen more than we speak. And in so doing, even our foolishness may seem wise.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Think of a time you experienced pain through the words of another.
2. Evaluate your own words. How are you either continuing or stopping the cycle of pain caused by words?
FURTHER READING:
Luke 6:28; James 3:6–12; Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
MMMuuuuuuuaaaaaaahhhh....
Thanks for your letter. There's one problem, when I come here to your page, sometimes I forget what you've said on my page. I think you said you have 10 weeks to go before your little girl is born. One day at a time honey. I know you're able to do this cause I think you're stronger than you think you are. Or maybe you know you're strong. You'll do fine!! I know you will. I sure am looking forward to seeing your little one.
Well, before I wake Don up, here's your mail.....
God Provides
By Jim Burns
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the doors will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him.
Matthew 7:7-11
God cares for you. He wants the best for you. He always has your best interest in mind. Because He is your loving heavenly Father you must tell Him your needs constantly. He wants to provide abundant life and abundant blessings for you.
George Muller was a man of great faith in our God as a provider for the children in his orphanage in England. One day, things looked bleak for the children in his orphanage at Ashley Downs. It was time for breakfast, and there was no food. A small girl whose father was a close friend of Muller was visiting in the home. Muller took her hand and said, "Come and see what our Father will do." In the dining room, long tables were set with empty plates and empty mugs. Not only was there no food in the kitchen, but there was no money in the home's account. Muller prayed, "Dear Father, we thank Thee for what Thou art going to give us to eat." Immediately, they heard a knock at the door. When they opened it, there stood the local baker. "Mr. Muller," he said, "I couldn't sleep last night. Somehow I felt you had no bread for breakfast, so I got up at two o'clock and baked fresh bread. Here it is." Muller thanked him and gave praise to God. Soon, a second knock was heard. It was the milkman. His cart had broken down in the front of the orphanage. He said he would like to give the children the milk so he could empty the cart and repair it.
There's a word that comes to my mind after reading that incredible story. It's not necessarily a spiritual word—but it's the word I bet was also on the mind of the hungry children that day. WOW.
What else can you do but take a moment to thank God for all his provisions?
GOING DEEPER:
1. What makes this story so inspiring?
2. Take a few minutes and list the many ways God has provided for you in this past week (even if you took most of it for granted).
FURTHER READING:
Psalm 47
This was another good one!!! With lots of love to a very pretty young lady! Darlene
Psalm 139:13-18
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous - how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!
I hope you're doing real well. Here's your mail. love, me
Eat Your Vegetables
By Kelly McFadden
Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.
Proverbs 15:17
As children, my sister and I were required to finish all the vegetables on our plate before we could have any dessert. I recall one night when my sister looked at our mom and, in a very matter-of-fact manner, stated that she would throw up if she had to have one bite of the string beans. Our mom insisted she have at least one bite or no dessert. Knowing ice cream was within reach, my sister held her nose and tried to force down a tiny bite of string beans. The moment she swallowed, true to her word, her entire meal ended up back on the table—not a pleasant moment at our dinner table!
Proverbs 15:19 reads, “the path of the upright is a highway.” The path of a Christian does not always seem easy. There are times when Christians have to stomach unpleasant situations, people or circumstances, but today’s Scripture assures us that this is better than the alternative. Compared to hatred, discord, envy or greed, the path of a Christian is smooth with open road ahead. Compared to the temporary pleasures and a life that looks only to please oneself, the life of a Christian focuses on the long term and, in the end, the reward is greater.
A meal of vegetables is not always the most pleasant choice. But, as we all have learned, it is in vegetables that we find essential nutrients for a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle. So while they are not always pleasant at the time, in the long term, vegetables are just what our body needs. The same is true with love. It is better to live a life built on the foundation of love, than to get carried away in the rocky roads of hatred.
My family still looks back on that meal and laughs until we cry. It has become one of our most endearing memories, not because of what my sister went through, but because we shared it with each other.
GOING DEEPER:
1. How does loving someone change your tolerance or actions towards that person?
2. Have you experienced a time when you reacted in love for someone who did not deserve it? How did they react? How did you feel?
FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 15:17-19; Proverbs 17:1; 1 Peter 4:8
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