THE BIRTH OF A HYMN
Back in 1932, I was a fairly new husband. My wife, Nettie and I were living in a little apartment on Chicago 's south side. One hot August afternoon I had to go to St.Louis where I was to be the featured soloist at a large revival meeting. I didn't want to go; Nettie was in the last month of pregnancy with our first child, but a lot of people were expecting me in St. Louis . I kissed Nettie goodbye, clattered downstairs to our Model A and, in a fresh Lake Michigan breeze, chugged out of Chicago on Route 66. However, outside the city, I discovered that in my anxiety at leaving, I had forgotten my music case. I wheeled around and headed back. I found Nettie sleeping peacefully. I hesitated by her bed; something was strongly telling meto stay. But eager to get on my way, and not wanting to disturb Nettie, I shrugged off the feeling and quietly slipped out of the room with my music. The next night, in the steaming St. Louis heat, the crowd called on me to sing again and again. When I finally sat down, a messenger boy ran up with a Western Union telegram. I ripped open the envelope....Pasted on the yellow sheet were the words:YOUR WIFE JUST DIED.
People were happily singing and clapping around me, but I could hardly keep from crying out. I rushed to a phone and called home. All I could hear on the other end was "Nettie is dead. Nettie is dead.'" When I got back, I learned that Nettie had given birth to a boy. I swung between grief and joy. Yet that same night, the baby died. I buried Nettie and our little boy together, in the same casket. Then I fell apart. For days I closeted myself. I felt that God had done me an injustice. I didn't want to serve Him anymore or write gospel songs I just wanted to go back to that jazz world I once knew so well. But then, as I hunched alone in that dark apartment those first sad days, I thought back to the afternoon I went to St. Louis . Something kept telling me to stay with Nettie. Was that something God? Oh, if I had paid more attention to Him that day, I would have stayed and been with Nettie when she died. From that moment on I vowed to listen more closely to Him. But still I was lost in grief. Everyone was kind to me, especially one friend. The following Saturday evening he took me up to Maloney's Poro College , a neighborhood music school. It was quiet; the late evening sun crept through the curtained windows. I sat down at the piano, and my hands began to browse over the keys. Something happened to me then. I felt at peace. I felt as though I could reach out and touch God. I found myself playing a melody.
Once in my head they just seemed to fall into place: 'Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on,let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn, through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light, take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.' The Lord gave me these words and melody, He also healed my spirit. I learned that when we are in our deepest grief, when we feel farthest from God, this is when He is closest, and when we are most open to His restoring power. And so I go on living for God willingly and joyfully, until that day comes when He will take me and gently lead me home.
- - - -Tommy Dorsey
For those too young to know who he is, Tommy Dorsey was a well-known band leader in the 1930's and 40's.Did you know that Tommy Dorsey wrote this song? I surely didn't. What a wonderful story of how God CAN heal the brokenhearted!
People were happily singing and clapping around me, but I could hardly keep from crying out. I rushed to a phone and called home. All I could hear on the other end was "Nettie is dead. Nettie is dead.'" When I got back, I learned that Nettie had given birth to a boy. I swung between grief and joy. Yet that same night, the baby died. I buried Nettie and our little boy together, in the same casket. Then I fell apart. For days I closeted myself. I felt that God had done me an injustice. I didn't want to serve Him anymore or write gospel songs I just wanted to go back to that jazz world I once knew so well. But then, as I hunched alone in that dark apartment those first sad days, I thought back to the afternoon I went to St. Louis . Something kept telling me to stay with Nettie. Was that something God? Oh, if I had paid more attention to Him that day, I would have stayed and been with Nettie when she died. From that moment on I vowed to listen more closely to Him. But still I was lost in grief. Everyone was kind to me, especially one friend. The following Saturday evening he took me up to Maloney's Poro College , a neighborhood music school. It was quiet; the late evening sun crept through the curtained windows. I sat down at the piano, and my hands began to browse over the keys. Something happened to me then. I felt at peace. I felt as though I could reach out and touch God. I found myself playing a melody.
Once in my head they just seemed to fall into place: 'Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on,let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn, through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light, take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.' The Lord gave me these words and melody, He also healed my spirit. I learned that when we are in our deepest grief, when we feel farthest from God, this is when He is closest, and when we are most open to His restoring power. And so I go on living for God willingly and joyfully, until that day comes when He will take me and gently lead me home.
- - - -Tommy Dorsey
For those too young to know who he is, Tommy Dorsey was a well-known band leader in the 1930's and 40's.Did you know that Tommy Dorsey wrote this song? I surely didn't. What a wonderful story of how God CAN heal the brokenhearted!
Intentional Ministry
By Mark Lubbock
Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, "This person began to build and wasn't able to finish."
Luke 14:28-29
One major distinction of those churches that enjoy a vibrant and growing men's ministry is that they PLAN! With a plan and goals in place, accompanied by firm dates and times, these churches make significant progress each year.
Over 2011, I've had the pleasure of speaking with leaders of men's groups around the globe. As these leaders share their stories, I discerned that we have a number of very dedicated folks with a heart to advance the Kingdom through making disciples for Jesus. So how do we capitalize on this pool of eager leaders and equip them to have an effective 2012?
Start now to set goals for 2012. Limit yourself to three to five goals.
Set reasonable time frames for each goal.
List the resources needed to achieve each goal. GCUMM is a rich resource take full advantage.
Develop a step-by-step plan for each goal. Start with the end result and work your way backwards.
Assign individuals the responsibility for executing the interim steps.
Promotion.
Sourcing.
Follow-up.
Survey participants to learn how to improve.
Leadership must meet regularly to keep the process moving and to adjust to inevitable challenges along the way.
The scripture in Luke points to the need to start with a plan and assessment in order to avoid an incomplete job. Look at the entire year rather than settling for single un-connected events. Your plan should be progressive where each event or component builds upon the previous all headed in a specific, measurable direction with a fixed goal at the endpoint. We have both great opportunities and great challenges before us in 2012, but scripture assures us of help. Philippians 4:3 tells us, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
The Rev. Mark Lubbock, deployed staff
General Commission on United Methodist Men
MLubbock@gcumm.org
Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, "This person began to build and wasn't able to finish."
Luke 14:28-29
One major distinction of those churches that enjoy a vibrant and growing men's ministry is that they PLAN! With a plan and goals in place, accompanied by firm dates and times, these churches make significant progress each year.
Over 2011, I've had the pleasure of speaking with leaders of men's groups around the globe. As these leaders share their stories, I discerned that we have a number of very dedicated folks with a heart to advance the Kingdom through making disciples for Jesus. So how do we capitalize on this pool of eager leaders and equip them to have an effective 2012?
Start now to set goals for 2012. Limit yourself to three to five goals.
Set reasonable time frames for each goal.
List the resources needed to achieve each goal. GCUMM is a rich resource take full advantage.
Develop a step-by-step plan for each goal. Start with the end result and work your way backwards.
Assign individuals the responsibility for executing the interim steps.
Promotion.
Sourcing.
Follow-up.
Survey participants to learn how to improve.
Leadership must meet regularly to keep the process moving and to adjust to inevitable challenges along the way.
The scripture in Luke points to the need to start with a plan and assessment in order to avoid an incomplete job. Look at the entire year rather than settling for single un-connected events. Your plan should be progressive where each event or component builds upon the previous all headed in a specific, measurable direction with a fixed goal at the endpoint. We have both great opportunities and great challenges before us in 2012, but scripture assures us of help. Philippians 4:3 tells us, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
The Rev. Mark Lubbock, deployed staff
General Commission on United Methodist Men
MLubbock@gcumm.org
God is never wrong
A king who did not believe in the goodness of God, had a slave who, in all
circumstances, said: My king, do not be discouraged, because everything God
does is perfect, no mistakes!
One day they went hunting and along the way a wild animal attacked the king.
His slave managed to kill the animal, but could not prevent his majesty losing
a finger.
Furious and without showing his gratitude for being saved, the nobleman said
"Is God good? If He was good, I would not have been attacked and lose my
finger."
The slave replied:
"My king, despite all these things, I can only tell you that God is good, and
he knows the "why" of all these things. What God does is perfect. He is never
wrong!"
Outraged by the response, the king ordered the arrest of his slave.
Later, he left for another hunting trip and was captured by savages who made
human sacrifices.
On the altar, ready to sacrifice the nobleman, the savages found that the
victim had not one of his fingers, so he was released. According to them, he
was not so complete to be offered to the gods.
Upon his return to the palace, he authorized the release of his slave whom he
received very affectionately.
"My dear, God was really good to me! I was almost killed by the wild men, but
for the lack of a single finger, I was let go! But I have a
question: if God is so good, why did he allow me to put you in jail?"
"My King, if I had gone with you in this hunt, I would have been sacrificed
for you, because I have no missing finger, therefore, remember everything God
does is perfect. He is never wrong."
Often we complain about life, and negative things that happen to us,
forgetting that nothing is random and that everything has a purpose.
Every morning, offer your day to God, don't be in a rush.
Ask God to inspire your thoughts, guide your actions, and ease your feelings.
And do not be afraid. God is never wrong!
circumstances, said: My king, do not be discouraged, because everything God
does is perfect, no mistakes!
One day they went hunting and along the way a wild animal attacked the king.
His slave managed to kill the animal, but could not prevent his majesty losing
a finger.
Furious and without showing his gratitude for being saved, the nobleman said
"Is God good? If He was good, I would not have been attacked and lose my
finger."
The slave replied:
"My king, despite all these things, I can only tell you that God is good, and
he knows the "why" of all these things. What God does is perfect. He is never
wrong!"
Outraged by the response, the king ordered the arrest of his slave.
Later, he left for another hunting trip and was captured by savages who made
human sacrifices.
On the altar, ready to sacrifice the nobleman, the savages found that the
victim had not one of his fingers, so he was released. According to them, he
was not so complete to be offered to the gods.
Upon his return to the palace, he authorized the release of his slave whom he
received very affectionately.
"My dear, God was really good to me! I was almost killed by the wild men, but
for the lack of a single finger, I was let go! But I have a
question: if God is so good, why did he allow me to put you in jail?"
"My King, if I had gone with you in this hunt, I would have been sacrificed
for you, because I have no missing finger, therefore, remember everything God
does is perfect. He is never wrong."
Often we complain about life, and negative things that happen to us,
forgetting that nothing is random and that everything has a purpose.
Every morning, offer your day to God, don't be in a rush.
Ask God to inspire your thoughts, guide your actions, and ease your feelings.
And do not be afraid. God is never wrong!
What happens in Heaven when you Pray?
I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, ' This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received.
I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.
Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.
The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them." I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.
Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment Section, my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed." How is it that there is no work going on here? ' I asked.
"So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments"
"How does one acknowledge God's blessings? " I asked..
"Simple," the angel answered. Just say, "Thank you, Lord. "
"What blessings should they acknowledge?" I asked.
"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy. "
"And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity."
"If you woke up this morning with more health than illness .. You are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day. "
"If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... You are ahead of 700 million people in the world."
"If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world."
"If your parents are still alive and still married ..you are very rare."
"If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair......."
I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.
Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.
The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them." I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.
Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment Section, my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed." How is it that there is no work going on here? ' I asked.
"So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments"
"How does one acknowledge God's blessings? " I asked..
"Simple," the angel answered. Just say, "Thank you, Lord. "
"What blessings should they acknowledge?" I asked.
"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy. "
"And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity."
"If you woke up this morning with more health than illness .. You are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day. "
"If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... You are ahead of 700 million people in the world."
"If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world."
"If your parents are still alive and still married ..you are very rare."
"If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair......."
The Twelve Days of Christmas?
From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.
-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.-
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.'
Merry Christmas Everyone
-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.-
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.'
Merry Christmas Everyone
A Christmas story
'Twas the night before Christmas and out on the ranch,
The pond was froze over and so was the branch.
The snow was piled up belly-deep to a mule.
The kids were all home on vacation from school,
And happier young folks you never did see,
Just all sprawled around a-watchin' TV.
Then suddenly, some time around 8 o'clock,
There came a surprise that gave them a shock!
The power went off, the TV went dead!
When Grandpa came in from out in the shed
With an armload of wood, the house was all dark.
"Just what I expected," they heard him remark.
"Them power line wires must be down from the snow.
Seems sorta like times on the ranch long ago."
"I'll hunt up some candles," said Mom. "With their light,
And the fireplace, I reckon we'll make out all right."
The teen-agers all seemed enveloped in gloom.
Then Grandpa came back from a trip to his room,
Uncased his old fiddle and started to play
That old Christmas song about bells on a sleigh.
Mom started to sing, and first thing they knew
Both Pop and the kids were all singing it, too.
They sang Christmas carols, they sang "Holy Night,"
Their eyes all a-shine in the ruddy firelight.
They played some charades Mom recalled from her youth,
And Pop read a passage from God's Book of Truth.
They stayed up till midnight and, would you believe,
The youngsters agreed 'twas a fine Christmas Eve.
Grandpa rose early, some time before dawn,
And when the kids wakened, the power was on..
"The power company sure got the line repaired quick,"
Said Grandpa and no one suspected his trick.
Last night, for the sake of some old-fashioned fun,
He had pulled the main switch - the old Son-of-a-Gun!
-anonymous
The pond was froze over and so was the branch.
The snow was piled up belly-deep to a mule.
The kids were all home on vacation from school,
And happier young folks you never did see,
Just all sprawled around a-watchin' TV.
Then suddenly, some time around 8 o'clock,
There came a surprise that gave them a shock!
The power went off, the TV went dead!
When Grandpa came in from out in the shed
With an armload of wood, the house was all dark.
"Just what I expected," they heard him remark.
"Them power line wires must be down from the snow.
Seems sorta like times on the ranch long ago."
"I'll hunt up some candles," said Mom. "With their light,
And the fireplace, I reckon we'll make out all right."
The teen-agers all seemed enveloped in gloom.
Then Grandpa came back from a trip to his room,
Uncased his old fiddle and started to play
That old Christmas song about bells on a sleigh.
Mom started to sing, and first thing they knew
Both Pop and the kids were all singing it, too.
They sang Christmas carols, they sang "Holy Night,"
Their eyes all a-shine in the ruddy firelight.
They played some charades Mom recalled from her youth,
And Pop read a passage from God's Book of Truth.
They stayed up till midnight and, would you believe,
The youngsters agreed 'twas a fine Christmas Eve.
Grandpa rose early, some time before dawn,
And when the kids wakened, the power was on..
"The power company sure got the line repaired quick,"
Said Grandpa and no one suspected his trick.
Last night, for the sake of some old-fashioned fun,
He had pulled the main switch - the old Son-of-a-Gun!
-anonymous
Light and Good Tidings
By Gil Hanke
This week I have seen the intersection of two scriptures: Matthew 5:16 and Isaiah 40:9. These verses tell me to be a light and to declare good tidings. In some of my recent travels, I have driven on dark and rainy roads that kind of misty rain that makes seeing difficult and distorts perceptions. What was needed was more light.
In some of my travels I have been in meetings where participants wanted to center our work and attention on things that were wrong, broken, and dysfunctional. What these meetings needed was good tidings.
This is a season of both light and good tidings.
Advent and Christmas mark their passing by degrees of light. Each week there are more candles lit on the Advent wreath. Some in our neighborhood had lights up the Friday after Thanksgiving, and as Christmas draws closer the lights are being added to nearly every house.
In my job, I get to bring light to local congregations, districts and conferences about our ministries within GCUMM and the many ministries where we partner with other agencies and other entities inside and outside the UMC. In so many cases, folks comment, "I never knew the church was involved in that," or "I didn't know those resources were available," or "I can get that training just by going to your website?" I have also been able to share some light about how Jesus has transformed mission teams and men's small groups, and have been able to lift up His words of action which we are to do with intention.
In the midst of decline in many areas, there are also good tidings:
Stories of growth and new ministriesof healing and wholenessand new ministries that bring men and their families to a closer walk with Jesus, the Christ.
Men who have lost their jobs, but found a new life.
Young adults who are creating a new entrepreneurial ministry which will form leaders within all aspects of the church.
Within this agency we have seen new life, healing, and growth in unexpected areas. With a year of a troubled economy and some unexpected expenses we are finishing in the black.
God is so good!
I will not let the news of the world or of Washington diminish the light or the good news of our work together. I will look to next year with excitement and anticipationnot fear and worry. When we are obedient to His call, there is always light, and always good news!
Stay in touch; let me know how we can accelerate you in your ministry.
Striving to be His servant
Gilbert C. Hanke, general secretary
General Commission on UM Men
ghanke@gcumm.org
This week I have seen the intersection of two scriptures: Matthew 5:16 and Isaiah 40:9. These verses tell me to be a light and to declare good tidings. In some of my recent travels, I have driven on dark and rainy roads that kind of misty rain that makes seeing difficult and distorts perceptions. What was needed was more light.
In some of my travels I have been in meetings where participants wanted to center our work and attention on things that were wrong, broken, and dysfunctional. What these meetings needed was good tidings.
This is a season of both light and good tidings.
Advent and Christmas mark their passing by degrees of light. Each week there are more candles lit on the Advent wreath. Some in our neighborhood had lights up the Friday after Thanksgiving, and as Christmas draws closer the lights are being added to nearly every house.
In my job, I get to bring light to local congregations, districts and conferences about our ministries within GCUMM and the many ministries where we partner with other agencies and other entities inside and outside the UMC. In so many cases, folks comment, "I never knew the church was involved in that," or "I didn't know those resources were available," or "I can get that training just by going to your website?" I have also been able to share some light about how Jesus has transformed mission teams and men's small groups, and have been able to lift up His words of action which we are to do with intention.
In the midst of decline in many areas, there are also good tidings:
Stories of growth and new ministriesof healing and wholenessand new ministries that bring men and their families to a closer walk with Jesus, the Christ.
Men who have lost their jobs, but found a new life.
Young adults who are creating a new entrepreneurial ministry which will form leaders within all aspects of the church.
Within this agency we have seen new life, healing, and growth in unexpected areas. With a year of a troubled economy and some unexpected expenses we are finishing in the black.
God is so good!
I will not let the news of the world or of Washington diminish the light or the good news of our work together. I will look to next year with excitement and anticipationnot fear and worry. When we are obedient to His call, there is always light, and always good news!
Stay in touch; let me know how we can accelerate you in your ministry.
Striving to be His servant
Gilbert C. Hanke, general secretary
General Commission on UM Men
ghanke@gcumm.org
I don't know what I think of this.
This may say more about people today than prayer. Are we to busy for God?
My First Christmas
I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid.
I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"
My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.
Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted...."Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go."
"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.
I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping.
For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for.
I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church.
I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!
I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.
"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby."
The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.
That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it.
Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.
Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going."
I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.
Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.
Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were -- ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.
I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.
May you always have LOVE to share,
HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care...
And may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!
I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"
My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.
Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted...."Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go."
"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.
I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping.
For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for.
I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church.
I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!
I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.
"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby."
The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.
That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it.
Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.
Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going."
I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.
Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.
Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were -- ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.
I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.
May you always have LOVE to share,
HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care...
And may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!
Golden Telephone
A man in Topeka, Kansas decided to write a book about churches around the country. He started by flying to San Francisco and started working east from there. Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes. He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign, which read "Calls: $10,000 a minute." Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to GOD.
The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches in Seattle, Houston, St. Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee, and many cities and towns all around the United States , he found more phones same sign, and the same answer from each pastor.
Finally, he arrived in Maryville, Tn. Upon entering a church in the beautiful state of Tennessee, behold, he saw the usual golden telephone. But THIS time, the sign read "Calls: 35 cents".
Fascinated, he asked to talk to the pastor, "Reverend, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to GOD, but in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your sign reads only 35 cents a call. Why?"
I love this part ...
The pastor, smiling broadly, replied, "Son, you're in Tennessee now - you're in God's Country. It's a local call."
The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches in Seattle, Houston, St. Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee, and many cities and towns all around the United States , he found more phones same sign, and the same answer from each pastor.
Finally, he arrived in Maryville, Tn. Upon entering a church in the beautiful state of Tennessee, behold, he saw the usual golden telephone. But THIS time, the sign read "Calls: 35 cents".
Fascinated, he asked to talk to the pastor, "Reverend, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to GOD, but in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your sign reads only 35 cents a call. Why?"
I love this part ...
The pastor, smiling broadly, replied, "Son, you're in Tennessee now - you're in God's Country. It's a local call."
UNTITLED POEM
In the hand of Moses, Naught but a shepherd’s rod,
Yet it parted the Red Sea Waters
in the potent hand of God.
In the hand of stripling David, only a slingshot
and smooth round stones,
Yet in the Name of the Lord of Hosts,
Goliath was overthrown.
In the hand of a lad so little, merely two small fishes
and some bread,
But he laid them in the hands of God and a
multitude was fed.
Do the things in your hand of life seem futile?
Only the pebbles, the fish or the rod?
Behold!
There is mighty power in the hands of the Living God.
Yet it parted the Red Sea Waters
in the potent hand of God.
In the hand of stripling David, only a slingshot
and smooth round stones,
Yet in the Name of the Lord of Hosts,
Goliath was overthrown.
In the hand of a lad so little, merely two small fishes
and some bread,
But he laid them in the hands of God and a
multitude was fed.
Do the things in your hand of life seem futile?
Only the pebbles, the fish or the rod?
Behold!
There is mighty power in the hands of the Living God.
Hi Lord, it's me.
We are getting older and things are getting bad here. Gas prices are too high, no jobs, & food and heating costs are too high. I know some have taken You out of our schools, government, and even Christmas. But Lord, I'm asking You to come back and re-bless America. We really need You!There are more of us who want You than those who don't!
Thank You Lord,
I Love you.
Thank You Lord,
I Love you.
The Praying Hands
The Story Behind the Picture of The Praying Hands…!
Back in the fifteenth century, in a tiny village near Nuremberg, lived a family with eighteen
children. Eighteen..!
In order merely to keep food on the table for this mob, the father and head of the household, a goldsmith by profession, worked almost eighteen hours a day at his trade and any other paying chore he could find in the neighborhood.
Despite their seemingly hopeless condition, two of the elder children, Albrecht and Albert, had a dream. They both wanted to pursue their talent for art, but they knew full well that their father would never be financially able to send either of them to Nuremberg to study at the Academy.
After many long discussions at night in their crowded bed, the two boys finally worked out a pact. They would toss a coin. The loser would go down into the nearby mines and, with his earnings, support his brother while he attended the academy. Then, when that brother who won the toss completed his studies, in four years, he would support the other brother at the academy, either with sales of his artwork or, if necessary, also by laboring in the mines.
They tossed a coin on a Sunday morning after church. Albrecht Durer won the toss and went off to Nuremberg.
Albert went down into the dangerous mines and, for the next four years, financed his brother, whose work at the academy was almost an immediate sensation. Albrecht's etchings, his woodcuts, and his oils were far better than those of most of his professors, and by the time he graduated, he was beginning to earn considerable fees for his commissioned works.
When the young artist returned to his village, the Durer family held a festive dinner on their lawn to celebrate Albrecht's triumphant homecoming. After a long and memorable meal, punctuated with music and laughter, Albrecht rose from his honored position at the head of the table to drink a toast to his beloved brother for the years of sacrifice that had enabled Albrecht to fulfill his ambition. His closing words were, "And now, Albert, blessed brother of mine, now it is your turn.. Now you can go to Nuremberg to pursue your dream, and I will take care of you."
All heads turned in eager expectation to the far end of the table where Albert sat, tears streaming down his pale face, shaking his lowered head from side to side while he sobbed and repeated, over and over, "No..no ...no ..no."
Finally, Albert rose and wiped the tears from his cheeks. He glanced down the long table at the faces he loved, and then, holding his hands close to his right cheek, he said softly, "No, brother. I cannot go to Nuremberg. It is too late for me. Look ... look what four years in the mines have done to my hands! The bones in every finger have been smashed at least once, and lately I have been suffering from arthritis so badly in my right hand that I cannot even hold a glass to return your toast, much less make delicate lines on parchment or canvas with a pen or a brush. No, brother ...for me it is too late."
More than 450 years have now passed. By now, Albrecht Durer's hundreds of masterful portraits, pen and silver-point sketches, watercolors, charcoals, woodcuts, and copper engravings hang in every great museum in the world, but the odds are great that you, like most people, are familiar with only one of Albrecht Durer's works. More than merely being familiar with it, you very well may have a reproduction hanging in your home or office.
One day, to pay homage to Albert for all that he had sacrificed, Albrecht Durer painstakingly drew his brother's abused hands with palms together and thin fingers stretched skyward. He called his powerful drawing simply "Hands," but the entire world almost immediately opened their hearts to his great masterpiece and renamed his tribute of love "The Praying Hands."
The next time you see a copy of that touching creation, take a second look.
Let it be your reminder, if you still need one, that no one - no one - - ever makes it alone..!
Back in the fifteenth century, in a tiny village near Nuremberg, lived a family with eighteen
children. Eighteen..!
In order merely to keep food on the table for this mob, the father and head of the household, a goldsmith by profession, worked almost eighteen hours a day at his trade and any other paying chore he could find in the neighborhood.
Despite their seemingly hopeless condition, two of the elder children, Albrecht and Albert, had a dream. They both wanted to pursue their talent for art, but they knew full well that their father would never be financially able to send either of them to Nuremberg to study at the Academy.
After many long discussions at night in their crowded bed, the two boys finally worked out a pact. They would toss a coin. The loser would go down into the nearby mines and, with his earnings, support his brother while he attended the academy. Then, when that brother who won the toss completed his studies, in four years, he would support the other brother at the academy, either with sales of his artwork or, if necessary, also by laboring in the mines.
They tossed a coin on a Sunday morning after church. Albrecht Durer won the toss and went off to Nuremberg.
Albert went down into the dangerous mines and, for the next four years, financed his brother, whose work at the academy was almost an immediate sensation. Albrecht's etchings, his woodcuts, and his oils were far better than those of most of his professors, and by the time he graduated, he was beginning to earn considerable fees for his commissioned works.
When the young artist returned to his village, the Durer family held a festive dinner on their lawn to celebrate Albrecht's triumphant homecoming. After a long and memorable meal, punctuated with music and laughter, Albrecht rose from his honored position at the head of the table to drink a toast to his beloved brother for the years of sacrifice that had enabled Albrecht to fulfill his ambition. His closing words were, "And now, Albert, blessed brother of mine, now it is your turn.. Now you can go to Nuremberg to pursue your dream, and I will take care of you."
All heads turned in eager expectation to the far end of the table where Albert sat, tears streaming down his pale face, shaking his lowered head from side to side while he sobbed and repeated, over and over, "No..no ...no ..no."
Finally, Albert rose and wiped the tears from his cheeks. He glanced down the long table at the faces he loved, and then, holding his hands close to his right cheek, he said softly, "No, brother. I cannot go to Nuremberg. It is too late for me. Look ... look what four years in the mines have done to my hands! The bones in every finger have been smashed at least once, and lately I have been suffering from arthritis so badly in my right hand that I cannot even hold a glass to return your toast, much less make delicate lines on parchment or canvas with a pen or a brush. No, brother ...for me it is too late."
More than 450 years have now passed. By now, Albrecht Durer's hundreds of masterful portraits, pen and silver-point sketches, watercolors, charcoals, woodcuts, and copper engravings hang in every great museum in the world, but the odds are great that you, like most people, are familiar with only one of Albrecht Durer's works. More than merely being familiar with it, you very well may have a reproduction hanging in your home or office.
One day, to pay homage to Albert for all that he had sacrificed, Albrecht Durer painstakingly drew his brother's abused hands with palms together and thin fingers stretched skyward. He called his powerful drawing simply "Hands," but the entire world almost immediately opened their hearts to his great masterpiece and renamed his tribute of love "The Praying Hands."
The next time you see a copy of that touching creation, take a second look.
Let it be your reminder, if you still need one, that no one - no one - - ever makes it alone..!
A Chuckle is Good
There was a little old lady, who every morning stepped onto her front porch, raised her arms to the sky, and shouted:
'PRAISE THE LORD!'
One day an atheist moved into the house next door.
He became irritated at the little old lady.
Every morning he'd step onto his front porch after her and yell:
'THERE IS NO LORD!'
Time passed with the two of them carrying on
theirway every day.
One morning, in the middle of winter, the little old lady
stepped onto her front porch and shouted:
'PRAISE THE LORD!
Please Lord, I have no food and I am starving, provide for me, oh Lord!
The next morning she stepped out onto her porch and
there were two huge bags of groceries sitting there.
'PRAISE THE LORD!' she cried out.
'HE HAS PROVIDED GROCERIES FOR ME!'
The atheist neighbor jumped out of the hedges and shouted:
'THERE IS NO LORD; I BOUGHT THOSE GROCERIES!!'
The little old lady threw her arms into the air and shouted:
'PRAISE THE LORD!
HE HAS PROVIDED ME WITH GROCERIES
AND MADE THE DEVIL PAY FOR THEM!'
; )
'PRAISE THE LORD!'
One day an atheist moved into the house next door.
He became irritated at the little old lady.
Every morning he'd step onto his front porch after her and yell:
'THERE IS NO LORD!'
Time passed with the two of them carrying on
theirway every day.
One morning, in the middle of winter, the little old lady
stepped onto her front porch and shouted:
'PRAISE THE LORD!
Please Lord, I have no food and I am starving, provide for me, oh Lord!
The next morning she stepped out onto her porch and
there were two huge bags of groceries sitting there.
'PRAISE THE LORD!' she cried out.
'HE HAS PROVIDED GROCERIES FOR ME!'
The atheist neighbor jumped out of the hedges and shouted:
'THERE IS NO LORD; I BOUGHT THOSE GROCERIES!!'
The little old lady threw her arms into the air and shouted:
'PRAISE THE LORD!
HE HAS PROVIDED ME WITH GROCERIES
AND MADE THE DEVIL PAY FOR THEM!'
; )
Crabby Old Man
What do you see nurses? . . . .. . What do you see?
What are you thinking . . . . . when you're looking at me?
A crabby old man . . . . . not very wise,
Uncertain of habit . . . . . with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food . . . . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . . . . 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice . . . . . the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not . . . . . lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . . . The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? . . . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . . . you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am. . . . . . As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . . . as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . . .. . . with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters . . . . . who love one another.
A young boy of Sixteen . . . . with wings on his feet.
Dreaming that soon now . . . . . a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . . . my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows . . . . . that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now . . . . . I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . . .. . With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons . . . . . have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me . . . .. . to see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . . My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me . . . . . my wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . . . . . young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . . . and the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man . . . . . and nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age . . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . . . . grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone . . . . where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . . . . . a young guy still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys . . . . . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . . . life over again.
I think of the years, all too few . . . . . gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . . . open and see.
Not a crabby old man . . . Look closer . . . see ME!!
Remember this poem when you next meet
an older person who you might brush aside
without looking at the young soul within.
We will all, one day, be there, too!
What are you thinking . . . . . when you're looking at me?
A crabby old man . . . . . not very wise,
Uncertain of habit . . . . . with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food . . . . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . . . . 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice . . . . . the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not . . . . . lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . . . The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? . . . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . . . you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am. . . . . . As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . . . as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . . .. . . with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters . . . . . who love one another.
A young boy of Sixteen . . . . with wings on his feet.
Dreaming that soon now . . . . . a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . . . my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows . . . . . that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now . . . . . I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . . .. . With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons . . . . . have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me . . . .. . to see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . . My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me . . . . . my wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . . . . . young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . . . and the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man . . . . . and nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age . . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . . . . grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone . . . . where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . . . . . a young guy still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys . . . . . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . . . life over again.
I think of the years, all too few . . . . . gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . . . open and see.
Not a crabby old man . . . Look closer . . . see ME!!
Remember this poem when you next meet
an older person who you might brush aside
without looking at the young soul within.
We will all, one day, be there, too!
Latino Christmas Journey
A small California town recently turned city streets into a live illustration of the Christmas story. "Las Posadas" is a popular holiday tradition in Mexico which features a procession with people dressed as Joseph and Mary, complete with a donkey.
POW Nativity
More at http://umc.org/videos/ It's a Christmas story no one could have imagined in the turmoil of World War II. While being held in a POW camp in the U.S., German prisoners constructed a very special holiday creation. One group is making sure it is not forgotten.
Last Minute Toy Store
More at http://umc.org/videos/ The Christmas shopping season is almost over. But for many American families, it never began. 13 million children live in poverty in the U.S. -- and this Christmas, there are efforts around the country to provide them gifts. Barry Simmons shows us what one church is doing in Nashville, Tennessee.
Honey Dudes Do Good
More at http://umc.org/videos/. Single moms and widows in Flower Mound, Texas can get a helping hand whenever a household repair pops us. A group of 60 handy men from Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church respond to requests for help with anything from plumbing fixes to tree trimming. The Honey Dudes get their name from that familiar "honey do" list and their calling from a Bible verse. James 1:27 talks about looking after women and orphans. The men offer their services for free. Volunteers say they enjoy the work done through Honey Dudes and encourage men in other communities to form their own groups.
Twas the Month Before Christmas
Author Unkown.
Twas the month before Christmas When all through our land, Not a Christian was praying Nor taking a stand. Why the PC Police had taken away The reason for Christmas - no one could say. The children were told by their schools not to sing About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things. It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say December 25th is just a ' Holiday'. Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-Pod Something was changing, something quite odd! Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda. As Targets were hanging their trees upside down At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found. At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears. Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty Are words that were used to intimidate me. Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton! At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter. And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded The reason for the season, stopped before it started. So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree' Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me. Choose your words carefully, choose what you say Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday! Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christ is The Reason' for the Christ-mas Season!
Twas the month before Christmas When all through our land, Not a Christian was praying Nor taking a stand. Why the PC Police had taken away The reason for Christmas - no one could say. The children were told by their schools not to sing About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things. It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say December 25th is just a ' Holiday'. Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-Pod Something was changing, something quite odd! Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda. As Targets were hanging their trees upside down At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found. At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears. Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty Are words that were used to intimidate me. Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton! At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter. And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded The reason for the season, stopped before it started. So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree' Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me. Choose your words carefully, choose what you say Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday! Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christ is The Reason' for the Christ-mas Season!
Could Be A Song
I've never made a fortune, and it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow
And as I go along life's way,
I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
Haven't got a lot of riches,
and sometimes the going's tough
But I've got loving ones all around me,
and that makes me rich enough.
I thank GOD for his Blessings,
and the Mercies HE's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
I remember times when things went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke,
and the sun peeped through again.
So LORD, help me not to gripe,
about the tough rows I have hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
If GOD gives me strength and courage,
When the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other blessings,
I'm already Blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy,
to help others bear their loads..
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
When I think of how many people in this world have it worse than I do, I realize just how BLESSED we really are.
But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow
And as I go along life's way,
I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
Haven't got a lot of riches,
and sometimes the going's tough
But I've got loving ones all around me,
and that makes me rich enough.
I thank GOD for his Blessings,
and the Mercies HE's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
I remember times when things went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke,
and the sun peeped through again.
So LORD, help me not to gripe,
about the tough rows I have hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
If GOD gives me strength and courage,
When the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other blessings,
I'm already Blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy,
to help others bear their loads..
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
When I think of how many people in this world have it worse than I do, I realize just how BLESSED we really are.
English
Let's face it - English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France . Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat. We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig..
And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth, beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices? Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?
If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell?
How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which, an alarm goes off by going on.
English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all. That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible.
PS. - Why doesn't 'Buick' rhyme with 'quick' ?
And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth, beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices? Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?
If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell?
How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which, an alarm goes off by going on.
English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all. That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible.
PS. - Why doesn't 'Buick' rhyme with 'quick' ?
Life Spans Explained
On the first day, Godcreated the dog and said, "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years."
The dog said, "That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?"
So God agreed......
On the second day, God created the monkey and said, "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span."
The monkey said, "Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the dog did?"
And God agreed.......
On the third day, God created the cow and said, "You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years."
The cow said, "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?"
And God agreed again.......
God created humans and said, "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years."
But the human said, "Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?"
"Okay," said God. "You asked for it."
So that is why for our first twenty years, we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years, we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years, we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years, we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.
Life has now been explained to you.
The dog said, "That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?"
So God agreed......
On the second day, God created the monkey and said, "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span."
The monkey said, "Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the dog did?"
And God agreed.......
On the third day, God created the cow and said, "You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years."
The cow said, "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?"
And God agreed again.......
God created humans and said, "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years."
But the human said, "Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?"
"Okay," said God. "You asked for it."
So that is why for our first twenty years, we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years, we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years, we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years, we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.
Life has now been explained to you.
Give Them Jesus
MY THOUGHTS
RECENTLY IN THE UPPER ROOM, THERE WAS A STORY ABOUT A GROUP OF CHRISTIANS IN CHINA WHO HAD A GREAT DESIRE TO TEACH THE GOSPEL AND SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE.
QUOTE: “WE CAN’T AFFORD ANY BIG PROGRAMS OR FANCY GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS. ALL WE HAVE TO GIVE IS JESUS!”
THEY LIVED THEIR FAITH AND TAUGHT THEIR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS, AND THE CHURCH GREW.
TODAY, I THINK THE CHURCH TRIES TOO HARD WITH TOO MANY “BIG PROGRAMS” AND “FANCY GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS”. THE EARLY CHURCH WAS COMMISSIONED TO “GO” INTO ALL THE WORLD (MARK 16:15, MATH 28:19) AND PREACH THE GOSPEL. THE SAME IS TRUE FOR THE CHURCH TODAY. WE HAVE TO “GO” TO THEM. ALL WE NEED IS THE “WILLINGNESS AND THE VOICE,” TO SHARE WITH OTHERS THE “REASON FOR THE HOPE WE HAVE….WITH GENTLENESS AND RESPECT” (1 Pet 3:15).
WE NEED TO CHANGE OUR MIND SET. LETS MAKE OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“ALL WE HAVE TO GIVE IS JESUS!”
LETS PLANT THE SEEDS BY “LIVING OUR FAITH AND REACHING OUT TO OUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS.”
GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF THE REST!
PS I JUST READ ANOTHER STATEMENT WHICH MAKES A WHOLE LOT OF SENSE TO ME.
“IF YOU LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS, YOU SHOULD INVITE THEM TO CHURCH, RIGHT? WRONG.
LOVING YOUR NEIGHBORS ISN’T ABOUT GETTING THEM TO JOIN YOU ON SUNDAYS. ITS ABOUT LIVING YOUR FAITH RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE AND BEING THE CHURCH TO THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU. IF YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS AND LOVE THEM LIKE JESUS WOULD, DON’T INVITE THEM TO CHURCH, BE THE CHRUCH.”
RECENTLY IN THE UPPER ROOM, THERE WAS A STORY ABOUT A GROUP OF CHRISTIANS IN CHINA WHO HAD A GREAT DESIRE TO TEACH THE GOSPEL AND SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE.
QUOTE: “WE CAN’T AFFORD ANY BIG PROGRAMS OR FANCY GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS. ALL WE HAVE TO GIVE IS JESUS!”
THEY LIVED THEIR FAITH AND TAUGHT THEIR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS, AND THE CHURCH GREW.
TODAY, I THINK THE CHURCH TRIES TOO HARD WITH TOO MANY “BIG PROGRAMS” AND “FANCY GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS”. THE EARLY CHURCH WAS COMMISSIONED TO “GO” INTO ALL THE WORLD (MARK 16:15, MATH 28:19) AND PREACH THE GOSPEL. THE SAME IS TRUE FOR THE CHURCH TODAY. WE HAVE TO “GO” TO THEM. ALL WE NEED IS THE “WILLINGNESS AND THE VOICE,” TO SHARE WITH OTHERS THE “REASON FOR THE HOPE WE HAVE….WITH GENTLENESS AND RESPECT” (1 Pet 3:15).
WE NEED TO CHANGE OUR MIND SET. LETS MAKE OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“ALL WE HAVE TO GIVE IS JESUS!”
LETS PLANT THE SEEDS BY “LIVING OUR FAITH AND REACHING OUT TO OUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS.”
GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF THE REST!
PS I JUST READ ANOTHER STATEMENT WHICH MAKES A WHOLE LOT OF SENSE TO ME.
“IF YOU LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS, YOU SHOULD INVITE THEM TO CHURCH, RIGHT? WRONG.
LOVING YOUR NEIGHBORS ISN’T ABOUT GETTING THEM TO JOIN YOU ON SUNDAYS. ITS ABOUT LIVING YOUR FAITH RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE AND BEING THE CHURCH TO THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU. IF YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS AND LOVE THEM LIKE JESUS WOULD, DON’T INVITE THEM TO CHURCH, BE THE CHRUCH.”
God's Phone #
*Hello God, I called tonight *
*To talk a little while *
*I need a friend who'll listen *
*To my anxiety and trial. *
*You see, I can't quite make it *
*Through a day just on my own... *
*I need your love to guide me, *
*So I'll never feel alone. *
*I want to ask you please to keep, *
*My family safe and sound. *
*Come and fill their lives with confidence *
*For whatever fate they're bound. *
*Give me faith, dear God, to face *
*Each hour throughout the day, *
*And not to worry over things *
*I can't change in any way. *
*I thank you God, for being home *
*And listening to my call, *
*For giving me such good advice *
*When I stumble and fall.. !!!!!!! *
*Your number, God, is the only one *
*That answers every time. *
*I never get a busy signal, *
*Never had to pay a dime. *
*So thank you, God, for listening *
*To my troubles and my sorrow. *
*Good night, God, I love You, too, *
*And I'll call again tomorrow! *
*P.S. Please bless all my friends and family too.
*To talk a little while *
*I need a friend who'll listen *
*To my anxiety and trial. *
*You see, I can't quite make it *
*Through a day just on my own... *
*I need your love to guide me, *
*So I'll never feel alone. *
*I want to ask you please to keep, *
*My family safe and sound. *
*Come and fill their lives with confidence *
*For whatever fate they're bound. *
*Give me faith, dear God, to face *
*Each hour throughout the day, *
*And not to worry over things *
*I can't change in any way. *
*I thank you God, for being home *
*And listening to my call, *
*For giving me such good advice *
*When I stumble and fall.. !!!!!!! *
*Your number, God, is the only one *
*That answers every time. *
*I never get a busy signal, *
*Never had to pay a dime. *
*So thank you, God, for listening *
*To my troubles and my sorrow. *
*Good night, God, I love You, too, *
*And I'll call again tomorrow! *
*P.S. Please bless all my friends and family too.
THE RESOLUTION From the movie Couragous
I do solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children.
I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.
I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me.
I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.
I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly.
I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.
I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion.
I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family.
I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged.
I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.
I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will.
I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. – Joshua 24:15
I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.
I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me.
I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.
I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly.
I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.
I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion.
I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family.
I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged.
I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.
I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will.
I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. – Joshua 24:15
John Piper-MAKE WAR
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2 Cor 10:3-4 (KJV)
2 Cor 10:3-4 (KJV)
Little John the Baptist
Author unkown
Matt..18:4-5
"Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.And who ever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. "
Johnny's Mother looked out the window and noticed him "playing church" with their cat. He had the cat sitting quietly and he was preaching to it. She smiled and went about her work.
A while later she heard loud meowing and hissing and ran back to the open window to see Johnny baptizing the cat in a tub of water.
She called out, " Johnny, stop that! The cat is afraid of water!"
Johnny looked up at her and said, "He should have thought about that before he joined my church."
Matt..18:4-5
"Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.And who ever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. "
Johnny's Mother looked out the window and noticed him "playing church" with their cat. He had the cat sitting quietly and he was preaching to it. She smiled and went about her work.
A while later she heard loud meowing and hissing and ran back to the open window to see Johnny baptizing the cat in a tub of water.
She called out, " Johnny, stop that! The cat is afraid of water!"
Johnny looked up at her and said, "He should have thought about that before he joined my church."
Look to God
If you are having trouble finding directions I would like to turn you toward God's Yellow Pages. Click on the link and you will surely find what you are looking for.
Pumpkins
A woman was asked by a coworker, 'What is it like to be a Christian?'The coworker replied, 'It is like being a pumpkin.' God picks you from the patch, brings you in, And washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and Puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.'
List of truths
This should probably be taped
to your bathroom mirror
where one could read it every day.
You may not realize it,
but it's 100% true.
to your bathroom mirror
where one could read it every day.
You may not realize it,
but it's 100% true.
1. There are at least two people in this world
that you would die for.
that you would die for.
2.. At least 15 people in this world
love you in some way.
love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you
is because they want to
be just like you.
is because they want to
be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone,
even if they don't
like you.
even if they don't
like you.
5. Every night,
SOMEONE thinks about you
before they go to sleep.
SOMEONE thinks about you
before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever,
something good comes from it.
something good comes from it.
10. When you think the world
has turned its back on you
take another look.
has turned its back on you
take another look.
11. Always remember the compliments you received.
Forget about the rude remarks.
Forget about the rude remarks.
Good friends are like stars........
You don't always see them,
But you know they are always there.
You don't always see them,
But you know they are always there.
Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keeps You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only
God keeps You Going
Communication
On the Today Show today they had an episode about influencing your neighbors. They gave a couple several brands of products and had them mention them or talk about them at their social gatherings. (These were people that had social gatherings often.) Nine out of the ten people that they talked to went out and bought the product. One of the products increased 1000% in sales in that area. I started thinking about the way we market our Church and our love of Jesus.
Everyone, from the Districts, Conferences, Churches and individual Christians realize that we need to reach out to other people to bring them to Christ and bring them to Church.
I started thinking about the fact that they took a very social couple and got them to market their products during social meetings, parties and get-to-gathers.
Then it dawned on me, today, very few people meet in a relaxed, social atmosphere just to socialize and enjoy each others company. We used to socialize on our front porches, in our communities and neighborhoods, at our social school functions (family fun nights, fund raiser, picnics, square dances, etc.), Church outings to parks, dams, pools, etc. and just neighbors getting together to sit in their front yard and talk. Remember all of the Tupperware parties, the Avon parties, etc.
Our communications have gone from personal to electronic. This lack of personal communication and opportunities for personal communications have made it harder for us to find opportunities to reach out to the non-believers to promote our beliefs.
Everyone is so very busy now that they don’t have time to socialize and relax and that lack of socialization and relaxation is hampering our communication with others.
Do I have a suggestion? No.
Do I know what to do about the situation? No
Do I think that this is something that our Church should be thinking about? Yes
In Christ’s love,
Lynda
Everyone, from the Districts, Conferences, Churches and individual Christians realize that we need to reach out to other people to bring them to Christ and bring them to Church.
I started thinking about the fact that they took a very social couple and got them to market their products during social meetings, parties and get-to-gathers.
Then it dawned on me, today, very few people meet in a relaxed, social atmosphere just to socialize and enjoy each others company. We used to socialize on our front porches, in our communities and neighborhoods, at our social school functions (family fun nights, fund raiser, picnics, square dances, etc.), Church outings to parks, dams, pools, etc. and just neighbors getting together to sit in their front yard and talk. Remember all of the Tupperware parties, the Avon parties, etc.
Our communications have gone from personal to electronic. This lack of personal communication and opportunities for personal communications have made it harder for us to find opportunities to reach out to the non-believers to promote our beliefs.
Everyone is so very busy now that they don’t have time to socialize and relax and that lack of socialization and relaxation is hampering our communication with others.
Do I have a suggestion? No.
Do I know what to do about the situation? No
Do I think that this is something that our Church should be thinking about? Yes
In Christ’s love,
Lynda
Teachers told not to bow heads?
Here is a link to the story about Tennessee school system that has basically outlawed Christians being teachers. A Christian could not hide his or her faith enough to make this school system happy. I hope all Christians profess their faith with no fear. I would hate to see someone deny Christ for a job. God Bless
Where the search ends
From “Leaves of Gold”
“I searched the world over for God and found Him in
my heart,” said Augustine. In the heart of the believer a
still small voice speaks in clearest accents, bearing
“witness with our spirits that we are the children of
God.” Nothing on earth is so heavenly as that--so like
“the voice of angels singing in the silence.” It is as clear
as bells at eventime. It is assuring like the familiar voice
of a friend beloved. The Holy Spirit speaking in the
secret chambers of the heart is the climax of God’s
revelation to us!
ARE YOU LISTENING?????
Pictures from Oktoberfest
A great time was had by all and more importantly money was raised for our outreach program.
God bless.
Negative
It was brought to my attention last night by a brother that Christ never wants us to be negative. For example we should not announce the lack of support from others but exalt the support we do find. We should not Count failures but count successes. We should quit defining success on our terms, such as number of attendees to a meeting, but instead measure it in Jesus's terms, such as are we striving for the kingdom of God. One person fed is a success. One struggling family brought back to the church is astounding. Who cares if only three people show up (Matthew 18, 20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them)as long as the three of you are joyfully doing the work of God. Let's not let the baggage of past failure slow us down but move forward to serve God with our spiritual gifts.
Oktoberfest
DON'T FORGET THE MEN'S GROUPS "OKTOBERFEST" CELEBRATION
CLAPP'S CHAPEL METHODIST CHURCH
SEPTEMBER 24, 2011
4:00 PM TO 7:00 PM
MENU
BRATWURST OR HOTDOGS WITH BUN
SAUERKRAUT OR RED CABBAGE
FRENCH FRIES
GERMAN POTATO SALAD
CAKES AND PIES
TEA AND LEMONADE
ADULTS: $7.00
CHILDREN 10 YEARS OLD AND UNDER: $3.00
BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES AND COME ENJOY SOME GOOD COMPANY
CARRY OUTS WILL BE AVAILABLE
CLAPP'S CHAPEL METHODIST CHURCH
SEPTEMBER 24, 2011
4:00 PM TO 7:00 PM
MENU
BRATWURST OR HOTDOGS WITH BUN
SAUERKRAUT OR RED CABBAGE
FRENCH FRIES
GERMAN POTATO SALAD
CAKES AND PIES
TEA AND LEMONADE
ADULTS: $7.00
CHILDREN 10 YEARS OLD AND UNDER: $3.00
BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES AND COME ENJOY SOME GOOD COMPANY
CARRY OUTS WILL BE AVAILABLE
UP
This two-letter word in English has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that word is 'UP.' It is listed in the dictionary as an [adv], [prep], [adj], [n] or [v].
It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP?
At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP, and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report? We call UP our friends, brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and fix UP the old car.
At other times, this little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.
To be dressed is one thing but to be dressed UP is special.
And this UP is confusing: A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP.
We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night. We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP!
To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look UP the word UP in the dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4 of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions.
If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more.
When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out, we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it soaks UP the earth. When it does not rain for awhile, things dry UP. One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP, for now . . . my time is UP!
Don't screw UP.
Now I'll shut UP!
It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP?
At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP, and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report? We call UP our friends, brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and fix UP the old car.
At other times, this little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.
To be dressed is one thing but to be dressed UP is special.
And this UP is confusing: A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP.
We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night. We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP!
To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look UP the word UP in the dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4 of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions.
If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more.
When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out, we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it soaks UP the earth. When it does not rain for awhile, things dry UP. One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP, for now . . . my time is UP!
Don't screw UP.
Now I'll shut UP!
"A Father, a Daughter and a Dog"
by Catherine Moore
"Watch out! You nearly broad sided that car!" My father yelled at me. "Can't you do anything right?" Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to challenge him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes. I wasn't prepared for another battle. "I saw the car, Dad . Please don't yell at me when I'm driving.." My voice was measured and steady, sounding far calmer than I really felt. Dad glared at me, then turned away and settled back. At home I left Dad in front of the television and went outside to collect my thoughts.... dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo my inner turmoil. What could I do about him? Dad had been a lumberjack in Washington and Oregon . He had enjoyed being outdoors and had reveled in pitting his strength against the forces of nature. He had entered grueling lumberjack competitions, and had placed often. The shelves in his house were filled with trophies that attested to his prowess. The years marched on relentlessly. The first time he couldn't lift a heavy log, he joked about it; but later that same day I saw him outside alone, straining to lift it. He became irritable whenever anyone teased him about his advancing age, or when he couldn't do something he had done as a younger man. Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, he had a heart attack. An ambulance sped him to the hospital while a paramedic administered CPR to keep blood and oxygen flowing. At the hospital, Dad was rushed into an operating room. He was lucky; he survived. But something inside Dad died. His zest for life was gone. He obstinately refused to follow doctor's orders. Suggestions and offers of help were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors thinned, then finally stopped altogether. Dad was left alone.. My husband, Dick, and I asked Dad to come live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh air and rustic atmosphere would help him adjust. Within a week after he moved in, I regretted the invitation. It seemed nothing was satisfactory. He criticized everything I did. I became frustrated and moody. Soon I was taking my pent-up anger out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue. Alarmed, Dick sought out our pastor and explained the situation. The clergyman set up weekly counseling appointments for us. At the close of each session he prayed, asking God to soothe Dad 's troubled mind. But the months wore on and God was silent. Something had to be done and it was up to me to do it. The next day I sat down with the phone book and methodically called each of the mental health clinics listed in the Yellow Pages. I explained my problem to each of the sympathetic voices that answered in vain. Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed, "I just read something that might help you! Let me go get the article.." I listened as she read. The article described a remarkable study done at a nursing home. All of the patients were under treatment for chronic depression. Yet their attitudes had improved dramatically when they were given responsibility for a dog. I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon.. After I filled out a questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. The odor of disinfectant stung my nostrils as I moved down the row of pens. Each contained five to seven dogs. Long-haired dogs, curly-haired dogs, black dogs, spotted dogs all jumped up, trying to reach me. I studied each one but rejected one after the other for various reasons too big, too small, too much hair. As I neared the last pen a dog in the shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down. It was a pointer, one of the dog world's aristocrats. But this was a caricature of the breed. Years had etched his face and muzzle with shades of gray. His hip bones jutted out in lopsided triangles. But it was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me unwaveringly. I pointed to the dog. "Can you tell me about him?" The officer looked, then shook his head in puzzlement. "He's a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him. That was two weeks ago and we've heard nothing. His time is up tomorrow." He gestured helplessly. As the words sank in I turned to the man in horror.. "You mean you're going to kill him?" "Ma'am," he said gently, "that's our policy. We don't have room for every unclaimed dog." I looked at the pointer again. The calm brown eyes awaited my decision. "I'll take him," I said. I drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me. When I reached the house I honked the horn twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch... "Ta-da! Look what I got for you, Dad !" I said excitedly. Dad looked, then wrinkled his face in disgust. "If I had wanted a dog I would have gotten one. And I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it! I don't want it" Dad waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house. Anger rose inside me. It squeezed together my throat muscles and pounded into my temples. "You'd better get used to him, Dad . He's staying!" Dad ignored me.. "Did you hear me, Dad ?" I screamed. At those words Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed and blazing with hate. We stood glaring at each other like duelists, when suddenly the pointer pulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad and sat down in front of him. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw.. Dad 's lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw Confusion replaced the anger in his eyes. The pointer waited patiently. Then Dad was on his knees hugging the animal. It was the beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named the pointer Cheyenne . Together he and Cheyenne explored the community. They spent long hours walking down dusty lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew and Cheyenne lying quietly at is feet. Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years.. Dad 's bitterness faded, and he and Cheyenne made many friends. Then late one night I was startled to feel Cheyenne 's cold nose burrowing through our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night.. I woke Dick, put on my robe and ran into my father's room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the night. Two days later my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad 's bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favorite fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad 's peace of mind. The morning of Dad 's funeral dawned overcast and dreary. This day looks like the way I feel, I thought, as I walked down the aisle to the pews reserved for family. I was surprised to see the many friends Dad and Cheyenne had made filling the church. The pastor began his eulogy. It was a tribute to both Dad and the dog who had changed his life. And then the pastor turned to Hebrews 13:2. "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it." "I've often thanked God for sending that angel," he said. For me, the past dropped into place, completing a puzzle that I had not seen before: the sympathetic voice that had just read the right article... Cheyenne's unexpected appearance at the animal shelter. . ....his calm acceptance and complete devotion to my father. . and the proximity of their deaths. And suddenly I understood. I knew that God had answered my prayers after all.
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