Thanks for putting up with my posts/blogs, and for your comments. There are many topics I do not have the answers to; but I know who to turn to for the answers. This video has a powerful message without any photos or spoken words. check it out. May you turn to Jesus Christ for Life's answers and for hope.
Many of you just watched EV Hill "preach his wife's funeral" blog, and were touched by it as I was. I came across this message by him called God Is- it is actually part 1 of 3 but I wanted to post part 1 to update you on how he handled his wife's death and his remarriage. Perhaps I cannot relate to any of these sermons, but I can trust God, and I enjoy his humor in this sermon. It is also probably one of his last sermons before his death. I enjoy his style of preaching. If you want to hear the remaining parts, you can click here, they are only 10 minutes each. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Uj9YXDVdcc part 2 of 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJXmVV02IjA part 3 of 3
11 ways to comfort someone who’s grieving
If you have a friend or relative who is grieving, it can be hard to know how to console him or her. If it seems that nothing you can do or say helps, don’t give up. You can’t take the pain away, but your presence is more important than it seems. Accept that you can’t fix the situation or make your friend or relative feel better. Instead just be present and offer hope and a positive outlook toward the future. Accept that the person’s grieving will be a gradual process.
It is sometimes difficult to know what to say to a bereaved person. If you find yourself tongue-tied or uncertain of what to do in the face of someone’s loss, here are some steps you might try.
Name names. Don’t be afraid to mention the deceased. It won’t make your friend any sadder, although it may prompt tears. It’s terrible to feel that someone you love must forever be expunged from memory and conversation. (This suggestion does not apply in cultures in which mentioning the dead is taboo or bad luck, however.)
Offer hope. People who have gone through grieving often remember that it is the person who offered reassuring hope, the certainty that things will get better, who helped them make the gradual passage from pain to a renewed sense of life.
Make phone calls. Call to express your sympathy. Try to steer clear of such phrases as “It’s God’s will” or “It’s for the best” unless the bereaved person says this first. Your friend or relative may need you even more after the first few weeks and months, when other people may stop calling.
Write a note. If you had a relationship with the deceased, try to include a warm, caring, or funny anecdote that shows how important to you he or she was. If you didn’t know the deceased, offer your sympathy and assure the bereaved that he or she is in your thoughts or prayers.
Help out. Be specific when offering help. Volunteer to shop or do laundry, bring dinner, pass on information about funeral arrangements, or answer the phone. Pitch in to clean up the kitchen. A lawyer might volunteer to help with the estate. A handy person might button up the house as winter approaches.
Be sensitive to differences. People mourn and grieve in different ways. Religion plays a big role in how death is treated; so do ethnic, cultural, and family backgrounds. Avoid criticizing the funeral arrangements or memorial service. Also, try not to impose your beliefs about death on your friend.
Make a date. Ask your friend to join you for a walk or meal once a week. Be aware that weekends are often very difficult, and suggest an activity. Low-stress activities may be best: watch a video at home together versus going out to a movie. Sometimes just being there without saying much is enough — it may even be exactly what your friend wants.
Listen well instead of advising. A sympathetic ear is a wonderful thing. A friend who listens even when the same story is told with little variation is even better. Often, people work through grief and trauma by telling their story over and over. Unless you are asked for your advice, don’t be quick to offer it.
Express your feelings. If you share your friend’s sorrow, say so. It’s even all right to blurt out that you don’t know what to say. Most likely, nothing you say will turn the tide, but your sympathetic presence may make your friend feel slightly less alone. (One caveat: try not to express your feelings so emphatically that your friend has to take care of you.)
Handle anger gently. People who are grieving sometimes direct angry feelings toward the closest target. If that happens to be you, try to be understanding. That is, wait until well after the person has cooled down before raising your concern in a nonthreatening way.
Keep your promises. If you offer to do anything, follow through. This is especially important where promises to children are involved. Losing a loved one is abandonment enough.
Everyone is so busy. Some, are too busy to attend church today. I try to keep my videos around a couple minutes. People don't have time to watch my long videos. We have many different styles of presenting the gospel message- but there is only one way to Heaven. It does not change. Not everyone agrees on the style of music they prefer, and I am sure it is the same way with listening to the message of salvation- This young man can reach people with his style that I can never reach with my style. I am glad Gods word never changes. I hope you know my friend Jesus and have accepted him as your savior personally. Preach the word of God, and if you have to, use words.
RECALL NOTICE:
The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.
Some of the symptoms include : 1. Loss of direction 2. Foul vocal emissions 3. Amnesia of origin 4. Lack of peace and joy 5. Selfish or violent behavior 6. Depression or confusion in the mental component 7. Fearfulness 8. Idolatry 9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.
The Repair Technician , JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.
The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R .
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus , into the heart component.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with: 1. Love 2. Joy 3. Peace 4. Patience 5. Kindness 6. Goodness 7. Faithfulness 8. Gentleness 9. Self control Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus .
DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!
- GOD
P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'!
Has TV and abortions made us calloused to the value of life? Today is extra special as one lady had decided not to end her life today after saying she would earlier on news. Perhaps I do not understand what she is going through ( or did anything to chage her mind); or know what you are going through- but Life is precious and God has a plan for your life. I hope I get to meet Jack Rushton Someday in Heaven- he is an inspiration to me. For 23 years he was paralyzed from a surfing accident until He passed away peacefully in his sleep on Christmas Eve 2012. Take time to listen to his video that was made several years ago. I posted a news article below of two women dealing with tough issues thrown at them. Don't Give Up. It is good to be alive.
BRISTOL, Conn. – A Connecticut woman has a message for Brittany Maynard, the 29-year-old Oregon woman whose decision to end her own life has gone viral: “Please don’t leave us yet.”
Maggie Karner released a video on Wednesday in which she reads a letter she wrote to Brittany.
Maynard had been married a year when she discovered she had an aggressive brain cancer. Last April, doctors told her she had six months to live.
“Honestly, I really do get it,” Karner writes. “Brain cancer sucks in a really big way. It’s a beast that lurks and prowls… but you know what? Death sucks, too. It rips us from the people and the passions that we love the most.”
Maynard posted YouTube videos in which she and family members talked about her decision and supported an expansion of assisted suicide laws. She started an organization, Compassion and Choices, to promote that idea.
Karner has also been diagnosed with stage IV glioblastoma multiforme, but she says she is choosing life.
“When Robin Williams took his own life, the world lost some of its beauty and joy that day. Brittany, if you take your own life, the world will lose some of its beauty again.”
Karner talks about the millions of people who are following Maynard’s story from across the country.
“No one is judging but people are watching.”
On the same day Karner released her video, Maynard announced she was giving herself more time.
“I still feel good enough and I still have enough joy and I still laugh and smile with my family and friends enough that it doesn’t seem like the right time right now,” Maynard says in a video released to CNN on Wednesday. “But it will come, because I feel myself getting sicker. It’s happening each week.”
For now, it appears Maynard has heard Karner’s message.
“Please don’t leave us yet. Lets choose life for as long as we’ve got.”
God Is
Too Kind to do anything Cruel,
Too Wise to Make A mistake,
Too Deep to Explain Himself.
Romans 11:33
You cannot be thankful and unhappy at the same time
The best way for a person to have happy thoughts is to count his blessings not his cash
Rushton Jr., Jack Louis, broke free from the confinement of his paralyzed body at 12:15 AM, Christmas day, 2012 at his home in Tustin, where he lived for 38 years. He was 74. Almost 24 years ago, Jack severed his spinal cord while body surfing, leaving him ventilator-dependent and paralyzed from the neck down. Through his positive and determined life, he has inspired thousands. Though paralyzed, Jack took great joy from his daily productivity. From the seat of his wheelchair, he authored two books and wrote hundreds of inspirational essays that he called Observations. Links to his books and Observations can be found at jackrushton.com. He regularly appeared as the keynote speaker in religious and secular settings. He loved speaking to young people. He taught the same adult Sunday school class for more than 22 years and simultaneously served as the Patriarch for the Orange Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His disability did not define him. Jack was born September 26, 1938 in a humble home in the mining town of Ruth, Nevada. He was the third of four sons born to Jack Louis Rushton and Vera Bertell Young. Although Jack loved baseball and basketball, he excelled at the piano and clarinet, earning a music scholarship to Brigham Young University. While there, he earned both his bachelors and masters degrees. Later, he also earned a doctorate of education from USC. In 1958, Jack left BYU to serve for 30 months in the LDS Central American Mission. His missionary service changed the focus of his life and left him determined to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ as a religious educator. For 25 years Jack taught religion classes to high school and college students. He loved his work. At the time of his injury, he was also training and recruiting teachers throughout Southern California for the Church Educational System. During this same time Jack served in many church leadership positions, including seven years as a bishop. He was serving as the Irvine Stake President at the time of his injury. Jack certainly would not have thrived these last 24 years were it not for the meticulous care and unwavering devotion of his wife, Jo Anne. She tirelessly provided for his every care. For 48 years, she honored their vow: in sickness and in health. Jo Anne survives Jack, along with their six children, Michael, Richard, John, JoLene Stratford, Rachel Riley and Jaclyn Brown. He is also survived by his 20 grandchildren and his brothers, Darrel and Kim. Poignantly, at this time, as Jack's family and friends contemplate his legendary life, we are reminded of his motto and catch phrase: "it's good to be alive." Because of his example we are motivated to try harder and reach higher.
Someone sent me this video and I had to share it with you- it is a bit longer than most of my videos, but if you can see it to the end, you will enjoy it. (Its almost 19 minutes long). Several are attempting to book Nick for a Wenatchee Crusade, next year. This movie is called the Butterfly Circus and has a tremendous message. God does not make junk or mistakes- God has a plan and a purpose for your life. We All have special needs.
“Courage is being scared to death – and saddling up anyway!” ~ John Wayne
“Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks vision.” ~ Stevie Wonder
Happy Birthday to Stuart Hamblen. I have been blessed by examples to look up to and follow in life. My parents always pointed me toward examples like Billy Graham and Stuart Hamblin. I never met Stuart Hamblen, but God turned his life around , saved his marriage, and I look forward to seeing him someday in heaven. He would fall under my Heroes that I have not met, but influenced my life. Sometimes I wonder how far we have dropped our standards and maybe have accepted Sin too much? Maybe we should see how far we can stay away from sin instead of seeing how close we can get? It is never too late to do right and Gods word does not change. This song was recorded in the year I was born.
Carl Stuart Hamblen October 20, 1908 to March 8, 1989
Carl Stuart Hamblen was born on October 20th, 1908, in Kellyville, Texas, the son of a traveling Methodist preacher, and founder of the Evangelical Methodist Church, Dr. J.H. Hamblen. Stuart’s career as a Country Western Gospel singer, composer, radio-movie personality, and master storyteller all began in 1926, on radio station on WBAP, Ft Worth, TX and sister station WFAA, Dallas, TX, where he became radio broadcasting’s first singing cowboy. The next major turning point in his career happened in 1929 where he won a talent show in Abilene, Texas and with the $100 cash prize in-hand, he headed for Camden, New Jersey, to the Victor Talking Machine Company to seek his fortune. Recording four songs for the forerunner of RCA Victor, Stuart then set out for Hollywood, California, where he auditioned at KFI and went on the air as “Cowboy Joe”. Later that year, he became a member of the original “Beverly Hill Billies” as “Dave”, radio’s first spectacularly popular western singing group. Seeing the success of having a group, Stuart decided to branch out on his own and formed one of his very first groups, King Cowboy and His Woolly West Revue. His group changed, both in name and in personnel, and by 1931, and for 21 years thereafter, Stuart stayed on top of the popularity charts on the West Coast with his radio programs: “Covered Wagon Jubilee”; “Stuart Hamblen and His Lucky Stars”; and the “Cowboy Church of the Air”.
During that time, his motion picture credits included: “In Old Monterey” with Gene Autry; “The Arizona Kid” and “King of the Cowboys” with Roy Rogers; “The Plainsman and the Lady” and “The Savage Hord” with Wild Bill Elliott; “Carson City Cyclone” and “The Sombrero Kid” with Don ‘Red’ Barry; “King of the Forest Rangers” with Larry Thompson; and “Flame of the Barbary Coast” with John Wayne. In 1979 he also narrated a gospel movie, “Mountain Lady”. Stuart also was a guest star on television shows such as The Johnny Cash Show and The Jimmy Dean Show.
Later he wrote some of his greatest song classics: “It Is No Secret” – SEE FULL STORY (note: the original manuscript of which is buried in the cornerstone of one of the Copyright Buildings of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., and which has been translated into over 50 languages around the world and was the first song to ‘cross-over’ becoming #1 in Gospel/Country/and Pop categories and starting the trend for ballad style gospel songs); “This Ole House” (which was awarded 1954 Song of the Year, and was number one song hit in seven countries at the same time, and even on Brian Setzer’s album, The Dirty Boogie, which was on the Billboard’s Top 100 for 43 weeks!); “Remember Me, I’m the One Who Loves You“; “Teach Me, Lord, To Wait“; “Until Then“; “Open Up Your Heart (and Let the Sunshine In)“; “How Big Is God“; “His Hands“; plus over 225 other songs.
In 1945, Stuart became the first man to fly a horse when he flew his race horse, EL LOBO, from Los Angeles, California, to Bay Meadows on the Flying Tiger Airlines. EL LOBO won the Burlingame Handicap … and they flew home the same day. The history of the race horse was forever changed. The Bay Meadows racing form, “War Horse” was called “The Flying Horse” the day after the race.
In 1949, Stuart and his wife Suzy attended a prayer meeting at the home of Henrietta Mears. This was one of the meetings of the Hollywood Christian Group, and on that particular night, a young man named Billy Graham was there to speak to the group. Suzy made sure they were there early, and she and Henrietta disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Stuart and Billy alone. The two men hit it off right away, and Stuart asked Billy if he would like to come on his radio show to promote his tent crusade. Billy did show up at the radio station, and after the radio interview, Stuart urged his listeners to go down to the tent to hear more of Billy, and ended by stating “Make sure you all come, cause I’ll be there too!” Well, Suzy wasn’t going to let those words ring untrue. That evening, as Stuart started to settle in for the night, Suzy appeared, all ready to go out the door. She looked at Stuart and said, “You ready to go? You told everyone that you were going to be there. You don’t want to disappoint your fans!” So, Stuart went and sat front row center. Night after night, Stuart was there, front row center, until he could take it no more. What a lot of people don’t know, is that Stuart was the son of Dr. James Henry Hamblen, an itinerant Methodist circuit preacher and the founder of the Evangelical Methodist Church denomination, and conviction was hitting Stuart hard. Knowing that the tent crusade was scheduled to end in a couple of days, Stuart decided to escape; packed up his hound dogs, and headed our for a hunting trip.
In the early ’50′s, Stuart’s radio show was syndicated nationwide. Back then, the commercials were performed by the radio host during the show. The syndicate sponsors came to Stuart to let him know that the commercial he was to promote was for alcohol products. Stuart refused, due to the simple fact of his recent conversion to Christianity, (with Billy Graham), and his public renunciation of his alcoholic ways. He was not a man to go back on his word. The sponsors told him they would pull the plug on his show if he refused to do the commercial, and as a man of his word, he didn’t. So, the syndicate pulled their sponsorship, and in the last several shows, Stuart used them to let his nationwide-listening audience know why he would be leaving the air. Hearing this, in 1952, the Prohibition Party asked Stuart to run for the President of the United States on their ticket. Stuart was the type of man that if it was something new, it was surely an adventure! He had never done that before, and so he did! When the first returns came in he was actually ahead! When the final votes were counted, he had set a new record for votes for the Prohibition ticket, running 4th to Dwight Eisenhower (see Election Results).
Married to his wife, Suzy, for over 55 years, Stuart lived with her on their horse ranch in Santa Clarita (Los Angeles), California, where he produced his weekly nationally syndicated “Cowboy Church of the Air” program. They also bred Peruvian Paso Horses, and their stallion, *AEV Oro Negro+, was 3 times U.S. National Champion of Champions.
Stuart Hamblen died on March 8, 1989. Besides his wife, Suzy, he leaves two daughters, Veeva and Lisa Obee, and 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. His beloved wife Suzy, followed him on June 2, 2008 at the age of 101.
“When you see me fall asleep, say amen but don’t you weep. I’ve got so many million years that I can’t count them.” -Stuart Hamblen
Lately the topic of Depression has been in the news. I love good sermons, I used to be a cassette junkie and guess I am now a cd junkie for collecting good sermons. I had this on cassette, and lost it in the house fire. I came across it while searching youtube- and was even more surprised who I saw in the audience. I will tell you more about that tomorrow- but listen to part 1 of "Getting into and out of Depression" or Beating Depression as it is now called. todays focus's on why people get depressed. This was recorded from TBN sometime in the 1980's and E V Hill has since gone home to his reward. I heard it on Focus on the Family where I got the tape back in 80's. This is part 1 of 3 parts. Don't miss the other two parts that will be posted next. It is even more relevant today as God's word does not change. Suicide is not the answer- that is a permanent fix to a temporary problem. Don't give up.
My mom and dad are sitting in the crowd of that taping. If you look at around 2;10- you will see them in the crowd. The first part of this message concludes the reasons Christians can be depressed and second part focus's on how to get out of depression. This is part 2 of 3 parts-click on photo below for part 2 of the 3 part message Beating Depression
This is part 3 of 3 where E V Hill talks about how to get out of Depression. the sermon was featured on Focus on the Family and was aired on TBN back in the 80's- but the subject matter is just as relevant today. My parents are seen in the audience around 4;31 today and around 2.10 on part 2 of yesterday. E V Hill has pastored in California and I also enjoyed his sermon he preached at his wife's funeral. Sadly, he has since gone on to his reward in heaven. Click on the photo below for part 3 of 3 parts of Beating Depression by E V Hill.
I am Thankful
FOR THE WIFE
WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT,
BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,
AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
FOR THE HUSBAND
WHO IS ON THE SOFA
BEING A COUCH POTATO,
BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME
AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.
FOR THE TEENAGER
WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES
BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME,
NOT ON THE STREETS.
FOR THE TAXES I PAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM EMPLOYED.
FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE
BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.
FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.
FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE
FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING,
WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING,
AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME.
FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING
I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT
BECAUSE IT MEANS
WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH..
FOR THE PARKING SPOT
I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING
AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.
FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM WARM.
FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH
WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS
I CAN HEAR.
FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.
FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES
AT THE END OF THE DAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN
CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.
FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF
IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.
Failure is an event, never a person.
If you're going through hell, keep going.
Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up
Perhaps we can agree to disagree on the need to attend church-you won't change my mind. I certainly have not agreed with everything others believe, but that is also true of my wife as well and I still love her and am committed to her. The church has helped keep me accountable, encouraged me, balanced me out, and blessed me in so many ways. I have met so many good friends because of church- sure it is not perfect- but neither are people who go to health clubs. I hope you will be in church this Sunday and make it a habit if you have not. Don't wait for back to church Sunday to come around- be in church this Sunday morning- it is the safest place to be. If you dont' have a church home, check out ours today at 10:00am- 1520 McKittrick, Wenatchee.
THE SAFEST PLACE
How to stay safe in the world today.
1.. Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.
2. Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.
3. Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.
4. Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.
5. Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in Hospitals. So, ... above all else, avoid hospitals.
BUT , ... You will be pleased to learn that only 1% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is at church!
... And....Bible study is safe too. The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less.
So,...for SAFETY'S sake ATTEND CHURCH, and READ YOUR BIBLE It could save your life!
Going to Church is Good for Your Health!
It was a short sermon and to the point with lots of scripture. Church was about 1/2 full maybe.
A common phrase that pastors hear when a family leaves their church is “We just don’t feel connected.” I’ve heard it countless times. When a family makes this statement to me I always ask the following four questions. The answer inevitably is almost always no to each. Here they are:
`1. Are you serving in an area regularly? I’m not talking about passing out bulletins once a month as a greeter. I’m talking about substantially serving in a ministry within the church. There’s something about serving alongside one another that allows you to get to know one another and feel connected.
2. Are you part of a small group? Most churches have small groups or Bible studies that you can be a part of. This is crucial for families to move from being anonymous in the church to being known and knowing others. These small group settings offer the opportunity to get real about life and to have an intimate connection with a group of people in your church.
3. Are you spending time with some of your church family outside of Sunday worship service? This could a be over coffee, lunch or even a family cook out. If you’re not investing in building friendships you’ll have none. Nor can we wait to be invited. About 8 years ago my wife and I moved to a new church and we knew no one. For three weeks no one talked to us. It was brutal. But, after the third week I finally walked up to another couple and introduced ourselves and said, “Would you guys like to go have lunch?” Our relationships exploded after that. Stop waiting for the invite, be the inviter!
4. Are you attending church more than twice a month? This is another issue that keeps people from feeling part of their church. If you’re gone half or more of the month of course you’re going to feel disconnected. The more often you’re in worship with your church family the more you’re going to feel connected to the vision and mission of the church. This will also give you more opportunities to grow in relationship.
Most people that feel disconnected think that going somewhere else will solve the problem. It doesn’t. They end up feeling the same way in the next church because they’re behavior is the same. If your church is anything like mine it provides a ton of avenues to get connected. It just means you have to make the investment to get the relational pay off you’re looking for. I promise you if you do each of these four keys you will feel connected in your church family. Now, go be the friend you’re looking for.
I was hoping one of my friends would win the Billion Dollar Bracket Challenge. By last Friday, none of the entrants were still in the running to win Warren Buffett's $1 billion NCAA basketball challenge. Two days in, Mercer's win over Duke Friday was a big upset that shattered the chances of many participants in Warren Buffett’s NCAA Tournament Bracket Challenge vying for the grand prize. The pick distribution showed 97.6 percent thought Duke's Blue Devils would shut down the Mercer Bears. But even after a single game on the NCAA March Madness tournament's first day, almost 84 percent of participants were already knocked out when Dayton upset Ohio State. I did not try to fill in my guesses for teams to win. I am not a big sports fan, but would rate basketball as my favorite sport. I did not know Pete Maravich, but I would list him as one of my heros and people I look up to after hearing his life story. I have heard that story so many times from Focus On The Family. The video was his testimony at a Billy Graham meeting.
An Innocent Man
Ernest Gordon was a British Army officer captured at sea by the Japanese at the age of twenty-four. Gordon was sent to work on the Burma-Siam railway line that the Japanese were constructing though the dense Thai jungle in preparation for invading India.
Thousands of prisoners struggled in 120-degree heat, bare bodies and feet attacked by insects and cut by rocks. But that was nowhere the worst of it. Many dropped dead of exhaustion, malnutrition, and disease. If any appeared to be lagging, a Japanese guard would murder them on the spot. Under these terrible conditions, nearly 400 men died for every mile of track laid -- 80,000 in all.
Interaction among the prisoners had degenerated into barbarous behavior, each man for himself. Then one day a shovel went missing.
Japanese guards carefully counted tools at the end of day’s work, and one day the guard shouted one was missing. Demanding who had stolen it, he screamed “All die! All die!” and raised his rifle to fire at the lineup. At that instant a man stepped forward, stood at attention, and said, “I did it.
The guard killed him immediately, and his fellows collected his corpse. That evening, when the tools were counted again, the work crew discovered there had been a miscount earlier; no shovel was missing.
The word spread like wildfire through the whole camp. An innocent man had been willing to die to save the others! The incident had a profound effect. The men began to treat each other like brothers and look out for one another.
When the victorious Allies swept in, the survivors, human skeletons, lined up in front of their captors … (and instead of attacking their captors) insisted: ‘No more hatred. No more killing Now what we need is forgiveness.’”
Sacrificial love has transforming power. (Gordon tells the full story in his book, Miracle on the River Kwai.)
I used to be a tape junkie- that is, I would collect special recordings I would hear from Focus on the Family and other broadcasts. Now with over 750 video blogs, maybe I have replaced cassettes with videos? (I lost many cassettes in our house fire) "Chosen" by Bob Benson was one of my favorites and I was happy to find it posted on youtube yesterday. Bob Benson is no longer with us and I look forward to meeting him on the other side. I like to be chosen- whether it be to be your friend on facebook or to win something I have entered. Once I was chosen for 3 free nights in Maui! In fact I will delete any post that does not get a like or comment within 24 hours. Yes, There have been times when I have not been chosen. Everyone wants to be chosen. You have been chosen by God- never forget that! He Chose you before you were born and has a plan for your life. God Loves You Very Much!
“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.”
Zig Ziglar has passed on, I admired his faith and his life. I think his message needs to be heard all the more today. I can only say Amen and hope you will know how important my faith is to me as well. I accepted Christ as my savior at a kids camp when I was just 9 years old. I was blessed with Christian parents and God has been so good to me. He is my savior. You and I may disagree on some issues, but I hope we both agree on the importance of Asking Jesus into your heart and following him.
A country boy in the late 1800s who had never seen a circus was allowed by go to town the day a traveling circus was scheduled to perform. As he neared the village, he noticed people lining the streets. He worked his way through the crowd until he could see what was happening. Lo and behold, it was the approaching spectacle of a circus parade! The parade was the grandest thing this lad had ever seen. Caged animals snarled as they passed, bands beat their rhythms and sounded shining horns, midgets performed acrobatics while flags and ribbons swirled overhead. Finally, after everything had passed where he was standing, the traditional circus clown, with floppy shoes, baggy pants, and a brightly painted face, brought up the rear. After the clown passed, the boy turned around and went home. He thought he had seen the circus when he had only seen the parade. Are you experiencing all that God has for you? The Christian life is a marvelous adventure, an exciting journey. Many people -- including Christians -- seem to be content to float in a sea of mediocrity, settling for second best. Give yourself to Christ, follow Him completely, and allow the Holy Spirit to work in you and through you. You ain't seen nothin' yet -- Adapted from Hot Illustrations For Youth Talks, by Wayne Rice (Zondervan)
Someone said most unhappiness is caused by comparison. If that is true, maybe the opposite its true, most happiness is caused by comparison? Actually happiness is a choice- I cannot make you happy- I hope you will choose to be happy and this video will help you in that choice. We have so much to be thankful for.
HANDY LITTLE CHART God has a positive answer: YOU SAY GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES You say: "It's impossible" God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27) You say: "I'm too tired" God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30) You say: "Nobody really loves me" God says: I love you (John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 ) You say: "I can't go on" God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15) You say: "I can't figure things out" God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5- 6) You say: "I can't do it" God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13) You say: "I'm not able" God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8) You say: "It's not worth it" God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 ) You say: "I can't forgive myself" God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1) You say: "I can't manage" God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19) You say: "I'm afraid" God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7) You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated" God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7) You say: "I'm not smart enough" God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30) You say: "I feel all alone" God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
I miss the AWC conferences I could attend when on city council, as they had some great classes, exhibit booths, and I could meet with so many good elected people from around the state. I remember one keynote speaker, Patrick Kuhse speaking on "Why smart people do such dumb things". I had to share part of it with you after I found it posted on youtube. He is not a pastor and he does not quote the Bible, but it could be summed up in one three letter word; Sin. I have found the little sins tempt more than the big sins and are more dangerous. I realize you may know all of this, but I also know I need reminded occassionally and to be on guard. I think much of what he talks about is found in the Bible from years ago- there is really nothing new under the sun as someone once said.
I am terrible at taking notes- but let me share some notes from the keynote speaker- (they may not mean much to you since you did not hear the speaker)- just remember- your actions affect those around you more than it affects you. (I heard a preacher say he was going to preach a sermon called "How much is your sin going to cost me?") Make a list of who all will be affected by your poor choice before you do it.
*80% of people say they decide to buy a firms good partly on their perception of its ethics.
*I want it and I want it right now, is a danger signal.
*8 steps why smart people do dumb things 1.Entitlement 2.Super Optimistic 3.Affectionate Disconnect 4.Seemingly Unimportant Decisions 5. Rationalization 6.Lazy 7.Victimization 8.Situational Ethics
I have lots of labels and themes in my blogs- but perhaps the most important one to remember is God has A Plan for You. Sometimes we forget that, sometimes we do not see it, sometimes we ignore it- he does not force it on us, but I do know he loves you and has a plan for your life. Your life is not an accident and your life is important. It is not too late to turn your life back to God.
BIG THINGS COMING YOUR WAY!
The God we serve is not a small God. His plan for your life is not for you to reach one level, get stuck and stay there for 30 or 40 years. His plan is to increase you, open new doors before you, and take you places that you've never imagined.
He has something big in your future! He's already planned out big breaks, big opportunities and big ideas for you. You may have seen God's goodness in the past, but you have not touched the surface of what God has in your future! God is about to do a new thing!
And what I sense in my spirit is that the new thing is going to be far greater than you've ever seen before. It's going to be bigger than you imagined. It's going to be more rewarding than you thought possible.
You've got to come into agreement and say, "Yes, God, this is for me today. I'm not going to get stuck where I am. I'm not going to go around with little dreams, little goals. I know you're a big God, and You have something big coming my way!"
Dr. Timothy Emerick
Often, when a country’s government is overthrown, all the former paper currency is declared worthless, and a new currency issued. How tragic to have spent your life amassing the old, worthless currency! When we get to heaven, we may find the same tragedy -- the things we worked so hard for on earth and valued so much are now worthless and useless. Set your priorities on things of eternal value! - - Anonymous
Zig Ziglar was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award several years ago. Zig Ziglar is now 85, and married over 65 years- as of this posting. He has been someone who I admire and has motivated me. I enjoyed reading his book "Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World" years ago. I learn from him each time I viewed one of is videos, and I know you do to. On May 28th, 2011, I posted a video by Zig Ziglar called "I hate my job"- it was my 2nd most viewed posting.There are many who I owe a lot to who have helped me in my life- some have passed on and I cannot thank down here. Some I have never met, but influenced my life- as with Zig Ziglar and the Missionary lady I posted below. Janice actually met her in Thailand several years ago. How many can you name who became a missionary at 76 years old or when their spouse died, when most are thinking only of themselves and retiring. It reminds us of those watching our lives and the example we must be. It also reminds me to honor those who have helped me while they are still living- and that gives me a lot of work to do.
Lake Stevens woman, a missionary at 76, dies at 100
By Eric Stevick, Herald Writer
LAKE STEVENS -- Recently widowed yet far from weary, Lois Prater was 76 and feeling restless in her Lake Stevens home.
It was 1988. Her three daughters were long grown and gone and she had time to reflect on the next chapter of her life.
Perhaps, she told herself, she could fulfill a childhood calling and become a missionary.
It was a long-dormant dream that had begun when she was 6 or 7 and living in Olympia. Her father, an Assemblies of God pastor, opened his home to Lillian Trasher, a Christian missionary who had founded an orphanage in Egypt. Thrasher enthralled the child with her stories of helping the needy and serving God in a faraway land.
Prater lived long enough to follow in Trasher's footsteps. Undaunted by age, the elements and the poverty that surrounded her, she founded an orphanage in the remote Philippines town of Orion in the Central Luzon region of Bataan. At the age of 89, and only after the King's Garden Children's Home was well established, did Prater come home to stay. She died Jan. 10 at the age of 100.
Bonnie Swinney, of Snohomish, is Prater's daughter. She recounts her mother's adventures and her determination with a mixture of pride and awe.
She shares a photo of Prater, well into her 80s, with a baby on her hip. In another, she's in the middle of more than a dozen children and cradling babies in both of her arms. During much of her time in Orion, she was the lone American in town, a curiosity for youngsters who had never seen blue eyes before.
The children called her "Lola," a Tagalog word for grandmother.
When Prater first ventured to the Philippines, she did not know exactly what she wanted to do. For a while, she aided missionaries who were already there. Prater, who graduated from a California bible college, started preaching at the age of 19 in the early 1930s and continued to so in the Philippines 60 years later.
She often told Swinney about the plight of malnourished children she'd see in the streets and how she wondered what she could do for them.
At the time, Prater lived simply in the windowless room of a house owned by a church. The ceiling sagged and she could hear rats scamper across the floor as she rested at night beneath mosquito netting.
In 1991, a man appeared at the front door of the home. He was destitute and desperate. With six children to feed and having lost his job, he offered to sell Prater his baby for the equivalent of $40.
"I had a deep desire to help them, but at age 78 I had believed that I was too old to start an orphanage," Prater once wrote. "But this man changed my mind."
She gave him money and helped him find work.
She returned to Lake Stevens and sold her home and most of her belongings and headed back to the Philippines to embark on what would become a tireless pursuit.
She drew up plans, hired an architect, waded into eddies of government bureaucracy, bought and helped clear more than 12 acres of land, raised construction money and recruited staff. In 1994, the King's Garden Children's Home opened. Today, it continues to feed, clothe and school children with nowhere else to go.
"She was a very persistent woman and it was tenacity that got her where she went," Swinney said. "She had tremendous faith. To me, she's the most amazing woman who ever lived. I have no clue how she did it."
Prater's goal was to make the children's home as self-sustaining as possible. Coconuts, mangos, bamboo and pineapples grow on the land at the jungle's edge. What is not used on site is sold. Chickens are raised and a vegetable garden is tended.
Living off the land was not enough to cover all the costs, however.
Prater also sought donors, often through visits to churches.
"The money has never come in large amounts, but people have given from the bottom of their hearts," she wrote. "It is not the wealthy that do most of the giving, but the people who give sacrificially."
Her obituary appeared in The Herald Jan. 20. It was a modest five paragraphs that teased to a century of meaningful life.
Prater didn't want people spending money on flowers for her memorial. Instead, she asked that any donations go to the children's home through the Lake Stevens Assembly of God church.
