tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-94013532024-03-07T00:21:57.689-07:00Philosophy of Hoperantings, babble and personal thoughts. "Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.comBlogger365125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-28220075688336678442008-04-23T11:04:00.001-06:002008-04-23T11:04:24.746-06:00Choices -Mid Week EpistoleChoices<br /><br /> <br /><br /> Many times in my life I have been confronted with choices. Not just the daily ones of where to go or what to eat or what to wear, but difficult choices. Ones that require me to stop and evaluate everything that I am and have dreams of becoming in the future. It is at times like this that I am reminded of a poem by Horatius Bonar.<br /><br />Choose Thou For Me<br /><br /> <br /><br />Thy way, not mine, O Lord,<br />However dark it be!<br /><br />Lead me by Thine own hand;<br /><br />Choose out my path for me.<br /><br />I dare not choose my lot:<br /><br />I would not, if I might;<br /><br />Choose Thou for me, my God,<br /><br />So shall I walk aright...<br /><br /> <br /><br />The kingdom that I seek<br /><br />Is Thine: so let the way<br /><br />That leads to it be Thine,<br /><br />Else I must surely stray.<br /><br />Take Thou my cup, and it<br /><br />With joy or sorrow fill,<br /><br />As best to Thee may seem;<br /><br />Choose Thou my good and ill.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Choose Thou for me my friends,<br /><br />My sickness, or my health;<br /><br />Choose Thou my cares for me<br /><br />My poverty, or wealth.<br /><br />Not mine, not mine the choice,<br /><br />In things both great and small;<br /><br />Be Thou my Guide, my Strength,<br /><br />My Wisdom, and my all.<br /><br /> What would happen in your life if this was to become one of the guides for you? Would it change anything, or would it affirm the path that you are walking with God right now. <br /><br /> Take a moment and prayerfully consider what these words might mean to you today. Then please lift your heart and hands to God and offer Him all that you are.<br /><br /> <br /><br />This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week and we will share a special witness together."Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-88199596504921933302008-03-13T10:24:00.000-06:002008-03-13T10:28:18.774-06:00Ghost of the pastYa know, once in a while I will get an email from someone I had not heard from in forever. And sometimes, I will search out those people. It is still weird when I get someone email me from back in my College days though. On myspace, there is a small group of us auggie people who still chat to each other. That group is small, but it is still nice to read thier pages and see what is happening in thier lives. Another small group of auggie people who I email often. It is so strange that those wild and crazy kids are now parents. EEK. What an idea. <br /><br />Last night, I was searching around the web though...and I found the name of a very old friend. She used to live with me when I was in Middle school. And I hate it...because I have this name, her husband's name...and still no way to contact her. We were best of friends, and my mom's foster daughter. I wish that I could talk with her...we lost touch during one of the many moves...the last time I talked with her was right after my mom died. I just miss her a lot. She is an awsome person.<br /><br />I have decided I like Ghost from the past. It is nice to hear from old friends and reminders of what life once was."Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-56956271217216562572008-02-25T21:04:00.000-07:002008-02-25T21:05:06.897-07:00Me<form action='http://www.kwiz.biz/simplesurveys/do-survey.php' method='post' target='_new'><table border=1 bordercolor=#efefef cellspacing=0><tr><td valign=top align=center colspan=2><b><i>TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF - The Survey</i></b><input type='hidden' name='question1' value='TELL+ME+ABOUT+YOURSELF+-+The+Survey'><input type='hidden' name='type1' value='2'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Name:</td><td align=left><b>Sabrina</b><input type='hidden' name='question2' value='Name%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type2' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Birthday:</td><td align=left><b>February</b><input type='hidden' name='question3' value='Birthday%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type3' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Birthplace:</td><td align=left><b>Maryland</b><input type='hidden' name='question4' value='Birthplace%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type4' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Current Location:</td><td align=left><b>Exiled in Louisiana</b><input type='hidden' name='question5' value='Current+Location%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type5' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Eye Color:</td><td align=left><b>Cat Green</b><input type='hidden' name='question6' value='Eye+Color%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type6' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Hair Color:</td><td align=left><b>Brownish Red</b><input type='hidden' name='question7' value='Hair+Color%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type7' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Height:</td><td align=left><b>5 foot nothing</b><input type='hidden' name='question8' value='Height%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type8' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Right Handed or Left Handed:</td><td align=left><b>Both</b><input type='hidden' name='question9' value='Right+Handed+or+Left+Handed%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type9' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Your Heritage:</td><td align=left><b>Irish, Scottish, American Indian and a little bit German</b><input type='hidden' name='question10' value='Your+Heritage%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type10' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>The Shoes You Wore Today:</td><td align=left><b>slip ons</b><input type='hidden' name='question11' value='The+Shoes+You+Wore+Today%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type11' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Your Weakness:</td><td align=left><b>Ice Cream</b><input type='hidden' name='question12' value='Your+Weakness%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type12' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Your Fears:</td><td align=left><b>Too many to list. Water, heights, etc..</b><input type='hidden' name='question13' value='Your+Fears%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type13' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Your Perfect Pizza:</td><td align=left><b>Sausage, onions, tomatoes, green peppers</b><input type='hidden' name='question14' value='Your+Perfect+Pizza%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type14' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Goal You Would Like To Achieve This Year:</td><td align=left><b>Move out of Louisiana</b><input type='hidden' name='question15' value='Goal+You+Would+Like+To+Achieve+This+Year%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type15' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Your Most Overused Phrase On an instant messenger:</td><td align=left><b>lol</b><input type='hidden' name='question16' value='Your+Most+Overused+Phrase+On+an+instant+messenger%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type16' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Thoughts First Waking Up:</td><td align=left><b>Why is it morning already?</b><input type='hidden' name='question17' value='Thoughts+First+Waking+Up%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type17' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Your Best Physical Feature:</td><td align=left><b>Eyes</b><input type='hidden' name='question18' value='Your+Best+Physical+Feature%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type18' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Your Bedtime:</td><td align=left><b>10ish</b><input type='hidden' name='question19' value='Your+Bedtime%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type19' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Your Most Missed Memory:</td><td align=left><b>My Mom</b><input type='hidden' name='question20' value='Your+Most+Missed+Memory%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type20' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Pepsi or Coke:</td><td align=left><b>Diet coke</b><input type='hidden' name='question21' value='Pepsi+or+Coke%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type21' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>MacDonalds or Burger King:</td><td align=left><b>Mcdonalds I guess..Prefer Wendys</b><input type='hidden' name='question22' value='MacDonalds+or+Burger+King%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type22' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Single or Group Dates:</td><td align=left><b>Single</b><input type='hidden' name='question23' value='Single+or+Group+Dates%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type23' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea:</td><td align=left><b>Lipton Ice Tea</b><input type='hidden' name='question24' value='Lipton+Ice+Tea+or+Nestea%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type24' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Chocolate or Vanilla:</td><td align=left><b>Chocolate</b><input type='hidden' name='question25' value='Chocolate+or+Vanilla%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type25' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Cappuccino or Coffee:</td><td align=left><b>Neither. yuck</b><input type='hidden' name='question26' value='Cappuccino+or+Coffee%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type26' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Do you Smoke:</td><td align=left><b>No. yuck</b><input type='hidden' name='question27' value='Do+you+Smoke%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type27' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Do you Swear:</td><td align=left><b>Sometimes I let one slip</b><input type='hidden' name='question28' value='Do+you+Swear%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type28' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Do you Sing:</td><td align=left><b>Yes. Love to</b><input type='hidden' name='question29' value='Do+you+Sing%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type29' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Do you Shower Daily:</td><td align=left><b>LOL yes</b><input type='hidden' name='question30' value='Do+you+Shower+Daily%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type30' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Have you Been in Love:</td><td align=left><b>Yes</b><input type='hidden' name='question31' value='Have+you+Been+in+Love%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type31' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Do you want to go to College:</td><td align=left><b>Did already...would like to go to grad school though</b><input type='hidden' name='question32' value='Do+you+want+to+go+to+College%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type32' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Do you want to get Married:</td><td align=left><b>already am</b><input type='hidden' name='question33' value='Do+you+want+to+get+Married%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type33' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Do you belive in yourself:</td><td align=left><b>sometimes</b><input type='hidden' name='question34' value='Do+you+belive+in+yourself%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type34' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Do you get Motion Sickness:</td><td align=left><b>yes</b><input type='hidden' name='question35' value='Do+you+get+Motion+Sickness%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type35' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Do you think you are Attractive:</td><td align=left><b>i am me</b><input type='hidden' name='question36' value='Do+you+think+you+are+Attractive%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type36' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Are you a Health Freak:</td><td align=left><b>LOL no</b><input type='hidden' name='question37' value='Are+you+a+Health+Freak%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type37' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Do you get along with your Parents:</td><td align=left><b>I am parentless</b><input type='hidden' name='question38' value='Do+you+get+along+with+your+Parents%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type38' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Do you like Thunderstorms:</td><td align=left><b>yes</b><input type='hidden' name='question39' value='Do+you+like+Thunderstorms%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type39' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Do you play an Instrument:</td><td align=left><b>violin</b><input type='hidden' name='question40' value='Do+you+play+an+Instrument%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type40' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>In the past month have you Drank Alcohol:</td><td align=left><b>no. cant with my meds</b><input type='hidden' name='question41' value='In+the+past+month+have+you+Drank+Alcohol%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type41' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>In the past month have you Smoked:</td><td align=left><b>no. yuck</b><input type='hidden' name='question42' value='In+the+past+month+have+you+Smoked%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type42' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>In the past month have you been on Drugs:</td><td align=left><b>prescription drugs</b><input type='hidden' name='question43' value='In+the+past+month+have+you+been+on+Drugs%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type43' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>In the past month have you gone on a Date:</td><td align=left><b>no</b><input type='hidden' name='question44' value='In+the+past+month+have+you+gone+on+a+Date%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type44' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>In the past month have you gone to a Mall:</td><td align=left><b>yes</b><input type='hidden' name='question45' value='In+the+past+month+have+you+gone+to+a+Mall%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type45' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>In the past month have you eaten a box of Oreos:</td><td align=left><b>no</b><input type='hidden' name='question46' value='In+the+past+month+have+you+eaten+a+box+of+Oreos%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type46' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>In the past month have you eaten Sushi:</td><td align=left><b>no</b><input type='hidden' name='question47' value='In+the+past+month+have+you+eaten+Sushi%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type47' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>In the past month have you been on Stage:</td><td align=left><b>no</b><input type='hidden' name='question48' value='In+the+past+month+have+you+been+on+Stage%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type48' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>In the past month have you been Dumped:</td><td align=left><b>no</b><input type='hidden' name='question49' value='In+the+past+month+have+you+been+Dumped%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type49' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>In the past month have you gone Skinny Dipping:</td><td align=left><b>no</b><input type='hidden' name='question50' value='In+the+past+month+have+you+gone+Skinny+Dipping%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type50' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>In the past month have you Stolen Anything:</td><td align=left><b>no</b><input type='hidden' name='question51' value='In+the+past+month+have+you+Stolen+Anything%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type51' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Ever been Drunk:</td><td align=left><b>yes</b><input type='hidden' name='question52' value='Ever+been+Drunk%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type52' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Ever been called a Tease:</td><td align=left><b>yes</b><input type='hidden' name='question53' value='Ever+been+called+a+Tease%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type53' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Ever been Beaten up:</td><td align=left><b>yes</b><input type='hidden' name='question54' value='Ever+been+Beaten+up%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type54' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Ever Shoplifted:</td><td align=left><b>yes</b><input type='hidden' name='question55' value='Ever+Shoplifted%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type55' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>How do you want to Die:</td><td align=left><b>when I am old</b><input type='hidden' name='question56' value='How+do+you+want+to+Die%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type56' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>What do you want to be when you Grow Up:</td><td align=left><b>LOL. I do not know. at 35 I should huh?</b><input type='hidden' name='question57' value='What+do+you+want+to+be+when+you+Grow+Up%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type57' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>What country would you most like to Visit:</td><td align=left><b>hmm...Ireland</b><input type='hidden' name='question58' value='What+country+would+you+most+like+to+Visit%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type58' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=center colspan=2><b><i>In a Boy/Girl..</i></b><input type='hidden' name='question59' value='In+a+Boy%2FGirl..'><input type='hidden' name='type59' value='2'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Favourite Eye Color:</td><td align=left><b>Brown</b><input type='hidden' name='question60' value='Favourite+Eye+Color%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type60' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Favourite Hair Color:</td><td align=left><b>Brown</b><input type='hidden' name='question61' value='Favourite+Hair+Color%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type61' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Short or Long Hair:</td><td align=left><b>Not long but not too short either</b><input type='hidden' name='question62' value='Short+or+Long+Hair%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type62' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Height:</td><td align=left><b>Taller then me. not too hard</b><input type='hidden' name='question63' value='Height%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type63' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Weight:</td><td align=left><b>does not really matter</b><input type='hidden' name='question64' value='Weight%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type64' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Best Clothing Style:</td><td align=left><b>casual dress</b><input type='hidden' name='question65' value='Best+Clothing+Style%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type65' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Number of Drugs I have taken:</td><td align=left><b>no clue</b><input type='hidden' name='question66' value='Number+of+Drugs+I+have+taken%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type66' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Number of CDs I own:</td><td align=left><b>too many</b><input type='hidden' name='question68' value='Number+of+CDs+I+own%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type68' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Number of Piercings:</td><td align=left><b>2 in one ear, 3 in another</b><input type='hidden' name='question69' value='Number+of+Piercings%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type69' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Number of Tattoos:</td><td align=left><b>none</b><input type='hidden' name='question70' value='Number+of+Tattoos%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type70' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top align=right>Number of things in my Past I Regret:</td><td align=left><b>too many to list. </b><input type='hidden' name='question71' value='Number+of+things+in+my+Past+I+Regret%3A'><input type='hidden' name='type71' value='1'></td></tr><tr><td colspan=2 align=center><input type='submit' value='Take This Survey'><BR><a href='http://www.kwiz.biz/simplesurveys/create-survey.php'>CREATE YOUR OWN!</a> - or - <a href='http://www.kwiz.biz/simplesurveys/paid-surveys.php'>GET PAID TO TAKE SURVEYS!</a></td></tr></form></table>"Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-25458046193744063452008-02-19T21:46:00.000-07:002008-02-19T21:47:00.063-07:00Mid Week EpistoleTUNES IN THE CHURCH<br /><br /> Are you one of the people who cannot carry a tune in the proverbial bucket? Many times I hear people say those words when asked if they would sing in the choir or during church. Well, I have good news for you. <br /><br /> Donald Hustad once wrote: “Somehow, about 40% of churchgoers seem to have picked up the idea that ‘singing in the church is for singers.’ The truth is that ‘singing is for believers.’ The relevant question is not, “Do you have a voice?” but “do you have a song?”<br /><br /> Do you know the difference between the two songs? Or to you, are they the same? <br /><br /> <br /><br />Loving Father, we know you do not so much listen to the voice of Your church as it sings as much as You listen to the heart. We thank You for our song. In Christ’s blessed name. Amen.<br /><br /> <br /><br />This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week and we will read a journal entry from a servant of God who soared over the mountains."Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-82878371534956239632008-02-18T14:30:00.000-07:002008-02-18T14:31:47.357-07:00This song Reminds me of BriannaBrianna is a huge Hannah Montana Fan....but this song..<br /><br />It reminds me of her for many reasons. My Little Ms. Independent. <br /><br /><blockquote>Billy Ray Cyrus Ready Set Don't Go Lyrics <br /><br /><br />(BILLY RAY:)<br />Shes gotta do what shes gotta do<br />And I've gotta like it or not<br />Shes got dreams to big for this town<br />And she needs to give 'em a shot<br />Wherever they are<br /><br />(MILEY:)<br />Looks like I'm all ready to leave<br />Theres nothin' left to pack<br /><br />(BILLY RAY:)<br />Aint no room for me in that car<br />Even if she asks me to tag along<br />(Both:)<br />Gotta gotta be strong <br /><br />(MILEY:)<br />I'm at the startin line of the rest of my life<br />As ready as I've ever been<br />Got the hunger and the stars in my eyes<br />The prize is mine to win<br />(BILLY RAY:)<br />She's waitin' on my blessins <br />`Fore she hits that open road<br />Baby get ready<br />(MILEY:)<br />Ohh Im ready<br />(BILLY RAY:)<br />Get set, don't go<br /><br />(MILEY:)<br />Looks like things are fallin in place<br /><br />(BILLY RAY:)<br />Feels like theyre fallin apart<br />Im paintin this big ol' smile on my face <br />To hide my broken heart<br />If only she knew<br /><br />(MILEY:)<br />This is where you don't say <br />What you want so bad to say<br /><br />(BILLY RAY;)<br />This is where I want to <br />But I wont get in the way<br />Of her and her dream<br />And spreadin her wings<br />(MILEY:)<br />I'm ready to fly<br /><br />(MILEY:)<br />Im at the startin line of the rest of my life<br />As ready as I've ever been<br />Got the hunger and the stars in my eyes<br />The prize is mine to win<br />(BILLY RAY:)<br />[Ready Set Don't Go lyrics on http://www.metrolyrics.com]<br /><br />She's waitin' on my blessins `fore she hits that open road<br />(MILEY:)<br />gotta hit that open road<br />(BILLY RAY:)<br />Baby get ready, get set<br />(Both:) <br />Don't go<br /><br /><br />(CHORUS)<br />(MILEY:)<br />Im at the startin line of the rest of my life<br />As ready as Ive ever been<br />(BILLY RAY:)<br />It'll be alright<br />(MILEY:)<br />Got the hunger and the stars in my eyes<br />The prize is mine to win<br />I'll be okay<br />(BILLY RAY:)<br />She's waitin' on my blessings <br />'Fore she hits that open road<br />Baby get ready<br />(MILEY:)<br />Oh oh oh<br />(BILLY RAY:)<br />Get set, please don't go<br />Don't go <br /><br />(MILEY:) <br />Lemme go now <br />I'm ready<br /><br />(BILLY RAY:)<br />Hmmmm Dont go<br /><br />(MILEY:)<br />I'll be alright <br />I'll be okay<br />Know that I'll<br />Be thinkin of you<br />Each and every day<br /><br />(BILLY RAY:)<br />Shes gotta do what shes gotta do <br /><br />(MILEY:)<br />lemme go now<br /><br />(BILLY RAY)<br />Shes gotta do what shes gotta do<br /><br />(MILEY:)<br />I gotta do what I gotta do <br /><br />(BILLY RAY:) <br />Shes gotta do what shes gotta do</blockquote>"Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-34710967224730953432008-02-14T19:27:00.002-07:002008-02-14T19:29:30.587-07:009 years and Counting<blockquote>Artist: Williams, Vanessa<br />Song: Save the Best for Last<br /><br /><br />Sometimes the snow comes down in June<br />Sometimes the sun goes 'round the moon<br />I see the passion in your eyes<br />Sometimes it's all a big surprise <br />'Cause there was a time when all I did was wish<br />You'd tell me this was love<br />It's not the way I hoped or how I planned<br />But somehow it's enough <br /><br />And now we're standing face to face<br />Isn't this world a crazy place<br />Just when I thought our chance had passed<br />You go and save the best for last <br /><br />All of the nights you came to me<br />When some silly girl had set you free<br />You wondered how you'd make it through<br />I wondered what was wrong with you <br /><br />'Cause how could you give your love to someone else<br />And share your dreams with me<br />Sometimes the very thing you're looking for<br />Is the one thing you can't see <br /><br />And now we're standing face to face<br />Isn't this world a crazy place<br />Just when I thought our chance had passed<br />You go and save the best for last <br /><br />Sometimes the very thing you're looking for<br />Is the one thing you can't see <br /><br />Sometimes the snow comes down in June<br />Sometimes the sun goes 'round the moon<br />Just when I thought our chance had passed<br />You go and save the best for last <br /><br />You went and saved the best for last</blockquote>"Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-68550698298942176692008-02-12T14:58:00.001-07:002008-02-12T14:58:46.554-07:00Mid Week Epistole by Jim MasseyWHICH ONE DO YOU TRY TO TAKE CARE OF?<br /><br />Yesterday was Monday, the dreaded day of the work force. How did your Monday go? Was it rewarding or filled with all kinds of disruptions? <br /><br />When difficulties come into your life, how do you deal with them? Do you let them control you or is it the reverse? <br /><br />Well, let me give you a very simple prayer to pray: “Lord, you take care of the gnats -- I can take care of the elephants.” The only thing you have to decide is which of your problems elephants are. Usually it is the one that is right in front of you. The gnats are the ones that seem to buzz around and make us think we are failures. <br /><br />I think how true this prayer is today while I sit at home with the ice on the ground. I look out the office window and the beautiful Bradford Pear trees that we have enjoyed since we moved here are now split apart will have to be taken out. The birds are sitting in the branches still looking for their seed, and still I feel like God will provide for both of us as we wonder what to do now. <br /><br /><br /><br />Lord, was that another gnat that you conquered for me? If so, would you mind coming and helping me with this elephant? Together we can win a victory for You. In the name of the Living Christ we pray. Amen.<br /><br /><br /><br />This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week and we will find the power of having a song to sing with your voice."Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-15667216901649836022008-02-06T09:29:00.000-07:002008-02-06T09:30:11.028-07:00Quick Let's Pray -Mid Week EpistoleQUICK! LET’S PRAY! <br /><br /> Dr. W. E. Sangster once wrote about what he called “minute prayers.” It’s not known if by “minute” he meant “tiny” or prayers that could be prayed in 60 seconds; it probably amounts to the same thing. Prayers do not need to be lengthy. Here are some little gems of prayer that can be used at any time, anywhere:<br /><br /> “O Lord, let me not live to be useless.” (John Wesley)<br /><br /> “Protect me, my Lord; my boat is so small, and your ocean so big.” (Briton fisherman’s prayer)<br /><br /> “Lead kindly light, amid the encircling gloom; lead Thou me on.” (J. H. Newman)<br /><br /> “O God, help me to be master of myself that I may be a servant of others.” (Unknown)<br /><br /> What “minute prayer” could you create for God today?<br /><br /> <br /><br />O God, hear us. Amen!<br /><br /> <br /><br />This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Today we talked about short prayers, next week we will look at the text of a prayer.<br /><br /><strong></strong>"Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-73169354831482680272008-01-27T17:23:00.000-07:002008-01-27T17:25:41.700-07:00Letter to Me LyricsI am really stuck on this song right now. Reminds me of all those times I thought my life was just over, and it was really just a passing phase.<br /><br /><blockquote>Letter to Me by Brad Paisley<br /><br />If I could write a letter to me<br />And send it back in time to myself at 17<br />First I’d prove it’s me by saying look under your bed<br />There’s a Skoal can and a Playboy no one else would know you hid<br />And then I’d say I know its tough<br />When you break up after seven months<br />And yeah I know you really liked her and it just don’t seem fair<br />All I can say is pain like that is fast and it’s rare<br /><br /><br />1st Chorus<br />And oh you got so much going for you going right<br />But I know at 17 it’s hard to see past Friday night<br />She wasn’t right for you<br />And still you feel like there’s a knife sticking out of your back<br />And you’re wondering if you’ll survive<br />You’ll make it through this and you’ll see<br />You’re still around to write this letter to me<br /><br />At the stop sign at Tomlinson and Eighth<br />Always stop completely don’t just tap your brakes<br />And when you get a date with Bridgett make sure the tank is full<br />On second thought forget it that one turns out kinda cool<br />Each and every time you have a fight<br />Just assume you’re wrong and dad is right<br />And you should really thank Mrs. Brinkman<br />She spent so much extra time<br />It’s like she sees the diamond underneath<br />And she’s polishing you ‘til you shine<br /><br />2nd Chorus<br />And oh you got so much going for you going right<br />But I know at 17 it’s hard to see past Friday night<br />Tonight’s the bonfire rally<br />But you’re staying home instead because if you fail Algebra<br />Mom and dad will kill you dead<br />Trust me you’ll squeak by and get a C<br />And you’re still around to write this letter to me<br /><br />You’ve got so much up ahead<br />You’ll make new friends<br />You should see your kids and wife<br />And I’d end by saying have no fear<br />These are nowhere near the best years of your life<br /><br />I guess I’ll see you in the mirror<br />When you’re a grown man<br />P.S. go hug Aunt Rita every chance you can<br /><br />3rd Chorus<br />And oh you got so much going for you going right<br />But I know at 17 it’s hard to see past Friday night<br />I wish you’d study Spanish<br />I wish you’d take a typing class<br />I wish you wouldn’t worry, let it be<br />I’d say have a little faith and you’ll see<br /><br />If I could write a letter to me <br />To me</blockquote>"Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-26442546653691402842008-01-20T21:07:00.000-07:002008-01-20T21:08:51.163-07:00I Want to Move!I want to move. Have I mentioned that lately? I want to move, I want to move, I want to move. <br /><br />Did I mention I want to move? <br /><br />Argh. Dorkboy is going out of town. fun fun."Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-7464499037140644352008-01-20T21:05:00.000-07:002008-01-20T21:06:17.656-07:00Mid Week Epistole -Positive Thinking by Jim MasseyPositive Thinking<br /><br /> Do you have a problem today thinking positively? It seems as though we are encouraged to look at everything in the world in a negative way. It always reminds me of the famous song from Hee-Haw: "If it weren't for bad luck I'd have no luck at all..." <br /><br /> There once was a shoe company that transferred one of its salesmen to Africa. After arriving he wired: "Am coming back; they don't use shoes here."<br /><br /> The company replaced him with a more positive salesman who immediately wired: "Start shipping shoes; no competition!"<br /><br /> What do you see in your world today? Lost opportunity or golden moments? When you look through the eyes of God, you see all His glorious promises and not the temptations of the devil.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Father, let us look with loving eyes and find the truth you have for us. Then let us turn every moment in the day to a blessing filled with Your glory. In the name of Christ, we lift this prayer. Amen.<br /><br /> <br /><br />This has been Rev. Jim Massey. I hope this devotional will encourage you to look for all the blessings that God gives you every day of your life. Join me next week when we look at what we put in to be paid from."Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-15125266002250733222008-01-05T13:02:00.000-07:002008-01-05T13:04:35.228-07:00Disney and the Beach<div style="width:480px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://wmg.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://wmg.photobucket.com/albums/v158/breenahope/Christmas New years/66f14118.pbw" height="360" width="480"></embed><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/album/slideshow/wrapper_logo.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v158/breenahope/Christmas%20New%20years/?action=view¤t=66f14118.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/album/slideshow/wrapper_viewshow.gif" style="float:right;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://photobucket.com/redirect/album?action=slideshow" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/album/slideshow/wrapper_getyourown.gif" style="float:right;border-width: 0;" ></a></div><br /><br />and<br /><br /><div style="width:480px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://wmg.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://wmg.photobucket.com/albums/v158/breenahope/Christmas New years/00253bc1.pbw" height="360" width="480"></embed><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/album/slideshow/wrapper_logo.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v158/breenahope/Christmas%20New%20years/?action=view¤t=00253bc1.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/album/slideshow/wrapper_viewshow.gif" style="float:right;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://photobucket.com/redirect/album?action=slideshow" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/album/slideshow/wrapper_getyourown.gif" style="float:right;border-width: 0;" ></a></div>"Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-88364851443537510512008-01-05T12:21:00.001-07:002008-01-05T12:22:37.927-07:00Pictures<embed src="http://lads.myspace.com/photoshow/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" wmode="transparent" flashvars="userID=92641948&bgColor=10079487&bgColor2=10079487&transitionSpeed=10&transitionStyle=a&showCaptions=1" width="481" height="293" name="slider" align="middle"/>"Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-19489052200202792032007-12-20T07:22:00.000-07:002007-12-20T07:23:06.098-07:002 ThoughtsI was listening to the radio when I took the kids to school and was coming home. We have been listening to the Christmas Channel that is just playing Christmas Music. <br /><br />1. There was a song on about a little girl who wanted her daddy for Christmas, but he was "at the war". It was as though a gentle reminder to me to pray for the families of those soldiers fighting over seas this Christmas. Everyday I make time to pray for our soldiers in harms way...But I can not imagine spending the Christmas without them. In 1990, My brother was stationed in the middle east as the build up to the first gulf war. His son had been born just 6 months earlier...and he missed his first Christmas. I will never forget how it felt like part of our heart was missing.. So, Please join me in praying for our troops families this Christmas. <br /><br />And 2. There are 3 bridges that connect the "twin cities" here...and there were accidents on 2 of them. This lady called in and said she was stuck in traffic and to avoid that area if you could....and when the guy asked her if she could just rewind and start over...she said "Nah, not really. I am just enjoying listening to the Christmas music this morning in my car." What a wonderful attitude to have this Christmas. It makes me feel guilty for my bah humbug mood lately....but it reminds me that really....nothing is that important. May we all find joy just in the being of Christmas this year."Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-15190141193270345482007-11-06T08:35:00.001-07:002007-11-06T08:35:44.693-07:00Leaves<embed width="448" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://img.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vidmg.photobucket.com/albums/v158/breenahope/Fall%202007/Halloween-Fall-Scouts096.flv"></embed>"Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-59911464079493066022007-11-06T08:33:00.000-07:002007-11-06T08:34:09.810-07:00Leaves<embed width="430" height="389" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://smg.photobucket.com/flash/player.swf?file=http://vidmg.photobucket.com/albums/v158/breenahope/Fall%202007/Halloween-Fall-Scouts098.flv"></embed>"Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-47577069992239178662007-09-11T17:26:00.000-06:002007-09-11T17:27:27.697-06:00The Darkest Hour -Mid Week Epistole by Jim MasseyThe Darkest Hour <br /><br />Today is the sixth anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in New York City. I imagine everyone remembers where they were when the tragedy happened. I recall many people saying it was one of America’s ‘Darkest Hours.” <br /><br />I remember the days that I watched people relived the event over and over through the news media and table conversations everywhere. The cry went up from people to “Remember 911!” <br /><br />And then I think of another “Darkest Hour.” It was during the time that terrorist struck at the heart of the world in a garden near Jerusalem. The Son of Man was betrayed by a kiss and evil motives of others. He was judged guilty by angry crowds, scourged and crucified. <br /><br />Now people may not see the similarity of these two events, but look closely and you can begin to see ways in which they are. The difference is found in what happens after we stand through such trying times. If we are not careful, we will remain forever caught in the pains of the tragedy. <br /><br />For Christians, it is the days afterward that we begin to see new visions. In both the tragedy of the Twin Towers and the Crucifixion God was present fighting hatred with the power of His grace and love. He never gives sin and evil power in the midst of tragedy, but the strength and resolve of His people show forth in new ways of care and compassion. You see, the answer becomes visible afterwards. In 911 we should now be a nation of strong resolve toward freedom and truth. In the Resurrection we should have a strong individual resolve toward God’s love and salvation for all. <br /><br />I find new strength in life’s darkest hours in the words of the Psalmist: “If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” (Ps. 37:23-25) <br /><br />May God bring His light to your in your darkest hour. <br /><br />Heavenly Father, today we pray for everyone who faces dark hours in their lives. Though they feel despair, may they know the strength of your children as they encounter them everywhere. You ask us to be a light set upon a hill as a beacon of hope. Let us remember before we can be the light, You must shine in our own heart. Come into our hearts Lord Jesus! Amen. This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week for another mid-week Epistle."Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-44772450399289170832007-09-07T10:10:00.000-06:002007-09-07T10:11:09.838-06:00Invisible MomThis is for those times when you feel like you haven't accomplished much, or when you feel, like I do sometimes, that what you do really doesn't matter so much.<br /><br />It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.<br /> <br /><br />Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."<br /><br />I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!<br /><br />One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."<br /><br /><br />In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.<br /><br />A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees."<br /><br />I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."<br /><br />At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.<br /><br />When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."<br /><br />As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.<br /><br />Great Job, MOM"Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-20357203501871769222007-09-07T10:08:00.000-06:002007-09-07T10:10:06.446-06:00Adequate ShoesAdequate Shoes<br /><br />With all the disasters in our world today, we need to hear some words of encouragement. Without such words, we can fall victim to something beyond our understanding and our hearts seem to break completely into and we begin to lose sight of the ways in which God can still come to us.<br /><br />We are reminded in Romans 8:28 - "...in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." When I read that Scripture, I once again reclaim the promise of Christ when He said, "I am with you till the end of the age." <br /><br />Then I remember something I read years ago. "God will not send you down a path without adequate shoes." That means His love and assurance will always be with me. Prayers, presence, and friends will affirm it. Nothing will be left out of our situation that is needed. All we have to do is claim it in the name of Jesus Christ.<br /><br />When you walk in the world today, praise God for the "adequate shoes" that He has supplied for you. <br /><br />Holy Father, to all who have great need this day, let our words lift fallen spirits and help our presence reaffirm Your glory. We pray this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen. This has been Rev. Jim Massey. <br /><br />Pray for the nations this day that are caught in hurricanes. Many people will be left homeless, pray that they will not be hopeless. See you next week in our Mid-week Epistle when we talk about naming."Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-26581977383838504602007-08-29T18:48:00.000-06:002007-08-29T18:50:08.579-06:00Love Me If You Can<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nan93lAn7L8"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nan93lAn7L8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><blockquote><br />Sometimes I think that war is necessary.<br />Every night I pray for peace on Earth. <br />I hand out my dollars to the homeless. <br />But believe that every able soul should work.<br /><br />My father gave me my shotgun that I'll hand down to my son, try to teach him everything it means.<br /><br />(chorus)<br />I'm a man of my convictions. Call me wrong, call me right. But I bring my better angels to every fight. You may not like<br />where I'm going, but you sure know where I stand. Hate me if you want to, love me if you can.<br /><br />I stand by my right to speak freely. But I worry 'bout what kids learn from TV. And before all of debatin' turns to angry<br />words and hate, sometimes we should just agree to disagree. And I believe that Jesus looks down here and sees us, and if you<br />ask him he would say<br /><br />(chorus)<br />I'm a man of my convictions. Call me wrong, call me right. But I bring my better angels to every fight. You may not like<br />where I'm going, but you sure know where I stand. Hate me if you want to, love me if you can.<br /><br />(chorus)<br />I'm a man of my convictions. Call me wrong, call me right. But I bring my better angels to every fight. You may not like<br />where I'm going, but you sure know where I stand. Hate me if you want to, love me if you can.<br /><br /><br /><br /></blockquote>"Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-87935088010897373712007-08-24T09:55:00.000-06:002007-08-24T09:56:09.880-06:00The Mayonnaise Jar And 2 Cups of CoffeeWhen things in your life seem <br />Almost too much to handle, <br />When 24 Hours in a day is not enough, <br />Remember the mayonnaise jar <br />And 2 cups of coffee. <br /><br />A professor stood before his philosophy class <br />And had some items in front of him. <br />When the class began, wordlessly, <br />He picked up a very large <br />And empty mayonnaise jar <br />And proceeded to fill it with golf balls. <br /><br />He then asked the students <br />If the jar was full. <br />They agreed that it was. <br /><br />The professor then picked up a box of pebbles <br />And poured them into the jar. <br /><br />He shook the jar lightly. <br />The pebbles rolled into the open <br />Areas between the golf balls. <br /><br />He then asked <br />The students again <br />If the jar was full.. <br />They agreed it was. <br /><br />The professor next picked up a box of sand <br />And poured it into the jar. <br />Of course, the sand filled up everything else. <br />He asked once more if the jar was full. <br /><br />The students responded <br />With an unanimous <br />"yes." <br /><br />The professor then produced <br />Two cups of coffee from under the table <br />And poured the entire contents <br />Into the jar, effectively filling the <br />Empty space between the sand. <br />The students laughed. <br /><br />"Now," said the professor, <br />As the laughter subsided, <br />"I want you to recognize that <br />This jar represents your life. <br />The golf balls are the important things - <br />Family, children, health, <br />Friends, and favorite passions -- <br />Things that if everything else was lost <br />And only they remained, <br />Your life would still be full. <br /><br />The pebbles are the other things that matter <br />Like your job, house, and car. <br /><br />The sand is everything else -- <br />The small stuff. <br /><br />"If you put the sand into the jar first," <br />He continued, <br />"there is no room for <br />The pebbles or the golf balls. <br />The same goes for life. <br /><br />If you spend all your time <br />And energy on the small stuff, <br />You will never have room for <br />The things that are <br />Important to you. <br /><br />So... <br /><br />Pay attention to the things <br />That are critical to your happiness. <br />Play With your children. <br />Take time to get medical checkups. <br />Take your partner out to dinner. <br />Play another 18. <br /><br />There will always be time <br />To clean the house <br />And fix the disposal. <br /><br />"Take care of the golf balls first -- <br />The things that really matter. <br />Set your priorities. <br />The rest is just sand." <br /><br />One of the students raised her hand <br />And inquired what the coffee represented. <br /><br />The professor smiled. <br />"I'm glad you asked". <br /><br />It just goes to show you that no matter how full <br />your life may <br />seem, <br />there's always room for <br />a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.""Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-61879134990855733632007-08-22T12:55:00.000-06:002007-08-22T12:56:32.308-06:00Mid Week Epistole -Leave the Stinker AloneLeave The Stinker Alone!<br /><br />A mother in Darlington, Maryland was returning home one Saturday afternoon when she noticed how quiet things were around her house. This was a rare occasion since she had eight children. As she walked up to the house and peeked through the screen door, she noticed five of her children sitting in a circle in the kitchen floor. They were huddled close together and staring intently at something in the middle of the circle.As she crept closer to them, she could not believer her eyes. Smack dab in the middle of the circle were five baby skunks. She screamed at the top of her voice, "Quick, children: RUN!<br /><br />"Each child grabbed a skunk and ran.<br /><br />Many times we are told in the Bible to flee from sin. We are to resist evil at all cost and even then the devil will flee from us. (James 4:7) and the very next verse then says to "come near to God and He will come near to you."<br /><br />If there is something in your life that is making you miserable and causing you grief and you know it is sinful, then leave it alone quickly. Maybe a good admonition would be, "if something stinks in your life, then leave the stinker alone." <br /><br />Loving Father, help us to see once again the way sin can enter our lives and make our pains unbearable. Only by continually finding the purity of Your love and grace can we know the pure joy of a life filled with the fragrance of heaven. In Christ's name. Amen This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week for another Mid-week Epistle."Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-82315602691608748982007-08-21T12:10:00.000-06:002007-08-21T12:14:59.893-06:00I RememberYesterday was 12 years since my mom's passing. It was a very hard day for me...And honestly, I was not sure I could even type the words without crying. Add in Kate's first day of school. She missed so much of my life. The first third of my life, she was trying to get it together, so she could actually be a mom. The second third she was my best friend, and the last third...I have had to live without her. <br /><br />I just can not seem to get passed all that she has missed. This week would also be my Grandma's birthday. She died almost 2 years ago. I just...Sometimes I feel so alone. I feel so jealous of Brian, because he has this great family who loves him. I have nobody...but him. Today, his mom called me because she wanted to see how I was doing. She wanted to make sure I was ok because she knew how hard this week was for me. Wanted to see what I was doing with the kids all at school. I can not be sure, but I think she might just be an angel sent for me."Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-21830105663768441422007-08-20T10:02:00.000-06:002007-08-20T10:13:56.781-06:00Letting GoToday was the first day of PreK for my youngest.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlMj6RSP7LHB_RLUgsblmUf0eHHYLB9rFHJ8WhoTyuUlFYheG6lVwuDNEXfDAfiMLHbMZ7BwAtMp-HSvYCtkVF3V2o5AELF4ueK6Lb8pY5LGWpY76WHyQVNbV0cbJt_Rehca6Pg/s1600-h/Park+and+First+Day+of+School+019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlMj6RSP7LHB_RLUgsblmUf0eHHYLB9rFHJ8WhoTyuUlFYheG6lVwuDNEXfDAfiMLHbMZ7BwAtMp-HSvYCtkVF3V2o5AELF4ueK6Lb8pY5LGWpY76WHyQVNbV0cbJt_Rehca6Pg/s320/Park+and+First+Day+of+School+019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5100814137219084882" /></a><br /><br />I am very proud of her. She was so excited about today. When we got to the school, I walked her to class. I held her hand while we waited for our turn to check in with the teacher. Then she took the teachers hand, and never looked back or even kissed me goodbye. <br /><br />I have to go buy her a cake today for her first day of school. Where has the time went? They just keep growing so quickly."Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9401353.post-50112688669970210852007-08-15T09:18:00.000-06:002007-08-15T09:19:49.172-06:00Mid Week Epistole Harmony Know how by Jim MasseyHarmony Know-How! <br /><br />A beautiful scripture is found in Romans 12:16: "Live in harmony with one another." Six simple words that can be filled will either difficulty or rapture. <br /><br />Being a musician most of my life, harmony is something that is exciting to the ears. The most common form of harmony comes in the form of notes that for a cord that is made up of intervals of a third. That is simple to do and pleasing to the ear. There are also other intervals that sound mellow or somber those are called "minor chords". And there are chords that are filled with dissonance that must be resolved to make it sound pleasing once again. <br /><br />There is one rule that is necessary though. It takes at least two to make harmony. You cannot do it by yourself. When two people begin making harmony, you find that one usually sings the lead and the harmony is placed as a second sound below it. That teaches me that there must always be someone who is willing to not be the lead in the music and in a way become a "second fiddle." <br /><br />Are you willing to do that in your life? What about your family? Are you willing not to be in the spot light, but share it to make something that is so harmonious that people will be amazed at the depth of your love and friendship for one another? That is what harmony means. <br /><br />What about your relationship to God? Are you willing to let Him sing the leading part in your life knowing that the harmony that comes in that music from heaven is also filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God. We have moved from harmony to a symphony that will make the gates of heaven ring. <br /><br />Lord, help us make the harmony of our lives be filled with the music that can only come from your Holy Grace. We ask this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Amen."Hope"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02486152859063369009noreply@blogger.com0