Anyway by Martina McBride

Anyway by Martina McBride

You can spend your whole life building
something from nothing
one storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway

You can chase a dream
that seems so out of reach
and you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway

God is great
But sometimes life ain't good
and when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway

This world's gone crazy
and it's hard to believe
that tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway

You can love someone with all your heart
for all the right reasons
and in a moment they can choose to walk away
love 'em anyway

God is great
But sometimes life ain't good
when I pray
it doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
Yeah I do it anyway yeah

You can pour your soul out singin'
a song you believe in
that tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway
Yeah sing it anyway
Yeah yeah

I sing
I dream
I love
Anyway.
Yeah.

The Hand of Faith -Mid Week Epistole by Jim Massey

The Hand of Faith

One of my favorite preachers was Peter Marshall. He once wrote about God's hand of faith: "God speaks sometimes through our circumstances and guides us, closing doors as well as opening them. He will let you know what you must do, and what you must be. He is waiting for you to touch Him. The hand of faith is enough."

To many people today, we feel that God is reaching down to us as He sends His Son to be born as a baby in a manger in Bethlehem. But yet, when you go to Bethlehem, even that sacred spot, has been filled with struggle and despair as war rages between neighbors. People are fighting and filled with anger. How do you think He could change Bethlehem today? Did He change it in the time when Jesus was born?

Strangely enough, even in Bethlehem and Jerusalem, or where you are or anywhere in the world, God is still waiting for us to take His hand. He will not force us to accept Him, but He continually offers His love in a special way. The greatest way is by giving us the freedom to choose His love or reject it.

What do you need in your life today? Isn't it truly the power of God in a new and wonderful way? Then, reach out and take His hand of faith.

Loving Father, come into our hearts today. Touch everything that causes us to not hear Your voice as it speaks to our hearts. Clear away the blindness of our eyes so we can see Your miracles and grace all around us. Come to us as fresh as the love of the baby in the manger. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week is New Year’s and the beginning of 2007. What are you planning to accomplish that is great for God in the coming year. Join me next week and we will share another word together.

Hark the Harold Angel's Sing

What Kind of Methodist would I be if I did not include this tune by Charles Wesley, brother and friday to his Brother John Wesley, Founder of the Methodist Faith. It is also one of my favorite Christmas Hymns.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Words By Charles Wesley, Music by Felix Mendelssohn

Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled."
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th' angelic host proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem."
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!

Christ, by highest heav'n adored:
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of the favored one.
Veil'd in flesh, the Godhead see;
Hail, th'incarnate Deity:
Pleased, as man, with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!

Hail! the heav'n-born Prince of peace!
Hail! the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
Risen with healing in his wings
Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die:
Born to raise the sone of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!

The First Noel

The First Noel.

The first Noel, the angel did say,
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the the East, beyond them far;
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

And by the light of that same star,
Three wise men came from country far;
To seek for a King was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

This star drew night to the northwest,
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest;
And there it did both stop and stay,
Right over the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

Then entered in those wise men three,
Full reverently upon their knee;
And offered there in his presence,
Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

How Do You Answer the Question? by Jim Massey

How Do You Answer the Question?

One of the most familiar phrases this time of year is "How Long?" We ask the sales clerk, "How long before that present will be wrapped?", or "How long before you get the next shipment in so I can buy this present for my child?" And you can even hear children saying, "How long before we can open the presents?", or "How long before we can go to a movie and have our friends come and visit?" No matter where we go, the question seems to follow us everywhere, "How long?"

This is not a seasonal question that has been developed for this time of year. Other questions have been asked that are even more profound: "How long must we suffer?", "How long must we wait for the Lord?"

In Hebrews the apostle Paul offers an answer: "For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him." It is not a question of "how long?", but of our desire to be faithful to the Lord no matter when He chooses as His coming. Paul continues: "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." (Hebrews 10:37-39)

Holy Father, come into our hearts this day and find the true desire that is hidden there. Let us be willing to go to the world continually and tell the Good News of the One who is coming in the form of a tiny child. Let the strength of this faith grow in our lives this day. In the blessed name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week is Christmas and we pray that your family has a wonderful celebration of the birth of God’s Son. If your family is apart, know that God links them together in a special way and if you recognize that, your family will truly be blessed this year.

Join me next week when we share the blessing of the hand of God.

The Telephone Music Box

When I was a pre-teen I collected Music Boxes. They got lost in one of our moves...the same move that we did not get any of our stuff and the moving company kept it, when my mom couldnt pay them. That move also lost my Great Grandmothers Hutch. It was a bueatiful peace of furniture.

Anyway...The music box. It was a gift from my Stepdad. He got it for me because I used to talk so much on the phone...so for Christmas that year...he got me a telephone I so desperatly wanted. Only it was only a music real phone, just a music box. I loved that music box. It was a prized posession, and at that age I did not have many. But that music box was so special to me. Maybe because it came from my stepdad. He was more like a dad then my own dad had ever been. But more because it was a gift that showed, He knew who I was. He appreciated who I was.

I dont know why today of all days, I got to thinking about it. The only thing I collect these days is nativity sets and that is a rather new collection. I was always afraid in amove it would all get left behind again.

I hope they are not what gets lost in the next move.

Christmas is Coming

Johnna sang this in a Christmas program in 6th grade when we lived in Mechanicsburg PA. She went to school in Shermanstown...and this was one of thier songs from thier Christmas Program.

Tonight is my children's Christmas Program...we may not make it as they are both really coughing bad and Brianna got sent home from school. But I have been thinking about this song all day...it is an adaption from a nursery rhyme.

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat
Please to put a penny in the old man's hat
If you haven't got a penny, a ha'penny will do
If you haven't got a ha'penny then God bless you!

7 Year Olds and Things that Hurt

Yesterday, My son turned 7. And it has been a week at school. The thing I will remember about this place when I look behind it and run as fast as I can the other way is how only 2 children from the 35, He invited showed up. This is the most awful place ever. I am really disappointed in what I have found in people here. They have this way of being so rude, while being so nice about it.

There has not been much good about our life here, and I will not regret looking the other way and moving as fast as I can the opposite way as soon as I get the chance.

O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

Refrain

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.

Refrain

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.

Refrain

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Refrain

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

Refrain

O come, O come, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.

Refrain

O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree,
An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on Thy mercy call.

Refrain

O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.

Refrain

Hallelujah Chorus (From Messiah)

In college the Hood Choirs and the USNA combined choirs sing the Messiah. I miss that time. It was an amazing experiance. I can not think of Christmastime without thinking back to that time.

To sing that piece of music in the USNA chapel...it is truely amazing. To be part of the music with a live orchestra and full choir with soloist added to it. Truely amazing.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth
The Kingdom of this world is become the Kingdom of the Lord
And of His Christ and He shall reign forever and ever
King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He shall reign forever and ever
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Mom's Letter To Santa

Dear Santa,

I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned, and cuddled my two children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor, sold 62 cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground, and figured out how to attach nine patches onto my daughter's Girl Scout sash with staples and a glue gun.

I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.

Here are my Christmas wishes:

I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache after a day of chasing kids (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to carry a screaming toddler out of the candy aisle in the grocery store. I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.

If you're hauling big ticket items this year, I'd like a car with fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

On the practical side, I could use a talking daughter doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with one potty-trained toddler, two kids who don't fight, and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting, "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

And please don't forget the Playdoh Travel Pack, the stocking stuffer this year for mothers of preschoolers. It comes in three fluorescent colors and is guaranteed to crumble on any carpet making the In-laws' house seem just like mine.

If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family; or if my toddler didn't look so cute sneaking downstairs to eat contraband ice cream in his pajamas at midnight.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the chimney and come in and dry off by the fire so you don't catch cold.

Help yourself to cookies on the table, but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Yours Always,

Mom

Prayers for Sen Johnson

Many prayers are going up for Sen Tim Johnson of South Dakota.

There is no partisian politics here. I feel so bad for this man's wife and children and young grandchildren. May God hold them in His mighty Hand. Hopefully, Sen Johnson will have a very speedy recovery.

My name is Christmas Carol

I love this song... So I am making it the Christmas song of the day... If you click HERE you can hear it.

I was playing Santa Clause downtown on Christmas Eve,

when a little girl of 3 or 4 climbed up onto my knee,

I could tell she had a Christmas wish behind those eyes of blue,

so I ask her what's your name and what can Santa do for you?



She said my name is Christmas Carol, I was born on Christmas Day.

I don't know who my daddy is and mommy's gone away.

All I want for Christmas is someone to take me home!

Does anybody want a Christmas Carol of their own?



Well all that I could say was Santa would do the best he could.

Then I sat her down and told her now remember to be to be good.

She said "I will" then walked away, turned to wave good-bye.

And I'm glad she wasn't close enough to see Ole Santa cry!



She said my name is Christmas Carol, I was born on Christmas Day.

I don't know who my daddy is and mommy's gone away.

All I want for Christmas is someone to take me home!

Does anybody want a Christmas Carol of their own?



Early Christmas morning I got up and dialed the phone.

I made a few arrangements at the County Children's home.

They told me it would be alright to pick her up today.

Now my little Christmas Carol won't ever have to say,



She said my name is Christmas Carol, I was born on Christmas Day.

I don't know who my daddy is and mommy's gone away.

All I want for Christmas is someone to take me home!

Does anybody want a Christmas Carol of their own?


WELL MERRY CHRISTMAS CAROL,

I LOVE YOU, WELCOME HOME

Carol of the Bells

Carol of the Bells

Hark how the bells,
sweet silver bells,
all seem to say,
throw cares away

Christmas is here,
bringing good cheer,
to young and old,
meek and the bold,

Ding dong ding dong
that is their song
with joyful ring
all caroling

One seems to hear
words of good cheer
from everywhere
filling the air

Oh how they pound,
raising the sound,
o'er hill and dale,
telling their tale,

Gaily they ring
while people sing
songs of good cheer,
Christmas is here,

Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas,
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas,
On on they send,
on without end,
their joyful tone
to every home
Dong Ding dong ding... dong! Bong!

Rich Is What You Have Beside You -Mid Week Epistole by Jim Massey

Rich Is What You Have Beside You

The story is told about four young American soldiers who had been on the front lines of battle for some time in World War II. They were sent back away from the fighting to a small French village for a little R & R. When they arrived safely in the village, they suddenly realized that it was Christmas Eve and they began to discuss how they would like to spend Christmas. They had passed an orphanage on the way into town and they decided they would like to be with the children on this special day. So they went out and bought all kinds of toys and candy and clothing, food and books and games, and early the next morning, they showed up at the front door of the orphanage with wonderful Christmas presents for all the children.

The orphanage director was pleased and all the children were delighted as they opened their gifts. All the children that is, except for one little girl who stood quietly off to the side. She appeared to be 5 or 6 years old and her face looked so very sad. One of the American soldiers noticed that she was not participating, and he asked the orphanage director about the little girl. “O, bless her heart,” said the director, “We just got her last week. Both of her parents were killed in a car wreck. There was no one to take her in, so we brought her here.”

The soldier went over to the little girl and gently said to her, “Its Christmas morning and we have wonderful Christmas presents here: toys, clothes, candy, food, books, and puzzles. Which would you like? What do you want most for Christmas?” And the little girl said, “I want somebody to hold me.”

God understood that need then just as He does now. He cares so much that He sent His Son Jesus to be in the manger so He could hold us in His loving care today and forever. All we need to do is come to the manger and look into the loving eyes of God and we will know that He has held our hearts in a special way.

Holy Father, as we near the manger today we hesitate to look inside because we might feel unworthy of your Holy love. We might feel the need to explain the pain and sadness in our hearts and do not want you to see the tears that are welling up inside. It is when we take the first step that we begin the journey to free our souls from the pains of the past. It is at the manger and at the foot of the cross that we finally understand the depth of Your Holy Grace. Bid us come to You, O God, and we will know peace. In the blessed name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me again next week as we draw closer to the birth of Jesus.

Abu Ghraib/60 Mins & How MUCH I HATE THE MEDIA

My hometown gets on national TV and it is so terrible... Not that any of the Abu Ghraib stuff has been good for Cumberland. it is kind of funny in a sad way..Jack Abromoff goes to jail in cumberland and the abu Ghraib scandel is centered around a military police unit from the area. Always bad stuff.

The VFW person... a childhood friend. I have known Colin since ....well i was born. They lived across the street one house up. Colin is a good guy. He is not the evil SOB 60 mins makes him out to be. And Cumberland is not the Evil place full of hateful rednecks they make it out to be. Why does the media do this? I have more thoughts on this..but I am wondering if anyone else watched this.

Is the media really making it seem so terrible..or am i over sensitive because these are people I know and care about and a hometown I love? They make the people there seem like they are gonna blow the guys head off because they do not agree with the way he went about doing things...argh.

Click Here and

Mary Did you Know

MARK LOWRY | Mary Did You Know

Mary did you know that your baby boy would some day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when your kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

Oh Mary did you know---

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb---.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great--I--- AM---.

Moby's Small Town Soap Box--THE SANDS OF CHRISTMAS

I was fixing my kids lunches this morning, as I listened to the radio. The channel listen to plays Moby in the Morning...and well..His small town soap box just really got to me this morning. I wanted to share it here too..
http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/soapbox.cfm

THE SANDS OF CHRISTMAS

I had no Christmas spirit when I breathed a weary sigh;
And looked across the table where the bills were piled too high.
The laundry wasn't finished and the car I had to fix;
My stocks were down another point, the Chargers lost by six.



And so with only minutes till my son got home from school;
I gave up on the drudgery and grabbed a wooden stool.
The burdens that I carried were about all I could take;
And so I flipped the TV on to catch a little break.



I came upon a desert scene in shades of tan and rust;
No snowflakes hung upon the wind, just clouds of swirling dust.
And where the reindeer should have stood before a laden sleigh;
Eight Humvees ran a column right behind an M1A.



A group of boys walked past the tank, not one was past his teens;
Their eyes were hard as polished flint, their faces drawn and lean.
They walked the street in armor with their rifles shouldered tight;
Their dearest wish for Christmas, just to have a silent night.



Other soldiers gathered, hunkered down against the wind;
To share a scrap of mail and dreams of going home again.
There wasn't much at all to put their lonely hearts at ease;
They had no Christmas turkey, just a pack of MRE's.



They didn't have a garland or a stocking I could see;
They didn't need an ornament--they had no Christmas tree.
They didn't have a present even though it was tradition;
The only boxes I could see were labeled "ammunition."



I felt a little tug and found my son now by my side;
He asked what it was I feared, why it was I cried.
I swept him up into my arms and held him oh so near;
And kissed him on his forehead as I whispered in his ear.



There's nothing wrong my little son, for safe we sleep tonight;
Our heros stand on foreign land to give us all that right.
To worry on the things in life that mean nothing at all;
Instead of wondering if we will be the next to fall.



He looked at me as children do and said it's always right;
To thank the ones who help us and perhaps that we should write.
And so we pushed aside the bills and sat to draft a note;
To thank the many far from home, and this is what we wrote.



GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND KEEP YOU SAFE, AND SPEED YOUR WAY BACK HOME; REMEMBER THAT WE LOVE YOU SO, AND THAT YOU'RE NOT ALONE.

THE GIFT YOU GIVE YOU SHARE WITH ALL, A PRESENT EVERY DAY;
YOU GIVE THE GIFT OF LIBERTY AND THAT WE CAN'T REPAY.

The Friendly Beasts

A few years back, the kids sang this song for Christmas in front of the church. Such a wonderful song to mark the season.

The Friendly Beasts

Jesus our brother, kind and good
Was humbly born in a stable rude
And the friendly beasts around Him stood
Jesus our brother, kind and good.

"I," said the donkey, shaggy and brown,
"I carried His mother up hill and down;
I carried her safely to Bethlehem town."
"I," said the donkey, shaggy and brown.

"I," said the cow, all white and red
"I gave Him my manger for a bed;
I gave Him my hay to pillow His head."
"I," said the cow, all white and red.

"I," said the sheep with curly horn,
"I gave Him my wool for His blanket warm;
He wore my coat on Christmas morn."
"I," said the sheep with curly horn.

"I," said the dove from the rafters high,
"Cooed Him to sleep that He should not cry;
We cooed Him to sleep, my mate and I."
"I," said the dove from the rafters high.

"I," said the camel, yellow and black,
"Over the desert, upon my back,
I brought Him a gift in the Wise Men's pack."
"I," said the camel, yellow and black.

Thus every beast by some good spell
In the stable dark was glad to tell
Of the gift he gave Emmanuel,
The gift he gave Emmanuel.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Brian has to sing this song tomorrow at his regional meeting. All new GM's for this region have to sing it. So, I thought I would post it tonight.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me:
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings!
Four calling birds,
Three french hens,
Two turtle doves,
and a partridge in a pear tree.

Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer

Another one that is being sung a lot in my house. The kid's Christmas Program at school is on Dec 18th. Tonight is Pizza party for football team. A week from tomorrow is church sunday school class party, Birthday party next saturday night. Christmas dinner for work is on the 22nd. Dinner with inlaws for holidays is tomorrow after church. Can this month get busier?

Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
had a very shiny nose.
And if you ever saw him,
you would even say it glows.

All of the other reindeer
used to laugh and call him names.
They never let poor Rudolph
join in any reindeer games.

Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say:
"Rudolph with your nose so bright,
won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"

Then all the reindeer loved him
as they shouted out with glee,
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer,
you'll go down in history!

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Brianna can not stop singing this song...she knows all the words too. So for her...today..

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year.
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!

Now bring us some figgy pudding
Now bring us figgy pudding
Now bring us figgy pudding
And a cup of good cheer!
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!

We won't go until we get some
We won't go until we get some
We won't go until we get some
So bring it out here!
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!

We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year.
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!

Let Love Multiply

A Forward to share.... Although we can't have more babies...this always makes me cry and wish for just a minute that we could have one more...

I'd like to be pregnant just once more. I'd like to see a plus sign on a pregnancy test and do a dance of joy on the bathroom floor. I'd like to tell my husband, "We did it," and see the joy on his face. I'd like to walk with my secret in those early months, a proud grin on my mouth, inexplicable to those who do not know. I'd like to take prenatal vitamins every day. Just once more, I'd like to feel my clothes grow tighter and let that make me smile. I'd like to tell my daughter there's a tiny baby in my tummy, a brother or a sister for us to love. I'd like to see her eyes grow wide and her heart full with happiness that I know will turn to envy. I'd like to worry about how she will adjust to her mommy caring for another child. Just once more, I'd like to feel this family grow.

Just once more, I'd like to watch my body swell. I'd like to look at myself in the mirror and rub cocoa butter on my hips and my breasts. I'd like to take warm naps when the sleepiness comes. I'd like to take loving care of myself. Just once more, I'd like to make passersby smile at my enormous middle, and cause strangers to open doors and carry groceries for me. I'd like to feel the envy of the women in my life, those who will give advice and remember, for a moment, what it feels like to carry life inside of you. Just once more, I'd like to wear that womanly sacredness.

Just once more, I'd like to feel the movement inside me, and try to guess which body part is pressing on my ribs. I'd like to feel the gentle nudge of a baby's hiccups in my guts. I'd like to take my daughter's hand, and place it precisely on my skin, where it ripples and undulates. I'd like to peer over my stomach to find my toes,and watch my belly button turn inside out. Just once more, I'd like someone to be a part of me walking.

Just once more, I'd like to go to sleep at night, too big to be comfortable. I'd like to wonder if I will sleep through the night, or if labor will come before tomorrow. I'd like to feel the first contraction and get out the stopwatch. Just once more, I'd like to ride the waves of contractions, howling. I'd like to marvel at the strength of my body. Just once more, I'd like to squeeze my husband's hands when it hurts, and have them massage my back when it subsides. I'd like to breathe those funny breaths and hum that strange, guttural tone. Just once more I'd like to bring forth a child, slippery and wet from the depths of my body. I'd like to feel God move through me.

Just once more, I would like to undress a newborn child and count the toes and fingers. I would like to see my husband's eyes looking back at me from the face in my arms. I'd like to look for birthmarks, and place my finger in a tiny powerful fist. I'd like to turn names over in my mind, listening to the sound of them with our family names, and see if they match the new face in my arms. Just once more, I'd like to see a soul with a new body and a new name.

Just once more, I'd like to hold a child at my breast and feel the milk let down, ready to nourish and comfort.I'd like to feel my breasts heavy and uncomfortable, so full the milk squirts out when I take a warm shower. I'd like to hold that child to my chest and rock and sing. I'd like, just once more, to feel my shirt wet, warm and sticky from milk too ready to pour. Just once more, I would like to be more animal than human, connected to all the living mothers in fur or in skin.

Just once more, I'd like to fold tiny clothes, change tiny diapers. I'd like to help my daughter hold this new baby for the first time. I'd like to see my husband sway an infant in his massive arms. I'd like to fill the house with baby things: blankets and toys, a swing and a bassinet. I'd like to feel the relief of getting a child to sleep, finally, and the tension of checking for breath throughout the night. I'd like to wish again for just one uninterrupted night of sleep. Just once more, I'd like to live when the days and nights are no longer marked by light and darkness, but full and empty stomachs.

Just once more, I'd like to host the visitors, the well-wishers, the gift-bringers. I'd like to hold my newest child up proudly for viewing. I'd like to see my mother cry at the miracle of this new life. I'd like to hand the baby to my husband so that I could hold and cradle my daughter. I'd like to tell her about the time that she was as small and needy as her new sibling, and how we tended her as gently.

Just once more, I'd like to let love multiply.

Praise God. Kristin is out of ICU

They moved her to a regular room. She has had both tubes removed from her chest now...and is on oral pain medications. They took the epidural out so that she could go to oral meds. It is still really serious...but...she is out of ICU. This is really something to be thankful for this holiday season.

She is still in a lot of pain...and my dad keeps saying she is a trooper...which equates to this is how he is dealing with her pain. She is having a lot of problems adjusting to the oral meds...so she still needs prayers. But please...Keep her in your prayers this holiday season.

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay;
Remember Christ, our Saviour,
Was born on Christmas day,
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

In Bethlehem, in Jewry,
This blessed Babe was born,
And laid within a manger,
Upon this blessed morn;
That which His Mother Mary,
Did nothing take in scorn.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

From God our Heavenly Father,
A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

"Fear not," then said the Angel,
"let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Saviour
Of pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan's power and might."
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

The shepherds at those tidings
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding,
In tempest, storm, and wind:
And went to Bethlehem straightway,
The Son of God to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

And when they came to Bethlehem
Where our dear Saviour lay,
They found Him in a manger,
Where oxen feed on hay;
His Mother Mary kneeling down,
Unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
Nahum Tate(1652-1715), ca. 1700

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.
"Fear not," said he, for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind,
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind."

"To you, in David's town this day,
Is born of David's line
The Savior who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign:
The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid."

Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God and thus
Addressed their joyful song:
"All glory be to God on high
And on the earth be peace,
Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease."

THE LEGACIES OF LIFE

THE LEGACIES OF LIFE
Have you ever wondered what you will leave behind in this world as a legacy? Maybe it will be your good name and fortune. Or perhaps it will be simply your old bowling trophies and butterfly collection. While others feel that they will leave very little.
I once read that every day 20 pounds of chewing gum is deposited on the bottoms of 6200 seats at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. That made me wonder how many pounds of gum and trash is deposited in the stadium after a professional ball game?
What do we really want to leave behind us for future generations as a witness? Happiness would be one of the first things that many would mention. Everyone has the power to make others happy.
Or perhaps we would say we need to leave a legacy of love, something that will serve as inspiration for individuals to gain new heights of achievement, new goals, or even new insights in their walk of life.
But wouldn’t the greatest legacy be in sometime in the future an individual stood up and gave a testimony that began: “Many years ago a dear friend of mine brought me to Christ and that encounter has changed my life forever.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful if they said that individual was you?
You and I were created to leave behind the positive and lasting influences in the lives of people -- not problems and chewing gum for others to scrape off.

Lord God we praise you for the legacy of faith that your disciples have left in the past and we ask you to strengthen our faithfulness to prepare for the future. All of these are blessings that come from loving You. In Your name we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. We are entering the season of the birth of Christ. Are you prepared in your heart and mind to encounter God in this special way? Join me next week as we prepare for the journey.

O Come, All Ye Faithful

Are We Faithful? Do we wait patiantly for the coming Christ still today? Do we Adore Him who First loved us? Come, let us together worship our King.

O Come, All Ye Faithful
Attributed to John Francis Wade(ca. 1711-1786)

O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye,
O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him
Born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ, the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens
of heaven above;
Glory to God,
Glory in the highest;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ, the Lord.

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
Jesus, to Thee be
all glory given;
Son of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ, the Lord.

Do You Hear What I Hear

Do You Hear What I Hear

Said the night wind to the little lamb,
do you see what I see
Way up in the sky, little lamb,
do you see what I see
A star, a star, dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
A song, a song, high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
do you know what I know
In your palace warm, mighty king,
do you know what I know
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold
Let us bring Him silver and gold
Let us bring Him silver and gold

Said the king to the people everywhere,
listen to what I say
Pray for peace, people everywhere!
listen to what I say
The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light

Nuttin' For Christmas

For my almost 7 year old... Please God, Let him out grow this stage quickly....

Nuttin' For Christmas
S. Tepper, R. Bennett (c) 1955

I broke my bat on Johnny's head;
Somebody snitched on me.
I hid a frog in sister's bed;
Somebody snitched on me.
I spilled some ink on Mommy's rug;
I made Tommy eat a bug;
Bought some gum with a penny slug;
Somebody snitched on me.

Oh, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
Mommy and Daddy are mad.
I'm getting nuttin' for Christmas
'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad.

I put a tack on teacher's chair
somebody snitched on me.
I tied a knot in Susie's hair
somebody snitched on me.
I did a dance on Mommy's plants
climbed a tree and tore my pants
Filled the sugar bowl with ants
somebody snitched on me.

So, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
Mommy and Daddy are mad.
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad.

I won't be seeing Santa Claus;
Somebody snitched on me.
He won't come visit me because
Somebody snitched on me.
Next year I'll be going straight;
Next year I'll be good, just wait
I'd start now, but it's too late;
Somebody snitched on me.

So you better be good whatever you do
'Cause if you're bad, I'm warning you,
You'll get nuttin' for Christmas.

Go, Tell It On The Mountain

Go, Tell It On The Mountain

While shepherds kept their watching
Over silent flocks by night,
Behold throughout the heavens,
There shone a holy light:
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.

The shepherds feared and trembled
When lo! above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed our Saviour's birth:
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.

Down in a lowly manger
Our humble Christ was born
And God send us salvation,
That blessed Christmas morn:
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.

When I am a seeker,
I seek both night and day;
I seek the Lord to help me,
And He shows me the way:
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.

He made me a watchman
Upon the city wall,
And if I am a Christian,
I am the least of all.
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.

Do You Hear What I Hear

Do You Hear What I Hear
Said the night wind to the little lamb,
do you see what I see
Way up in the sky, little lamb,
do you see what I see
A star, a star, dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
A song, a song, high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
do you know what I know
In your palace warm, mighty king,
do you know what I know
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold
Let us bring Him silver and gold
Let us bring Him silver and gold

Said the king to the people everywhere,
listen to what I say
Pray for peace, people everywhere!
listen to what I say
The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light

A Christmas Poem To Share

Twas the month before Christmas
When all through our land, Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
See the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.

The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a "Holiday".

Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.

As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.

So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say

Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!

I'll Be Home For Christmas -Song of the Day

I really miss Johnna and Sandy and thier families.

I'll Be Home For Christmas
Kim Gannon, Walter Kent (c) 1943

I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
and presents on the tree

Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

Mid Week Epistole -How to Strengthen Your Heart by Jim Massey

HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART!
I once read an article that described a major cause of heart disease among individuals today. It was not one of the familiar ones that we have heard so much about, but it was an emotion that dwells deep in the heart of many people. Here is a part of the article: “Hopelessness is hard on the heart, according to a four-year study of 942 middle-aged men who were asked to measure their feelings of hopelessness (defined as feeling like a failure or having an uncertain future). Those reporting high levels of hopelessness had a 20 percent greater incident of arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which often sets the stage for heart attacks.” (“Taking Care” Vol. 19 - Issue 12 Dec. 1997)
Hopelessness - can you imagine the chance of heart attack among the disciples at times as they were walking with Jesus and things were not going the way they wanted? Then the Master would calm their frazzled nerves and call them to look with their hearts in another direction - always to God, always to the Kingdom, always toward one another. That was His challenge to them. It was the only cure then and it is the only cure now for hopelessness.
The strength of the heart is the assurance of the Savior. He can walk the paths of this world and still see an answer to our despair. He still has compassion for all the people, and not just for the ones that are close and easy to see, but the ones that are outcast and quiet, standing along the road as the parade of churches and Christians go by, longing for relief from a heart that is breaking with hopelessness.
Will you offer the Christ to others? Will you relieve the pain and suffering that others feel when they are caught up in the sights and sounds of a troubled world by taking the time to pray, touch, and offer the great hope of God? I wonder if we would do this, if there would be fewer heart attacks in this world today?

Almighty God, just as you touched our lives, may we touch and calm the lives of others this day. We ask this in the blessed name of Jesus the Holy Christ. Amen.

O Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.


For Christ is born of Mary,
And gathered all above,
While mortlas sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King,
And peace to men on earth.


How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heav'n.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him, still
The dear Christ enters in.


O holy Child of Bethlehem!
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in,
Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Immanuel.

Prayer Request -- Kristin

My sister Kristin is having surgery early next week. She had a tumor on her wrist 2 years ago. And they removed it and eventually she regained the use of her right hand. Last years check up was fine, but this years was not.

She has several tumors on her lungs. She is being operated on to remove them and to test them. She is so young, just 23. Please, please keep her in your prayers. She is a wonderful, smart and beautiful young lady. Please, please keep her in your prayers.

We Need A Little Christmas

Check here for a Christmas song hopefully everyday until Christmas.

This is one of my favorites. When we were kids, Johnna sang this song in a Christmas Program at school when she was in 6th Grade. I love music....but I will never forget this song is associated with my little sister I love so much.

WE NEED A LITTLE
CHRISTMAS


Haul out the holly;
Put up the tree before
My spirit falls again.
Fill up the stockings,
I may be rushing things,
But deck the halls again now.
For we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute,
Candles in the window,
Carols at the spinet.
Yes, we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute.
It hasn't snowed a single flurry,
But Santa, dear, we're in a hurry;
So climb down the chimney;
Turn on the brightest string of lights
I've ever seen.
Slice up the fruitcake;
It's time we hung some tinsel
On that evergreen bough.
For I've grown a little leaner,
Grown a little colder,
Grown a little sadder,
Grown a little older,
And I need a little angel
Sitting on my shoulder,
Need a little Christmas now.

For we need a little music,
Need a little laughter,
Need a little singing
Ringing through the rafter,
And we need a little snappy
"Happy ever after"
Need a little Christmas now.
We need a little Christmas now!

© Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman

Some People Change

Montgomery Gentry is my favorite group. This is the lyrics to thier new song. I love this song. It is a really good song. Just wanted to share it here.

Some People Change by Montgomery Gentry (Michael Dulaney/Jason Sellers/Neil Thrasher)

1st Verse

His old man was a rebel yeller
Bad boy to the bone
He'd say, 'Can't trust that other feller'
He'd judge 'em by the tone of their skin

2nd Verse

He was raised to think like his Dad
Narrow mind full 'a hate
On the road to nowhere fast
'Til the grace of God got in the way

Pre Chorus

Then he saw the light and hit his knees
And cried and said a prayer
Rose up a brand new man
Left the old one right there

Chorus

(Some people change)
Here's to the strong
Thanks to the brave
Don't give up hope
Some people change
Against all odds
Against the grain
Love finds a way
Some people change (hey)
(Some people change)

3rd Verse

She was born with her mother's habit
You could say it's in her blood
She hates that she's gotta have it
As she fills her glass up

Pre Chorus

She'd love to kill that bottle
But all she can think about
Is a better life, a second chance
And everyone she's letting down
She throws that bottle down

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge

Thank God for those who make it
Let them be the light
Let them be the light

(Repeat Chorus)

Mid Week Epistole by Jim Massey

Assurance of Thanksgiving Dinner Count
As Thanksgiving approaches, I have heard many people saying that their children are coming. They are not sure if all of them will get here on time, but perhaps in the next day or two afterward if the are not busy.
I once read a unique way of being sure of the dinner count.
An elderly man in Phoenix calls his son in New York and says, "I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; 45 years of misery is enough."
"Pop, what are you talking about?" the son screams.
"We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the old man says. "We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her." Then he hangs up.
Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. "Like heck they're getting divorced," she shouts, "I'll take care of this." She calls Phoenix immediately, and screams at the old man, "You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?"
The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. "Okay," he says, "They're coming for Thanksgiving and paying their own fares."
I am glad that God does not offer such an invitation to His dinners aren't you. He said, "Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." It is truly in the promise of the heavenly banquet that the price is paid by God and the invitation sealed by the death of His Son. What a Thanksgiving celebration that is.

Father, as our families and friends gather this Thanksgiving Day, let us truly offer thanks for the saving grace that comes from knowing Your Son Jesus Christ. It is in the Scriptures that we feast and celebrate the love that offers happiness to all. Let us be sure that the first thanks that we give as our families gather is the one that is for Your Holy Salvation Love. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. May you truly be blessed this Thanksgiving and join me next week for another Mid-week Epistle.

THE OPENED MOUTH - Mid Week Epistole by Jim Massey

THE OPENED MOUTH

Do you have trouble opening your mouth at the wrong time? Have you ever been in a conversation and before you know it you have volunteered to do something or take on some responsibility after you had promised you wouldn’t?

Then listen to the fable of the frog who wanted to go South with geese.

One morning the geese were discussing the wonderful southern climate and the fall migration. A frog became obsessed with wanting to go after listening to the wonderful images that were presented. Now the geese liked him and wanted him to join them, but his abilities as a frog simply didn’t include flying. So, they put the burden on him by saying, “If you can figure out a way to go, we’d be delighted to have you go down there with us.”

The frog put on his thinking cap and eventually came up with a plan. He talked two of the large birds into holding a stick between them in their bills. He clamped his mouth on the middle of the stick and they took off. It worked!

They began flying south, and they were doing great; but several other geese flew by and one observed, “My, isn’t that a clever idea? I wonder whose idea it was?” And with that, the frog told them -- and landed in the ocean.

Does that remind you of the words of Job: “Though I am innocent, my own mouth would condemn me.” (Job 9:20).

This should also serve as words of warning to those who try to fly higher than they should, they could croak.

Eternal God, the words that come from our mouths at times may give us a false sense of security. Remind us of the words of another prayer: “Let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer.” Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week we will see if we can find creative ways to be sure of our Thanksgiving company.

Mona Lisa Smile

Last night, I could not sleep and lay in bed watching this movie. A million thoughts were going through my head.

I did NOT go to Wellsley, But I did go to an all womens college...rooted deep in the history of the education of women. My choice school was a small all Women's college in Maryland. Our brother school was the United States Naval Academy. College was one of the happiest times of my life, but I look back now and see that it was not about just getting an education.

That movie showed traditions as though they were a bad thing. And yes, many of those traditions held women back. But they were what I sought comfort in while a student. I was not like many of my classmates. They were the daughters of privilage, and I was one of 4 students in the whole school with as much finacial need as I got. I earned that help and the right to go thier through academic and community achievements. But still, I knew I did not belong among the rest. And yet, the chance to partake in those traditions...It was a dream come true.

It was so hard, and yet, I still feel like I squandered away this gift I was given. I often refer to these types of schools as "pressure cooker's". Because there is drive to be perfect. To compete against the brightest and to always succeed. You will be a success if you can get through. Drop out and Fail out rates sky rocket. I have friends who failed out of this school and went on to have 4.0 at state universities. But with a class size norm of 10, every class is discussion. Every test is an essay. Every paper is read and reread. They are preparing leaders.

When I was young, one of my favorite quotes was "Lead, Follow or Get out of the Way." That was my life. I was destined for greatness, to overcome all that I had failed to have. I was the one who was going to have it better. I was going to buy my mom a house; so, she never had to work again. She had worked so hard her whole life to provide. And I wanted to give her that. What I wanted, and what she wanted for me were different things. But I never let on that they were so different. Maybe I should of told her. Maybe I should of told her that was not my dream. And yet, that is where I was suppose to be. Would I have gotten more out of it? Would it have been less of a pressure cooker?

When she died, Law School... it was a dream I had been fighting forever. She wanted me to make money...so first I chosen enviromental law....then..I switched majors from biochemistry to history with a sociology minor and wanted to choose family law. She worked 3 jobs, the idea of making money and being successful...I was suppose to save everyone. To bring it back to my community...to them. And I failed in that way, because it was not my dream.

I wanted to be a senator, and this school was the way to get to that dream. But I can hear her words too, "You are too honest to be a politician." I met such powerful people through getting that chance to go there. I remember the first field trip into Washington DC. You should of seen me. I was alive talking about it a month later at Thanksgiving. I sparkled. My mom's "bosses" and friends said, it made me alive. By the time I was a senior and sat in a Senators office and watched him sell out the people from his state by agreeing to vote against an issue he ran on that would be good for the state...I had lost my sparkle. The illusion of wealth and power had become a bit less shiney.

Maybe by then I had just realized, I did not belong. That I was still standing at the window looking in. I did what I was suppose to...only the men I picked... While they would one day be very successful, were like me. The ones looking in. Make no mistake, I dated too the ones who were on the inside, but I never found enough in commen with them to have a lasting relationship. Every Hood Girl Dates a middie, my longest relationship was with a son of migrant workers from Mexico.

And yet, I look back and wonder now what I could have done different. I had this one professor who influenced me so much. My senior year, he said, that I had lost that light. When I had him as a freshman, I remember the light. The day I laid into an african-american student who was going to sit there and tell me about growing up "poor" when her father made over a million dollars a year. My tution was more in a year, then my mother made working 3 jobs. By my senior year, I had lost that "light"...and the desire to go to law school...to do anything that would make me a success.

I love being a mom, I do. But part of me always remembers I was marked for greatness. I often wonder what it is that is missing. There is a shame associated with that failure to succeed. To be one of the few given a chance to overcome, and to be....well, Just a mom. I guess, I just feel like I let so many people down. Even that professor who time after time, had marked me for greatness as well.

Was it ever my dream? Did I fail to reach my dream, or Did I just fail to reach everyone elses for me?

Life

This year has just been so long. A year ago, I had pretty much returned from My grandma's funeral. I am in this funk lately and cant seem to break out of it. Dorkboy is going out of town today for work. One more "wonderful" thing to add to life right now. blah blah blah and a bit more blah.

I really miss my family. I want to go home so bad. I am so tired. So tired. Brian's folks come back this weekend coming up. The "boy" has his championship football game this weekend. They lost last weekend..so they play the 2nd best team in the "toy bowl" from the other town. "the oldest girl" is all caught back up in school now...well almost. I just want a vacation from life...or at least for Brian to get a job back in my hometown so we can go home. I just want my family. I want to be surrounded by them, and drove crazy by them, and want them interfearing in my life...and me in thiers. I want to be able to see them with my own eyes, hold them in my arms and hug them and smother them with love until they beg for me to stop.

I want my children to have what I feel like they are missing out on...and mostly...i want to leave this town. Our life has been one nightmare after another since we got here. I just want Brian to come home saftely at the end of the week...everything else...we will go from there.

What Child Is This?

The other day in Wally World I heard my favorite Christmas Hymn. I wondered, boy...it is awful early. But ...is ever too early to celebrate the expectation of the Light? That is what Christmas is about to me...expecting the Light.

I wish it could be Christmas everyday...and it can be. If you and I make it so. If everyday, we wait and expect the Light of Jesus Christ to come into our lives and prepare a space for Him in our hearts. A manager for the tiny baby, and an opening for the man who died on the cross on a hill to save us from ourselves.

Last year, we sang this song for choir...this song about is this the Child who would bear the nails for me? Is this the tiny Child who would carry away my sin? How can such a small Child bear all the weight of the world? Every day, I have to ask...What Child is this?

What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

A time for Everything

A further study in not needing to always understand God's plan. For everything there is a reason, it is not our reason to understand at that moment.


Ecclesiastes 3
A Time for Everything
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

9 What does the worker gain from his toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.

15 Whatever is has already been,
and what will be has been before;
and God will call the past to account. [a]

16 And I saw something else under the sun:
In the place of judgment—wickedness was there,
in the place of justice—wickedness was there.

17 I thought in my heart,
"God will bring to judgment
both the righteous and the wicked,
for there will be a time for every activity,
a time for every deed."

18 I also thought, "As for men, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals. 19 Man's fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath [b] ; man has no advantage over the animal. Everything is meaningless. 20 All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. 21 Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and if the spirit of the animal [c] goes down into the earth?"

22 So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?

The Road Less Traveled

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference

...Robert Frost

Kenny Rogers - Buy Me A Rose Lyrics

Kenny Rogers - Buy Me A Rose Lyrics

Lyrics:

He works hard to give her all he thinks she wants
A three car garage, her own credit cards
He pulls in late to wake her up with a kiss good night
If he could only read her mind, she'd say:

Buy me a rose, call me from work
Open a door for me, what would it hurt
Show me you love me by the look in your eyes
These are the little things I need the most in my life

Now the days have grown to years of feeling all alone
And she can't help but wonder what she's doing wrong
Cause lately she'd try anything to turn his head
Would it make a difference if she said:

Buy me a rose, call me from work
Open a door for me, what would it hurt
Show me you love me by the look in your eyes
These are the little things I need the most in my life

And the more that he lives the less that he tries
To show her the love that he hold inside
And the more that she gives the more that he sees
This is a story of you and me

So I bought you a rose on the way home from work
Opened the door to a heart that I hurt
And I hope you notice this look in my eyes
Cause I'm gonna make things right
I'm gonna hold you tonight
Do all those little things
For the rest of your life.

Believing God -God is Always With Us

Many times in life, We struggle to believe God. Not believing in God, but rather...believing God will do what He said. One of the things we talked about yesterday in sunday school, was the rollar coaster ride of Christianity. The ups and downs of faiths. The riding high one minute and finding peace the next. And how when we believe God, then we will ride at a semi-normal speed minus the humps of faith. Because believing in God, means having the peace to know that He will do what He says.

When God's word tells us, Genesis 28:15 “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” God is telling us, we are His. He will not dessert us. He will not leave us. He will not forsake us. God is with us through all things. There are many words that tell us of this comfort. That God will not leave us, even when we feel most without God. Isaiah 41:10 “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed; for I am Your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Believing God means we trust that He is there.

In is easy for us though to forget, God's ever hand in our lives...when we pray..we pray for thy will for our lives. But when we get God's answers, we do not always like them. They are not the answer we want...or even what we prayed for. That does not mean God did not hear our prayer, or even that He was not there. It only means that we did not like the answer. Matthew 6:10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. When we pray for God's will in our lives, Why do we let the world get us up and down in faith, because we do not Believe God? Believing God means finding acceptance for all of God's answers. Not just the ones we like. Because if God is always with us, it means God answers prayers. It does not mean we will get the result we want, but rather...we will get the answer we need. But first, we must Believe God. And that is harder to do then just Believing in God.

Our Soldiers Need Our Prayers

Our Soldiers Need Our Prayers, not made fun of and cut on for political gain.

Sending up prayers for these troops and all of those who do what others dont and wont do. Protect everything that America Stands for!

Come Home soon!

Abortion and other acts of playing God

One of the things that strikes me is how many times today, man trys to make himself God. Has that changed through history? Yesterday I found myself in an IVF debate. I am extremely pro-life. I always take the stand for life. I am against abortion for all reasons, I am against the death penalty. I do not believe in euthenasia. ....but what about creating life? Should man take extreme measures to begin life and what is considered extreme? Isn't this the center of the Embryonic stem cell question?

There are many bueatiful children created by IVF. And I read someone's opinion yesterday that they would be fine with it if only one egg was fertalized and implanted..or the number fertelized were always the number planted at a time. frozen eggs they were ok with, frozen fertalized eggs, not so much. I take the opinion that even in this God has shown us himself. IT is this technology that will one day render abortion obsolete. But I can not stand and say that IVF is NOT playing God. I believe it is.

I found this quote...so I thought I would post it with all this.

"The greatest act of faith is when man decides he is not God."

Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Psalm 100:3

Wise Words

I read this today...and it seemed to apply to my life lately. I want so badly to go home. Home for me is not this bright spot, but rather...a place with a lot of painful memories. And yet, my heart yearns to return to what little comfort can be found there with my family. I miss them so much, but make no mistake...going home will hurt my heart. It will be hard, and a lot of memories will return. I would still be fighting the past, as well. And yet...

God's words are wise.

Don't Ask God for What You think is good; ask Him for what He thinks is good for you.

After this manner therefore pray ye... Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9,10.

Imitation and Christian life

This article was in my hometown paper. I just wanted to share it because I thought it was so good.

Imitation and Christian life

David Sandvick, Columnist

"That has to be the best costume out of the whole bunch and you should win a prize." That's what I told a girl at our church costume party.

Oh, there were plenty of other good ones to be sure. Some disguises included princesses, a mad scientist, a chicken, Supergirl, and even Troy Polamalu dressed as Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

All of them were fun, but one really stood out in the crowd to me. It was a "Mini-Me." That's right, this amazingly talented and gifted girl inspired us all by dressing as the person who most inspires her ... me. Or more specifically, Pastor David.

Dressed in a navy blue suit, customary white shirt, obligatory Mickey Mouse tie, and Christmas socks, she calmly asked what scripture I would like her to read this evening. She said this as she leafed through her Bible with glasses sitting down on the end of her nose. A lapel microphone attached to the Mickey tie completed the ensemble. It really was a "Mini-Me."

Many people might let a flattering thing like this go to their heads, but not me. I just appreciate it for what it is ... an extremely brilliant child honoring a fantastic role model in her life.

But, all kidding aside, imitation is what the Christian life is all about. The apostle Paul told his readers to imitate him as he was an imitator of Jesus Christ. The very word "Christian" means "little Christ." It means that we follow his example and incorporate his teachings in the daily routines of life. When people look at us, they should at least be catching a glimpse of Jesus and the life he lived. You can learn what Jesus taught and how he lived at a good church this Sunday.

As for "Mini-Me," thank goodness she didn't want to preach a sermon as me. That would have cleared the place out!

David Sandvick is the pastor of First English Baptist Church in Frostburg.

Dare to Be Drug Free

On Friday, my kids school is allowing students to wear halloween themed tshirts for drug free week. (yesterday it was bandanas, today it was sunglasses, tomorrow it is ...ok I forget tomorrow....thursday is red tshirts and friday is a halloween tshirt. My kids wear uniforms to school...and i have no problem with this...but what about the kids who may not own a halloween themed tshirt? They just do not get to wear anything special....I guess they could get thier free dress pass..which means they can wear jeans and a school tshirt...other then that you must wear the uniform. Our school has a lot of students whose parents are not well off--78% get free lunch and another 20-some % get reduced lunch. Let's face it...middle class parents have problems paying for all the "extra's".

On friday there is a carnival too. Parents buy tickets...and then thier kids use the tickets to buy food and play games. My youngest and I are going to go and join in..but I refuse to pay more then 20$ for my kids to eat and play games for that hour. I have already donated cokes (which the schooli s then gonna sell at the cost of 2 tickets or 50 cents per cup, candy for candy bags that every kid will get one of in the school, and I am baking two cakes...every kid gets a piece of cake....I do not thik they are charging for it...i could be wrong though.

It just strikes me as how unfair it is to the kids who may not be able to pay the 10$ to buy a spirit shirt...or to go out and buy halloween shirts that the kid will only wear probably 2 times. This friday and one day next week. by next year the kids grow out of them usually...well my kids fit from last year. But still. The school says the reasons they want the uniforms is because it takes away "class"...but by having these special days...does it really?

today was shades day...you wear shades to signify a stand against drugs. And i like the drug free type weeks. I actually think they are good things. But at the same time...I feel like some of the kids are being excluded...and most of them honestly...are the kids that need reached the most on the drug free type stuff. They are in situations that are more likely to actually see drugs. And I say that as that kid growing up. There just does not seem like a good solution.

Shalom

Shalom to you now, shalom my friend
May God’s full mercy bless you my friend
In all your living, and through your loving
Christ be your shalom, Christ be your shalom.

Every sunday we end our service with this song. During the service we have a greet your neighbor time, but it is called "the passing of the peace". It reminds me that peace is not found in this world, but in only God. That only God can offer us peace. Searching the world for peace is a useless attempt. Peace comes through knowing God.

Shalom means peace in Hebrew. When we talk about it, we are talking about that inner peace. God's peace that we carry within ourselves.

To each of those I love, I wish Shalom. It can be a greeting or a goodbye. But always peace, through God's love.

I wanna Go home

After 15 years being away from home, the thing I wish for more then anything is the chance to go home. Only there is no jobs there, nothing there but family. Can not go home if the funds are not there to substain the family.

I wonder sometimes, what God's plan is. I just do not understand His plan, but I know there is one. And that is good enough for me. If it is God's will for me to go home, one day I will. But it does not stop me from wishing...

Keeping Hope Alive- Mid Week Epistole by Rev. Jim Massey

KEEPING HOPE ALIVE
The story goes of a university where there was a piano teacher that was simply and affectionately known as "Herman." One night at a university concert, a distinguished piano player suddenly became ill while performing an extremely difficult piece. No sooner had the artist retired from the stage when Herman rose from his seat in the audience, walked on stage, sat down at the piano and with great mastery completed the performance.

Later that evening, at a party, one of the students asked Herman how he was able to perform such a demanding piece so beautifully without notice and with no rehearsal. He replied, "In 1939, when I was a budding young concert pianist, I was arrested and placed in a Nazi concentration camp. Putting it mildly, the future looked bleak. But I knew that in order to keep the flicker of hope alive that I might someday play again, I needed to practice every day. I began by fingering a piece from my repertoire on my bare board bed late one night. The next night I added a second piece and soon I was running through my entire repertoire. I did this every night for five years.

It so happens that the piece I played tonight at the concert hall was part of that repertoire. That constant practice is what kept my hope alive. Everyday I renewed my hope that I would one day be able to play my music again on a real piano, and in freedom."

Does this not remind us that the way we keep our faith alive and well is that we must continually practice? We do this when we are greeting our family of a morning when we get out of bed and go to work. We also do this at our work and school when we make the difficult decisions of each day. Do we work hard and show ourselves as laborers approved or do we simply get by?

A teacher once told me that the way a student begins learning to do his tasks as a child will have a direct effect on the way he acts as an adult. I can see some of the ways this could be true.

Now my question for you is, cannot this be true with a Christian as he relates daily to the God who is in the world around us? Maybe we need to practice more!

Holy Father, help us truly live for You today. When we greet one another help us see that we are greeting You as well. When we laugh with our friends, let it be something that we would truly be willing to share with Your Son. When we cry with another, let it be the tears similar to the ones shed in Gethsemane for the way the world lets sin walk among us. All these things we ask for Your grace to abide in this day. In the blessed name of Christ we pray. Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Join me next week for another Mid-week Epistle.

What is Faith?

Faith is the center of our belief, I think. Without faith, there is nothing. Look at Faith from the biblical point of view.

Matthew 6:
26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'

Matthew 8:
The Faith of the Centurion
5When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6"Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering."
7Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him."

8The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

10When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

13Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.

Luke 8
40Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.
As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years,[d] but no one could heal her. 44She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

45"Who touched me?" Jesus asked.
When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you."

46But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me."

47Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."


Mark 11
The Withered Fig Tree
20In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!"
22"Have[f] faith in God," Jesus answered. 23"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."


To believe so strongly, to know the word is truth. That is faith.

to me, part of walking the faith journey is about works. It is about doing the works not because they are required however. It is about doing them because they are something we do to serve the God who loved us enough to send us Christ. About a form of worship through acts. When Methodist join the church they promise to give of thier tithes, acts, and thier prayers....for the glory of God. Not because it is required, but because you do it out of a commitment to the one who first loved you. There is an old hymn titled Jesus, Lover of my Soul. It is a love relationship. do you serve those you love? do you care for them and help them and show them acts of love? So, why would you do it differently when you are talking about a relationship with the person who first loved you?

Faith is to know with such truth that just touching the robe of Christ will heal you. Faith is knowing that Christ is so powerful, that He does not need to lay hands on you...just say and it is so. Faith is knowing that what Christ said, without a doubt is true.

Likely Voters?

An interesting observation from a site I post on. I post (mostly read) on a Christian Evangelical site..and there is a poll there on "Are you going to vote"...85% said yes...and out of the 35 post that people responded to the poll...only one says they will vote Democrat. Most said they will either proudly vote Republican or Hold thier nose and vote Republican.

But it makes me wonder if Evangelicals are going to stay home the way Democrats are counting on them to do so.

No matter what polls say, Historically Republicans are better at getting thier base out to vote. I do not think polls give facts anyway. There is only one poll that counts...that is November. I think it will be interesting to see the response if the Democrats fail to take back even 1 house.

No doubt, Christians will again be blamed and blasted as being the evil of the United States. Some would think that you should tap a person on the shoulder and point out that you catch more flys with honey.

Exodus Decoded on History Channel

Last night we were watching the Exodus Decoded on the History channel..and the whole show is about how the exodus actually happened earlier then suspected by like 50 years and then the guy goes on to show archelogical evidence to support this claim.

One part of the show that struck me was...The Israelie slaves were the first to use an alphabetic writing. And so, they went to the slave mines to find writing of this type....to see where in the time period they found writing to prove it was during the time that the guy suspected...etc. etc. etc.. All that is not why I am posting this.

It is what was written there on that Cave/Mine. L was how they Called God. And What was written was "L. Save Me". I was struck by the thought... Is that not our prayer still today? "Lord, Save me" We cry out today just as our forefathers to our faith cried out. And God heard thier prayers by sending Moses. No matter what happens in our life, God will hear our prayers as well.

God's Will

Over and over I have asked myself, Why Monroe? When everything was falling apart last spring, I kept praying faithfully..."Thy Will. Thy Will for our family. Thy Will for our lives. Father, Always, Thy Will be done." And more then once the last few months I have asked, "Why Monroe?"

A lady in my old church told me one time about how hard it was to accept when things were for our good. We get so excited about helping others...but when it is for us...well, that is a little harder to accept.

Tonight, I was reading a devotional and one of the things that stuck out to me was that author of it was telling about how, they forgot to look at life. The story was of a women with her mother on a trip. And the mother, normally buried in a book in a long car trip, was anxiously looking for animals. Asking what had gotten into her, she said..."The sign back there said 'watch for animals'" and so that is what she was doing. She had seen so many new things, but if she had failed to stop and see the signs, what wonders of God she would of missed.

I think a lot about my own life. I have always felt God made me for a purpose. So many times, I have felt God's hand guiding me. He has given me so many special gifts, that He made just for me. Gifts other people did not have. I wonder if I am using them for all His good that I could. Many of them I was using in Silver City. I was doing God's work using the gifts He had given me. And then, He in his ultamite wisdom brought me here to Monroe. Am I doing what He wills for me here? It is not without trying that I have failed to become involved in any sort of real activity here. Everytime I finally get to a point where I can, Life comes along and pulls me out. And I wonder too if that is Thy Will. God's purpose here is not to use those gifts. And I do not understand it.

But then, maybe I do not need to understand. Maybe I just need to go with the flow until God points me in the direction. Keep trying, and enjoy the scenes around me as I "Watch for Animals".

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Text: Robert Robinson, 1735-1790
Music: Wyeth's Repository of Sacred Music, Part Second
Tune: NETTLETON, Meter: 87.87 D

1. Come, thou Fount of every blessing,
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it,
mount of thy redeeming love.

2. Here I raise mine Ebenezer;
hither by thy help I'm come;
and I hope, by thy good pleasure,
safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
wandering from the fold of God;
he, to rescue me from danger,
interposed his precious blood.

3. O to grace how great a debtor
daily I'm constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here's my heart, O take and seal it,
seal it for thy courts above.