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 sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
And Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever.
Amen
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Friday, February 24, 2006
My Own Story
You know, there was a dark period in my life and through it all...I learned something I feel compelled to share with others. Hell, is not some place you want to go. One defintion of hell in the bible is "an eternity without God."
During this dark period in my life...I was doing things no person should do. I was living a life of sin, and hurting so bad. I took an overdose because I was hurting so bad...and I felt like I could not get out of it. And the worst part was, I felt so alone and so far from God. I mean, I felt like there was this dark place within me. And I was buried in it and could not get out. Instead of being like the old mule and shaking off each bit of dirt...I was letting it bury me. And My heart hurt. Really hurt. And as hard as I searched, I could not find God. He was there...but I had on blinders. And as hard as I searched....I could not find Him.
I never want to be that far from God again. I never want to be in that black dark cold place again.
And nobody should be in that place...feel stuck in it. All it takes is someone who loves God to tell you the way to the light. Listen to the word, and know that God is the Light.
During this dark period in my life...I was doing things no person should do. I was living a life of sin, and hurting so bad. I took an overdose because I was hurting so bad...and I felt like I could not get out of it. And the worst part was, I felt so alone and so far from God. I mean, I felt like there was this dark place within me. And I was buried in it and could not get out. Instead of being like the old mule and shaking off each bit of dirt...I was letting it bury me. And My heart hurt. Really hurt. And as hard as I searched, I could not find God. He was there...but I had on blinders. And as hard as I searched....I could not find Him.
I never want to be that far from God again. I never want to be in that black dark cold place again.
And nobody should be in that place...feel stuck in it. All it takes is someone who loves God to tell you the way to the light. Listen to the word, and know that God is the Light.
Luke 16:
1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.
2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
3 Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.
4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.
5 So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?
6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.
7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.
8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?
13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.
15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.
18 Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Where We Should Move to. LOL
| Streetcar Suburb You scored 22 out of 40 on urban-rural and 17 out of 40 land intensity. |
| People know you as: Grandmama Quote: "Maybe the neighbor can lend us some sugar." Your score indicates that you prefer a large metropolitan area to the wilderness and that you like your personal space. But you also enjoy interacting with other people occasionally and maybe, just maybe, on a rare occasion you even enjoy walking somewhere besides across the parking lot to your car. You should live in a pre-World War II suburb. The kind populated by bungalow houses and charming little corner grocery stores. Just like grandma. Examples of places you should live: Bethesda, MD; Evanston, IL Secluded Hideaway / Farm or Ranch / Small Town / Little City / Suburb / Streetcar Suburb / Rowhouse 'Hood / Downtown Loft |
 |
My test tracked 2 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:
|
| Link: The Where Should You Live Test written by TwelveFloorsUp on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test |
Hmm... I am an Eight.
| the Asserter Test finished! |
you chose AY - your Enneagram type is EIGHT. "I must be strong"Asserters are direct, self-reliant, self-confident, and protective. How to Get Along with Me
What I Like About Being a Eight
What's Hard About Being a Eight
Eights as Children Often
Eights as Parents
Renee Baron & Elizabeth Wagele The Enneagram Made Easy
Would you rather have chosen: |
My test tracked 2 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:
|
| Link: The Quick and Painless ENNEAGRAM Test written by felk on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the 32-Type Dating Test |
When I Get Where I'm Goin'
I love this song. When I die, I want this song played at my funeral.
Artist: Brad Paisley
Song: When I Get Where I'm Going Lyrics
(feat. Dolly Parton)
Artist: Brad Paisley
Song: When I Get Where I'm Going Lyrics
(feat. Dolly Parton)
When I get where I'm going
On the far side of the sky
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly
I'm gonna land beside a lion
And run my fingers through his mane
Or I might find out what it's like
To ride a drop of rain
[Chorus]
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I'll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here
I'm gonna walk with my grand daddy
And he'll match me step for step
And I'll tell him how I missed him
Every minute since he left
Then I'll hug his neck
[Repeat chorus]
So much pain and so much darkness
In this world we stumble through
All these questions I can't answer
So much work to do
But when I get where I'm going
And I see my maker's face
I'll stand forever in the light
Of his amazing grace
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
Hallelujah
I will love and have no fear
When I get where I'm going
Yeah when I get where I'm going
The Stuff that causes us Stress
It has been a crazy 2 months. Brian got an interview. God works in mysterious ways. I have faith, He will lead us to His will. Although, I do not want to move to Steamboat springs CO.
Who knows what will happen. But I will leave it to God. I wish we could move back to Cumberland. I know Brian would love it. I could see spending Sunday dinner with Sandy and Johnna and thier families. I miss them so much.
Two days ago, someone said something that hurt my feelings. I told Johnna and we laughed about it together..and hurt together. That is the best thing about having a sister so close in age, they lived through what you did. They know. It is good to be able to joke about it, when you are hurting. I would do anything to move home to Cumberland. I just want to be near Sandy and Johnna. I want to see Brittany Graduate from high school in 2 months. I want to be there for all the kids.
I feel so far away.....He applied for jobs there. One with the Chamber of Commerace there. The job is perfect for Brian. But only God knows where we need to be right now. And I will put my faith in Him to choose for us and lead us to His will and what is right for us. He is mighty and good.
Who knows what will happen. But I will leave it to God. I wish we could move back to Cumberland. I know Brian would love it. I could see spending Sunday dinner with Sandy and Johnna and thier families. I miss them so much.
Two days ago, someone said something that hurt my feelings. I told Johnna and we laughed about it together..and hurt together. That is the best thing about having a sister so close in age, they lived through what you did. They know. It is good to be able to joke about it, when you are hurting. I would do anything to move home to Cumberland. I just want to be near Sandy and Johnna. I want to see Brittany Graduate from high school in 2 months. I want to be there for all the kids.
I feel so far away.....He applied for jobs there. One with the Chamber of Commerace there. The job is perfect for Brian. But only God knows where we need to be right now. And I will put my faith in Him to choose for us and lead us to His will and what is right for us. He is mighty and good.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
John 13:18-20
Scripture: John 13:18-20
18 I am not speaking of you all; I know whom I have chosen; it is that the scripture may be fulfilled, `He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' 19 I tell you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives any one whom I send receives me; and he who receives me receives him who sent me."
18 I am not speaking of you all; I know whom I have chosen; it is that the scripture may be fulfilled, `He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' 19 I tell you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives any one whom I send receives me; and he who receives me receives him who sent me."
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Where He leads Me, I Will Follow...
I wonder a lot about what God has in store for me right now. I know that my time here in Silver is ending...and I feel bad for Brian. He loves it so much here. And honestly, I too have grown to love it. But I can feel that we have done what we were put here to do. I am not even sure what that was. But The things happening in our lives....we are being called in a new direction. Brian, got a call for an interview. Not bad for a week of looking. But it is where it snows. ALOT. And Brian and snow, do not mix. He is thinking about calling his old employer and bosses. Seeing if they have a job in this area. My sister said, the QA person for her hotel, says all the time how much they miss Brian. I want him to be happy...and I do not think happy is what he will be if he takes this job he got the interview for. But, it is an interview. We are not desperate yet, so I hope he is choosey..and honestly looks into his heart. God will lead him. I have faith.
And wherever, God leads us....we will do His work. Because it is an honor to get to serve the Lord who first loved me.
And wherever, God leads us....we will do His work. Because it is an honor to get to serve the Lord who first loved me.
Rev Massey's Mid Week Epistole. The Rest of the Apple Story
APPLE CORES THE REST OF THE STORY
Remember last week, the story of the man and the ten apples he received from God? He ate three, traded three for shelter and three for clothing, and instead of returning the tenth to God, he ate it and gave God the core?
Well, the rest of the story goes this way.
God accepted the apple core and planted it in a garden. All through the year, God poured blessings of rain, snow, fresh air, and sunshine on all people, the just and the unjust, including the man and the garden where God had planted the apple core.
Again God met with the man who, even though he had eaten a fourth apple, was hungry again. His shelter needed a roof; his clothing was worn. God took him to the garden. There stood an apple tree with many apples. The man remembered what he had done and fell to his knees to ask forgiveness. As he prayed, God reached out, picked ten apples, and handed them to the man; some for food, some to exchange for shelter and clothing, and some with which to express gratitude to God.
God then picked the remaining apples, put them in bags with ten apples to a bag, and entrusted a bag to each of many other persons.
If God can do that with the leftovers, the core of the apple that we give Him, can you imagine what He can do with our whole life? What a delightful thought!
Holy God, what a wondrous opportunity you see in our world. Give us eyes and dreams to plan ahead to make room for the hungry of this world and multiply our gifts and let us spread a banquet of Your love. In Your name we pray. Amen.
Join me next week and find out how to make a description that will amaze you.
Grace and Peace
Rev. Jim Massey
Remember last week, the story of the man and the ten apples he received from God? He ate three, traded three for shelter and three for clothing, and instead of returning the tenth to God, he ate it and gave God the core?
Well, the rest of the story goes this way.
God accepted the apple core and planted it in a garden. All through the year, God poured blessings of rain, snow, fresh air, and sunshine on all people, the just and the unjust, including the man and the garden where God had planted the apple core.
Again God met with the man who, even though he had eaten a fourth apple, was hungry again. His shelter needed a roof; his clothing was worn. God took him to the garden. There stood an apple tree with many apples. The man remembered what he had done and fell to his knees to ask forgiveness. As he prayed, God reached out, picked ten apples, and handed them to the man; some for food, some to exchange for shelter and clothing, and some with which to express gratitude to God.
God then picked the remaining apples, put them in bags with ten apples to a bag, and entrusted a bag to each of many other persons.
If God can do that with the leftovers, the core of the apple that we give Him, can you imagine what He can do with our whole life? What a delightful thought!
Holy God, what a wondrous opportunity you see in our world. Give us eyes and dreams to plan ahead to make room for the hungry of this world and multiply our gifts and let us spread a banquet of Your love. In Your name we pray. Amen.
Join me next week and find out how to make a description that will amaze you.
Grace and Peace
Rev. Jim Massey
Monday, February 20, 2006
Christian One Liners
Don't let your worries get the best of you. Remember, Moses started out as a basket case.
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited - until you
try to sit in their pews.
Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors
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 and sand gnats come close!
When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
Let God help you with your troubles, and never bear more than one kind of trouble at a time.
Some people bear all three kinds - All that they have had, All they have now,
and All they expect to have.
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 bangs on your
front door forever.
Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
If the church wants a better preacher, 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?
Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and
permanently set
Peace starts with a smile.
I don't know why some people change churches; what
difference does it make which one you stay home from?
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
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.
Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
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.
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited - until you
try to sit in their pews.
Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors
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 and sand gnats come close!
When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
Let God help you with your troubles, and never bear more than one kind of trouble at a time.
Some people bear all three kinds - All that they have had, All they have now,
and All they expect to have.
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 bangs on your
front door forever.
Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
If the church wants a better preacher, 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?
Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and
permanently set
Peace starts with a smile.
I don't know why some people change churches; what
difference does it make which one you stay home from?
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
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.
Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
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.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
A Puzzle of Books in the Bible
There are 30 books of the Bible in this paragraph. Can you
find them? This is a most remarkable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman in an airplane seat pocket, on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, keeping him occupied for hours. He enjoyed it so much, he passed it on to some friends. One friend from Illinois worked on this while fishing from his john boat. Another friend studied it while playing his banjo. Elaine Taylor, a columnist friend, was so intrigued by it she mentioned it in her weekly newspaper column. Another friend judges the job of solving this puzzle so involving, she brews a cup of tea to help her nerves. There will be some names that are really easy to spot. That's a fact. Some people, however, will soon find themselves in a jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalized. Truthfully, from answers we get, we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or a scholar to see some of them at the worst. Research has shown that something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books in this paragraph. During a recent fund raising event, which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth set a new record. The local paper, The Chronicle, surveyed over 200 patrons who reported that this puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humana humbly puts it, "The books are all right here in plain view hidden from sight." Those able to find all of them will hear great lamentations from those who have to be shown. One revelation that may help is that books like Timothy and Samuel may occur without their numbers. Also, keep in mind, that punctuation and spaces in the middle are normal. A chipper attitude will help you compete really well against those who claim to know the answers. Remember, there is no need for a mad exodus; there really are 30 books of the Bible lurking somewhere in this paragraph waiting to be found. God Bless.
find them? This is a most remarkable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman in an airplane seat pocket, on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, keeping him occupied for hours. He enjoyed it so much, he passed it on to some friends. One friend from Illinois worked on this while fishing from his john boat. Another friend studied it while playing his banjo. Elaine Taylor, a columnist friend, was so intrigued by it she mentioned it in her weekly newspaper column. Another friend judges the job of solving this puzzle so involving, she brews a cup of tea to help her nerves. There will be some names that are really easy to spot. That's a fact. Some people, however, will soon find themselves in a jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalized. Truthfully, from answers we get, we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or a scholar to see some of them at the worst. Research has shown that something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books in this paragraph. During a recent fund raising event, which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth set a new record. The local paper, The Chronicle, surveyed over 200 patrons who reported that this puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humana humbly puts it, "The books are all right here in plain view hidden from sight." Those able to find all of them will hear great lamentations from those who have to be shown. One revelation that may help is that books like Timothy and Samuel may occur without their numbers. Also, keep in mind, that punctuation and spaces in the middle are normal. A chipper attitude will help you compete really well against those who claim to know the answers. Remember, there is no need for a mad exodus; there really are 30 books of the Bible lurking somewhere in this paragraph waiting to be found. God Bless.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
John 3: 1-21
John 3
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."
3In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
4"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"
5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' 8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
9"How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.
10"You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? 11I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."
Jesus, Take The Wheel by Carrie Underwood
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."
3In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
4"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"
5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' 8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
9"How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.
10"You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? 11I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."
Jesus, Take The Wheel by Carrie Underwood
She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati
On a snow white Christmas Eve
Going home to see her Mama and her Daddy with the baby in the backseat
Fifty miles to go and she was running low on faith and gasoline
It been a long hard year
She had a lot on her mind and she didn't pay attention
She was going way to fast
Before she knew it she was spinning on a thin black sheet of glass
She saw both their lives flash before her eyes
She didn't even have time to cry
She was sooo scared
She threw her hands up in the air
Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this all on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Jesus take the wheel
It was still getting colder when she made it to the shoulder
And the car came to a stop
She cried when she saw that baby in the backseat sleeping like a rock
And for the first time in a long time
She bowed her head to pray
She said I'm sorry for the way
I've been living my life
I know I've got to change
So from now on tonight
Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this all my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Oh, Jesus take the wheel
Oh, I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on
From this road I'm on
Jesus take the wheel
Oh, take it, take it from me
Oh, why, oh
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
SILENT NIGHT/9-11
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 "Goodbye." I held his fingers
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 a 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 with the Firefighters, the Police Officers, the
Emergency Workers. I was there, watching each brave step
they took.
I was on all four of those 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 there, 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 know 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 go." I will be in the stairwell of
your final moments.
Remember, I love you . . .
~~~ God ~~~
Click Here to Hear
Author: Stacey Randall
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Rev Masseys Mid-Week Epistole
APPLE CORE LEFTOVERS
What do you give God? Do you give him all your life or do you give Him a hard time? Do you offer Him every opportunity to show through you to the world, or only a brief Sunday Morning “Golden Opportunity”?
Once upon a time, there was a person who had nothing...who received ten apples from God: three apples to eat, three apples to trade for shelter from the sun and rain, three apples to trade for clothing to wear, and one apple to give back to God to show thanks for the other nine.
The person ate three apples -- and traded three for a shelter -- and three for clothing to wear -- then, looked at the tenth apple. It seemed bigger and juicer than the rest.
The tenth apple was meant to be returned to God to show gratitude, but since the apple looked bigger and juicer than the rest, and since it was reasoned that God had all the other apples in the world... the person ate the last apple, leaving only the core for God.
What did he do wrong? He followed the pattern exactly as it was given didn’t he. The problem was that God did not say what order to use the apples in. What would have happened to the man if lovingly he had given the apple back to God first? Perhaps all the apples would have looked bigger and juicer than before. And just perhaps He would have found a new love for God and himself. You see, it is not so much that God cannot live on leftovers, it is the fact that man cannot have it all.
Loving God come this day and receive from our lives, the first of everything. The first of our love, our dreams, our hopes, and even our fears, and let our offerings be for the glory of God and not the leftovers that we might some day have. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Now this is not the end of the story, you have to join me next week for “The Rest of the Story”.
Rev. Jim Massey
What do you give God? Do you give him all your life or do you give Him a hard time? Do you offer Him every opportunity to show through you to the world, or only a brief Sunday Morning “Golden Opportunity”?
Once upon a time, there was a person who had nothing...who received ten apples from God: three apples to eat, three apples to trade for shelter from the sun and rain, three apples to trade for clothing to wear, and one apple to give back to God to show thanks for the other nine.
The person ate three apples -- and traded three for a shelter -- and three for clothing to wear -- then, looked at the tenth apple. It seemed bigger and juicer than the rest.
The tenth apple was meant to be returned to God to show gratitude, but since the apple looked bigger and juicer than the rest, and since it was reasoned that God had all the other apples in the world... the person ate the last apple, leaving only the core for God.
What did he do wrong? He followed the pattern exactly as it was given didn’t he. The problem was that God did not say what order to use the apples in. What would have happened to the man if lovingly he had given the apple back to God first? Perhaps all the apples would have looked bigger and juicer than before. And just perhaps He would have found a new love for God and himself. You see, it is not so much that God cannot live on leftovers, it is the fact that man cannot have it all.
Loving God come this day and receive from our lives, the first of everything. The first of our love, our dreams, our hopes, and even our fears, and let our offerings be for the glory of God and not the leftovers that we might some day have. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Now this is not the end of the story, you have to join me next week for “The Rest of the Story”.
Rev. Jim Massey
More On Church Burnings
There was a new story on the Church Burnings this week. I really hope they catch these two idiots. I admit, I am curious as to thier reason for this act. What they think justifies burning a house of God.
'Bosom Buddies' Sought in Church Arsons
By JAY REEVES, AP
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Feb. 13) - Investigators believe a pair of men in their 20s or 30s, likely "bosom buddies," are responsible for a string of church fires in rural Alabama, as authorities confirmed the latest blaze at a Baptist church was the 10th case of arson.
The latest fire severely damaged Beaverton Freewill Baptist Church in northwest Alabama, near the Mississippi line. The white, wood-frame church sat about 150 yards off a two-lane county road and had an alarm system that alerted officials to the blaze.
"It's definitely arson," state fire marshal spokesman Ragan Ingram said Sunday.
Fire marshals are investigating whether the Saturday afternoon blaze was linked to the other nine this month, which all were set in the pre-dawn hours. Last week, Gov. Bob Riley said the nine earlier church fires appear linked.
A federal investigator said witness reports and behavioral profilers led authorities to believe that two white men were responsible for the fires. Witnesses said they saw two men in a sport utility vehicle near a number of the fires.
"They're not youths or teens. It's probably someone in their 20s or 30s. We believe they're pretty much inseparable. They're something like bosom buddies," said Eric Kehn, a spokesman for the federal Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agency.
Evidence from one of the earlier fires indicates the perpetrators may have been briefly trapped inside the building and may have been hurt, said Jim Cavanaugh, ATF regional director.
Investigators have said they don't know a motive, but there is no racial pattern. Five of the churches had white congregations and five black. All were Baptist, the dominant faith in the region, and mostly in isolated country settings.
02/13/06 15:09 EST
Commercials and Thier influence
Since the superbowl, I have had this song on my mind. LOL. Stupid Dove Commericial. I used to love Cyndi Lauper. Does that date me? This was one of my absolute favorite songs by her.
Cyndi Lauper - True Colors Lyrics
Cyndi Lauper - True Colors Lyrics
You with the sad eyes
don't be discouraged
oh I realize
it's hard to take courage
in a world full of people
you can lose sight of it all
and the darkness inside you
can make you fell so small
But I see your true colors
shining through
I see your true colors
and that's why I love you
so don't be afraid to let them show
your true colors
true colors are beautiful
like a rainbow
Show me a smile then
don't be unhappy, can't remember
when I last saw you laughing
if this world makes you crazy
and you've taken all you can bear
you call me up
because you know I'll be there
And I'll see your true colors
shining through
I see your true colors
and that's why I love you
so don't be afraid to let them show
your true colors
true colors are beautiful
like a rainbow
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Truth
It is legal to kill these children in every state.
8 week old unborn child
10 week old unborn child
8 week old unborn child
10 week old unborn child
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Coretta Scott King Quotes
Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated.
Coretta Scott King
I believe all Americans who believe in freedom, tolerance and human rights have a responsibility to oppose bigotry and prejudice based on sexual orientation.
Coretta Scott King
Mama and Daddy King represent the best in manhood and womanhood, the best in a marriage, the kind of people we are trying to become.
Coretta Scott King
Segregation was wrong when it was forced by white people, and I believe it is still wrong when it is requested by black people. Coretta Scott King
There is a spirit and a need and a man at the beginning of every great human advance. Every one of these must be right for that particular moment of history, or nothing happens.
Coretta Scott King
Women, if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe that you must become its soul.
Coretta Scott King
Coretta Scott King
I believe all Americans who believe in freedom, tolerance and human rights have a responsibility to oppose bigotry and prejudice based on sexual orientation.
Coretta Scott King
Mama and Daddy King represent the best in manhood and womanhood, the best in a marriage, the kind of people we are trying to become.
Coretta Scott King
Segregation was wrong when it was forced by white people, and I believe it is still wrong when it is requested by black people. Coretta Scott King
There is a spirit and a need and a man at the beginning of every great human advance. Every one of these must be right for that particular moment of history, or nothing happens.
Coretta Scott King
Women, if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe that you must become its soul.
Coretta Scott King
Some of the Left's dumbest comments...
cyclezealot (912 posts) Wed Feb-08-06 12:34 PM
Response to Original message
13. Did not represent me.
He is not my president.Don't claim him. Him and his illegit elections.
of course you can go to DU any day and find these type of comments.
and
The only discomfort I witnessed at Coretta's Scott King's funeral was that of george bush and his wife. I applaud all that took the opportunity to speak truth to power! President or not, george does not deserve the respect of this nation or any sane compassionate human being. His presence was a mockery and an insult to those who value equality and dignity for all. I firmly believe that Coretta and Martin both would have spit in the face of this greedy war mongering unfortunate excuse for a human being. Shame on george and all of you who support and condone his particular brand of evil injustice.
Posted by: randall ingalls | Feb 8, 2006 12:44:48 PM
And this does not mention the actual quotes from the funeral yesterday of a very good women. Yes, she was political, but she had class. Something those at the funeral lacked. Even DU was not able to fix polls to thier favor today. How sad is that?
Traveling with a Sojourner - Mid-week Epistle
Are You Going in the Right Direction?
Have you ever been lost? I always remember the first time at a new appointment and we would have the challenge of not becoming lost going from the parsonage to the church. After just a few days of travel, it became a familiar path for us. And the adventure lost some of its thrill the more we traveled the now familiar road home.
Let me tell you another story that comes from feeling lost. During the height of one of the shopping seasons in a large mall, a family became separated. The four year old son wandered off, and when he was finally missed, the husband and wife both looked at each other with that "I-thought-you-were-watching-him" look. That look quickly changed to panic when they began to realize the masses of people crowding the mall.
They started retracing their steps. The little boy was nowhere to be found. Minutes passed. They showed pictures to security guards and storekeepers. Nothing! Their hearts began to pound and the anxiety level began to reach new heights. Nearly a half hour went by, and they were beginning to fear the worse.
Then came an announcement over the public address system: "Will Mr. and Mrs. Johnson please come to the manager's office at Mall Office? Your little boy is here."
They ran through the mall, up the escalator three stairs at a time and into the manager's office. The son was there sipping a soft drink the staff had given him. He was smiling and oblivious to his having frightened the parents so. It was only when he saw the look in their eyes, the look of fear mixed with relief that he began to cry. The truth of it was he didn't know he was lost until he was found.
That's often the way it is when people discover that they have been the object of God's searching, redemptive love in Christ. Somehow the vision of the Crucified One let's us know we have been found even before we knew we were lost. Now isn't that a great way to be found?
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, you are the finder of the lost sheep when you gave us the shepherd. Come into our broken lives this day and give us the assurance of the one who can bring us home once again whom we call Jesus, the Christ.
Let us witness His miraculous power as He brings light into our darkness and joy into our sorrows. Let Him bind the wounds of our hearts and remove the sores of our painful existence and then we can truly bring others - just as He has brought us - to Your saving grace. We ask this in the power of Your Son's promise to be with us even to the end of the age. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week we will talk about leftovers.
Have you ever been lost? I always remember the first time at a new appointment and we would have the challenge of not becoming lost going from the parsonage to the church. After just a few days of travel, it became a familiar path for us. And the adventure lost some of its thrill the more we traveled the now familiar road home.
Let me tell you another story that comes from feeling lost. During the height of one of the shopping seasons in a large mall, a family became separated. The four year old son wandered off, and when he was finally missed, the husband and wife both looked at each other with that "I-thought-you-were-watching-him" look. That look quickly changed to panic when they began to realize the masses of people crowding the mall.
They started retracing their steps. The little boy was nowhere to be found. Minutes passed. They showed pictures to security guards and storekeepers. Nothing! Their hearts began to pound and the anxiety level began to reach new heights. Nearly a half hour went by, and they were beginning to fear the worse.
Then came an announcement over the public address system: "Will Mr. and Mrs. Johnson please come to the manager's office at Mall Office? Your little boy is here."
They ran through the mall, up the escalator three stairs at a time and into the manager's office. The son was there sipping a soft drink the staff had given him. He was smiling and oblivious to his having frightened the parents so. It was only when he saw the look in their eyes, the look of fear mixed with relief that he began to cry. The truth of it was he didn't know he was lost until he was found.
That's often the way it is when people discover that they have been the object of God's searching, redemptive love in Christ. Somehow the vision of the Crucified One let's us know we have been found even before we knew we were lost. Now isn't that a great way to be found?
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, you are the finder of the lost sheep when you gave us the shepherd. Come into our broken lives this day and give us the assurance of the one who can bring us home once again whom we call Jesus, the Christ.
Let us witness His miraculous power as He brings light into our darkness and joy into our sorrows. Let Him bind the wounds of our hearts and remove the sores of our painful existence and then we can truly bring others - just as He has brought us - to Your saving grace. We ask this in the power of Your Son's promise to be with us even to the end of the age. Amen.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week we will talk about leftovers.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Churches Targeted
Five Santa Cruz churches target of 'hate crime'
Five Santa Cruz churches target of 'hate crime'
By Cathy Smith
sentinel staff writer
SANTA CRUZ — Vandals struck five Santa Cruz churches, a Christian bookstore and the historic Santa Cruz Mission Adobe on Saturday night in what police are calling a hate crime.
The vandals used a stencil to leave specially crafted messages and images about a half-foot across. One depicted a cross with an equal sign followed by a swastika. Church leaders said another stated "Abort Christ," a message one minister called "stunning and distressing."
The targeted churches included Holy Cross, Messiah Lutheran, High Street Community, First Congregational and Calvary Episcopalian. Also struck was the Agnus Dei Christian bookstore on Cedar Street and the Santa Cruz Mission Adobe park, which is near Holy Cross.
The Rev. Mark Stetz of Holy Cross said the messages seemed so general that it is not clear what the person or people were upset about. He said the church reaches out to all members of the community and tries to promote social justice.
"There is nothing constructive about what they did," he said. "It's just damaging and destructive, and the resources needed to repair those things could have been used to help people in other ways."
Santa Cruz police Lt. Rick Martinez called it a calculated act that included designing stencils.
"We're very concerned," he said. "We're definitely investigating this as a hate crime, and it is definitely prioritized as such."
Advertisement
At least two churches had the disturbing messages painted on entrance steps, presumably so members would see them on the way to Sunday morning services.
The Rev. Nancy Miller, interim pastor at Calvary Episcopalian Church, called the "Abort Christ" message "awful."
"I rather presume it was a stupid prank, but I'm fearful it might be something else. I just don't know," she said. "I'm grateful it was found before the first service. It's very stunning and distressing."
Both the historic adobe and Holy Cross were tagged with similar graffiti in October, and Stetz is concerned it's becoming "habitualized." In the earlier incidents, however, the words were drawn using marker and spray paint.
Martinez said officers are "taking a hard look" at whether the damage was done by the same person, as the messages are similar and the crime fairly rare.
Restoration of the lime-washed mud walls of the historic adobe is costly and time-consuming, State Parks officials said; October's damaged wall remains covered with white fabric, as does Saturday's vandalism on at least one additional wall.
"We are exploring our options," Supervising Ranger Todd Allen said. "It hasn't happened a whole lot in the past. We can't just go in and sandblast it off of there."
Parks officials are exploring security options, he added.
At First Congregational, associate pastor Shannon Spencer said she hoped the vandal finds a better way to communicate: "It's sad this is the only way they feel they can be heard. We are an open community that welcomes people's perceptions of God and faith, and we are OK with disagreement. I would hope we could build a bridge and come to some reconciliation."
Graffiti is a problem countywide, but officers said graffiti and gang "taggings" are rarely placed on church buildings.
Investigators asked that anyone with information on the crime call 420-5820.
Contact Cathy Smith at csmith@santacruzsentinel.com.
Songs on my mind today...
Darryl Worley - Awful, Beautiful Life Lyrics
Martina McBride - Concreate Angel Lyrics
and for my mom. I miss you...
K.T. Oslin - 80s Ladies Lyrics
I woke up early with a poundin' in my head
I'd been out the night before with all my friends
A little worried, kinda wonderin' what I did
I said, " Lord, please forgive me for my sins."
My wife wanted to kill me, but she tried to save me first
"You're goin' if I have to drag your butt to church."
I love this crazy, tragic,
Sometimes almost magic,
Awful, beautful life
I read the hymns and kinda sorta sang along
And made it through the Sunday sermon wide awake
We met the family for dinner at our home
Drank some beer, watched a game, and cooked some steaks
My little brother had a big fight with his wife
And my poor mother sat between'em both all night
I love this crazy, tragic,
Sometimes almost magic,
Awful, beautful life
We said a prayer for Cousin Michael in Iraq
We're all aware that he may never make it back
We talked about the way we missed his stupid jokes
And how he loved to be a soldier more than most
I laid in bed that night and thought about the day
And how my life is like a roller coaster ride
The ups and downs and crazy turns along the way
It'll throw you off if you don't hold on tight
You can't really smile until you've shed some tears
I could die today or I might live on for years
I love this crazy, tragic,
Sometimes almost magic,
Awful, beautful life
I love this crazy, tragic,
Sometimes almost magic,
Awful, beautful life
Alright
It's a beautiful life
Awful, beautiful, life
I love this life
It's a beautiful life
Martina McBride - Concreate Angel Lyrics
she walks to school with a lunch she packed
nobody knows what she's holding back
wearing the same dress she wore yesterday
she hides the bruises with the linen and lace
the teacher wonders but she doesn't ask
it's hard to see the pain behind the mask
bearing the burden of a secret storm
sometimes she wishes she was never born
CHORUS: through the wind
and the rain
she stands hard as a stone
in a world that she can't rise above
but her dreams
give her wings
and she flies to a place where she's loved
concrete angel
somebody cries in the moon of the night
the neighbors hear but they turn out the light
a fragile soul caught in the hands of fate
when morning comes it'll be too late
REPEAT CHORUS
a statue stands in a shaded place
an angel girl with a nocturn face
a name is written on a polished rock
a broken heart that the world forgot
REPEAT CHORUS
and for my mom. I miss you...
K.T. Oslin - 80s Ladies Lyrics
We were three little girls from school.
One was pretty, one was smart
And one was a borderline fool.
Well she's still good lookin'
That woman hadn't slipped a bit.
The smart one used her head
She made her fortune.
And me, I cross the border every chance I get.
We were the girls of the 50's.
Stoned rock and rollers in the 60's.
And more than our names got changed
As the 70's slipped on by.
Now we're 80's ladies.
There ain't been much these ladies ain't tried.
We've been educated.
We got liberated.
And had complicating matters with men.
Oh, we've said "I do"
And we've signed "I don't"
And we've sworn we'd never do that again.
Oh, we burned our bras,
And we burned our dinners
And we burned our candles at both ends.
And we've had some children
Who look just like the way we did back then.
Oh, but we're all grown up now.
All grown up,
But none of us could tell you quite how.
We were the girls of the 50's.
Stoned rock and rollers in the 60's.
Hunny, more than our names got changed,
As the 70's slipped on by.
Now we're 80's ladies.
There ain't been much these ladies ain't tried.
A- my name is Alice.
I'm gonna marry Artie.
We're gonna sell apples
And live in Arkansas.
B- my name is Betty.
I'm gonna marry Bobby.
We're gonna sell beans
And live in Brazil.
C- my name is Connie.
I'm gonna marry Charlie.
We're gonna sell cars
And live in California.
Fires at four more Alabama churches
Who would do this and why? I just really do not understand. All 9 churches were baptist. There is no limiting to black churches or white churches. They are just churches.
Fires at four more Alabama churches
Fires at four more Alabama churches
Fires at four more Alabama churches
Arson suspected after earlier fires at five churches
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Fires were reported at four more rural Baptist churches Tuesday following rash of suspected arsons that burned five others south of Birmingham last week, a state official said.
Ragan Ingram, a spokesman for the state insurance agency that oversees fire investigations, said two of the churches were destroyed. All four fires were reported Tuesday morning and were believed to started overnight, he said.
....
The four fires reported Tuesday were in three sparsely populated counties in west Alabama near the Mississippi line. Dancy First Baptist Church near Aliceville and Spring Valley Baptist Church near Emelle were damaged, Ingram said. The other two, Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church near Boligee and Gallilee Baptist in Panola, were destroyed.
In the past five years, Alabama has had 59 church fires, 19 of those ruled arsons, Ingram said.
....
A Story of Three Tree's
The Three Trees
Once, there were three trees on a hill in the woods.
The trees were voicing their hopes and dreams when the first tree
said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with
gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate
carving and everyone would see the beauty."
Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take
kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world.
Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."
Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and
straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and
look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to
them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people
will always remember me."
After a few years of the trees praying that their
dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one
woodsman came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I
think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter," and he began
cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter
would make him into a treasure chest.
At the second tree the woodsman said, "This looks
like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The
second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a
mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree
was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would
not come true. One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need
anything special from my tree, I'll take this one," and he cut it down.
When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he
was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and
filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The
second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being
a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was
cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark.
The years went by, and the trees forgot about their
dreams. Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth
and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the
first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby,
but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of
this event and knew that it had held the greatest
treasure of all time.
Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat
made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While
they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think
it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man,
and He stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the
tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It
was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was
carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and
raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree
came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill
and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified
on it.
The moral of this story is that when things don't
seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If
you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the
trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We
don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways
are not our ways, but His ways are always best.
Once, there were three trees on a hill in the woods.
The trees were voicing their hopes and dreams when the first tree
said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with
gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate
carving and everyone would see the beauty."
Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take
kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world.
Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."
Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and
straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and
look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to
them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people
will always remember me."
After a few years of the trees praying that their
dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one
woodsman came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I
think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter," and he began
cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter
would make him into a treasure chest.
At the second tree the woodsman said, "This looks
like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The
second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a
mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree
was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would
not come true. One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need
anything special from my tree, I'll take this one," and he cut it down.
When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he
was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and
filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The
second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being
a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was
cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark.
The years went by, and the trees forgot about their
dreams. Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth
and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the
first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby,
but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of
this event and knew that it had held the greatest
treasure of all time.
Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat
made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While
they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think
it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man,
and He stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the
tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It
was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was
carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and
raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree
came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill
and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified
on it.
The moral of this story is that when things don't
seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If
you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the
trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We
don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways
are not our ways, but His ways are always best.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Bringing Other's to Christ
My preacher said this during last week's sermon and it was just so profound. I have to share it with you.
He was talking about Jesus Healing. and how first he healed Simon's motherinlaw and how, when people heard that Jesus was coming...they knew he could heal. So they would line up for miles to have the chance to have Christ heal them or heal the ones they loved. And the extremes that people went through to Have Christ Heal those that they loved.
He said, If you lived during the times of Jesus....would you be like all of those in that time and line up to have Jesus heal the sicknesses and forgive the sins of those you love? Would you stand in line and beg Jesus to heal them? Would you bring them to the Christ?
So, Why do you not bring those people you love to the Christ? It just seemed so simple..and yet so complex.
We have been talking alot about bringing others to Jesus Christ and introducing them to Him who saved us. Did you know that over 70% of all people under the age of 25 have NEVER been a church?
I got a letter today from my Bishop. I know that many denominations do not have the hierachy like we do..but the bishop is part of the councel of bishops which is the highest "rank" in our church. And he was talking about how one member is introduced every year for every 70 members of the church. So in 70 people...1 will bring someone else to Christ. How sad is that?
He was talking about Jesus Healing. and how first he healed Simon's motherinlaw and how, when people heard that Jesus was coming...they knew he could heal. So they would line up for miles to have the chance to have Christ heal them or heal the ones they loved. And the extremes that people went through to Have Christ Heal those that they loved.
He said, If you lived during the times of Jesus....would you be like all of those in that time and line up to have Jesus heal the sicknesses and forgive the sins of those you love? Would you stand in line and beg Jesus to heal them? Would you bring them to the Christ?
So, Why do you not bring those people you love to the Christ? It just seemed so simple..and yet so complex.
We have been talking alot about bringing others to Jesus Christ and introducing them to Him who saved us. Did you know that over 70% of all people under the age of 25 have NEVER been a church?
I got a letter today from my Bishop. I know that many denominations do not have the hierachy like we do..but the bishop is part of the councel of bishops which is the highest "rank" in our church. And he was talking about how one member is introduced every year for every 70 members of the church. So in 70 people...1 will bring someone else to Christ. How sad is that?
My Steelers won the Super Bowl!
You would think I would be jumping for joy and shouting from the rooftops. But honeslty, I do not feel the steelers played thier best game. And they were the better team. They did not play as well as they should of. I wanted to go through the tv and scream at them the whole first half.
But they won! woohoo.
Life is so busy right now. I redid Brian's resume. He is looking at what is out there. I wish he would find a new job. He does not want to leave his hometown. but he will not even consider my hometown. I kind of want to slap him. lol. I would be happy with a big city anywhere, where there is always another job. His boss is coming in again tomorrow. These people are just... I really hope he finds a new job. The kids are still sick. STILL. I am going crazy. This is ridiculous. They have or I have been sick since before Christmas. When is this going to end? Of course...now we have a $5,000 deductable for our insurance. I feel sick just thinking about it. New Job, New Job, New Job. Keep saying that with me. Say a prayer for us if you read this.
I do not know what I want, But I am happy to let God's will direct us here. I have often in my life felt God's hand pushing me in a direction. I eagerly await His direction. Where He leads me, I will follow. I will do the work He has for me there. He is a whole lot smarter then I can ever hope to be. And He is a loving God, so I know His direction will be for my good and by His grace.
Let's just hope He leads us somewhere before we end up homeless. ;)
But they won! woohoo.
Life is so busy right now. I redid Brian's resume. He is looking at what is out there. I wish he would find a new job. He does not want to leave his hometown. but he will not even consider my hometown. I kind of want to slap him. lol. I would be happy with a big city anywhere, where there is always another job. His boss is coming in again tomorrow. These people are just... I really hope he finds a new job. The kids are still sick. STILL. I am going crazy. This is ridiculous. They have or I have been sick since before Christmas. When is this going to end? Of course...now we have a $5,000 deductable for our insurance. I feel sick just thinking about it. New Job, New Job, New Job. Keep saying that with me. Say a prayer for us if you read this.
I do not know what I want, But I am happy to let God's will direct us here. I have often in my life felt God's hand pushing me in a direction. I eagerly await His direction. Where He leads me, I will follow. I will do the work He has for me there. He is a whole lot smarter then I can ever hope to be. And He is a loving God, so I know His direction will be for my good and by His grace.
Let's just hope He leads us somewhere before we end up homeless. ;)
"Come, Share the Lord" and "Here I am Lord"
I love music. I love the hymns we sing on Sundays. The 2nd is a communion hymn and the 1st is kind of a hymn of my life right now. I love my Lord and Savior. I have felt incredibly touched by these two songs and I just can not get them out of my head. Maybe, God's message is here in the verses for me. Maybe, the message is for you to share. I hope they touch you and you carry them with you this week too.
and
Here I am Lord
I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin
my hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people's pain.
I have wept for love of them
They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my work to them.
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide
till their hears are satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send.
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
and
COME SHARE THE LORD
We gather here in Jesus’ name,
His love is burning in our hearts like living flame.
For through the loving Son the Father makes us one.
Come take the bread,
come drink the wine,
come share the Lord.
No one is a stranger here, ev’ry one belongs.
Finding our forgiveness here, we in turn forgive all wrongs.
He joins us here, He breaks the bread.
The Lord who pours the cup is risen from the dead.
The one we love the most is now our gracious host.
Come take the bread,
come drink the wine,
come share the Lord.
We are now a family of which the Lord is head.
Though unseen He meets us here in the breaking of the bread.
We’ll gather soon where angels sing.
We’ll see the glory of our Lord and coming King.
Now we anticipate the feast for which we wait.
Come take the bread,
come drink the wine,
come share the Lord.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Rev. Massey's Mid Week Epistole- Half Full or Half Empty Life
Do you have a “half-full” or “half-empty” life?
One of the great questions of the world to day is about a glass of water that is half-full. To the optimist, it is only half full and there is a great possibility that it can still have more. To the pessimist, it is half-empty and that is all that is left. Which would you see?
Well, isn't it the same with our own lives? They can either be half-full or half-empty. And it can happen at any time when we are looking for our lost soul or rejoicing in the loving presence of the living Christ. It just depends where you are.
Let me give you another example: It is a wonderful poem that speaks of our lives and I have no idea who the author is, but it is called "Empty or Full"
I gave them to Him,
All the things I'd valued so.
Until I stood there empty-handed.
Every glittering toy did go.
And I walked earth's lonely highways
In my rags and poverty;
'Till I heard His voice entreating,
"Lift your empty hands to me."
Empty hands I lifted to Him
And He filled them with a store
of His own transcendent riches
Till my hands could hold no more.
And I last I comprehended,
With my mind so slow and dull,
That God could not pour His riches
Into hands already full.
Empty your lives so God can pour the fullness of His love there to help you grow.
Let us pray: Loving and Eternal Father. We would give our empty hands and lives to You so that You can fill them with love, and hope for the future. Without Your wisdom and insight into the dilemmas of this world, we would fail and destroy even those we would love the most.
Give us grace and power to find the fullness of Your desires for us right now as we search this world for the reason of this day. We pray this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
As you look at the world today, see if you can find the places that God has caused His love to over-flow.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey, next week we will find out about being lost.
One of the great questions of the world to day is about a glass of water that is half-full. To the optimist, it is only half full and there is a great possibility that it can still have more. To the pessimist, it is half-empty and that is all that is left. Which would you see?
Well, isn't it the same with our own lives? They can either be half-full or half-empty. And it can happen at any time when we are looking for our lost soul or rejoicing in the loving presence of the living Christ. It just depends where you are.
Let me give you another example: It is a wonderful poem that speaks of our lives and I have no idea who the author is, but it is called "Empty or Full"
I gave them to Him,
All the things I'd valued so.
Until I stood there empty-handed.
Every glittering toy did go.
And I walked earth's lonely highways
In my rags and poverty;
'Till I heard His voice entreating,
"Lift your empty hands to me."
Empty hands I lifted to Him
And He filled them with a store
of His own transcendent riches
Till my hands could hold no more.
And I last I comprehended,
With my mind so slow and dull,
That God could not pour His riches
Into hands already full.
Empty your lives so God can pour the fullness of His love there to help you grow.
Let us pray: Loving and Eternal Father. We would give our empty hands and lives to You so that You can fill them with love, and hope for the future. Without Your wisdom and insight into the dilemmas of this world, we would fail and destroy even those we would love the most.
Give us grace and power to find the fullness of Your desires for us right now as we search this world for the reason of this day. We pray this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
As you look at the world today, see if you can find the places that God has caused His love to over-flow.
This has been Rev. Jim Massey, next week we will find out about being lost.
Alito Splits with Conservatives on First Decision
I am still not worried. I have said before. If anything, Judge Alito is a "law geek." He is extremly qualfied. And I Do not think this is baised based on the fact I am against Capital Punishment. There seems to be geniune concert with this case. not to mention, who in the world is sentenced to death after pleading guilty?? I would like to see stats on how many people are sentenced to death after entering a guilty plea. Not to mention he was on cocaine at the time. I am not saying he is not accountable for his actions. But taking his life, will not bring back the life he took.
Alito splits with conservatives on first caseVotes to stop Missouri from executing killer contesting lethal injection
Alito splits with conservatives on first caseVotes to stop Missouri from executing killer contesting lethal injection
Updated: 9:44 p.m. ET Feb. 1, 2006
WASHINGTON - New Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito split with the court’s conservative wing Wednesday night, refusing to let Missouri execute a death-row inmate contesting lethal injection.
Alito, handling his first case, sided with inmate Michael Taylor, who had won a stay from an appeals court earlier in the evening. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas supported lifting the stay, but Alito joined the remaining five members in turning down Missouri’s last-minute request to allow a midnight execution.
Earlier, at his second swearing-in ceremony in two days, this time in the ornate East Room of the White House, Alito received hearty applause from lawmakers and fellow Supreme Court justices. He was lauded by President Bush as a man of “steady demeanor, careful judgment and complete integrity.”
After being sworn by Chief Justice John Roberts, Alito said, “I don’t think that anyone can become a justice of the Supreme Court of the United States without feeling a tremendous weight of responsibility and a tremendous sense of humility.”
The court was dealing with three more appeals filed Wednesday in the case of Michael Taylor, who would be Missouri’s first inmate to be executed this year. Reporters and witnesses were gathered at the state prison awaiting word from the high court on whether to go ahead with the execution.
Death penalty assailed in Missouri case
Separately, the court acting without Alito rejected Taylor’s appeal that argued that Missouri’s death penalty system is racist. Taylor is black and his victim was white. He filed the appeal on Tuesday, the day that Alito was confirmed by the Senate to replace Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
“The death penalty as practiced in the state of Missouri discriminates against African-Americans such as (Taylor), such that it is a badge of slavery,” the justices were told in a filing by Taylor’s lawyer, John William Simon.
Taylor’s legal team had pursued two challenges — claiming that lethal injection is cruel and unusual punishment and that his constitutional rights were violated by a system tilted against black defendants.
Kent Scheidegger, legal director of the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation, a pro-death penalty group, said Taylor had only a long-shot appeal because of federal limits on when courts can hear final pleas from death row inmates.
“The constant filing of new legal proceedings drags cases out forever and effectively negates the death penalty. That’s exactly what Congress wanted to stop,” he said.
Alito is expected to side with prosecutors more often than O’Connor, who has been the swing vote in capital punishment cases, Scheidegger said.
In O’Connor’s chambers
The votes came on Alito’s first full day on the job. He took over the chambers used by O’Connor over the past year — and previously used by Justices Clarence Thomas, David Souter and Antonin Scalia.
Also Wednesday, Alito was given his assignment for handling emergency appeals: Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.
The Supreme Court has blocked two executions in the past week, and has agreed to use one of the cases to clarify how inmates may bring last-minute challenges to the way they will be put to death.
The victim, 15-year-old Ann Harrison, was waiting for a school bus when Taylor and an accomplice kidnapped her in 1989. Taylor, speaking from his holding cell at the state prison in Bonne Terre, said Tuesday that he was high on crack cocaine at the time.
“I pled guilty, and I told the victim’s family. I let them know how sorry I was,” Taylor said.
© 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
