My heros have always been cowboys
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The Spirit of Community in the Midst of the Big City Home Contact Programs History Worship Services Finding Us Outreach Calendar Notices Youth Wider Church City-Wide Newsletter Articles Statements Links Photos Articles/Statements Where is God in the Tsunami? by Fritz Voll It is impossible to comprehend the tragedy that the tsunami has brought to millions of people. It helps to see the pictures on TV but we can't smell the stench of rotting bodies in the heat and still partly immersed in water. And we see only one disaster area at a time, a few people running from the flood that reaches them and carries them forward. We don't know where they end up, drowned, badly bruised, crippled for life, or did they make it to safety, deeply in shock, traumatized trying to find family, relatives, friends who minutes ago were close by? We see the children playing at the beach swept away by the wave. Are they still alive? We see the father looking for a child in all the debris. We see individuals in desperate need, and we want to run and help. It will take a long time for our cheque to reach its destination, and how little help it will offer. But it's the only thing we can do, and we can pray, of course. And that I do, in front of the TV, when I work, while I write these lines. I can't help but ask where God is in all this. Our mind always looks for reasons. I'm sure that some of our televangelists will have an answer. I hear them already: "It's the end-time, that's what the Bible says about the increase of earthquakes," or, "This is the punishment for the sin of humanity" — and they may not say it blandly, but some will hint especially at the Muslims of Indonesia, as not long ago they blamed gays and abortionists for 9/11. Others speak already about group karma. People that are killed or suffer must have done something in their former lives to deserve this kind of fate. I wonder what the imams in our mosques will say, when this time they will not be able to blame America or the Jews. It is as if we can't live without finding causes other than the physical ones of tectonic plates shifting. The plates have always done that. Does God create the shifting, the earthquakes, and the tsunamis? If I believe in God as creator, I also believe that the shifting of the plates is part of God's creation as the earth is God's, a speck of dust in our universe which is in itself only a speck in the middle of endless others. Does that mean that we are insignificant? Is what happens to us of no consequence? Or did God choose this speck of dust of a planet to show us God's humility? Did God choose humans on this planet to become God's partner and to stay vulnerable on a dangerously active planet? Is it God's way to make us grow strong in dependence on God and on one another? The scary pictures we see of the disaster have to be multiplied 100,000 times. I cannot do that in my imagination. I am paralyzed as I was after I had lifted our little son of 5 years of age carefully off the street, where a motorbike had rolled over him. His ribs were broken, there came blood out of his ear and he could not breathe. We had to wait for help from far outside the city. It took an eternity for the ambulance to arrive. They then insisted on waiting for a doctor. Eventually, while my wife was riding in the ambulance, I took our two older children in our car and followed. Our 7-year-old daughter cried, "He must not die! He must not die!" Our oldest son, 9 years old, said, "Dad, I always think of that song, ‘Trust in the Lord and don't despair’...”. I suddenly realized that God had spoken to me. What about my faith? Why was I so paralyzed? So I began to sing this little song with a heavy knot in my throat, and the two children joined in — a song I always found too simplistic if not childish: “Trust in the Lord and don't despair, He is a friend so true ... sing, when the day is bright, sing in the darkest night ...”! When we had finished singing we felt not paralyzed anymore. Whatever would happen now, we were sure that it would be all right. We did not complain, we did not ask why it happened; we did not blame the two boys on the bike anymore who had caused the accident. The children and I had begun to trust God. A disaster just is. There is no interpretation possible. We have heard about miracles that happened a hundredfold in the midst of this disaster. Why do they happen to some and not to others? I read somewhere that the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of modern Hasidism, had said when asked to define equanimity. "If whatever happens you can say, 'if it's good enough for God, who am I to judge?' That's equanimity." And he added, "But that is a very high rung." It is my prayer that many who are hit by the disaster may climb that rung in faith and that a wave of help may flow from all over the world to where it is needed. Why do we make war instead of using the resources to make natural disasters less devastating? We will always have them, as we have the means to be prepared and to help where disasters strike. So I will continue to be touched by the pictures on TV and be reminded of our vulnerability and dependence on each other and God who wants us to be partners in life and beyond life, and who is with us — we are not alone. 28 December 2004 |
THE 4TH OF JULY
Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signedthe Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. Some of us take our liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid. Remember: freedom is never free! I hope you will show your support by sending this to as many people as you can, please. It's time we get the word out that patriotism is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more to it than beer, picnics, and baseball games. |
| The following passage is from a sermon by John Hagee of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio: I want you to close your eyes and picture in your mind the soldier at Valley Forge, as he holds his musket in his bloody hands. He stands barefoot in the snow, starved from lack of food, wounded from months of battle and emotionally scarred from the eternity away from his family surrounded by nothing but death and carnage of war. He stands though, with fire in his eyes and victory on his breath. He looks at us now in anger and > disgust and > tells us this... I gave you a birthright of freedom born in the Constitution and now your children graduate too illiterate to read it. fought in the snow barefoot to give you the freedom to vote and you stay at home because it rains! I left my family destitute to give you the freedom of speech and you remain silent on critical issues, because it might be bad for business. I orphaned my children to give you a government to serve you and it has stolen democracy from the people. It's the soldier, not the reporter who gives you the freedom of the press. It's the soldier, not the poet who gives you the freedom of speech. It's the soldier, not the campus organizer who allows you to demonstrate. It's the soldier, who salutes the flag, serves the flag, whose coffin is draped with the flag that allows the protester to burn the flag!!! "Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen." When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our U.S. forces in Iraq, AND all around the world. There is nothing attached.... This can be very powerful.... Just send this to all the people in your address book. Of all the gifts you could give a U.S. Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, or Coast Guardsman, Prayer is the very best one..... | Christian One LINERS
"Don't let your worries get the best of you, remember, Moses started out
as a basket case" Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers. It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one. The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close. When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there. People are funny, they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church. Opportunity may knock once, but temptation leans on the bell. Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong. The phrase that is guaranteed to wake up an audience: "And in conclusion." If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has. God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you? To make a long story short, don't tell it. Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set. Peace starts with a smile. A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises. We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges. Outside of traffic, there is nothing that holds this country back as much as committees. Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them. Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous. Don't put a question mark where God put a period Forbidden fruits create many jams. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. God grades on the cross, not the curve. God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!" God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. He who angers you, controls you! If God is your Copilot - swap seats! Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty! The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us. The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you. We don't change the message, the message changes us. You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him. The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4
given. |
| Independence
Hello Americans: A reflection upon our American heritage just before enjoying our upcoming holiday. Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr. noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates. Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." They gave you and me a free and independent America. The history books never told you a lot about what happened in the Revolutionary War. We didn't fight just the British. We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government! Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid. Remember: freedom is never free! I hope you will show your support by please sending this to as many people as you can. It's time we get the word out that patriotism is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more to it than beer, picnics, and baseball games.
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Wish
You Were Here Corporal Joshua Miles and all the boys from 3rd Batallion 2nd Marines, Kuwait ???????????? ILLEGAL's POEM? I cross ocean, poor and broke, Take bus, see employment folk. Nice man treat me good in there, Say I need to see welfare. Welfare say, "You come no more, We send cash right to your door." Welfare checks, they make you wealthy, Medicaid it keep you healthy! By and by, I got plenty money, Thanks to you, American dummy. Write to friends in motherland, Tell them 'come fast as you can.' They come in turbans and Ford trucks, I buy big house with welfare bucks. They come here, we live together, More welfare checks, it gets better! Fourteen families, they moving in, But neighbor's patience wearing thin. Finally, white guy moves away, Now I buy his house, and then I say, "Find more aliens for house to rent." And in the yard I put a tent. Send for family they just trash, But they, too, draw the welfare cash! Everything is very good, And soon we own the neighborhood. We have hobby -- it's called breeding, Welfare pay for baby feeding. Kids need dentist? Wife need pills? We get free! We got no bills! American crazy! He pay all year, To keep welfare running here. We think America darn good place! Too darn good for the white man race. If they no like us, they can scram, Got lots of room in Pakistan. SEND THIS TO EVERY AMERICAN TAXPAYER YOU KNOW
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| JESUS HELP ME" The Faith of Todd Beamer
"I don't think we're going to get out of this thing. I'm going to have to go out on faith." It was the voice of Todd Beamer, the passenger ... and Wheaton College graduate ... who said, "Let's roll" as he led the charge against the terrorists who hadhijacked United Flight 93, the one, you will remember, that crashed in the Pennsylvania countryside. The whole world knows how brave Beamer and his fellow passengers were on September 11th. But this week we learned more fully what buttressed that bravery: Faith in Jesus Christ. Todd died as he lived, a faithful evangelical believer. In an article titled "The Real Story of Flight 93," Newsweek reveals gripping new details from the actual transcripts of the now-recovered cockpit voice recorder. "Todd had been afraid," Newsweek relates. "More than once, he cried out for his Savior." After passengers were herded to the back of the jet, Beamer called the GTE Customer Center in Oakbrook, Illinois . He told supervisor Lisa Jefferson about the hijacking. The passengers were planning to jump the terrorists, he said. And then he asked her to pray with him. As Newsweek relates . "Beamer kept a Lord's Prayer bookmark in his Tom Clancy novel, but he didn't need any prompting. He began to recite the ancient litany, and Jefferson joined him: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name." As they finished, Beamer added, "Jesus, help me." And then, Beamer and his fellow passengers prayed a prayer that has comforted millions down through the centuries . the prayer that David wrote in a time of great anguish: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want ... Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. And then the famous last words: "Are you guys ready? Let's roll." We now know from the cockpit voice recorder that Beamer and other passengers wrestled with the hijackers and forced the plane to crash into the ground, killing themselves but foiling what was believed to have been the hijackers' plan to fly Flight 93 into the Capitol or the White House. As Christians, we know that God can bring good out of evil. In Todd Beamer, the world witnesses a faith that held up in the extremity of fear. A faith that is even now comforting his widow and two young sons. Lisa Beamer told NBC's Dateline, "You know, in the Lord's Prayer, it asks us to forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." "As Todd prayed this prayer in the last moments of his life, in a way," Lisa said, "He was forgiving those people for what they were doing, the most horrible thing you could ever do to someone." It wasn't Todd Beamer's job to fight terrorists. He was just a passenger, who along with several others, did what he didn't have to do but foiled a terrible evil that might have been done to his country. As Flight 93 hurtled towards destruction, Todd Beamer could not have known that his quiet prayers would ultimately be heard by millions .. that the story of his last acts on earth would be a witness to the Lord he loved and served and a lasting example of true heroism.
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You say you will never forget
where you were when you heard the news on September 11, 2001.
Neither will I. I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say "Good-bye." I held his hand steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, "Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK...I am ready to go." I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night. I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to me for help. "I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!" I said. "Of course I will show you the way home -- only believe in Me now." I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered. I was on all four of the planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them. I was in Texas, Kansas, London. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me? I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name -- though not all knew Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor. Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; "Come to Me... this way... take my hand." Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there. I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me? September 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are "ready to come to me." I will be in the stairwell of your final moments. God OUR FATHER During the next 60 seconds, stop whatever you are doing, and take this opportunity. (It is only 1 minute) All you do is the following: You simply say one "Our Father" for the person that sent you this message: Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever . Amen. Next, you send this message to everyone you know. In a while, more people will have prayed for you and you would have obtained a lot of people praying for others. Next, stop and think and appreciate God's power in your life, for doing what you know is pleasing to him. If you are not ashamed to do this, follow the instructions. Jesus said, "If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before My Father" If you are not ashamed, send this message...only if you believe. "Yes, I love my God. He is my fountain of Life and My Savior. He keeps me going day and night. Without Him, I am no one. But with Him, I can do everything. Christ is my strength." This is a simple test. If you love God and you are not ashamed of all the great things that he has done for you, send this to everyone you know, and the person that send it to you. Thank you and God bless you!!!
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A Prayer for our Nation Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2001 12:52:41 -0500 Dear Heavenly Father, We are moved by the alarming news and crisis that our country is facing. This, the greatest nation, founded in the belief that "In God We Trust" & the "Land of the Free". Please have mercy on those suffering, hurting and in fear, and give wisdom & strength to those who are assisting. May the forces of evil be broken by your power and may we humble before thee, our strength and refuge. Give wisdom to our President & our leaders and bring your comforting peace through the power of your Holy Spirit. Help us here to reach to those that have been affected by this tragedy. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. AMEN Please send this to all your friends and create a prayer chain throughout this nation. |
3-28-2002 Since the Pledge of Allegiance and The Lord's Prayer are
not allowed in most public schools anymore because the word "God" is
mentioned.... |
| George Carlin Speaks Out... I Am Your Worst Nightmare. I am a BAD American. I am George Carlin. I like big cars, big hooters, and big paychecks. I believe the money I make belongs to me and my family, not some midlevel governmental functionary with a bad comb-over who wants to give it away to crack addicts squirting out babies. I believe that if you are selling me a Big Mac, you'd better do it in English. I'm not in touch with my feelings and I like it that way. I believe that it doesn't take a village to raise a child, it takes two parents. I think owning a gun doesn't make you a killer. I want to know which church is it exactly where the Reverend Jesse Jackson preaches. And where does he get his money. And why is he always part of the problem and not the solution. I believe if she has her lips on your willie, it is sex, and it is sex for both of you. This even applies when you are President of the United States. I think that being a student doesn't give you any more enlightenment than working at Blockbuster. In fact, if your parents are footing the bill to put your pansy ass through 4-7 years of college, you haven't begun to be enlightened. I believe everyone has a right to pray to his or her God or gods, just leave the rest of us out of it. This also applies to sexuality. I believe it's called the Boy Scouts for a reason. I don't think being a minority makes you noble or victimized. I don't use the excuse "it's for the children" as a shield for unpopular opinions or actions. I think fireworks should be legal on the 4th of July. My heroes are John Wayne, the Simpsons, and whoever canceled Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. I don't hate the rich. I don't pity the poor. I know wrestling is fake and I don't waste my time arguing about it. I think global warming is a big lie. Where are all those experts now, when I am freezing my ass through a long winter? I've never owned a slave, or was a slave, I didn't wander forty years in the desert after getting chased out of Egypt, I haven't burned any witches or been persecuted by the Turks and neither have you, so shut up already. I think the cops have every right to shoot your sorry ass if you're running from them. I also think they have the right to pull your ass over if you are breaking law, regardless of what color you are. I think if you are too stupid to know how a ballot works, I don't want you deciding who should be running the most powerful nation of the world for the next four years. I think if you are in the passing lane, and not passing, your license should be revoked, and you should be forced to ride the bus until you promise to never delay the rest of us again. I think beef jerky could quite possibly be the perfect food. I think tattoos and piercing are fine if you want them, but please don't pretend they are a political statement. I think Dr. Seuss was a genius. I'm neither angry nor disenfranchised, no matter how desperately the mainstream media would like the world to believe otherwise. If that makes me a BAD American, then yes, I'm a BAD American. If you too are a BAD American please forward this to everyone you know. We need our country back! |
See below .... What perversion man has made out of our founding fathers' intent of our freedom to worship God! ----- Forwarded by Neal W Hampy/Tyler/CBI on 03/27/02 06:29 PM ----- This is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at Roane County High School, Kingston, Tennessee, by school Principal, Jody McLoud, on September 1, 2000. I thought it was worth sharing with the world and hope you will forward it to all your friends. It shows clearly just how far this country has gone in the wrong direction. "It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games, to say a prayer and play the National Anthem, to honor God and Country. Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a Prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law. As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it, "an alternate lifestyle," and if someone is offended, that's OK. I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity, by dispensing condoms and calling it, "safe sex." If someone is offended, that's OK. I can even use this public facility, to present the merits of killing an unborn baby, as a "viable means of birth control." If someone is offended, no problem. I can designate a school day as, "Earth Day" and involve students in activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess, "Mother Earth," and call it "ecology." I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depict people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as, "simple minded" and "ignorant" and call it, "enlightenment." However, if anyone uses this facility to honor God, and to ask Him to bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law is violated. This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical. Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except God and His Commandments. Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical. I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression. For this reason, I shall "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's," and refrain from praying at this time. However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank God, and ask Him, in the name of Jesus, to bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that's not against the law----yet." One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with one another, and began to pray. They prayed in the stands. They prayed in the team huddles. They prayed at the concession stand, and they prayed in the announcer's box. The only place they didn't pray was in the Supreme Court of the United States of America - the seat of "justice" in the "one nation, under God." Somehow, Kingston, Tennessee remembered what so many have forgotten..We are given the Freedom OF Religion, not the Freedom FROM Religion. Praise God that His remnant remains! Celebrate Jesus in 2002! Jesus said, "If you are ashamed of Me, I will be ashamed of you before my Father." If you are not ashamed, pass this on, but only if you mean it. Yes, I do Love God. He is my source of existence and Savior. He keeps me functioning each and every day. Without Him, I will be nothing, but with Him, I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13 This is the simplest test . . . if you Love God, and are not ashamed of all the marvelous things He has done for you, send this to ten people. |
| This is a very thought provoking way to view the 23rd Psalm. This is an eye opener; some probably never thought nor looked at 23rd Psalm in this way, even though they say it over and over again. The Lord is my Shepherd That's Relationship ! I shall not want That's Supply ! He maketh me to lie down in green pastures That's Rest ! He leadeth me beside the still waters That's Refreshment ! He restoreth my soul That's Healing ! He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness That's Guidance ! For His name sake That's Purpose ! Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death That's Testing ! I will fear no evil That's Protection ! For Thou art with me That's Faithfulness ! Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me That's Discipline ! Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies That's Hope ! Thou annointest my head with oil That's Consecration ! My cup runneth over That's Abundance ! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life That's Blessing ! And I will dwell in the house of the Lord That's Security ! Forever That's Eternity ! > > > > Face it, the Lord is crazy about you. Send > > this to the people you are crazy about. > > > > I thought this was pretty special, just like > > YOU !!! What is most valuable, is not "WHAT" > > we have in our lives, but "WHO" we have in > our lives ! |
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| The Living Bible
His name is Bill. He has wild hair,wears a t-shirt with holes in it, jeans and no shoes. This is literally his wardrobe his entire four years of college. He is brillant. Kind if esoteric and very bright. He became a Christian while attending college. Across the street from the campus is a well dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it. One day Bill decides to visit. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his t-shirt, and wild hair. The service had already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat. The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything. Bill gets closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats , he sits down on the carpet. By now, the air is thick with tension. About this time, the minister realizes that from the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way down the aisle toward Bill. Now this deacon is in his eighties, has silver hair, and is in a three piece suit. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he moves toward the boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he is about to do. How could a man of his background and age understand some college kid on the floor? It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent. All eyes are focused on him. You can't hear anyone breathing and the minister can't preach until the deacon does what he needs to do. And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself to the floor and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone. Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he say," What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen you will never forget." "Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read." May God's love shine through you.
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Subject: 8 P.M. Prayer In W.W.II,there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every day at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace. There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America. If you would like to participate, every evening at 8:00 pm Central Time, stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, its citizens, its men and women in the military, and for peace in the world. If you know anyone else who would like to participate, please pass this along. "Bless the Lord who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our Salvation. Selah." Psalm 68:19 |
| God is sitting in heaven when a scientist prays
to Him.
"God, we don't need you anymore. Science has finally figured out a way to create life out of nothing -- in other words, we can now do what You did in the beginning." "Oh, is that so? Tell Me..." replies God. "Well," says the scientist, "we can take dirt and form it into the likeness of You and breathe life into it, thus creating man." "Well, that's very interesting...show Me." So the scientist bends down to the earth and starts to mold the soil into the shape of a man. "No, no, no..." interrupts God, "Get your own dirt." |
>An atheist professor was teaching a college class and he told the class >that he was going to prove that there was not a God. > >He said, "God if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this >platform. I'll give you 15 minutes!" > >Ten minutes went by. He kept taunting God, saying, "Here I am God, I'm >still waiting" He got down to the last couple of minutes and a BIG >240-pound football player happened to walk by the door and heard what >the professor said. > >The football player walked in the classroom and in the last minute, he >walked up, hit the professor full force, and sent him flying off the >platform. > >The professor got up, obviously shaken and said, "Where did you come >from, and why did you do that?" > >The football player replied, "God was busy; He sent me!" > > > > |
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Fly your flags and show your support of your Country!! In light of what's going on, I think this is news everyone should hear. This, from a Canadian newspaper, no less, is worth sharing. America: The Good Neighbor. Widespread but only partial news coverage was given recently to a remarkable editorial broadcast from Toronto by Gordon Sinclair, a Canadian television commentator. What follows is the full text of his trenchant remarks as printed in the Congressional Record: "This Canadian thinks it is time to speak up for the Americans as the most generous and possibly the least appreciated people on all the earth. Germany, Japan and, to a lesser extent, Britain and Italy were lifted out of the debris of war by the Americans who poured in >billions of dollars and forgave other billions in debts. None of these countries is today paying even the interest on its remaining debts to the United States. When France was in danger of collapsing in 1956, it was the Americans who propped it up, and their reward was to be insulted and swindled on the streets of Paris. I was there. I saw it. When earthquakes hit distant cities, it is the United States that hurries in to help. This spring, 59 American communities were flattened by tornadoes. Nobody helped. The Marshall Plan and the Truman Policy pumped billions of dollars into discouraged countries. Now newspapers in those countries are writing about the decadent, warmongering Americans. I'd like to see just one of those countries that is gloating over the erosion of the United States dollar build its own airplane. Does any other country in the world have a plane to equal the Boeing Jumbo Jet, the Lockheed Tri-Star, or the Douglas DC10? If so, why don't they fly them? Why do all the International lines except Russia fly American Planes? Why does no other land on earth even consider putting a man or woman on the moon? You talk about Japanese technocracy, and you >get >radios. You talk about German technocracy, and you get automobiles. You talk about American technocracy, and you find men on the moon - not once, but several times and safely home again. You talk about scandals, and the Americans put theirs right in the store window for everybody to look at. Even their draft-dodgers are not pursued and hounded. They are here on our streets, and most of them, unless they are breaking Canadian laws, are getting American dollars from ma and pa at home to spend here. When the railways of France, Germany and India were breaking down through age, it was the Americans who rebuilt them. When the Pennsylvania Railroad and the New York Central went broke, nobody loaned them an old caboose. Both are still broke. I can name you 5000 times when the Americans raced to the help of other people in trouble. Can you name me even one time when someone else raced to the Americans in trouble? I don't think there was outside help even during the San Francisco earthquake. Our neighbors have faced it alone, and I'm one Canadian who is damned tired of hearing them get kicked around. They will come out of this thing with their flag high. And when they do, they are >entitled >to > > > > thumb their nose at the lands that are gloating over their present troubles. I hope Canada is not one of those." Stand proud, America! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ This is one of the best editorials that I have ever read regarding the United States. It is nice that one man realizes it. I only wish that the rest of the world would realize it. We are always blamed for everything, and never even get a thank you for the things we do. I would hope that each of you would send this to as many people as you can and emphasize that they should send it to as many of their friends until this letter is sent to every person on the web. I am just a single American that has read this, I SURE HOPE THAT A LOT MORE >READ SOON. >
Recently, I was asked to look at the recent events through the lens of military history. I have joined the cast of thousands who have written an "open letter to Americans." Please share it if you feel so moved. Tony
Dear friends and fellow Americans 14 September, 2001
Like everyone else in this great country, I am reeling from last week's attack on our sovereignty. But unlike some, I am not reeling from surprise. As a career soldier and a student and teacher of military history, I have a different perspective and I think you should hear it. This war will be won or lost by the American citizens, not diplomats, politicians or soldiers. Let me briefly explain.
In spite of what the media, and even our own government is telling us, this act was not committed by a group of mentally deranged fanatics. To dismiss them as such would be among the gravest of mistakes. This attack was committed by a ferocious, intelligent and dedicated adversary. Don't take this the wrong way. I don't admire these men and I deplore their tactics, but I respect their capabilities. The many parallels that have been made
with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor are apropos. Not only because it was a brilliant sneak attack against a complacent America, but also because we may well be pulling our new adversaries out of caves 30 years after we think this war is over, just like my father's generation had to do with the formidable Japanese in the years following WW II.
These men hate the United States with all of their being, and we must not underestimate the power of their moral commitment. Napoleon, perhaps the
world's greatest combination of soldier and statesman, stated "the moral
is to the physical as three is to one." Patton thought the Frenchman underestimated its importance and said moral conviction was five times more important in battle than physical strength. Our enemies are willing - better said anxious -- to give their lives for their cause. How committed are we America? And for how long?
In addition to demonstrating great moral conviction, the recent attack demonstrated a mastery of some of the basic fundamentals of warfare taught to most military officers worldwide, namely simplicity, security and surprise. When I first heard rumors that some of these men may have been
trained at our own Air War College, it made perfect sense to me. This was not a random act of violence, and we can expect the same sort of military competence to be displayed in the battle to come. This war will escalate, with a good portion of it happening right here in the good ol' U.S. of A. These men will not go easily into the night. They do not fear us. We must not fear them. In spite of our overwhelming conventional strength as the world's only "superpower" (a truly silly term), we are the underdog in this fight. As
you listen to the carefully scripted rhetoric designed to prepare us for the march for war, please realize that America is not equipped or seriously trained for the battle ahead. To be certain, our soldiers are much better than the enemy, and we have some excellent "counter-terrorist" organizations, but they are mostly trained for hostage rescues, airfield
seizures, or the occasional "body snatch," (which may come in handy). We
will be fighting a war of annihilation, because if their early efforts are any indication, our enemy is ready and willing to die to the last man. Eradicating the enemy will be costly and time consuming. They have already deployed their forces in as many as 20 countries, and are likely living the lives of everyday citizens. Simply put, our soldiers will be tasked with a search and destroy mission on multiple foreign landscapes, and the public must be patient and supportive until the strategy and tactics can be worked out.
For the most part, our military is still in the process of redefining itself and presided over by men and women who grew up with - and were promoted because they excelled in - Cold War doctrine, strategy and tactics. This
will not be linear warfare, there will be no clear "centers of gravity" to strike with high technology weapons. Our vast technological edge will certainly be helpful, but it will not be decisive. Perhaps the perfect metaphor for the coming battle was introduced by the terrorists themselves aboard the hijacked aircraft -- this will be a knife fight, and it will be won or lost by the ingenuity and will of citizens and soldiers, not by software or smart bombs. We must also be patient with our military leaders.
Unlike Americans who are eager to put this messy time behind us, our adversaries have time on their side, and they will use it. They plan to fight a battle of attrition, hoping to drag the battle out until the American public loses its will to fight. This might be difficult to believe in this euphoric time of flag waving and patriotism, but it is generally acknowledged that America lacks the stomach for a long fight. We need only look as far back as Vietnam, when North Vietnamese General Vo Nguyen Giap (also a military history teacher) defeated the United States of America without ever winning a major tactical battle. American soldiers who marched to war cheered on by flag waving Americans in 1965 were reviled and spat upon less than three years later when they returned. Although we hope that Usama Bin Laden is no Giap, he is certain to understand and employ the concept. We can expect not only large doses of pain like the recent attacks, but also less audacious "sand in the gears" tactics, ranging from livestock infestations to attacks at water supplies and power distribution facilities.
These attacks are designed to hit us in our "comfort zone" forcing the average American to "pay more and play less" and eventually eroding our resolve. But it can only work if we let it. It is clear to me that the will of the American citizenry - you and I - is the center of gravity the enemy has targeted. It will be the fulcrum upon which victory or defeat will turn. He believes us to be soft, impatient, and self-centered. He may be right, but if so, we must change. The Prussian general Carl von Clausewitz, (the most often quoted and least read military theorist in history), says that there is a "remarkable trinity of war" that is composed of the (1) will of the people, (2) the political leadership of the government, and (3) the chance and probability that plays out on the
field of battle, in that order. Every American citizen was in the crosshairs of last Tuesday's attack, not just those that were unfortunate enough to be in the World Trade Center or Pentagon. The will of the American people will decide this war. If we are to win, it will be because we have what it takes to persevere through a few more hits, learn from our mistakes, improvise, and adapt. If we can do that, we will eventually prevail.
Everyone I've talked to In the past few days has shared a common frustration, saying in one form or another "I just wish I could do something!" You are already doing it. Just keep faith in America, and continue to support your President and military, and the outcome is certain.
If we fail to do so, the outcome is equally certain.
God Bless America
Dr. Tony Kern, Lt Col, USAF (Ret)
Former Director of Military History, USAF Academy
Dumbest questions asked on a cruise
"Is this the elevator that will take me to the front of the ship?"
"What do you do with the ice sculptures after they melt?"
"Do the staff sleep on the ship?"(No, they stay in the Holiday Inn and we have them jet ski in every morning.)
"What religion are all these people with patches behind their ears?"
"Can the ship drop us off at the airport?"
But the first prize goes to the lady who had the following conversation with a crew member; "Is the water in the pool sea water?" "yes, it is constantly pumped in, filtered, circulated, and pumped back out." "So it's sea water then?" "yessss!" So she turns to her friend and says, "See, I told you that's why there are so many big waves in the pool!"
