A Letter Addressed to God
A letter written in a childish scrawl came to the post office addressed to "God". A postal employee, not knowing exactly what to do with the letter, opened it and read: "Dear God, my name is Jimmy. I am 6 years old. My father is dead and my Mom is having a hard time raising me and my sister. Would you please send us $500?" The postal employee was touched. He showed the letter to his fellow workers and all decided to kick in a few dollars each and send it to the family. They were able to raise $300.A couple of weeks later the same post office received a second letter addressed to God. The boy thanked God for the recent infusion of cash, but ended with this request: "Next time would you send the money directly to us? If you send it through the post office they deduct $200."
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Friday, March 18, 2005
Prayer for Friends
Prayer for Friends
You have created us to live in community,
O God of love; bless our friends who provide us
with the grace and love of an extended family.
Endow them with the riches of your blessings:
good health, sight, and mobility,
that they may enjoy the wonders of your creation
and share their delight with others.
Bless them with keen minds and compassionate hearts
that they may create a better life for all.
Guard them from injustice, oppression, and evil
that they may know freedom and hope lifelong.
In their waking and in their sleeping,
in their laughter and in their tears,
surround them with your love
until the end of their days;
and so bring them to eternal life in peace.
Through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
You have created us to live in community,
O God of love; bless our friends who provide us
with the grace and love of an extended family.
Endow them with the riches of your blessings:
good health, sight, and mobility,
that they may enjoy the wonders of your creation
and share their delight with others.
Bless them with keen minds and compassionate hearts
that they may create a better life for all.
Guard them from injustice, oppression, and evil
that they may know freedom and hope lifelong.
In their waking and in their sleeping,
in their laughter and in their tears,
surround them with your love
until the end of their days;
and so bring them to eternal life in peace.
Through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Installing Assistance. . .
INSTALLING LOVE
Tech Support: Yes, ... how can I help you?
Customer: Well, after much consideration, I've decided to install Love. Can you guide me though the process?
Tech Support: Yes, I can help you. Are you ready to proceed?
Customer: Well, I'm not very technical, but I think I'm ready. What do I do first?
Tech Support: The first step is to open your Heart. Have you located your Heart?
Customer: Yes, but there are several other programs running now. Is it okay to install Love while they are running?
Tech Support: What programs are running ?
Customer: Let's see, I have Past Hurt, Low Self-Esteem, Grudge and Resentment running right now.
Tech Support: No problem, Love will gradually erase Past Hurt from your current operating system.
It may remain in your permanent memory but it will no longer disrupt other programs.
Love will eventually override Low Self-Esteem with a module of its own called High Self-Esteem. However, you have to completely turn off Grudge and Resentment. Those programs prevent Love from being properly installed. Can you turn those off ?
Customer: I don't know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?
Tech Support: With pleasure. Go to your start menu and invoke Forgiveness.
Do this as many times as necessary until Grudge and Resentment have been completely erased.
Customer: Okay, done! Love has started installing itself. Is that normal?
Tech Support: Yes, but remember that you have only the base program. You need to begin connecting to other Hearts in order to get the upgrades.
Customer: Oops! I have an error message already. It says, "Error - Program not run on external components " What should I do?
Tech Support: Don't worry. It means that the Love program is set up to run on Internal Hearts, but has not yet been run on your Heart.
In non-technical terms, it simply means you have to Love yourself before you can Love others.
Customer: So, what should I do?
Tech Support: Pull down Self-Acceptance; then click on the following files:
Forgive-Self; Realize Your Worth; and Acknowledge your Limitations.
Customer: Okay, done.
Tech Support: Now, copy them to the "My Heart" directory. The system will overwrite any conflicting files and begin patching faulty programming. Also, you need to delete Verbose Self-Criticism from all directories and empty your Recycle Bin to make sure it is completely gone and never comes back.
Customer: Got it. Hey! My heart is filling up with new files. Smile is playing on my monitor and Peace and Contentment are copying themselves all over My Heart. Is this normal?
Tech Support: Sometimes. For others it takes awhile, but eventually everything gets it at the proper time. So Love is installed and running. One more thing before we hang up. Love is Freeware. Be sure to give it and its various modules to everyone you meet.
They will in turn share it with others and return some cool modules back to you.
Customer: Thank you, God.
Tech Support: Yes, ... how can I help you?
Customer: Well, after much consideration, I've decided to install Love. Can you guide me though the process?
Tech Support: Yes, I can help you. Are you ready to proceed?
Customer: Well, I'm not very technical, but I think I'm ready. What do I do first?
Tech Support: The first step is to open your Heart. Have you located your Heart?
Customer: Yes, but there are several other programs running now. Is it okay to install Love while they are running?
Tech Support: What programs are running ?
Customer: Let's see, I have Past Hurt, Low Self-Esteem, Grudge and Resentment running right now.
Tech Support: No problem, Love will gradually erase Past Hurt from your current operating system.
It may remain in your permanent memory but it will no longer disrupt other programs.
Love will eventually override Low Self-Esteem with a module of its own called High Self-Esteem. However, you have to completely turn off Grudge and Resentment. Those programs prevent Love from being properly installed. Can you turn those off ?
Customer: I don't know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?
Tech Support: With pleasure. Go to your start menu and invoke Forgiveness.
Do this as many times as necessary until Grudge and Resentment have been completely erased.
Customer: Okay, done! Love has started installing itself. Is that normal?
Tech Support: Yes, but remember that you have only the base program. You need to begin connecting to other Hearts in order to get the upgrades.
Customer: Oops! I have an error message already. It says, "Error - Program not run on external components " What should I do?
Tech Support: Don't worry. It means that the Love program is set up to run on Internal Hearts, but has not yet been run on your Heart.
In non-technical terms, it simply means you have to Love yourself before you can Love others.
Customer: So, what should I do?
Tech Support: Pull down Self-Acceptance; then click on the following files:
Forgive-Self; Realize Your Worth; and Acknowledge your Limitations.
Customer: Okay, done.
Tech Support: Now, copy them to the "My Heart" directory. The system will overwrite any conflicting files and begin patching faulty programming. Also, you need to delete Verbose Self-Criticism from all directories and empty your Recycle Bin to make sure it is completely gone and never comes back.
Customer: Got it. Hey! My heart is filling up with new files. Smile is playing on my monitor and Peace and Contentment are copying themselves all over My Heart. Is this normal?
Tech Support: Sometimes. For others it takes awhile, but eventually everything gets it at the proper time. So Love is installed and running. One more thing before we hang up. Love is Freeware. Be sure to give it and its various modules to everyone you meet.
They will in turn share it with others and return some cool modules back to you.
Customer: Thank you, God.
Prayer of Praise
Prayer of Praise
Blessed be He who spoke and the world came into being; blessed be He.
Blessed be He who maintains the creation.
Blessed be He who speaks and performs.
Blessed be He who decrees and fulfils.
Blessed be He who has mercy upon the earth.
Blessed be He who has mercy on his creatures.
Blessed be He who pays a good reward to those who fear Him.
Blessed be He who lives for ever, and endures to eternity.
Blessed be He who redeems and saves; blessed be His name... Yahweh!
Blessed be He who spoke and the world came into being; blessed be He.
Blessed be He who maintains the creation.
Blessed be He who speaks and performs.
Blessed be He who decrees and fulfils.
Blessed be He who has mercy upon the earth.
Blessed be He who has mercy on his creatures.
Blessed be He who pays a good reward to those who fear Him.
Blessed be He who lives for ever, and endures to eternity.
Blessed be He who redeems and saves; blessed be His name... Yahweh!
Thursday, March 03, 2005
There's no charge for LOVE
There's No Charge For L o v e
A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups. And set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of a little boy. "Mister," he said, "I want to buy one of your puppies." "Well," said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat of the back of his neck, "These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money." The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. "I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?" "Sure," said the farmer. And with that he let out a whistle. "Here, Dolly!" he called. Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur. The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight. As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up....
"I want that one," the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, "Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would." With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. Looking back up at the farmer, he said, "You see sir, I don't run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands." With tears in his eyes, the farmer reach ed down and picked up the little pup. Holding it carefully he handed it to the little boy. "How much?" asked the little boy. "No charge," answered the farmer, "There's no charge for love."
A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups. And set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of a little boy. "Mister," he said, "I want to buy one of your puppies." "Well," said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat of the back of his neck, "These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money." The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. "I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?" "Sure," said the farmer. And with that he let out a whistle. "Here, Dolly!" he called. Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur. The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight. As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up....
"I want that one," the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, "Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would." With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. Looking back up at the farmer, he said, "You see sir, I don't run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands." With tears in his eyes, the farmer reach ed down and picked up the little pup. Holding it carefully he handed it to the little boy. "How much?" asked the little boy. "No charge," answered the farmer, "There's no charge for love."
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Give Ear, O Lord, to My Prayer
Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all day long. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my cry of supplication. In the day of my trouble I call on you, for you will answer me.
- Psalms 86: 1-7
Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all day long. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my cry of supplication. In the day of my trouble I call on you, for you will answer me.
- Psalms 86: 1-7
Monday, February 28, 2005
RELIGIOUS JOKE
The Jewish Boy and the Muslim Boy
David, a Jewish boy, and Ali, a Muslim boy, are having a conversation.
Ali: I'm getting operated on tomorrow.
David: Oh? What are they going to do?
Ali: Circumcise me!
David: I had that done when I was just a few days old.
Ali: Did it hurt?
David: I couldn't walk for a year!
David, a Jewish boy, and Ali, a Muslim boy, are having a conversation.
Ali: I'm getting operated on tomorrow.
David: Oh? What are they going to do?
Ali: Circumcise me!
David: I had that done when I was just a few days old.
Ali: Did it hurt?
David: I couldn't walk for a year!
TODAY'S QUOTE!
Today's Quote
Happiness does not come from doing what you want, but wanting what you do.
Happiness does not come from doing what you want, but wanting what you do.
PRAYER FOR PEACE
Prayer for Peace
If there is to be peace in the world,
There must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations,
There must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities,
There must be peace between neighbors.
If there is to be peace between neighbors,
There must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home,
There must be peace in the heart.
If there is to be peace in the world,
There must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations,
There must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities,
There must be peace between neighbors.
If there is to be peace between neighbors,
There must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home,
There must be peace in the heart.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Desert Experiences
Desert Experiences
Living in a desert would change our attitudes toward life. Desert living demands getting down to the essentials of staying alive. Rich foods and drinks have to go; desert travelers survive on water and simple food-or they don’t survive at all. Being overweight is dangerous. Each person must drop to maintenance weight and calorie intake. Clothes? No room for fancy gowns or suits; only simple, sturdy protection from the burning sun and the nighttime cold.
All activity in the desert has to be slow-or else living things collapse from exertion. Energy is reserved for the essentials that maintain life. Little pleasures are the only pleasures. Little things therefore, count a lot: a handful dates, a drink of water, a spot of shade.
Getting one’s bearing is everything-because getting lost means death. Everything in the desert looks alike at first. But soon one can appreciate how different two rocks are, or two scrub trees, or two hills. What would pass unnoticed in another place or time gets noticed and noted in the desert. Little differences are appreciated.
One little place or oasis can’t support life for long. So most people who live in the desert are nomads, people on the move. They move to survive. Moving on-slowly-is a way of life.
The desert is a lonely place. There is little noise to distract one from thought. Although too much desert silence could be dangerous, a certain amount of it can call us face what is important in our lives. Desert silence provides time to listen to life and to ourselves. The desert calls us to speak only about what counts.
A desert attitude can prepare us for prayer. Sometimes we may be given a desert experience through a loss that leaves us empty enough to listen. Sometimes a desert experience is thrust upon us by illness, giving us time for nothing but listening. Or we can create a desert experience by making time to reflect in a busy and sometimes crazy world.
The desert experience gives an opportunity to listen to God. To listen to another is to forget self, to notice one person. To listen means to be open, to let go of my thoughts for the moment, to give up for a while on what I want to say.
To hear GOD we must regularly make a little silence. In that silence, I can hear the thousand ways God speaks to me each day in everything and everybody. Without some desert time alone with God, I may miss many of God’s messages in life.
The following may guide us to reflect upon God’s goodness in our Desert Experience:
1. If you have had any desert experiences in your life, name them.
2. How did each desert experience help you (or hinder you) from hearing God better in your life?
3. What qualities of the desert do you personally need so that you may hear God better in your life?
4. How can you give yourself what you need?
Fast… and Feast
Fast from worry, and feast on divine order by trusting in God.
Fast from complaining, and fest on appreciation.
Fast from negatives, and feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures, and feast for unceasing prayer.
Fast from hostility, and feast on non-resistance.
Fast from bitterness, and feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern, feast on compassion for others.
Fast from shadows of sorrow, and feast on the sunlight of serenity.
Fast from idle gossip, and feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from judging others, and feast on the Christ within them.
Fast from emphasis on differences, and feast on the unity of life.
Fast from apparent darkness, and feast on the reality of light.
Fast from thoughts of illness, and feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that pollute, feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent, and feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger, and feast on optimism
Fast from personal anxiety, and feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragement, and feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depresses, feast on verities that uplift.
Fast from lethargy, and feast on enthusiasm.
Fast on suspicion, and feast on truth.
Fast from thoughts that weaken, and feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from problems that overwhelm, and feast on prayer that offers solution.
Living in a desert would change our attitudes toward life. Desert living demands getting down to the essentials of staying alive. Rich foods and drinks have to go; desert travelers survive on water and simple food-or they don’t survive at all. Being overweight is dangerous. Each person must drop to maintenance weight and calorie intake. Clothes? No room for fancy gowns or suits; only simple, sturdy protection from the burning sun and the nighttime cold.
All activity in the desert has to be slow-or else living things collapse from exertion. Energy is reserved for the essentials that maintain life. Little pleasures are the only pleasures. Little things therefore, count a lot: a handful dates, a drink of water, a spot of shade.
Getting one’s bearing is everything-because getting lost means death. Everything in the desert looks alike at first. But soon one can appreciate how different two rocks are, or two scrub trees, or two hills. What would pass unnoticed in another place or time gets noticed and noted in the desert. Little differences are appreciated.
One little place or oasis can’t support life for long. So most people who live in the desert are nomads, people on the move. They move to survive. Moving on-slowly-is a way of life.
The desert is a lonely place. There is little noise to distract one from thought. Although too much desert silence could be dangerous, a certain amount of it can call us face what is important in our lives. Desert silence provides time to listen to life and to ourselves. The desert calls us to speak only about what counts.
A desert attitude can prepare us for prayer. Sometimes we may be given a desert experience through a loss that leaves us empty enough to listen. Sometimes a desert experience is thrust upon us by illness, giving us time for nothing but listening. Or we can create a desert experience by making time to reflect in a busy and sometimes crazy world.
The desert experience gives an opportunity to listen to God. To listen to another is to forget self, to notice one person. To listen means to be open, to let go of my thoughts for the moment, to give up for a while on what I want to say.
To hear GOD we must regularly make a little silence. In that silence, I can hear the thousand ways God speaks to me each day in everything and everybody. Without some desert time alone with God, I may miss many of God’s messages in life.
The following may guide us to reflect upon God’s goodness in our Desert Experience:
1. If you have had any desert experiences in your life, name them.
2. How did each desert experience help you (or hinder you) from hearing God better in your life?
3. What qualities of the desert do you personally need so that you may hear God better in your life?
4. How can you give yourself what you need?
Fast… and Feast
Fast from worry, and feast on divine order by trusting in God.
Fast from complaining, and fest on appreciation.
Fast from negatives, and feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures, and feast for unceasing prayer.
Fast from hostility, and feast on non-resistance.
Fast from bitterness, and feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern, feast on compassion for others.
Fast from shadows of sorrow, and feast on the sunlight of serenity.
Fast from idle gossip, and feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from judging others, and feast on the Christ within them.
Fast from emphasis on differences, and feast on the unity of life.
Fast from apparent darkness, and feast on the reality of light.
Fast from thoughts of illness, and feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that pollute, feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent, and feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger, and feast on optimism
Fast from personal anxiety, and feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragement, and feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depresses, feast on verities that uplift.
Fast from lethargy, and feast on enthusiasm.
Fast on suspicion, and feast on truth.
Fast from thoughts that weaken, and feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from problems that overwhelm, and feast on prayer that offers solution.
Friday, January 14, 2005
Soldiers in Iraq
Pictures speak louder than words... kindness knows no war
The Soldier and the Baby
In the middle of turmoil, the heart still beats...
The Soldier and the Kid
The Soldier and the Baby
In the middle of turmoil, the heart still beats...
The Soldier and the Kid
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
The True Meaning of Jihad
If you have any opinion regarding this, please feel free to comment...We all need to learn about "TRUTH".
The true meaning of Jihad
by Rick Mathes
The Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion per capita in the
United States, especially in the minority races!!!
Allah or Jesus?
Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for
maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training
session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman
Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who explained each of their
belief systems.
I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. The
Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a
video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and
answers.
When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked:
"Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and
clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the
infidels of the world. And, that by killing an infidel, which is a
command to all Muslims, they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's
the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?"
There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitation, he
replied, "Non-believers!"
I responded, "So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of
Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so
they can go to Heaven. Is that correct?"
The _expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to
that of a little boy who had just gotten caught with his hand in the
cookie jar. He sheepishly replied, "Yes."
I then stated, "Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope
John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr.
Stanley ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to Heaven!"
The Imam was speechless.
I continued, "I also have a problem with being your friend when you and
your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask
you a question. Would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill me
in order to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I
am going to Heaven and He wants you to be with me?"
You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame.
Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of the 'Diversification'
training seminar were not happy with Rick's way of dealing with the
Islamic Imam and exposing the truth about the Muslim's beliefs.
I think everyone in the US should be required to read this, but with the
liberal justice system, liberal media, and the ACLU, there is no way this
will be widely publicized. Please pass this on to all your e-mail
contacts.
This is a true story and the author, Rick Mathes, is a well known leader
in prison ministry.
The true meaning of Jihad
by Rick Mathes
The Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion per capita in the
United States, especially in the minority races!!!
Allah or Jesus?
Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for
maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training
session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman
Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who explained each of their
belief systems.
I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. The
Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a
video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and
answers.
When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked:
"Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and
clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the
infidels of the world. And, that by killing an infidel, which is a
command to all Muslims, they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's
the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?"
There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitation, he
replied, "Non-believers!"
I responded, "So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of
Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so
they can go to Heaven. Is that correct?"
The _expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to
that of a little boy who had just gotten caught with his hand in the
cookie jar. He sheepishly replied, "Yes."
I then stated, "Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope
John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr.
Stanley ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to Heaven!"
The Imam was speechless.
I continued, "I also have a problem with being your friend when you and
your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask
you a question. Would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill me
in order to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I
am going to Heaven and He wants you to be with me?"
You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame.
Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of the 'Diversification'
training seminar were not happy with Rick's way of dealing with the
Islamic Imam and exposing the truth about the Muslim's beliefs.
I think everyone in the US should be required to read this, but with the
liberal justice system, liberal media, and the ACLU, there is no way this
will be widely publicized. Please pass this on to all your e-mail
contacts.
This is a true story and the author, Rick Mathes, is a well known leader
in prison ministry.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
How To Make Marriage A Dream...
Sent by a Friend as quoted from Kerygma...
HOW TO MAKE MARRIAGE A DREAM
(not a nightmare)
Next to your salvation, your choice of a wife or husband is the most important decision you will ever make in your life. Marriage can be one of life's most wonderful blessings, but it can be an endless nightmare to those who have chosen carelessly.
As in all other areas of our life, God will guide us to the right mate as we trust Him and submit to His will (Proverbs 3:5). A believer should seek to marry another believer, not merely one who professes to be a Christian, but whose life also demonstrates long-term stable Christian behavior.
Do not be led by your emotions. Infatuation is often mistaken for love. Real love is not something you "fall" into. It's something you commit yourself to, and sacrifice yourself for.
Never marry anyone on the basis of his/her appearance, sexual appeal or material things. Only shallow, foolish people do that. Choose a marriage companion on the basis of what's inside his/her heart, not what's on the outside.
The Bible teaches us to count the cost of all our decisions before we make them. "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it?" (Luke 14:28). Since marriage is supposed to last a lifetime (1 Corinthians 7:39), we should carefully weigh the cost. Marriage is a sacred covenant between you and your spouse, and with God. It will be a lifetime of give-and-take, sharing and compromising. Are you willing to make these sacrifices for your mate? Remember, marriage is intended to endure, whether better or worse, "till death do you part."
A good marriage requires that God be the center. If He is not the center of your relationship with your companion prior to marriage, He'll not likely be the center of your marriage later.
Never marry anyone on the basis that he/she will change after marriage. Bad habits often become worse, not better. People are usually "already" on their "best" behavior before marriage.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
"One of the reasons so many singles are dissatisfied is that they're looking for a change in status to define their significance, rather than finding a purpose in life, granted by God, that gives them significance regardless of the status they're in."
Anonymous
HOW TO MAKE MARRIAGE A DREAM
(not a nightmare)
Next to your salvation, your choice of a wife or husband is the most important decision you will ever make in your life. Marriage can be one of life's most wonderful blessings, but it can be an endless nightmare to those who have chosen carelessly.
As in all other areas of our life, God will guide us to the right mate as we trust Him and submit to His will (Proverbs 3:5). A believer should seek to marry another believer, not merely one who professes to be a Christian, but whose life also demonstrates long-term stable Christian behavior.
Do not be led by your emotions. Infatuation is often mistaken for love. Real love is not something you "fall" into. It's something you commit yourself to, and sacrifice yourself for.
Never marry anyone on the basis of his/her appearance, sexual appeal or material things. Only shallow, foolish people do that. Choose a marriage companion on the basis of what's inside his/her heart, not what's on the outside.
The Bible teaches us to count the cost of all our decisions before we make them. "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it?" (Luke 14:28). Since marriage is supposed to last a lifetime (1 Corinthians 7:39), we should carefully weigh the cost. Marriage is a sacred covenant between you and your spouse, and with God. It will be a lifetime of give-and-take, sharing and compromising. Are you willing to make these sacrifices for your mate? Remember, marriage is intended to endure, whether better or worse, "till death do you part."
A good marriage requires that God be the center. If He is not the center of your relationship with your companion prior to marriage, He'll not likely be the center of your marriage later.
Never marry anyone on the basis that he/she will change after marriage. Bad habits often become worse, not better. People are usually "already" on their "best" behavior before marriage.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
"One of the reasons so many singles are dissatisfied is that they're looking for a change in status to define their significance, rather than finding a purpose in life, granted by God, that gives them significance regardless of the status they're in."
Anonymous
Sunday, December 26, 2004
A Letter from a Soldier in Iraqi Territory...
This is a copy of the actual letter sent by an American Soldier assigned in Iraq. A permission from the letter recipient was given to me for purpose of reitirating to many, what we, as Americans, our soldiers are saying. Please allow me to just use initials of the names stated in her letter to protect their identity.
The letter started this way...
Merry Christmas
As we depart another year, we thank the Lord for rendering us another full year of blessings. It has been a year of wonderful experiences and adventures for the H family. This year have given us a new meaning of the holidays.
In March, I was given a short notice to go to Birmingham, Alabama, get all processed for possible deployment to Iraq (continue to be in the army reserve). Fortunately, it was just for readiness process, not my turn yet to head to the theater of operation (combat zone). It was such a relief that I did not deploy yet, I was able to see Mel graduate from high school. My family from California joined us to celebrate her graduation and we were all able to spend time together. The school invited us to attend the rehearsal, which was also the award ceremony. Mel had an idea that she might be getting an award, to her surprised not only was she presented one but six awards. She was proud of her accomplishments and proved that her hard work was such an investment. We too, share such pride. UF is where she was admitted for college and started classes in the summer. It was exciting to get her all ready for college, reminded me of my own college years. Der, Erik and myself were able to move her to her new home (dorm.). Did not hit us until we were in the process of moving and saying goodbye, that our firstborn has grown to a young adult leaving home for college. Fortunately, college is only 90n miles from home. So far she is doing well, though she claims, she is not quite challenged wet, at least for now.
In June, I finally got my turn for deploymentto Iraq, join an FST (FORWARD SURGICAL TEAM). Getting ready for such uncertainties (do not think you can really be ready heading to war)was not easy and leaving the girls and Der for at least 4 months was tough. As of July 15, I am now military active duty and on 18th of July, I headed for texas for in processing to leave the country. One of the toughest things I have to do is say goodbye for now to my family. I know that it has been also the hardest thing unimaginable for them. I know I will be doing my job where I was going, but for Mel, Erik and Der, it was tough not knowing how would I do and scared for my safety. I cannot reassure them enough that I will be okay (I have to admit I was scared). Just getting to Iraq was itself an experience. Left the US on chartered plane to Germany then Kuwait. After hopping from one military plane to another, from C130 Chinook and Black Hawk, by 1100pm 3 days after we left the States, we arrived safely in Tikrit. Witnessing first hand what we do in Iraq, I am confident; we are helping the less forunate achieve their freedom. Freedom comes in such a high price, all the dollar spent, the brave soldiers, Iraqi soldiers and all coalition forces who have lost their lives and most importantly, the many bodies mangled. I witnessed this, day after day and did what I know best in relieving some pain and doing anesthesia. I am so fortunate to be blessed to be able to care for our soldiers and work with such incredible soldiers. Camaraderie is what kept us all going. Despite being mortared almost everyday, we were able to carry on our duties. We were also fortunate to be able to communicate with our families back in the States. We were well taken cared of by military, reasonable living conditions, (necessities become luxuries) and a lot of food. 3 weeks to my heading home, we were ordered to go another mission, this ime to Operation Enduring Freedom, in Afghanistan. This time, we were forward as can get to the combat grounds. We set our operating room and within 3 hours we were operational. 2 theaters of operations in my 90 day tour, it has been a rewarding experience. This time, we were in such an austere environment, not only we survived it but we all thrived. I would like to thank again everyone who had been very supportive to my family and me in this time of our lives. What an honor and privilege to have served our country. It was life changing experience. Third of November, I was back in American soil and what great feeling it was. I have been trying to get back to civilian life and doing well but just taking it slow. It has not been as easy as I thought. Again, thank you to all.
My family were all busy taking care of their businesses in school...Der helps out the most....
December 1-th, we celebrated our ?? wedding anniversary, one more event in our lives to be thankful for and got spent some time in the US V. I.. Not only Der and I were able to spend time together, it was a great way for me to decompress from military life back to civilian life.
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we give thanks to the Almighty God for keeping us all together and safe. I asked that we all be patient with what is going on in the Middle East and the rest of the world struggling for freedom, and pray for all our brave soldiers and their families who have been doing other duties selflessly.
You all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and that all mankind someday enjoy PEACE on earth.
Der, chang, Mel, Erik
The letter started this way...
Merry Christmas
As we depart another year, we thank the Lord for rendering us another full year of blessings. It has been a year of wonderful experiences and adventures for the H family. This year have given us a new meaning of the holidays.
In March, I was given a short notice to go to Birmingham, Alabama, get all processed for possible deployment to Iraq (continue to be in the army reserve). Fortunately, it was just for readiness process, not my turn yet to head to the theater of operation (combat zone). It was such a relief that I did not deploy yet, I was able to see Mel graduate from high school. My family from California joined us to celebrate her graduation and we were all able to spend time together. The school invited us to attend the rehearsal, which was also the award ceremony. Mel had an idea that she might be getting an award, to her surprised not only was she presented one but six awards. She was proud of her accomplishments and proved that her hard work was such an investment. We too, share such pride. UF is where she was admitted for college and started classes in the summer. It was exciting to get her all ready for college, reminded me of my own college years. Der, Erik and myself were able to move her to her new home (dorm.). Did not hit us until we were in the process of moving and saying goodbye, that our firstborn has grown to a young adult leaving home for college. Fortunately, college is only 90n miles from home. So far she is doing well, though she claims, she is not quite challenged wet, at least for now.
In June, I finally got my turn for deploymentto Iraq, join an FST (FORWARD SURGICAL TEAM). Getting ready for such uncertainties (do not think you can really be ready heading to war)was not easy and leaving the girls and Der for at least 4 months was tough. As of July 15, I am now military active duty and on 18th of July, I headed for texas for in processing to leave the country. One of the toughest things I have to do is say goodbye for now to my family. I know that it has been also the hardest thing unimaginable for them. I know I will be doing my job where I was going, but for Mel, Erik and Der, it was tough not knowing how would I do and scared for my safety. I cannot reassure them enough that I will be okay (I have to admit I was scared). Just getting to Iraq was itself an experience. Left the US on chartered plane to Germany then Kuwait. After hopping from one military plane to another, from C130 Chinook and Black Hawk, by 1100pm 3 days after we left the States, we arrived safely in Tikrit. Witnessing first hand what we do in Iraq, I am confident; we are helping the less forunate achieve their freedom. Freedom comes in such a high price, all the dollar spent, the brave soldiers, Iraqi soldiers and all coalition forces who have lost their lives and most importantly, the many bodies mangled. I witnessed this, day after day and did what I know best in relieving some pain and doing anesthesia. I am so fortunate to be blessed to be able to care for our soldiers and work with such incredible soldiers. Camaraderie is what kept us all going. Despite being mortared almost everyday, we were able to carry on our duties. We were also fortunate to be able to communicate with our families back in the States. We were well taken cared of by military, reasonable living conditions, (necessities become luxuries) and a lot of food. 3 weeks to my heading home, we were ordered to go another mission, this ime to Operation Enduring Freedom, in Afghanistan. This time, we were forward as can get to the combat grounds. We set our operating room and within 3 hours we were operational. 2 theaters of operations in my 90 day tour, it has been a rewarding experience. This time, we were in such an austere environment, not only we survived it but we all thrived. I would like to thank again everyone who had been very supportive to my family and me in this time of our lives. What an honor and privilege to have served our country. It was life changing experience. Third of November, I was back in American soil and what great feeling it was. I have been trying to get back to civilian life and doing well but just taking it slow. It has not been as easy as I thought. Again, thank you to all.
My family were all busy taking care of their businesses in school...Der helps out the most....
December 1-th, we celebrated our ?? wedding anniversary, one more event in our lives to be thankful for and got spent some time in the US V. I.. Not only Der and I were able to spend time together, it was a great way for me to decompress from military life back to civilian life.
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we give thanks to the Almighty God for keeping us all together and safe. I asked that we all be patient with what is going on in the Middle East and the rest of the world struggling for freedom, and pray for all our brave soldiers and their families who have been doing other duties selflessly.
You all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and that all mankind someday enjoy PEACE on earth.
Der, chang, Mel, Erik
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Instructions for L I F E
This is a nice reading, but short. Enjoy! All it takes is a few seconds to read and think over.
I N S T R U C T I O N S F O R L I F E
1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three R’s:
Respect for self,
Respect for others and
Responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.
7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be
able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t
bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other
exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.
20. It doesn't cost an extra penny to use these as a guidance... Bless your heart!
I N S T R U C T I O N S F O R L I F E
1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three R’s:
Respect for self,
Respect for others and
Responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.
7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be
able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t
bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other
exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.
20. It doesn't cost an extra penny to use these as a guidance... Bless your heart!
Humor
You may not know that many non-living things have a gender.
For example:
1) Ziploc Bags -- They are Male, because they hold everything in, but you
can see right through them.
2) Copiers -- They are Female, because once turned off, it takes a while to
warm them up again. It's an effective reproductive device if the right
buttons are pushed, but can wreak havoc if the wrong buttons are pushed.
3) Tire -- Male, because it goes bald and it's often over-inflated.
4) Hot Air Balloon -- Male, because, to get it to go anywhere, you have to
light a fire under it and, of course, there's the hot air component.
5) Sponges -- Female, because they're soft, squeezable and retain water.
6) Web Page -- Female, because it's always getting hit on.
7) Subway -- Male, because it uses the same old lines to pick people up.
8) Hourglass -- Female, because over time, the weight can shift to the
bottom.
9) Hammer -- Male, because it hasn't changed much over the last 5,000
years, but it's handy to have around.
10) Remote Control -- Female. Ha! You thought it'd be Male. But consider
this -- it gives a man pleasure, he'd be lost without it, and while he
doesn't always know the right buttons to push, he keeps trying.
For example:
1) Ziploc Bags -- They are Male, because they hold everything in, but you
can see right through them.
2) Copiers -- They are Female, because once turned off, it takes a while to
warm them up again. It's an effective reproductive device if the right
buttons are pushed, but can wreak havoc if the wrong buttons are pushed.
3) Tire -- Male, because it goes bald and it's often over-inflated.
4) Hot Air Balloon -- Male, because, to get it to go anywhere, you have to
light a fire under it and, of course, there's the hot air component.
5) Sponges -- Female, because they're soft, squeezable and retain water.
6) Web Page -- Female, because it's always getting hit on.
7) Subway -- Male, because it uses the same old lines to pick people up.
8) Hourglass -- Female, because over time, the weight can shift to the
bottom.
9) Hammer -- Male, because it hasn't changed much over the last 5,000
years, but it's handy to have around.
10) Remote Control -- Female. Ha! You thought it'd be Male. But consider
this -- it gives a man pleasure, he'd be lost without it, and while he
doesn't always know the right buttons to push, he keeps trying.
Great Thinkers
These are entries to a Washington Post competition asking for a rhyme
with the most romantic first line but the least romantic second line.
Love may be beautiful, love may be bliss
But I slept with you because I was pissed.
I thought that I could love no other
Until, that is, I met your brother.
Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you.
But the roses are wilting, the violets are dead,
the sugar bowl's empty, and so is your head.
Kind, intelligent, loving, and hot.
This describes everything you're not.
I want to feel your sweet embrace
But don't take that bag from off your face.
I love your smile, your face, your eyes.
Damn, I'm good at telling lies!
My darling, my lover, my beautiful wife,
Marrying you screwed up my life.
I see your face when I am dreaming.
That's why I always wake up screaming.
My love, you take my breath away.
What have you stepped in to smell this way?
What inspired this amorous rhyme?
Two parts vodka, one part lime.
with the most romantic first line but the least romantic second line.
Love may be beautiful, love may be bliss
But I slept with you because I was pissed.
I thought that I could love no other
Until, that is, I met your brother.
Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you.
But the roses are wilting, the violets are dead,
the sugar bowl's empty, and so is your head.
Kind, intelligent, loving, and hot.
This describes everything you're not.
I want to feel your sweet embrace
But don't take that bag from off your face.
I love your smile, your face, your eyes.
Damn, I'm good at telling lies!
My darling, my lover, my beautiful wife,
Marrying you screwed up my life.
I see your face when I am dreaming.
That's why I always wake up screaming.
My love, you take my breath away.
What have you stepped in to smell this way?
What inspired this amorous rhyme?
Two parts vodka, one part lime.
Sunday, December 12, 2004
CONSECRATION OF THE FAMILY
O Jesus behold our family prostrate bfore thee. We consecrate ourselves to thee-our trials & joys-that our home like thine may ever be the shrine of peace, purity, love, labor & faith. O Mary loving mother of Jesus & our mother, pray to Jesus for our family. for all the families in the world. O Joseph holy guardian of Jesus & Mary, assist us by thy prayers in all the necessities of life. Ask of Jesus that special grace which He granted to Thee to watch over our home so that with Mary & Thee, heaven may find our family unbroken in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Amen.
FRIENDS!
During some point of the journey they had an
argument, and one friend slapped the other one
in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but with out
saying anything, wrote in the sand:
TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.
They kept on walking
until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath.
The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning,
but the friend saved him. After he recovered from the near drowning,
he wrote on a stone:
TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.
The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend
asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now,
you write on a stone, why?"
The other friend replied
"When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of
forgiveness can erase it away.
But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone
where no wind can ever erase it."
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR
BENEFITS IN STONE.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to
appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life
to forget them.
You have read this not by accident, Someone allowed you so that you may either send this phrase to the people you'll never forget or write that important person in your life. If you can’t send any of these to anyone, it means you're in a hurry and that you've forgotten your friends.
Take the time to live!
My friend, “Do not value the THINGS you have in your life. But value WHO you have in your life!”
argument, and one friend slapped the other one
in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but with out
saying anything, wrote in the sand:
TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.
They kept on walking
until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath.
The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning,
but the friend saved him. After he recovered from the near drowning,
he wrote on a stone:
TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.
The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend
asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now,
you write on a stone, why?"
The other friend replied
"When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of
forgiveness can erase it away.
But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone
where no wind can ever erase it."
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR
BENEFITS IN STONE.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to
appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life
to forget them.
You have read this not by accident, Someone allowed you so that you may either send this phrase to the people you'll never forget or write that important person in your life. If you can’t send any of these to anyone, it means you're in a hurry and that you've forgotten your friends.
Take the time to live!
My friend, “Do not value the THINGS you have in your life. But value WHO you have in your life!”
Have You Ever?
Have you ever been just sitting there and all of a sudden you feel like doing something nice for someone you care for? THAT'S GOD talking to you through the Holy Spirit.
Have you ever been down and out and nobody seems to be around for you to talk to? THAT'S GOD wanting you to talk to Him.
Have you ever been thinking about somebody that you haven't seen in a long time and then next thing you know you see them or receive a phone call from them? THAT'S GOD.. There is no such thing as coincidence.
Have you ever received something wonderful that you didn't even ask for, like money in the mail, a debt that had mysteriously been cleared, or a coupon to a department store where you had just seen something you needed, but couldn't afford? THAT'S GOD knowing the desires of your heart.
Have you ever been in a situation and you had no clue how it was going to get better, how the hurting would stop, how the pain would ease, but now you look back on it. . ..
THAT'S GOD passing us through tribulation to see a brighter day.
Have you ever thought why are you reading this page? THAT'S GOD, sending His message to you.
Brighten up! And grasp the blessings...
Have you ever been down and out and nobody seems to be around for you to talk to? THAT'S GOD wanting you to talk to Him.
Have you ever been thinking about somebody that you haven't seen in a long time and then next thing you know you see them or receive a phone call from them? THAT'S GOD.. There is no such thing as coincidence.
Have you ever received something wonderful that you didn't even ask for, like money in the mail, a debt that had mysteriously been cleared, or a coupon to a department store where you had just seen something you needed, but couldn't afford? THAT'S GOD knowing the desires of your heart.
Have you ever been in a situation and you had no clue how it was going to get better, how the hurting would stop, how the pain would ease, but now you look back on it. . ..
THAT'S GOD passing us through tribulation to see a brighter day.
Have you ever thought why are you reading this page? THAT'S GOD, sending His message to you.
Brighten up! And grasp the blessings...