Hi Kim,
Nice to hear from you! We got to Ark. 2 days before Thanksgiving, but just got the internet up & running yesterday. The weather is so damp & cold, (in the house too!) I've been cleaning & cooking for the kids & trying to get things organized & get rid of roaches & mice, (the cats are a big help with that!) Are you still going to move to Texas? I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. I can't believe it's coming up so fast! We are living on the edge of a forrest of pine trees. Beautiful! I like the rainstorms, but my joints don't like the cold. I'll adjust. God's grace is enough, right? Bless you dear.
HELLO MY SUGAR PLUM
THINKING OF YOU AND I WONDER IF YOU COULD SEND ME YOUR PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESS... I AM SO AFRAID THAT I LOSE A PRECIOUS FRIEND!!!! 'COS I LOVE YOU SO MUCH.
I am so glad you sound happy! God bless you mightily whlle you study the Bible... I will pray that an angel is right next to you to guide you always. I am praying that all your dreams and prayers are answered. Please remember that you have a sincere and loving friend in South Africa.
I wish you were close by then I would give you one of my SPECIAL HUGS!
Here I give it to you - close your eyes and imagine!!! Sell my perfume... I use Chloe and it is lovely!!!
Do you realize that ucountable numbers of people are anxious to
Please the Crowd instead of God?
We all know that there are people who are "born dictators" and others are "attention seekers"...
When in a position of authority they do not consider anyone's feelings... Some Governments strive to please the people despite the millions who are hurt in the process... Others cause pain and suffering because of obstinacy and a self-centred attitude, and then you realise that this is because they do not know God.
Pontius Pilate wanted to please the people. So he freed Barabbas
for them. And Pilate told the soldiers to beat Jesus with
whips. Then Pilate gave Jesus to the soldiers to be killed on
a cross. Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent and yet he ignored this fact because he was trying to please the people!
-- Mark 15:15 (ERV)
Pilate knows Jesus is innocent, yet gives in totally to the wishes of
the mob -- he first has Jesus scourged ("flogged with a lead-tipped
whip") and then turns Jesus over to be crucified. Why does he do it?
Pilate has to keep Rome happy by maintaining order. To maintain order,
Pilate has to appease the crowd. Even though he has already pronounced
Jesus "not guilty" of any crime, Pilate has the final say. In his mind,
his word is law. In the eyes of the crowd, Pilate's word is law. Jesus,
however, knows that Pilate has no power to act, rule, or enforce his
verdict apart from God's granting him that power. Pilate is a puppet
who cannot recognize that he acts in concert with the crowd's will,
Rome's desire, and God's plan. Jesus is allowed to be crucified -- both
by Pilate, to appease the crowd which is being manipulated by the
religious leaders, and also by God, who is using this horrifying event
to save the world. If God can bring such a great redemption out of such
an unfair injustice, imagine what he can do with our suffering for his
sake.
Can any one of us imagine what it must take to sacrifice your child! I cannot!
TODAY'S PRAYER:
O God, you are the Almighty, the one in control even when I cannot see
Your control. Help me to understand that you will redeem every
injustice brought upon your people at your chosen time. Give me the
faith and strength to endure such times and the courage to live my life
in the hope that even if the scales of justice are not balanced in my
lifetime, they will be at the end of time. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Hey Kim,
I'm glad to here about Texas. I kinda think this is a God-thing, as I prayed for you to have a more accepting, less stressful home environment to thive in! It is hard to leave the people you just got attached to, but you can still hold them in your heart in prayer, while making room for the new relationships God has planned for you! So, I guess you are on to the next adventure in your life also! God bless you & give you peace & favor & provision. We leave tomorrow. The computer will be down for a bit. Love & prayers, Deborah
HOW ARE YOU DOING MY ANGEL... AND HOW IS THE FAMILY? I THINK OF YOU OFTEN AND PRAY FOR YOU. YOU ARE SO RESPONSIBLE AND I AM PROUD OF YOU.
GOD BLESS YOU
WHAT KIND OF FRAGRANCE DO YOU "SEND OUT" TO THE "UNSAVED"?
As a child we were completely safe and free to walk in the veld (in America you would probably refer to it as grasslands or fields)... Here we could relax and listen to the creaking of the Bluegum trees in the forest breeze and breathe in the heady aromas of Frangipani, Gardenia and Buddleia which grew there. There were ruins of an old house and these were probably the remnants of the garden which was once planted by a young and enthusiastic husband for his young wife and children to enjoy... The Frangipani tree would better be known by another name ... Temple Tree... but let us not get too scientific.
When I was reading the following:
"For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are saved...
--II Corinthians 2: 15
I thought about the smell of plants that I was familiar with as a child.... and want you to consider with me how a particular aroma can transport our senses from reality to a specific event or place... Mother's freshly baked bread or a typical South African "vetkoek". Now I am in a fix because I cannot even tell you guys what you would call it... In Holland they would probably call it "Oliebolle" - oil balls. This may sound "yucky" to you but we South Africans love this almost as much as our biltong (jerky) as you Americans call it.
It is, therefore, not surprising that Paul uses the idea of fragrance to portray the impact that our lives can have on the "unsaved"... This special "fragrance" could attract a "seeker" towards the knowlege of Christ Himself.
What are some of the qualities that constitute this fragrance to which he is referring? What kind of persons ought we be that people will desire to know us and what we are about? I think we could not formulate a comprehensive list here. But several come to mind as I remember people I observed to be effective witnesses and my own experiences sharing in the workplace. The three that stand out are:
Love, compassion, honesty, integrity, friendliness, purity and last, but not least transparency...
These are the qualities that could be seen in Jesus Christ. And I would like to do some introspection to see if any of these qualities are existent in my own life? If not I ask Jesus to come into my heart and fill me with all those qualities that He is seeking in us.
Possibly some people might think that the word "purity" means that we sound like "goody two shoes"... or "straight laced"... and "legalistic"...
And if we tried to live a life of purity, how would anyone of the world feel comfortable relating to us? Let me suggest that the purity born of a clear conscience and a single-minded seeking after God would be a strong attraction to those yearning for release from their sin. They may wonder what enables a person to be faithful in marriage or to live purposefully despite past sins.
Then I, as a Child of God could explain that this is the unexplicable GRACE of Jesus that empowers me to walk in PURITY.
If you ever meet someone (who is not necessarily saved) who will listen when you pour out your sorrows and woes... and weeps with you, and listens to you... patiently and they understand... then you have met a person who can actually "stand in your shoes" - and offers aid, regardless of the circumstances, then you have experienced and seen "compassion". And, as you talk to such a person, he begins to realize that his life has more value than he ever thought possible. His heart may be opened to accept himself as being worthy of God's love and forgiveness.
I've noticed that people love to be around someone who expresses his inner self freely when asked. Such a person may express such genuineness that others around are drawn to be more honest about their own struggles. This honesty then could permit them to reach toward God, who can meet their need.
I suspect few of us fit the picture of fragrance presented here. My hope is that by pondering on these things, our desire may be heightened to attain the potential we all have to be fruitful and fragrant. (Smile - ladies - without your expensive perfume)...
I am including a little wisdom for you to ponder upon... I find it so apt and true:
FRIENDSHIP:
FAKE FRIENDS: Never ask for food.
REAL FRIENDS: Are the reason you have no food.
FAKE FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. / Mrs.
REAL FRIENDS: Call your parents DAD/MOM
FAKE FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry
REAL FRIENDS: Cry with you
FAKE FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back
REAL FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours
FAKE FRIENDS: Know a few things about you
REAL FRIENDS: Could write a book about you with direct quotes from you
FAKE FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that is what the crowd is doing
REAL FRIENDS: Will kick the whole crowds butt that left you
FAKE FRIENDS: Would knock on your front door
REAL FRIENDS: Walk right in and say 'I'M HOME!'
FAKE FRIENDS: Are for awhile
REAL FRIENDS: Are for life
FAKE FRIENDS: Will talk bad about you with the person who talks bad about you.
REAL FRIENDS : Will knock the person out that talked bad about you
FAKE FRIENDS: Would ignore this
REAL FRIENDS: Will send this to all their real friends and hope to get it back!
If you were killed today, I'm sorry I wouldn't be able to come to your funeral, because I'd be in jail for killing the person who did it. (SMILE) :) :)
I'm doing good. A lot of mixed emotions; happy, sad, glad, excited, nervous, confident that God is in control & i am most certainly NOT! My ladies Bible study gave me a dozen white roses! WOW! Yeah, if you went to a church for that long, you know how I feel. I served in several different ministry & never missed a Sunday, unless I went to a wedding or something. I may not be on here too much when we are traveling. How are things going for you?
Halalujah! I'm so glad you kitty came back! I can't tell you how many times I've cried because my cat was out all night & I thought he was gone forever! I know it's a pet, not a person, but it still hurts your heart, huh? She's a pretty cat, I saw the picture. Our church had a farewell party for us. It was so-oo overwhelming. People said such nice things & hugged us & cried. I'm not use to anybody making a fuss over me. It was nice, but uncomfortable too. Bless you.
Hello Kim,
I was wondering if you ever wrote that letter? I pray that you wrote in such a way that opened there spiritual eyes to what is really happening. In Christs Love,
Brooke
All About GOD - Growing Relationships with Jesus and Others
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Nice to hear from you! We got to Ark. 2 days before Thanksgiving, but just got the internet up & running yesterday. The weather is so damp & cold, (in the house too!) I've been cleaning & cooking for the kids & trying to get things organized & get rid of roaches & mice, (the cats are a big help with that!) Are you still going to move to Texas? I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. I can't believe it's coming up so fast! We are living on the edge of a forrest of pine trees. Beautiful! I like the rainstorms, but my joints don't like the cold. I'll adjust. God's grace is enough, right? Bless you dear.
THINKING OF YOU AND I WONDER IF YOU COULD SEND ME YOUR PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESS... I AM SO AFRAID THAT I LOSE A PRECIOUS FRIEND!!!! 'COS I LOVE YOU SO MUCH.
My email add is : ramona@eject.co.za
FONDES HUGS AND LOTS AND LOTS OF LOVE
<:))))>
Your Friend
Ramona P.
I am so glad you sound happy! God bless you mightily whlle you study the Bible... I will pray that an angel is right next to you to guide you always. I am praying that all your dreams and prayers are answered. Please remember that you have a sincere and loving friend in South Africa.
I wish you were close by then I would give you one of my SPECIAL HUGS!
Here I give it to you - close your eyes and imagine!!! Sell my perfume... I use Chloe and it is lovely!!!
Fondest love in our Saviour Jesus
<:))))>
Your Friend
Ramona P.
HOW LOVELY TO HEAR FROM YOU... SO GLAD YOU ENJOYED THE LITTLE STORY. I FOUND IT SO BEAUTIFUL TOO.
HOW ARE YOU KEEPING AND I HOPE YOU ARE BEING BLESSED ABUNDANTLY.
HUGS AND A LOT OF KISSES FROM ME TO YOU
<:))))>
Your Friend
Ramona P.
Christian MySpace Graphics
Do you realize that ucountable numbers of people are anxious to
Please the Crowd instead of God?
We all know that there are people who are "born dictators" and others are "attention seekers"...
When in a position of authority they do not consider anyone's feelings... Some Governments strive to please the people despite the millions who are hurt in the process... Others cause pain and suffering because of obstinacy and a self-centred attitude, and then you realise that this is because they do not know God.
Pontius Pilate wanted to please the people. So he freed Barabbas
for them. And Pilate told the soldiers to beat Jesus with
whips. Then Pilate gave Jesus to the soldiers to be killed on
a cross. Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent and yet he ignored this fact because he was trying to please the people!
-- Mark 15:15 (ERV)
Pilate knows Jesus is innocent, yet gives in totally to the wishes of
the mob -- he first has Jesus scourged ("flogged with a lead-tipped
whip") and then turns Jesus over to be crucified. Why does he do it?
Pilate has to keep Rome happy by maintaining order. To maintain order,
Pilate has to appease the crowd. Even though he has already pronounced
Jesus "not guilty" of any crime, Pilate has the final say. In his mind,
his word is law. In the eyes of the crowd, Pilate's word is law. Jesus,
however, knows that Pilate has no power to act, rule, or enforce his
verdict apart from God's granting him that power. Pilate is a puppet
who cannot recognize that he acts in concert with the crowd's will,
Rome's desire, and God's plan. Jesus is allowed to be crucified -- both
by Pilate, to appease the crowd which is being manipulated by the
religious leaders, and also by God, who is using this horrifying event
to save the world. If God can bring such a great redemption out of such
an unfair injustice, imagine what he can do with our suffering for his
sake.
Can any one of us imagine what it must take to sacrifice your child! I cannot!
TODAY'S PRAYER:
O God, you are the Almighty, the one in control even when I cannot see
Your control. Help me to understand that you will redeem every
injustice brought upon your people at your chosen time. Give me the
faith and strength to endure such times and the courage to live my life
in the hope that even if the scales of justice are not balanced in my
lifetime, they will be at the end of time. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
<:))))>
Your friend
Ramona P.
<:))))>
Your friend
Ramona P.
I'm glad to here about Texas. I kinda think this is a God-thing, as I prayed for you to have a more accepting, less stressful home environment to thive in! It is hard to leave the people you just got attached to, but you can still hold them in your heart in prayer, while making room for the new relationships God has planned for you! So, I guess you are on to the next adventure in your life also! God bless you & give you peace & favor & provision. We leave tomorrow. The computer will be down for a bit. Love & prayers, Deborah
GOD BLESS YOU
WHAT KIND OF FRAGRANCE DO YOU "SEND OUT" TO THE "UNSAVED"?
As a child we were completely safe and free to walk in the veld (in America you would probably refer to it as grasslands or fields)... Here we could relax and listen to the creaking of the Bluegum trees in the forest breeze and breathe in the heady aromas of Frangipani, Gardenia and Buddleia which grew there. There were ruins of an old house and these were probably the remnants of the garden which was once planted by a young and enthusiastic husband for his young wife and children to enjoy... The Frangipani tree would better be known by another name ... Temple Tree... but let us not get too scientific.
When I was reading the following:
"For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are saved...
--II Corinthians 2: 15
I thought about the smell of plants that I was familiar with as a child.... and want you to consider with me how a particular aroma can transport our senses from reality to a specific event or place... Mother's freshly baked bread or a typical South African "vetkoek". Now I am in a fix because I cannot even tell you guys what you would call it... In Holland they would probably call it "Oliebolle" - oil balls. This may sound "yucky" to you but we South Africans love this almost as much as our biltong (jerky) as you Americans call it.
It is, therefore, not surprising that Paul uses the idea of fragrance to portray the impact that our lives can have on the "unsaved"... This special "fragrance" could attract a "seeker" towards the knowlege of Christ Himself.
What are some of the qualities that constitute this fragrance to which he is referring? What kind of persons ought we be that people will desire to know us and what we are about? I think we could not formulate a comprehensive list here. But several come to mind as I remember people I observed to be effective witnesses and my own experiences sharing in the workplace. The three that stand out are:
Love, compassion, honesty, integrity, friendliness, purity and last, but not least transparency...
These are the qualities that could be seen in Jesus Christ. And I would like to do some introspection to see if any of these qualities are existent in my own life? If not I ask Jesus to come into my heart and fill me with all those qualities that He is seeking in us.
Possibly some people might think that the word "purity" means that we sound like "goody two shoes"... or "straight laced"... and "legalistic"...
And if we tried to live a life of purity, how would anyone of the world feel comfortable relating to us? Let me suggest that the purity born of a clear conscience and a single-minded seeking after God would be a strong attraction to those yearning for release from their sin. They may wonder what enables a person to be faithful in marriage or to live purposefully despite past sins.
Then I, as a Child of God could explain that this is the unexplicable GRACE of Jesus that empowers me to walk in PURITY.
If you ever meet someone (who is not necessarily saved) who will listen when you pour out your sorrows and woes... and weeps with you, and listens to you... patiently and they understand... then you have met a person who can actually "stand in your shoes" - and offers aid, regardless of the circumstances, then you have experienced and seen "compassion". And, as you talk to such a person, he begins to realize that his life has more value than he ever thought possible. His heart may be opened to accept himself as being worthy of God's love and forgiveness.
I've noticed that people love to be around someone who expresses his inner self freely when asked. Such a person may express such genuineness that others around are drawn to be more honest about their own struggles. This honesty then could permit them to reach toward God, who can meet their need.
I suspect few of us fit the picture of fragrance presented here. My hope is that by pondering on these things, our desire may be heightened to attain the potential we all have to be fruitful and fragrant. (Smile - ladies - without your expensive perfume)...
I am including a little wisdom for you to ponder upon... I find it so apt and true:
FRIENDSHIP:
FAKE FRIENDS: Never ask for food.
REAL FRIENDS: Are the reason you have no food.
FAKE FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. / Mrs.
REAL FRIENDS: Call your parents DAD/MOM
FAKE FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry
REAL FRIENDS: Cry with you
FAKE FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back
REAL FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours
FAKE FRIENDS: Know a few things about you
REAL FRIENDS: Could write a book about you with direct quotes from you
FAKE FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that is what the crowd is doing
REAL FRIENDS: Will kick the whole crowds butt that left you
FAKE FRIENDS: Would knock on your front door
REAL FRIENDS: Walk right in and say 'I'M HOME!'
FAKE FRIENDS: Are for awhile
REAL FRIENDS: Are for life
FAKE FRIENDS: Will talk bad about you with the person who talks bad about you.
REAL FRIENDS : Will knock the person out that talked bad about you
FAKE FRIENDS: Would ignore this
REAL FRIENDS: Will send this to all their real friends and hope to get it back!
If you were killed today, I'm sorry I wouldn't be able to come to your funeral, because I'd be in jail for killing the person who did it. (SMILE) :) :)
<:))))>
Your friend
Ramona P.
I was wondering if you ever wrote that letter? I pray that you wrote in such a way that opened there spiritual eyes to what is really happening. In Christs Love,
Brooke
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