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Monday, October 10, 2011
Landing view at Offutt Air Force Base
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Saturday, October 08, 2011
When you are asked to pray
Every time I am asked to pray, I think of the old fellow who always prayed, 'Lord, prop us up on our leanin' side. 'After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently
He answered, 'Well sir, you see, it's like this... I got an old barn out back. It's been there a long time; it's withstood a lot of weather; it's gone through a lot of storms, and it's stood for many years. It's still standing. But one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn't fall. Then I got to thinking about that and how much I was like that old barn. I've been around a long time. I've withstood a lot of life's storms. I've withstood a lot of bad weather in life, I've withstood a lot of hard times, and I'm still standing too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leaning side, 'cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning at times.
Sometimes we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, leaning toward cussing, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn't . So we need to pray, 'Lord, prop us up on our leanin' side, so we will stand straight and tall again, to glorify the Lord.''
If you stare at this barn for a second you will see who will help us stand straight and tall again..
Do You See HIM?
Pass This on to others who might need Propping Up.
"In God we trust!"
Pass This on to others who might need Propping Up.
"In God we trust!"
God is Under the Bed
God is Under the Bed
My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night. He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped outside his closed door to listen.
Are you there, God?" he said. "Where are you? Oh, I see, under the bed."
I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a Source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor.
I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in. He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas, and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.
I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, returning to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry days, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child. He does not seem dissatisfied. He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work.
He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.
And Saturdays-oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my dads takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. "That one's going to Chi-car-go!" Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.
I don't think Kevin knows anything exists outside his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips. He doesn't know what it means to be discontent. His life is simple. He will never know the entanglements of wealth or power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. He recognizes no differences in people, treating each person as an equal and a friend.
His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one-day they may not be. His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it. He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished.
But, when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax. He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure. He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue. Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God. Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God to really be friends with him in a way that is difficult for an "educated" person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.
In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions. It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap, I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances they all become disabilities when I do not submit them to Christ. Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of the Lord. And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed. Kevin won't be surprised at all.
I Believe
A Death Certificate shows that we died
Pictures show that we live!
Have a seat. Relax . . .
And read this slowly.
That just because two people argue,
It doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue,
It doesn't mean they do love each other.
That we don't have to change friends if
We understand that friends change.
That no matter how good a friend is,
they're going to hurt you
every once in a while,
and you must forgive them for that.
That true friendship continues to grow,
even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.
That you can do something in an instant
That will give you heartache for life.
That it's taking me a long time
To become the person I want to be.
That you should always leave loved ones with Loving words.It may be the last time you see them.
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
That we are responsible for what
We do, no matter how we feel.
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
That heroes are the people
who do what has to be done,
when it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.
That my best friend and Ican do anything or nothing
and have the best time.
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.
That sometimes, when I'm angry,
I have the right to be angry, but that
doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
That maturity has more to dowith what types of experiences you've had
And what you've learned from them,and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
That it isn't always enough
to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn
to forgive yourself.
That no matter how bad
your heart is broken,
the world doesn't stop for your grief.
That our background and circumstances
may have influenced who we are, but,
we are responsible for who we become.
That you shouldn't be
so eager to find out a secret.
It could change your life forever.
Two people can look at the exact same thing
And see something totally different.
That your life can be changed
in a matter of hours
by people who don't even know you.
That even when you think
you have no more to give,
When a friend cries out to you,
you will find the strength to help.
That credentials on the wall
do not make you a decent human being.
That the people you care about
most in life
are taken from you too soon.
That you should share this with all of the people that you believe in.I did.
They just make the most of everything they have.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Leaving A Church
"NO ONE EVER LEAVES THE CHURCH — HAPPY!
"I wish those who trouble you were also cut off" (Galatians 5:12).
Charles Hodge when he had preached for 45 years said, "I have seen it all." There is nothing new under the sun. Since Biblical times members "have left the church." NONE HAPPILY! Today our critical world has made the church "hyper-critical." To make bad matters worse leaders have stopped trying to save souls opting to keep brethren happy. No preacher nor eldership can do this (even God cannot!).
It used to be when brethren left they "changed congregations." Now they start their own church or go to sectarian groups. One thing is constant — they are not happy.
Paul dealt with this in our text. It is not pleasant. Paul was frustrated, angry! He pulled no punches. Galatia was close to Phrygia. They worshiped Cybelle . . . this idolatrous philosophy mutilated. Self-mutilation. Paul said, "Let them mutilate themselves ... let them cut themselves away." It is tough. It is Biblical. Paul said "Let them go!" When will we ever learn?
Jesus "let them go" in John 6. Peter could have gone, too. Demas left. John simply said, "They would have not left us save they were not part of us!" It is also sad when brethren get "too big" for the brethren. Truth is no longer absolute! Political Correctness overrules common sense. Paul reacted in bitterness, cruelty.
It is high time "We cleaned out the barn" down at church. We are "tip-toeing" when we should be preaching. One cannot see the difference between the world and the church. Let them leave.
Then notice . . . they will not leave happy!
Charles Hodge - 711 Villa Creek, Duncanville, TX 75137
"I wish those who trouble you were also cut off" (Galatians 5:12).
Charles Hodge when he had preached for 45 years said, "I have seen it all." There is nothing new under the sun. Since Biblical times members "have left the church." NONE HAPPILY! Today our critical world has made the church "hyper-critical." To make bad matters worse leaders have stopped trying to save souls opting to keep brethren happy. No preacher nor eldership can do this (even God cannot!).
It used to be when brethren left they "changed congregations." Now they start their own church or go to sectarian groups. One thing is constant — they are not happy.
Paul dealt with this in our text. It is not pleasant. Paul was frustrated, angry! He pulled no punches. Galatia was close to Phrygia. They worshiped Cybelle . . . this idolatrous philosophy mutilated. Self-mutilation. Paul said, "Let them mutilate themselves ... let them cut themselves away." It is tough. It is Biblical. Paul said "Let them go!" When will we ever learn?
Jesus "let them go" in John 6. Peter could have gone, too. Demas left. John simply said, "They would have not left us save they were not part of us!" It is also sad when brethren get "too big" for the brethren. Truth is no longer absolute! Political Correctness overrules common sense. Paul reacted in bitterness, cruelty.
It is high time "We cleaned out the barn" down at church. We are "tip-toeing" when we should be preaching. One cannot see the difference between the world and the church. Let them leave.
Then notice . . . they will not leave happy!
Charles Hodge - 711 Villa Creek, Duncanville, TX 75137
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Walking By Faith
There is no life like the one lived by faith.
My sermon on God's plan to live by faith.
My collection of quotes on faith.
Thought provoking article on Walking by Faith.
My sermon on God's plan to live by faith.
My collection of quotes on faith.
Thought provoking article on Walking by Faith.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
ABC's To Success
Acknowledge that you know what to do
Believe that you have the ability to do it
Courage to do what needs to be done
Deciding that today is the day
Enjoying the journey
Forgiving yourself and moving on
Going for your goal
Hearing the compliments
Inviting success into your life
Journaling everything that goes in your mouth
Keep coming to WW when you feel like quitting
Loving yourself enough to change your lifestyle
Making delicious meals
Not ever giving up on yourself
Offer to share your new knowledge with others
Patience with the journey...the weight did not come on overnight
Quiet time for yourself
Remind yourself all of the reasons you are doing this
Self-talk that is positive and repetitive
Turning to solutions instead of food for "problems"
Using all of your "tools" for success
Visiting other meetings during the week if you need support
Wanting success with your weight loss more than you want that "treat"
Xerox copies of your favorite recipes
You alone can do this, but you don't have to do it alone
Zero in on your goals and move toward them one pound at a time
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Small Stuff - The Secret to Happiness
SECRETS TO HAPPINESS
Return everything you borrow.
Stop blaming other people.
Live within your means and within your seams.
Be humble.
Listen more; talk less.
Every day, do something nice and try not to get caught.
Strive for excellence, not perfection.
Be on time.
Don't criticize anyone for 24 hours.
Be kind to other people.
Be even kinder to unkind people.
Take time to be alone.
Admit it when you make a mistake.
Understand and accept that life isn't always fair.
Let someone cut ahead of you in line.
Don't argue.
Know when to say something.
Know when to keep your mouth shut.
Don't make excuses.
Don't sweat the small stuff.
P.S. It's ALL small stuff!
Monday, August 08, 2011
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Movie Reviews
Movie Reviews for Christian families.
http://www.pluggedin.com/
If you know of other great places to look, please let me know.
Kevin
http://www.pluggedin.com/
If you know of other great places to look, please let me know.
Kevin
Friday, July 29, 2011
Do It Anyway!
Do It Anyway!
The verses below reportedly were written on the wall of Mother Teresa's home for children in Calcutta, India, and are widely attributed to her.
Some sources say that the words below were written on the wall in Mother Teresa's own room. In any case, their association with Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity has made them popular worldwide, expressing as they do, the spirit in which they lived their lives.
They seem to be based on a composition originally by Kent Keith, but much of the second half has been re-written in a more spiritual way. Both versions are shown below.
___________________________________________
The version found written on the wall in Mother Teresa's home for children in Calcutta:
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
-this version is credited to Mother Teresa
____________________________
2. The Original Version:
The Paradoxical Commandments
by Dr. Kent M. Keith
People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.
© 1968, 2001 Kent M. Keith
"The Paradoxical Commandments" were written by Kent M. Keith in 1968 as part of a booklet for student leaders.
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
If You Never...
If you never felt pain, then how would you know that I am a Healer?
- If you never had to pray, how would you know that I am a Deliverer?
If you never had a trial, how could you call yourself an overcomer?
If you never felt sadness, how would you know that I am a Comforter?
If you never made a mistake, how would you know that I am a Forgiver?
If you knew all, how would you know that I will answer your questions?
If you never were in trouble, how would you know that I will come to your rescue?
If you never were broken, then how would you know that I can make you whole?
If you never had a problem, how would you know that I can solve them?
If you never had any suffering, then how would you know what I went through?
If you never went through the fire, then how would you become pure?
If I gave you all things, how would you appreciate them?
If I never corrected you, how would you know that I love you?
If you had all power, then how would you learn to depend on me?
If your life was perfect, then what would you need me for?
Love,
Jesus
Thursday, June 30, 2011
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