You've Got Mail

2006-10-21T14:46:00.000-07:00

SEVEN MARKS OF TRUE SPIRITUALITY

1. The desire to be holy rather than happy.

“...I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing
Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them
rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” (Phil. 4:8)

2. The desire to see the honor of God advanced through our life even if it means
suffering temporary dishonor or loss.

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in
despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We
always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus
may also be revealed in our body.” (2 Cor. 4:8-10)

3. The desire to carry our cross.

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race
and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the
gospel of God's grace.” (Act. 20:24)

4. The desire to see everything from God’s point of view.

“We are asking God that you may see things, as it were, from His point of
view by being given spiritual insight and understanding.” (Col. 1:9 - Philips
Translation)

5. The desire to die right rather than to live wrong.

“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do
not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into
the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will
rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know,
O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have
set up" (Dan.3:16-18)

6. The desire to see others advance at our expense.

“For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your
servants for Jesus' sake.” (2 Cor. 4:5)

7. The practice of habitually making eternity-judgments instead of
time-judgments.

“...We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen
is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:18)

“That Incredible Life” – A.W. Tozer – Christian Publications Inc., Camp Hill,
Penn. (Scriptures added)
My prayer is that you are having a great week!

R. Dwight Hill

2006-06-04T01:08:00.000-07:00

After returning from a trip to Russia, an article about my journey
appeared in a local newspaper. The next day I received a phone call
from
an elderly woman who made an appointment to come to my office.
"Tell me about your trip," she asked as I helped her into the chair
near
my desk. Then, almost before I could say a word, she began, "You know,
I've been to Russia several times. My grandparents were born there
before Stalin came to power."
She hadn't come to hear about my adventure. She made the appointment in
order to tell me about her's. So I enjoyed seeing how long I could keep
her talking. I asked every question I could think of and politely
listened.
After two hours the delightful woman glanced at her watch and
announced,
"Oh my. I really must be going. But let me tell you something. You are
one of the most interesting people I have ever talked with!"
There's no quicker way to make friends than to encourage people to talk
about their interests.
Remember, knowledge is power - and it comes by listening.
- Neil Eskelin
ump Start: "Even a fool . . . when he shuts his lips, he is considered
perceptive" (Proverbs 17:28)

2006-04-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

Do It Now!
By Rick Warren
Most of us have experienced the 8 Phases of Procrastination:

Phase 1: I'll start early this time (hopeful)
Phase 2: I've got to start soon (a little tension)
Phase 3: I should have started sooner (creeping guilt)
Phase 4: There is still time to do it (false reassurance)
Phase 5: What's wrong with me? (getting desperate)
Phase 6: I can't wait any longer! (intense pain)
Phase 7: Just get it done! (get it over with!)
Phase 8: Next time, I'll start earlier. (the cycle repeats)

Procrastination does tremendous damage to ourselves and others at work.
It causes unnecessary pressure and problems... and it wastes opportunities, time and money.

The problem is: procrastination is addicting! The more you succumb to
it, the harder it is to change. It becomes a way of life, causing you a
lot of misery.

The Bible says, "IF YOU WAIT FOR PERFECT CONDITIONS, YOU WILL NEVER GET
ANYTHING DONE." Ecclesiastes 11:4 (LB)
so.................
* stop making excuses!
* Realize perfectionism paralyzes performance!
* Face your fears!
* Focus on the gain, not the pain!
* DO IT NOW!

What have you been putting off that you know you need to do?...
something at work... at home... at church. DO IT NOW!
A PRAYER: "God, help me to DO what I already know I need to do. Help me
to do it NOW!"
"Never boast about tomorrow. You don't know what will happen between now and then." (Proverbs 21:1)

2006-04-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

CHOICES, CHOICES

 Choose life so that you and your descendants may live,
 loving the Lord your God,
 obeying Him and holding fast to Him;
 for that means life to you and length of day.
 
   ---Deuteronomy 30:19-20   

Every day, each of us faces choices.  Some decisions come easily.
Others take a bit more thought.
A poster in the back of a New England church spoke specifically to the
young among us, listing helpful steps to making good and loving
choices.
Here is what the poster said:
* Find a quiet place to think about what you must do.
* Pray to the Holy Spirit for help in making a good and loving
choice.
* Think about all the choices, good and bad, that you can make.
* After thinking about each one, ask: "If I do this, will it show
I love God? Others? Myself?"  If the answer is "yes" to loving God and
others and myself, then it is a good choice.
* Talk over all your choices with someone who can help: a parent,
teacher, aunt, uncle or older relative.
* With God's help, choose to do the right and loving thing.
 ____

2006-04-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

Facing Failure
By Rick Warren

No one's life is an unbroken chain of victories. We all experience
setbacks...defeats... Iosses...failures. Nobody bats 1000%. We all make
mistakes.
Since failure is common to all of us, one of the most important
life-skills you can learn is how to respond to it. Successful people
know how to turn every failure into a learning experience - a stepping
stone to future success.
Although the reasons for failure are numerous, there are five common
causes:
* When we don't plan ahead. As the old saying goes, "If you fail
to plan, you're planning to fail." Proverbs 27:12 says "A sensible man
watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them." Remember, Noah
had to start building the Ark long before it started raining!
* When we think we've "arrived." Remember the lesson of the whale:
Just when you get to the top, and you start to blow - that's when you
get harpooned! Proverbs 18:18 says "Pride leads to destruction and
arrogance leads to downfall." In other words, the man who gets to big
for his britches will be exposed in the end.
* When we are afraid to take necessary risks. The fear of failure
can cause failure.. We worry about what others will think of us if we
fail so we don't even try. Fran Tarkenton says "Fear sets you up to be
a
loser." We fail to take advantage of golden opportunities. "The fear of
man is a dangerous trap." Proverbs 29:25
* When we give up too soon. Many times, success is just around the
corner. Remember, the game is often won in the final seconds. If at
first you don't succeed- you're normal! Keep on keeping on! The value
of
a postage stamp is found in its ability to stick to one thing until it
gets there. "A lazy fellow had trouble all through life." Proverbs
15:19

* When we ignore God's advice. The Bible is our owner's manual for
life. It is filled with practical instructions and guidelines for work,
home, finances, relationships, and health. When we fail to follow
these,
we're asking for trouble "There is a way that SEEMS right to a man, but
in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12

Here are suggestions for steps to starting over when you've experienced
a failure:
 ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN FAILURE. If you've made a
mistake - admit it! Welcome to the human race. Don't blame others. To
blame is to "b-lame." Losers love to blame bad luck...the economy...the
boss...their spouse...or even God for misfortune. But winners never
accuse others and never excuse themselves when they fail. In 1974,
after
an 88 game winning streak, UCLA basketball lost to Notre Dame in a game
they had led by 11 points. The next day's headline read "Coach Wooden
says 'Blame me!'" Wooden was a winner. "Anyone who refuses to admit his
mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes
them,
he gets another chance." Prov. 28:13 (LB)
 
 RECOGNIZE THE BENEFITS OF FAILURE.
 For instance...
 - It shows you what doesn't work. Thomas Edison said, "Don't
call it a failure. Call it an education!"
 - It forces you to be more creative. You look for new ways.
 - It prevents arrogance and egotism. If everything you did was a
stunning success, no could live with you!
 - It causes you to reevaluate what's important in life. Failure
is one way God gets us to reflect on the direction of our lives.
 "Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our
ways." Pr. 20:30 (GN)
 
 ASK GOD FOR WISDOM TO UNDERSTAND THE CAUSE. Why did I fail? Is
there any reason I might have set myself up to fail? There are many
unconscious reasons we sometimes sabotage our own efforts:
 - The fear of success: Success may mean handling more
responsibility than I want to carry.
 - Guilt: If you feel you don't deserve to succeed, you may have
set yourself up to fail.
 - Resentment: Some people fail as a way of getting even with
those who are pressuring them to succeed.
 "If you lack wisdom, ask God, who gives generously to all..."
James 1:5
 
 FORGET THE PAST AND FOCUS ON THE FUTURE. Your past is past! It's
water under the bridge. You can't change it so you may as well stop
worrying about it.
 "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I
press on..." Phil. 4:1

2006-03-23T08:52:00.000-08:00

Defeating Discouragement 
By Rick Warren
Discouragement is a disease unique to human beings:
* It's universal. Everyone gets it .
* It's reoccurring. You can catch it more than once.
* It's highly contagious. Hang around discouraged people - you'll
be infected.
WHAT CAUSES DISCOURAGEMENT?
 FATIGUE. When you are physically or emotionally exhausted, you
are a prime candidate to be infected with discouragement. Your defenses
are lowered and things can seem bleaker than they really are. This
often
occurs when you are half way through a major project -you get tired.
 FRUSTRATION. When unfinished tasks pile up, it's natural to feel
overwhelmed. And when trivial matters or the unexpected interrupt you
and prevent you from accomplishing what you really need to do, your
frustration can easily produce discouragement.
 FAILURE. Sometimes, your best laid plans fall apart: the project
collapses... the deal falls through ... the order is cancelled. How do
you react? Do you give in to self-pity? Do you blame others? As one man
said, "Just when I think I can makes ends meet- somebody moves the
ends!" That's discouraging!
 FEAR. Fear is behind more discouragement than we'd like to
admit. The fear of criticism (What will they think?), the fear of
responsibility (What if I can't handle this?) and the fear of failure
(What if I blow it?) can cause a major onset of the blues.
WHAT'S THE CURE?
There's a fascinating story in the Bible about how a guy named Nehemiah
mobilized the residents of Jerusalem to build a wall around the entire
city. Half way through the project, the citizens became discouraged and
wanted to give up - because of the 4 causes I've given. Here's what
Nehemiah told them to do to defeat their discouragement: (Nehemiah 4)
* REST YOUR BODY! If you need a break - take one! You'll be more
effective when you return to work. If you're burning the candle at both
ends, you're not as bright as you think !
* REORGANIZE YOUR LIFE! Discouragement doesn't necessarily mean
you are doing the wrong thing. It may just be that you are doing the
right thing in the wrong way. Try a new approach. Shake things up a
little.
* REMEMBER GOD WILL HELP YOU! Just ask Him. He can give you new
energy. There is incredible motivating power in faith.
* RESIST THE DISCOURAGEMENT! Fight back. Discouragement is a
choice. If you feel discouraged it is because you have chosen to feel
that way. No one is forcing you to feel bad. Hang on! Do what's right
in
spite of your feelings. No feeling lasts forever

2006-03-03T15:00:00.000-08:00

Different Kind of Fasting

Lent is virtually synonymous with penance. As a time of preparation for the joy of the Resurrection, the glory of Easter, that’s appropriate. But, fasting means more than eating less food.

Word Among Us magazine offered some ideas for expanding the concept of fasting:

Fast from anger and hatred.

Fast from judging others.

Fast from discouragement.

Fast from complaining.

Fast from resentment or bitterness

Fast from spending too much money.

All people can gain a great deal by giving up something to which they cling, whether a poor habit or a hurtful attitude. Today, give up one thing that distances you from others and from God.

This (is) the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice…to let the oppressed go free …to share your bread with the hungry…when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own. (Isaiah 58:6,7)

2006-01-26T12:32:00.000-08:00

Partying in Silence

One Saturday night in 2002, friends Tony Noe and Paul Rebhan entered a
bar for a drink and a chat. But, as is often the case, the noise was
too loud for conversation.
Later that year, the friends decided to offer an alternative. They
played hosts at their first "quiet party." Guests scribble notes or images
to each other using pen and paper instead of talking. Fans laud the
trend as a means of quelling inane small talk and escaping the often
ear-splitting cacophony of 21st century life.
Noe and Rebhan now offer starter kits for those who want to host their
own silent soirées.
Every day, we need to make time, to take time, to tune out, so we can
tune in to what - and who - really matters.

Be silent before the Lord God! (Zephaniah 1:7)

2006-01-22T10:02:00.000-08:00

TODAY'S HOMEWORD
A Daily Devotional With Jim Burns

Don't Be an Avoider!
This devotional was written by Robin Dugall

So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is
right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's
law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body,
waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner
of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man
I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to
God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind
am a slave to God’s law, but in the sinful nature am a slave to
the law of sin. 
— Romans 7:21-25

At times, most of us avoid doing what we instinctively know is
good.  It’s funny how this works:  we avoid things that could
benefit our lives and run toward those things that could be
destructive.  For example, many of us know we should be eating
more nutritious foods to benefit our health, but we avoid the
discomfort of changing our habits of cooking.  Or, some of us
know we need to exercise more, but avoid the discomfort of
having to change our schedule in order to do so. When it comes
to spiritual disciplines, like prayer, studying the Bible or
meditating on God’s Word, we often avoid doing what we know we
should do.  In all areas of life, too often we seek the things
that can hurt us and  while we should embrace the things that
can benefit our lives, we don’t. 

Somebody once said to me, “The things we avoid are usually the
things we need to embrace.”  I’ve thought about that quite a
bit, and I agree with the statement.  The Scriptures are our
guide in this area. The Bible is clear that we should be doing
everything in our power to embrace those things that will bring
God’s blessing into our lives.  For example, the Apostle Paul
said both “Flee temptation” and “Whatever you do, do all in the
name of Jesus.”

In this first month of the New Year, now is the time to resolve
to take a strong stand against those realities that can damage
your life or detract you from experiencing the purposes of God.
Resolve not to be an avoider.  Don’t put off anything that could
bring you closer to what God has in store for you this year!

2006-01-18T08:38:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 21:31 
    The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
        but victory rests with the Lord.

Responding to a tip from an unhappy tax-payer, an investigative
television reporter secretly filmed a day in the life of a repair crew for
a utility company. What the reporter learned was shocking. Instead of
working, the two repairmen visited three taverns and took a two-hour
nap.
The actions of those two men, unfortunately, are not unique. As popular
author Denis Waitley observes, People waste most of their waking
hours every day going through the motions, chatting idly, shuffling paper,
putting off decisions, reacting, majoring in minors and concentrating
on trivia. They spend their time in low priority tension relieving,
rather than high priority goal-achieving activities.
What good are written goals if you randomly chase any object that
captures your attention? There's an African proverb that says, "He who
hunts two rats, catches none."
Don't overlook the details. Giant corporations don't suddenly
skyrocket to the top by chance. They have a business plan they adhere to
meticulously. Their a bean counters can give you a current financial
and sales report on any given day.
Instead of spinning your wheels, pay attention to the details that
provide the chart for your future.
- Neil Eskelin

2006-01-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

Ezekiel 36:26 
    I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will
remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 



For several years I have presented a seminar titled "Leaders Are
Lovers." The theme is simple: If you want rabbits to move, carrots work
better than sticks.

Many people still believe the objective of leadership is control. They
study how to take charge of time, finances, physical resources and how
to rule people.

Fortunately, we're discovering the more we attempt to control others,
the more they balk and rebel. Outstanding executives don't seek to
domineer, intimidate or over-regulate. Instead, they seek to empower
and
enable others to achieve.

Real leaders are not aloof but approachable. They are not cold but
caring. Real leaders are not tied to policies but to people. They are
not dogmatic and inflexible, but are open to new ideas.

Wes Roberts in his fascinating book, "Leadership Secrets of Attila the
Hun," states: "Without a flock there can be no shepherd. Without an
army
there can be no daring captain. Without subordinates there can be no
leaders. Leaders are therefore caretakers of the interest and
well-being
of those and the purposes they serve."

Instead of following a path, create one. Instead of copying someone's
mission, discover your own. Leaders lead.

- Neil Eskelin

2006-01-09T13:13:00.000-08:00

Col. 3:12
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe
yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and
patience.

In Kansas, a teenager was offended by the man who owned the farm next
to where his family lived. To get revenge, the young man went to a nearby
agricultural supply store and bought some Johnson grass seed - a very
obnoxious grass that is almost impossible to get rid of once It spreads.

In the middle of the night the boy sowed his neighbor's land with this
horrible seed. Before long the grass came up and greatly damaged the farm.

About four years later the young man fell in love with the neighbor's
daughter and married her. Later, the farmer died and willed the acreage
to his daughter. For thirty years the man has been fighting Johnson
grass - reaping what he had sown.

Some people spend a lifetime attempting to retaliate for a perceived
wrong. Unfortunately. It robs them of their energy, misplaces their
focus and keeps them from accomplishing anything worthwhile.
The Chicago columnist Sidney Harris wrote, "When we 'get even' with
someone, that's literally what we are doing - becoming even with them;
that is, descending to their level and losing whatever moral advantage
we may have had."
Don't retaliate. Rise above it.
- Neil Eskelin

2005-11-11T12:32:00.000-08:00

Giving Thanks for God’s Overwhelming Generosity

By Roy Lessin, co-founder DaySpring Cards

Everything in your life that flows out of love has
come to you from God. Everything in your life that is
good has been initiated by God. God has done
everything for you, He is everything to you, and He is
enriching other lives through you. His generosity is
overwhelming, His blessings are limitless, His love is
endless.

No one has favored you more than God. He has removed
every stain of your sin, He has cleansed all the
defilement of your iniquity, and He has silenced every
voice of condemnation that hung over your head. He has
saved you, redeemed you, and justified you.

All of God’s grace abounds toward you, all of Christ’s
riches are made available to you, and all spiritual
blessings are provided for you. In Christ, you have
received the treasures that can never be taken away,
the hope that can never fade away, and the life that
will never pass away.

As you walk with Jesus day by day, you will find that
your thankfulness to Him is an ever-increasing
symphony of praise, building into a lifelong crescendo
of gratitude that flows from your heart to His. You,
who have so little, have received so much, because He
has been so generous.

There are so many riches that He has given to you; so
many answers to prayer that He has granted to you; so
many kindnesses that He has manifested to you; so many
joys that He has provided for you; so many mercies
that He has extended to you; so many benefits that He
has showered upon you. Everything you have has come
from Him, and that is the reason why your heart can be
so grateful.

Thank Him today because—
He formed you and made you.
He has given you the breath of life.
He has given you this day.
He is working in you to become all that He has
intended you to be.
He is working everything in your life together for the
good.
He is using your difficulties and trials to conform
you to His image.

Thank Him today for—
The forgiveness of your sins.
The peace that passes all understanding.
The smiles that have come to your face because His joy
is in your heart.
The comfort of His presence that has quieted your
heart and calmed your fears.
The hope that is in you because He has promised to
always be with you.
The place in heaven that He has reserved and has
prepared for you.

Thank Him today with—
Words of exaltation.
Songs of celebration.
A heart of strong devotion.
Thoughts of deep reflection.
Acts of admiration.
Claps of loud ovation.

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise
to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips
giving thanks to his name.
Hebrews 13:15 (KJV

2005-10-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

TODAY'S HOMEWORD
A Daily Devotional With Jim Burns

Keep Both Oars in the Water
This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt

Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me
your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I
do. — James 2:17-18

The story is told (author unknown) of an old man who operated a
rowboat for ferrying passengers between an island and the
mainland.  One day, a passenger noticed that he had painted on
one oar the word “Works” and on the other oar the word “Faith.”
Curiosity led him to ask the meaning of this. The old man
replied, “I will show you.”  Dropping one oar, he began rowing
only with the oar named “Works.”  Of course, the boat just went
around in circles. Then he switched oars, picking up “Faith” and
dropping “Works.”  The little rowboat went around in circles
again—this time in the opposite direction. After this
demonstration, the old man picked up both oars, “Faith” and
“Works,” and rowing with the two oars together, swiftly coursed
over the water. He looked at the passenger and said, “You see,
that is the way it is in life, as well as in rowing a boat.
You‘ve got to keep both oars in the water, otherwise, you’ll
just go in circles.”

Rowing a boat can be compared to being a growing, useful
Christ-follower. You need two important things to make the
Christian life work: faith and works. Without faith, works may
be helpful to other people, but they don’t make you a
Christ-follower. Without works, faith is sterile. There would be
little or no growth in your life, and you  wouldn’t demonstrate
to others a life transformed by Christ.  Faith and works
together will cause your Christian life to grow by leaps and
bounds. Your life will have purpose, and you’ll find yourself
moving in the direction you want to go!

2005-10-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

Matthew 11:28 
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you
rest. "

Worry is an addiction. It starts as a small concern, yet can become a
giant habit that hooks us. It looms bigger than life - and can haunt
and
swallow us.
It reminds me of fog.
The U.S. Bureau of Standards says that dense fog covering seven city
blocks 100 feet deep is composed of something less than one eight-ounce
glass of water. It is divided into more than 60 thousand million drops.
It sound impossible that one glass of water can shut down O'Hare
International airport in Chicago - and can completely affect out
ability
to see.
Your worry has the same power. One tiny trouble, if allowed to
multiply,
can cloud your entire life - and dim your vision.
Follow the advice of author Robert Burdette. He says, "There are two
days in the week about which and upon which I never worry: One of these
days is Yesterday, and the other is Tomorrow."
Take care of today and the fog of anxiety of evaporate.
- Neil Eskelin

2005-10-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

Acts 4:12 
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under
heaven given to men by which we must be saved." 

  
A prayer by Thomas Aquinas.

Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may
drag
downwards;
give us an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out;
give us an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside.
Bestow upon us also, O Lord, our God, understanding to know you,
diligence
to seek you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

2005-10-03T10:11:00.000-07:00

I just returned from New Jersey. While en route there,
I was stuck in traffic on Interstate 81, just below
the Virginia state line, (Bristol, Tennessee), due to
a traffic accident with a fatality involved. This
accident involved a tanker truck hauling a hazardous
material load that developed a leak, which meant that
we weren't going anywhere for several hours.

After being told by the Tennessee state troopers that
we would be sitting still until the clean up was
completed, I set my brakes on the truck and got out to
stretch my legs. Other truck drivers did the same, and
at one point there were 5 of us standing there by my
truck, complaining.

Sitting right beside me in the left lane, were two
elderly people in a Silverado pick up truck, which was
loaded quite well. The man, (Joe), lowered his window
and asked what was going on regarding the traffic
situation.

Soon we were all talking with this couple. I mentioned
that if I had known about this, I would have bought
something to drink, (water), for I was becoming
thirsty. The lady, (Anna), said that they had plenty
of water and sodas in the cooler in the bed of the
truck, and offered everyone present something. While
she was back there, she said that she had plenty of
tuna salad made up, and asked if we would be
interested in a sandwich.

After some urging from Joe, we agreed to a sandwich.
While Anna was making the sandwiches on the tailgate
of the truck, she was singing like a songbird. To be
close to 70, (I guess), she had a remarkable voice.

When she finished making the sandwiches, and putting
everything up, Joe raised the tailgate of the truck to
close it. I noticed a Mississippi license plate on it.
I inquired as to what part of Mississippi they were
from. Joe said Biloxi. Knowing that Biloxi had been
ravaged also by hurricane Katrina, I asked if they
sustained any damage. Joe said that they lost
everything but what they had on and what was in the
pickup. All of us drivers tried unsuccessfully to pay
them for their drinks and the sandwiches. They would
have nothing to do with it. Joe said that their son
was living around Harrisonburg, Virginia and that they
were going there. He was in the real estate business
and that there was a home that became open, and that
they were going to start all over there. Staring over
at their age would not be easy.

I will soon be 48 years old, and I have to say that I
have never eaten a tuna sandwich with side orders of
reality and humility. These people lost everything
except the pictures, important documents, and some
clothes. Joe had managed to get their antique heirloom
grandfather clock into the bed of the truck and Anna
got her china and silverware, but that was all. These
wonderful people lost practically everything they
owned and still would not accept any money for their
food and drinks. Joe said "it was better to give than
it is to receive." They sought refuge behind a block
wall that he had built years ago, and they watched
their belongings and their home disappear in the winds
of Hurricane Katrina. Joe said that during all this he
had one hand holding onto Anna and the other holding
on to God. Their truck and themselves came out of
Katrina unscathed.

As I stated before, Anna was singing a song while
making the sandwiches. The song is titled "I know who
holds tomorrow," an old gospel song. She knew every
word, and was quite a gifted singer of it. Have you
ever heard it?

The chorus of this song is, "Many things, about
tomorrow, I don't seem to understand. But I know who
holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand."

There is no doubt, in my mind, who was holding both
their hands. I know there have been many, many emails
that have circulated over the years about things that
will touch your heart, but this one I personally was
involved in.

Forget all of the politics that the news is striving
on, and think about people just like Joe and Anna. If
you can, help out with the victim’s relief funds.

If you cannot, at least offer a prayer for everyone.

Do what you wish with this email, forward it, delete
it, whatever. I know that these two elderly people got
to this old boy. I will always remember them. Joe and
Anna, if by some strange way you, or someone you know
gets this, and shows it to you, God Bless you!

Mike Dowdy

Hartselle, Alabama

Have a blessed day!

2005-09-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

A Bright Spot

Veronica Smith used to spend her weeks waiting for Thursdays. It was
then she would snuggle and play with her infant daughter, Kaydonna, for
two hours in the chapel of the Kentucky prison where she was
incarcerated.
The rest of the time Kaydonna lived at Angel House, which was started
by
Sandy Tucker and her husband, Jerry. They have cared for more than 400
children and babies of women in prison, so that the state would not
have
to take custody of them. The children enjoy a cheerful, homey,
family-like atmosphere and the opportunity to see their moms. Their
moms
in turn are happy knowing that when they leave prison, their children
will be waiting.
"It's a reason (for the mothers) to straighten out their lives, a light
at the end of the tunnel," says Sandy.
Our world is full of ways to help neighbors. Find yours.

Do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you, in heaven 
their
angels continually see the face of My Father. (Matthew 18:10)

Show us new ways to fix the brokenness in our lives and the lives of
those we meet, Lord.

2005-09-08T08:42:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 9:23-24
   This is what the Lord says:
   "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
       or the strong man boast of his strength
       or the rich man boast of his riches,
   [24] but let him who boasts boast about this:
       that he understands and knows me,
   that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
       justice and righteousness on earth,
       for in these I delight,"
declares the Lord.

Some people think that when they earn a college degree, they possess
all
the knowledge they need for life. Far from it. Harry Truman observed,
"The only things worth learning are the things you learn after you know
it all.
I'm a great proponent of self-help books because they develop life
skills and keep the flame of hope and expectancy burning bright. They
are the building blocks that help us achieve our potential.
Psychologist
Albert Maslow says, "If you deliberately plan to be less than you are
capable of being, then I warn you that you'll be unhappy for the rest
of
your life."
What's amazing about reading motivational volumes is that the contents
always seem original and fresh - even if you have read the same book
before. Why is that the case?
One day, you'll pick up one of Napoleon Hill's books and say, "I never
saw that before." The reason it seems new is because of the way "you"
have changed. The growth you've experienced has prepared you to apply
concepts and ideas you were not ready for last year, or the year
before.

Keep reading -- again and again.

2005-09-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

September 1, 2005
Acts of God; Tears of God
By John Fischer

Hard to think of anything else right now but to feel for the people in the southern United States whose homes and virtual lives lie under feet of water, mud and rubble. My neighbor was out on her porch late last night talking about how she couldn't stop watching CNN. She knows friends and relatives in or near some of the flooded areas and there's no way to get through to them. I'm sure that is a very common dilemma right now. It's hard to pull yourself away because it is so hard to imagine this happening to anybody, much less someone you know. It's moments like this when we feel so frail and helpless as human beings. We are victims of forces way beyond our control.
In legal terms disasters like this fall under the category: “Acts of God.” Doesn't bode too well for God's reputation, does it? Is it that God doesn't have anything better to do than devastate the lives of hundreds of thousands of people? To some it may seem like that. We call natural disasters “Acts of God” because there is no other way to explain them. I would prefer to believe God is in charge of even things like this, and accept the inconsistencies that come with that belief, rather than live in a world even God can't control, or worse, where there is no reason for our existence and no one there to hear our silent screams.

One thing we need to remember is that this is the same God who let the world and His human creation go bad, and then turned around and sacrificed His own Son in a brutal death in order to save it. Will we ever understand that? Probably not. But as a result of God's unique divine/human incarnation, He understands us. He is neither distant nor untouched by our human predicament. Believe me, He's got His arms around these flood zones right now eager to help and comfort. And just as God suffered over Jesus, His heart is breaking over these losses. Whatever you feel, you can be sure God feels also, and then some. The acts of God include the tears of God. And just as He will ultimately redeem the human race, He will also turn our lives and devastations into good somehow. Life will go on and God will still be God.
Yesterday the governor of Louisiana asked for everyone to spend the day in prayer. That's where we turn when things like this happen. To have no one there to pray to would be even more devastating.

"[Prayer] would be the best thing to calm our spirits and thank our Lord that we are survivors," said Governor Kathleen Blanco. "Slowly, gradually, we will recover; we will survive; we will rebuild.”

2005-08-13T17:41:00.000-07:00

Psalm 23:1
A David psalm (Psalm 23.1+2) God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down inlush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.

What a Smile Can Lead To

"I've noticed you each Sunday, and you smile a lot. My grandma died four years ago, and I miss her. Will you be my 'Church Grandma'? Love,Brianna."

These words were written to Minnesotan Lorraine Halli by a fellowc hurchgoer, 12-year-old Brianna Hagen. After speaking with Brianna's mother, Lorraine wrote back, "Of course, I'll be your Church Grandma!" The match was made in heaven. Halli was a widow whose three children andseven grandchildren lived out of state. She has since become a part of the Hagen family, sharing every special occasion and many of the in-between moments. Halli writes, "There really are no accidents. Somehow, Brianna had known just who to chose as her Church Grandma - a choice that filled a place in my heart I hadn't even known was empty."See what a smile can lead to? Try yours.

2005-07-28T19:38:00.000-07:00

Home Word Daily Devotional with Jim Burns

Be Authentic

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does." James 1:22-25

To make a difference in your world you've got to be real. There is nothing worse than a holier-than-thou Christian who never shares his hurts and sorrows. I don't know about you, but Ican't relate to perfection. Authentic people make a difference in the world. I heard recently of a minister in the Midwest who was going for a walk with a soap salesman in the community who was a real skeptic toward Christianity. They were having quite an active debate while walking through the park. The businessman was getting in some good jabs at the inconsistency of Christians. As they were walking through the park the soap salesman questioned the minister, "How can you say that Christianity works when even within the inner-city park you see derelicts ofevery kind, drugs, and prostitutes? Then you have the problems of the family, war, and disease, not to mention the negative problems of the world. How can you say that Christianity works? Just look around-it's not working." They walked in silence for a few moments, and then the minister turned to him and said,"You're a soap salesman, right?" "Yes, of course," was the reply. "Is it good soap?" "It's the best soap on the market!" was the comment of the salesman. The minister turned and pointed to a small child playing in the park who was covered with dirt and grime, and said, "This boy is dirty and filthy from the mud in the park; doesn't your soap help him?" The salesman said,"Well, you've got to apply the soap." The minister's response was, "So it is with the Christian faith. You must apply theChristian faith in order for it to work."

2005-06-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

I've posted this several times already, but I feel like worrying is a huge part of our lives and how we should handle it is something God can continually remind us about.

Don't Worry!
By Rick Warren
Do you tend to expect the worst? Do you panic when you get a letter with
IRS stamped on the envelope or when you hear a rumor about layoffs at
work? The word worry comes from an old English word meaning "to choke orstrangle". Of course, that's exactly what worry does to your
productivity and happiness. It's a self-defeating waste of time. In his famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave four reasons for not
worrying and the secrets of overcoming it. (Matthew 6:25-34)

* WORRY IS UNREASONABLE. To worry about something you CAN'T change is useless. To worry about something you CAN change is stupid! And everytime you review a worry in your mind it just gets bigger. Worry amplifies problems out of proportion. "Don't worry about the clothes you need. Life is more than what you wear."

* WORRY IS UNNATURAL. You weren't born a worrier. It is a learned response to life. In fact, you have to practice to get good at it. Fortunately worry can be unlearned. The only species in God's creation that worries is human beings. We don't think God will take care of us."Bird don't worry but God takes care of them. Don't you realize you'remore valuable to God than mere birds?"

* WORRY IS UNHELPFUL. It doesn't work. It can't change the past. It can't control the future. It only makes you miserable today. Worrying about a problem never solves the problem. "Who of you by worrying canadd a single hour to his life?"

* WORRY IS UNNECESSARY. God has promised to take care of you ifyou'll trust him with the details of your life. As a child, if you askedyour father for lunch money you never worried about where it would come from. That was his problem. Let God be God in your life! "God will takecare of you, just have faith."

HOW CAN I BREAK THE WORRY HABIT?
First, trust God with every area of your life. "Your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well what you need and he will it provide it if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to." Second, live just one day at a time. "Don't worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

2005-06-02T15:15:00.000-07:00

WHAT IF GOD HAD VOICE MAIL?

We have all learned to live with voice mail as necessary part of modern life. But you may have wondered ---- What if God decided to install voice mail. Imagine praying and hearing this......"Thank you for calling My Father's House. Please select one of the following options: Press 1 for requests. Press 2 for thanksgiving. Press 3 for complaints. Press 4 for all other inquiries."

What if God used the familiar excuse...
"All the angels are helping other customers right now. Please stay on the line and your call will be answered in the order it was received."
Can you imagine getting these kind of responses as you call on God in prayer?

"If you would like to speak to Gabriel, press 1. For Michael, press 2.For a directory of other angels, press 3. If you would like to hear King David sing a Psalm while you're waiting press 4. To find out if a loved one has been assigned to heaven, enter his or her social security number."
"For reservations at My Father's House, press the letters J-O-H-N and then 3-1-6. For answers to nagging questions about dinosaurs, the age of the earth, and where Noah's ark is, please wait until you arrive here."
"Our computers show that you have already called once today. Please hang up and try again tomorrow."
"This office is closed for the weekend. Please call again on Monday after 9:00 AM"

Thank God, you can't call Him too often!

Then you will call and the Lord will answer, you will cry for help, and He will say, "Here am I." (Isaiah 58:9)

2005-05-31T19:30:00.000-07:00

It's Never too Late to Be Great

The next time you're feeling as if time has passed you by, consider these inspiring facts:
Writer Laura Ingalls Wilder published her enormously successful LittleHouse in the Big Woods, the first of her eight-volume series, when she was 65 years old.

Lillian Carter, mother of President Jimmy Carter, joined the Peace Corpsat age 68 and served for two years in India.

Jenny Wood-Allen of Scotland completed the London Marathon in 11 hoursand 34 minutes. She was 90.

There are fewer limits to what each individual can accomplish, regardless of age, than we usually admit. Don't limit yourself. And don't let others limit you either.

Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace. (Luke 8:48)

2005-05-16T19:14:00.000-07:00

Christians - By Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say.. "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace,somehow.

May your day be filled with many blessings!!!

2005-04-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

LEARNING TO RESPECT DIFFERENCES
(The lawyer) answered, 'You shall love...your neighbor asyourself.'
And (Jesus) said '...do this and you will live.' ---Luke 10:27,28

The doctors and nurses at the King's Highway Division of Beth Israel
Medical Center have noticed an increase of patients from various
immigrant groups, including many who were devoutly religious. Each
group has different needs.Orthodox Jews cannot ring for a nurse on the Sabbath because that is
considered work. Muslims permit only family members to touch the body
of a dying person, who must be turned towards Mecca.The staff, who are mostly Catholic or Protestant, needed to understand
the various needs of their patients. Supervisors at the hospital
developed fact sheets to help the staff understand the diets, organ
transplant beliefs and death practices of various religions."By learning...you become more sensitive," said nurse Lydia Gonzalez."You always have to be open to other people's needs and fill them asbest you can."

Education is the key to breaking down barriers.

2005-03-03T20:15:00.000-08:00

Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

THE STATION
Tucked away in our subconscious is an idyllic vision. We are traveling by train - out the windows, we drink in the passing scenes of children waving at a crossing, cattle grazing on a distant hillside, row upon row of corn and wheat, flatlands and valleys, mountains and rolling hillsides and city skylines. But uppermost in our minds is the final destination.

On a certain day, we will pull into the station. Bands will be playing and flags waving. Once we get there, our dreams will come true and the pieces of our lives will fit together like a completed jigsaw puzzle. Restlessly we pace the aisles, damning the minutes - waiting, waiting, waiting for the station."When we reach the station, that will be it!" we cry. "When I'm 18.""When I buy a new 450sl Mercedes Benz!" "When I put the last kid through college!" "When I have paid off the mortgage!" "When I get apromotion!" "When I reach retirement, I shall live happily ever after!"

Sooner or later, we realize there is no station, no one place to arrive.The true joy of life is the trip. The station is only a dream. It constantly out distances us."Relish the moment" is a good motto, especially when coupled with

Psalm118:24: "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice andbe glad in it."

It isn't the burdens of today that drive men mad. It is the regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who rob us of today. So stop pacing the aisles andcounting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more, cry less. Life must be lived as we go along. The station will come soon enough.

By Robert J. Hastings

2005-03-03T20:08:00.000-08:00

The Effect of Laughter

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA),
laughter's effect on body chemistry can help the immune system and ease
allergies. In other words, a hearty laugh is healthful. Bring more
amusement into your life by trying the following:
1 Hone your sense of humor: read the funny papers, go to comedy
clubs, rent videos of classic comedies to expand your comic vision.

2 Get a little help from the pros: consider joining a laughter
club, where participants are led through exercises that encourage
playfulness, fun and mental balance.

3 Spread the joy by jotting down jokes or stories you want to
remember. Share these with co-workers.

4 Stay positive.

The therapeutic power of laughter can keep ushealthy.Laughter can energize and renew us. Give in to a heart felt laugh today.

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouts of joy. (Job 8:21)

2005-03-03T20:05:00.000-08:00

嚜燈n the streets of New York City a balloon salesman knew how to
attract a crowd. Before making his first sale, he took a white balloon,
filled it with helium gas and it floated into the air on the string. Next,
he inflated a red balloon and then a yellow one. As children gathered
around to buy his wares, a little black boy looked up at the balloons
and eventually asked, "Mister, if you filled a black balloon, would it go
up, too?" The man bent down and looked the boy in the eyes and said,
"Of course. It's not the color of the balloon, it's what's inside that
makes it rise."
If the sentiment of the New York salesman was the norm rather than the
exception we could eliminate one of the great scourges of our society.
It's time to look deep within our soul. Seek a heart so filled with
compassion that intolerance finds no place to reside.
?e has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the
face of the earth" (Acts 17:26).

2005-02-15T12:10:00.000-08:00

Eccles. 4:11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

THE COMPANY YOU KEEP

It Is Better To Be Alone, Than In The Wrong Company

Today's lesson deals with friendship-

The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people. As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are. Friends that don't help you climb will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you. Consider this:

Never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person. Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere. With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it. Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life.

Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships.

Happy moments? Praise God
Difficult moments? Seek God
Quiet moments? Worship God
Painful moments? Trust God
Every moment? Thank God

If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights.

"A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses."

The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate - for the good and the bad.

2005-02-10T21:31:00.000-08:00

When Brian Moved In
Brian Raymond and Zach Woodward had been best buddies since third grade.They stayed close even when it became clear that something was terribly wrong at Brian's house. As Brian entered his sophomore year in high school, his mother, divorced from his father for some time, entered a local mental hospital. Brian had no place to go and turned to his friend Zach who turned to his parents. "Could Brian live here?"

was Zach's question. The answer:"Yes."

Over the next two years, Brian became emancipated from his family. By senior year in high school, he was choosing among college engineering programs. His time with the Woodwards was the most "home" he had ever known, Brian says. Each morning, although it is a most hectic time, Mrs. Woodward made pancakes - especially for Brian and Zach. "The boys will remember the pancakes for the rest of their lives," Mrs. Woodward says.

Surely they - Brian especially - will remember far more than that.

Be hospitable to one another. (1 Peter 4:9)

2005-02-09T21:12:00.000-08:00

No More Bad Prayer Days

For those who have had difficulty praying, prayer is something for mystics and monks. But here are some tips to help end those "bad prayer"days.

* Throw away the script and talk with God person to Person about your worries and concerns; your joys and sorrows; your dreams and hopes; your loves and hates.

* Pray by listening; just sitting silently in God's presence in a church, your favorite chair, on the back porch, patio or balcony, in the car.

* Pray your distractions by making tomorrow's busy schedule or the results of a medical test the subject of prayer. Our business is God's business.

* Keep asking, acknowledging that there is very little in our lives that we can control on our own. Just do it. Pray. Pray today. Now. Right where you are.

"Lord teach us to pray." (Luke 11:1)

2005-02-08T19:52:00.000-08:00

Charting a Course for the Future

How far do you plan ahead? In Matthew we are admonished not to "worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own." We need to take time to smell the flowers.
However, a familiar slogan also reminds us that those who fail to plan, plan to fail. Perhaps emotionally we can live a day at a time, but otherwise we must prepare to build the life we want to live.

Where should we draw the line? How much of the future can we plan? How to strike a balance?Only through prayer and in the knowledge of God's will can we get it right. Trust God to direct you, your life, your plans, your hopes. Determine what you believe to be the Lord's will for you. Map the route to be taken, the steps necessary for achievement. Then let God shepherd you.

Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. (Psalm 37:4-5)

2005-02-08T19:41:00.000-08:00

Putting the Rest Back in Sundays

What do you do on Sunday? Clean out the garage? Catch up on bills and
paper work? Run errands or run to the nearest shopping mall?
That used to be the way the Kenisons spent the Sabbath, but not
anymore.

"What we all need is to stop moving," says Katrina Kenison.
For the past year, Katrina, her husband and their two sons have made
Sundays special, setting their "to do" lists aside. The family goes to
church "after years of believing that we didn't have time for church,"
says Katrina. After that, the day is up for grabs. "We may take a walk
in the woods or putter around the yard," she says. "We may even read
the

10-pound newspaper we pick up on the way home from church."
The Sabbath should be a day not just "to do," but "to be" in the Lord.

It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. (Matthew 12:12)

2005-01-19T09:45:00.000-08:00

But You Promised!
By Rick Warren

Have you ever.. promised to deliver by a set date and later regretted it?
volunteered for a job you had no idea would take so long?
agreed to a deal that looked great but wasn't?
accepted an invitation you wish you hadn't?

Eventually, we all learn by experience a basic law of life:
IT'S ALWAYS EASIER TO GET IN THAN GET OUT!

The Bible says, "It is a trap for a person to dedicate something rashlyand only later to consider his vows." (Pr.20:25)
A TRAP!

There are three common commitment traps in business:

The Money Trap: It's always easier to get into debt than out of debt!
It's always easier to borrow than to pay it back.

The Partnership Trap: It's always easier to get into a partnership thanto get out of one! Falling in love is easy - the difficult part isstaying in love.

The Time Trap: It's always easier to fill your schedule than to fulfillit! You can get so many irons in the fire that you put out the fire!The person who burns the candle at both ends is not as bright as hethinks he is.

THE SOLUTION? Remember what the Bible says - don't make rash vows. In other words...

CHOOSE YOUR COMMITMENTS CAREFULLY!
THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK UNDER-PROMISE AND OVER-DELIVER

You'll build a reputation as a person of your word - and that is worthits weight in gold in today's business climate.

2005-01-19T09:11:00.000-08:00

Life's most perplexing problems usually come in the form of people. The fellow who brags, "Everybody likes me; I don't have an enemy on earth," had better be careful. When that's the case, you can bet he is not accomplishing much.

If your biggest complaint is that someone doesn't like you, give yourself a round of applause. Anyone who is a real success is bound to be the object of jealousy. Why not make the best of it? After all, your enemies keep you on your toes. Their envy can cause you to work harder than you ever imagined.

Enemies are great as long as you fight "yourself" and don't battle"them." Let their negative attitude serve to sharpen your skills and increase your abilities. As someone remarked, "Cherish your enemies. At least they don't try to hit you for a loan." Instead of fuming at those who would put you down, consider it a unique form of flattery. If people weren't concerned with your opinion, they would simply ignore you.

Put your problems with people in a new perspective. They are great opportunities for you to get to know someone much better. Perhaps that someone is you!

- Neil Eskelin

"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" (Luke 6:27).

2005-01-18T19:07:00.000-08:00

Defeating Discouragement
By Rick Warren
Discouragement is a disease unique to human beings:
* It's universal. Everyone gets it .
* It's reoccurring. You can catch it more than once.
* It's highly contagious. Hang around discouraged people - you'llbe infected.

WHAT CAUSES DISCOURAGEMENT?

FATIGUE. When you are physically or emotionally exhausted, youare a prime candidate to be infected with discouragement. Your defensesare lowered and things can seem bleaker than they really are. This oftenoccurs when you are half way through a major project -you get tired.

FRUSTRATION. When unfinished tasks pile up, it's natural to feeloverwhelmed. And when trivial matters or the unexpected interrupt youand prevent you from accomplishing what you really need to do, yourfrustration can easily produce discouragement. FAILURE. Sometimes, your best laid plans fall apart: the projectcollapses... the deal falls through ... the order is cancelled. How doyou react? Do you give in to self-pity? Do you blame others? As one mansaid, "Just when I think I can makes ends meet- somebody moves theends!" That's discouraging!

FEAR. Fear is behind more discouragement than we'd like toadmit. The fear of criticism (What will they think?), the fear ofresponsibility (What if I can't handle this?) and the fear of failure(What if I blow it?) can cause a major onset of the blues.

WHAT'S THE CURE?There's a fascinating story in the Bible about how a guy named Nehemiahmobilized the residents of Jerusalem to build a wall around the entirecity. Half way through the project, the citizens became discouraged andwanted to give up - because of the 4 causes I've given. Here's whatNehemiah told them to do to defeat their discouragement: (Nehemiah 4)

* REST YOUR BODY! If you need a break - take one! You'll be moreeffective when you return to work. If you're burning the candle at bothends, you're not as bright as you think !

* REORGANIZE YOUR LIFE! Discouragement doesn't necessarily meanyou are doing the wrong thing. It may just be that you are doing theright thing in the wrong way. Try a new approach. Shake things up alittle. * REMEMBER GOD WILL HELP YOU! Just ask Him. He can give you newenergy. There is incredible motivating power in faith.

* RESIST THE DISCOURAGEMENT! Fight back. Discouragement is achoice. If you feel discouraged it is because you have chosen to feelthat way. No one is forcing you to feel bad.

Hang on! Do what's right inspite of your feelings. No feeling lasts forever.

2005-01-13T21:45:00.000-08:00

NOISE CANCELLATION
1 Peter 2:2

For Christmas my son got an MP3 player with a pair of headphones that
have a "noise cancellation" feature. Here's how it works. A microphone
in the headset picks up nearby noise (such as me telling him to take
out the trash) and the built-in processor then sends a sound to the headset
at an opposite frequency, thereby canceling out the original sound.

When he wears those headphones he hears nothing except the music in his MP3
player. I've tried them myself and they're amazing: you put them on and
the noise of the world seems to disappear.
The Bible also has a noise cancellation feature. Whenever your life gets
too loud with the criticism of others, or the temptations of the enemy,
or the rumbling of your own doubts, going to the Word will negate the noise.

David said...
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
(Psalm 119:11)

Paul said...
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. (Romans 10:17)

Peter said...
Like newborn babes long for the pure milk of the word that by it you may
grow in respect to your salvation. (2 Peter 2:2)

I have learned that the more time I spend in the Word, the less
distracted I am by the racket the world makes. Reading God's Word
cancels out the sounds of temptation and doubt and makes it possible to hear the music of spiritual growth.

I challenge you to begin this new year listening God's Word, not the
noise of this world.
--------------
Source: 1 Minute Sermon

2004-12-07T11:14:00.000-08:00

Psalm 25:5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

We only need to watch a child interact with a computer to get a glimpse of tomorrow. Children are inventive because they aren't bound by traditional thinking. Most authorities on creativity will tell you that the easiest way to come up with something original is to combine known elements in an unusual way. A second-grade teacher in Illinois found this out when she devised a teaching unit for her class. Her goal was to create an awareness of early American proverbs. Her play was to introduce them to these wise phrases by giving them the first few words - and letting them finish the proverb. Here's what the kids added:

You can lead a horse to water . . . but they always want something else.
A penny saved . . . isn't much.
The bigger they are . . . the better I like them.
A bird in the hand . . . is liable to go to the bathroom.
You can't teach an old dog . . . because he can't see very well.
If at first you don't succeed . . . suck juice.
Two heads . . . are worse then two feet. Early to bed . . . stinks!

- Neil Eskelin

2004-12-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

Jeremiah 12:2
You are always on their lips but far from their hearts.

My wife, Anne, is from Great Britain and we often fly there to visit
her family. And while I love England, there is one thing that still
confuses me; why do the English drive on the wrong side of the road?

Recently in London, I stepped off a curb to cross Oxford Street and did
what I've done a million times. My head automatically turned to the
left- and I almost lost my toes to a taxi speeding by from the right.
What a shock! And it has happened more than once.

We are hopeless creatures of habit. Our subconscious quickly takes
control and we respond like robots. If we're not careful we will miss
the "Danger" sign.

Can you imagine what happened on Easter Sunday in Atlanta when the
preacher's son changed the "Ladies" and "Mens" signs on the church
restroom doors? The visitors read the signs but the members didn't bother. It was a
disaster.

Don't take the routines of life for granted. They can lull you into a
false sense of security. To stay on the cutting edge, remain attentive
and alert to everything that enters your path.

- Neil Eskelin

2004-11-26T13:23:00.000-08:00

Mark 6:31 Then Jesus said, "Let's get away from the crowds for a while and rest."

Recharging Your Batteries
Want to know a little secret about how to liven up your life, rekindle energy, and brighten your outlook? Take a little vacation every day. You don't have to go to the mountains to ski, or the beach to swim, you simply have to spend some time each day doing something you really love. If you like to read, keep a book handy and lose yourself in an author you really like. If you like to sketch, keep a pad and pencil handy. The idea is to focus your full attention on this pleasurable activity. It is very difficult for many of us to take time from our busy schedules for a typical vacation. But, if we took just 15 minutes from every day, that's 91 hours a year, or two full weeks! And what are we doing? Something we love. That is exhilarating, refreshing, revivifying. And that is what a vacation is supposed to do.

2004-11-22T15:21:00.000-08:00

Matthew 9:29 "According to your faith will it be done to you"

I remember driving across the Arizona desert and seeing what looked likea small dot on the horizon. I immediately guessed that it was a large billboard several miles ahead. The closer I came to the sign, the larger it loomed. And when I finally passed it, the billboard was bigger than life. That's how it is with our dreams. What begins as a distant speck suddenly becomes a towering reality as we move toward it. At first, the picture of your future may seem hazy, even out of focus. Yet the longer you think about it the more vivid and substantial it becomes. Eventually, we began to attach meaning to our vision and it becomes concrete and tangible. As Jonathan Swift wrote, "Vision is theart of seeing things invisible." When you finally zero in on the central, overriding dream of your life, it seems there is nothing - absolutely nothing - that will keep you from attaining it. If someone erects a blockade you won't be alarmed. You will go around it, under it, or over it to reach your objective. Don't hesitate. Start moving toward your dream.

- Neil Eskelin

2004-11-18T17:38:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 4:23 'Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

What you commit your heart and feelings to will change what you are and make you into a different person. That's what Dr. Anthony Campolo, popular author and speaker, preaches. He says it is not the past, rather the future that conditions you, because what you commit yourself to determines what you are - more than anything that ever happened to you yesterday, or the day before. Here are the simple questions Campolo asks. What are your commitments? Where are you going? What are you going to be? He states, You show me somebody who hasnt decided, and I'll show you somebody who has no identity, no personality, no direction.

There are two centers of influence that dictate your actions. The cognitive domain is governed by your mind and the affective domain is controlled by your heart. Which influence is the most powerful? I'm sure you already know the answer. The power of your emotions is infinitely stronger than your reasoning or logic. In the words of the German philosopher Nietzsche, One ought to hold on to one's heart; for if one lets go, one soon loses control of the head too. Recognize both your feelings and your intellect as you make plans for tomorrow.

- Neil Eskelin

2004-11-15T21:22:00.000-08:00

Trading in "the Good Life"

Jim and Jeri Moat could have spent their long-awaited retirement yearson a golf course, or vacationing on the Texas Gulf shores. Instead, they're toughing it out on the unpaved, rocky roads of Arteaga, Mexico, bringing health care education to its citizens. Delivering much-needed supplies, medicines and information, the Moats travel throughout the three valleys and two mountain ranges. Often, they meet with families living in homes with dirt floors, no running water, and little or no knowledge of disease prevention. "Our main goal ishealth education," says Jeri.

How do you define "the good life?" For some, there's nothing better than following Jesus.

The Lord has...sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and...prisoners...to comfort all who mourn. (Isaiah 61:1-2)

May I have the faith to follow Your lead, Lord Jesus.

2004-11-13T21:41:00.000-08:00

Taming Anger

Are there any ways to prevent stress and anger before they start? Here are some ideas.

* Accept conflict as normal in relationships.
* Disagree without being disagreeable. Don't insist that everyone agree with you.
* Know that the obvious source of the conflict isn't always the real rub.
* Remember that sometimes conflict is used to attract attention.
* Be responsible for how you feel and for what happens to you.
* Be patient and forgiving. Most people are doing their best
None of these ideas mean you should let someone take advantage of you. But patience goes a long way toward preventing anger.

Live in harmony with one another...do not repay anyone evil forevil...live peaceably with all. (Romans 12:16,17,18)

2004-11-11T09:58:00.000-08:00

36 CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."

1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects overtime; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can'tdo anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most.)
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.

GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.

"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

2004-11-11T09:49:00.000-08:00

Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE

Everything I learned about selling I learned in one afternoon from my father, Walt, at his furniture store in New Era, Michigan. I was 12 years old. I was sweeping the floor when an elderly woman entered the store. I asked Dad if I could wait on her. "Sure," he replied.

"May I help you?"

"Yes, young man, I bought a sofa from your store and the leg fell off. I want to know when you're going to fix it."

"When did you purchase it, ma'am?"

"About 10 years ago."

I told my father that she thought we were going to fix her old sofa for free. He said to tell her we'd be there that afternoon. After screwing on the new leg, we left, and on the ride back Pop asked,"What's bothering you son?"

"You know that I want to go to college. If we drive around fixing old sofas for free, we'll go broke."

"You had to learn how to do that repair job anyway. Besides, you missed the most important part. You didn't notice the store tag when we flipped the couch over. She bought it from Sears."

"You mean we did that job for nothing and she's not even our customer?"Dad looked me in the eye and said, "She is now."

Two days later she returned to our store and bought several thousand dollars worth of new furniture from me. When we delivered it, she put a gallon jar filled with change, singles, fives, tens, twenties, fifties and hundreds on the kitchen table. "Take what you need," she said and left the room.

I've been selling for 30 years since that day. I have had the highest closing average in every organization I have represented because I treat customers with respect.

By Michael T. Burcon
from A Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul

2004-11-09T13:12:00.000-08:00

James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

"Niche" Samaritans
The volunteers at the Inn of the Good Samaritan, in the Dominican Republic, uncovered a unique and not-so-obvious need. Often, it is simply confusion in navigating the health care system that prevents the sick from getting the help they desperately need. The Inn offers the sick guidance in accessing medical care and supplies. The missionaries assist those who are illiterate, those who are too frightened to go into the capital city for treatment, or those who simply need advice and direction in following doctors' orders, taking medicine, etc. These missionaries have found their "niche" and have helped save lives. Consider the endless possibilities the world holds for helping those in need. What single, small thing can you do today to answer the call of someone with a unique need?

2004-11-08T13:03:00.000-08:00

During the great depression of the 1930s, Fiorello La Guardia was mayorof New York City. One night he visited a courtroom in one of the poorestsections of the city and asked the judge, "Why don't you go home for theevening and let me take over the bench?" The judge hesitated, but sinceit was the mayor, he agreed. The first case La Guardia heard that night was an elderly woman who wasarrested for stealing bread. "Are you innocent or guilty?" the mayorasked. The woman softly replied, "I needed the bread, Your Honor, tofeed my grandchildren." La Guardia responded, "I have no option but to punish you. Your sentenceis ten dollars or ten days in jail." As he proclaimed his ruling, he threw ten dollars into his hat. Then hefined every person in the courtroom fifty cents for "living in a citywhere a grandmother has to steal food to feed her grandchildren." Wheneveryone contributed fifty cents, the woman paid her fine and left thecourtroom with an additional $47.50. The mayor knew the difference between correction and compassion. Today,I hope you will look for an opportunity to express an act of kindness.
- Neil Eskelin

2004-11-02T13:10:00.000-08:00

James 4:11
Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his
brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you
judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.

Millions of people think they've got to be "Number One" before they can
claim the prize of life. That's not the road to a satisfying life.
I often think about the question that was asked the conductor of a
great symphony orchestra. "What instrument do you think is the most difficult
to play?" The old conductor pondered for a moment, then replied,
'Second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists. But to find one who can
play second fiddle with enthusiasm - that's a problem. And if we have
no second fiddles, we have no harmony."

Start now - right where you are - to make a little music. The grass
isn't really greener on the other side of the fence. Of course you want
to take a giant leap forward and reach the ultimate pinnacle of
achievement. Yet you need to take a new look at your present world and
realize that there are countless people who would gladly trade places
with you. It's really not so bad; and you can make it so much better.
If your present assignment is "second fiddle," be determined to become
the best second fiddler your organization has ever seen.
- Neil Eskelin

2004-10-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

YOUNG MAN SPREADS HOPE

Faith without works is also dead. --- James 2:26

Chris Zorach plays football with the Chicago Bears. But that's just part of his story.He grew up on the South Side, so he's a local boy who made good. Looking back, Chris Zorach says it "was hard, because my mom was white and my father was black. I got ridiculed and beat up."Today, he goes all out to help those who could use a hand. He started a foundation to feed hungry families in his own neighborhood. In honor of his mom who died a few years ago, Chris Zorach sends corsages to women at homeless shelters on Mother's Day. Then there are the kids. Every week the football pro takes some orphans for an outing. Every week he spends time at a home for abused children. Time is an amazing gift --- especially when you share it, and yourself,with others.

2004-10-05T13:59:00.000-07:00

Balancing Your Life
By Rick Warren

The Law of Balance is built into our universe. For things to function properly, there must be equilibrium For example... ... The Earth doesn't vibrate when it rotates because it is balanced on its axis. And we neither freeze to death nor burn up because we are just the right distance from the sun. ... Nature exists in balanced ecosystems. God has built checks and balances into nature that keep the food chain in order. ... In Architecture, the stress on a building must be balanced or it will collapse. ... The Human Body works best when our systems are balanced. Imbalance is called "illness". Restoring balance is called "healing".One of the most common problems I see in the market place are people living imbalanced lives. It is a disease with many symptoms but the same root cause. You can become imbalanced with anything - working, eating, sleeping, playing, t.v., sex...etc. The fact is many business people tend to pay more attention to their PUBLIC lives and neglect their PRIVATE side. Like poor photographs, they are overexposed and underdeveloped. The results of imbalance are alwaysthe same: frustration and fatigue. Like unbalanced tires, you wear out quickly. Imbalance unchecked eventually leads to burnout.

A number of years ago, Dr. Charles Garfield did a landmark study on"Peak Performers"- those who were leaders in their respective fields. One of the common denominators of peak performers was, contrary topopular myth, that they were not single minded workaholics but rather balanced individuals.

The most balanced person who ever lived was Jesus Christ. The Bible sayshe "grew intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially". (Luke2:52)

How would you rate yourself in these four categories of growth? Isthere balance in your life or have you neglected one or more of these key areas? Let me challenge you to do a personal check-up this week:

* Am I mentally sharper than 5 years ago? Why not? Will I do anything about it?

* Am I frequently complaining of fatigue or poor health? What's myplan to change?

* Am I developing the spiritual side of my life? What am I doingto better understand God and his purpose for my life?

* Am I cultivating meaningful relationships where support is given and received? Who can count on me as a genuine friend?

2004-09-29T16:42:00.000-07:00

Family Communication God's Way
From The Counseling Ministry of Insight for Living
by: Chuck Swindoll

Late night talks, notes on the fridge, dinner conversations, and in a million other ways, the heartbeat of the family is expressed in our communication with each other. Pull out your Bible and discover some practical principles of communication from Ephesians 4 that will enhance your family's interaction.

Principle 1: Make your home a haven of peace.
Read Ephesians 4:1-3
Conflict is a normal part of any home. What will set your family apart is how your respond to each other when circumstances collide. According to Ephesians 4:1-3, what are five practical instructions regarding the attitudes we need to adopt to promote a spirit of unity in our homes? Think of a family member who would be strengthened by your words and actions. Think of how to express your care to them today.

Principle 2: Speak the truth in love.
Read Ephesians 4:14-16, 25
To speak the truth means to be honest even when that involves taking a risk. To speak in love is to communicate the truth in kind and gentle terms. Often it has less to do with what you say than with how you say it.

Consider how you confront. In what ways can you lovingly express to others how their actions affect your life? Examine your motives and attitudes as you plan to communicate the way you speak the truth. Remember, you can be a catalyst for growth in their lives.

Principle 3: Communicate intentionally.
Read Ephesians 4:17, 21-24
Think about the communication patterns you learned in your parents' home. Evaluate those positive and negative patterns. As you determine the communication pattern you'd like to characterize your home, what model in Ephesians 4:17, 21-24 establishes how you should communicate?

Principle 4: Be angry, and yet do not sin.
Read Ephesians 4:26
Anger is a God-given emotion. Sometimes it's even the most appropriate emotion you can have in a family conflict. But righteous anger concentrates on the wrong being done. Its goal is to right the wrong constructively, not to punish the person.

What is the difference between feelings of anger and angry expressions? What governs how you express your anger? How should anger be expressed in light of your commitment to build up one another?

Principle 5: Build each other up with wholesome language.
Read Ephesians 4:29
Once your words are said, they can never be really taken back. What a frightening thought! Consider both the right words and the right timing, especially when speaking words of correction. Learn to be intentional about building up others. Model encouragement and affirmation to your children.

Here's a general rule for healthy communication: express three positive encouragements for every word of criticism.

Principle 6: Choose kindness and forgiveness.
Read Ephesians 4:31-32
Your home—your most intimate place on earth—needs to be a greenhouse of beauty and growth for you and your family. But this will only happen when you follow the instructions. When you're tempted to treat each other harshly, consider God's model of forgiveness and choose instead to be tender toward each other.

Ask yourself these questions: Do bitterness, wrath, clamor, and slander describe your home? Or do you choose to reflect the forgiveness God has given you and be tender-hearted to your family? Why not make Ephesians 4:31-32 your family's motto? Meditate on it, memorize it, and model it in front of your kids!

2004-09-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

Only One You
by Only One You

Mister Rogers was right after all: There is only one you. But this information is much more important than just boosting your self-esteem. It should help you better serve others by being more confident about your God-given role in life.

No one else fits your shape. No one else has your blend of gifts, talents, and natural abilities—making you very important in the whole scheme of things. “God made our bodies with many parts,” wrote Paul, “and He has put each part just where He wants it.” 1 Corinthians 12:18 And as it is with the human body, so it is with the Body of Christ, which is the corporate collection of all who believe.

But this uniqueness goes beyond giftedness; it reaches as well into the depth of each of our experiences in our life of faith. No one else has your life. No one else has your pain, your hardship, your joys, or your sorrows. Everything in life shapes us and we are shaped by everything for a reason: so that we can touch others in a unique way based upon who we are and what we’ve been through. God is amazing. He doesn’t waste anything in our lives.

Every piece of our lives and experiences can be used of Christ to touch someone else. We were made for each other; we live for each other; we even die for each other by “dying well,” as it was recently referred to in a memorial service I attended. We die with hope so that others who live might see the reality of Christ in even the darkest of hours. See? God uses everything.

Are you just getting by, or are you living for a reason? Think about your unique gifts and ask yourself how those gifts are benefiting others. What specific way is God using you to touch others in the Body of Christ? Do you seem to have an extra measure of wisdom, or mercy, or discernment, or knowledge, or administration, or desire to serve? These will help determine how you can look for opportunities to help others.

And then think about the things you have gone through so far in your life—especially the difficult or challenging things where God has met you with His faith. That information is not just for you, it’s for you to empathize with and encourage others who have encountered similar struggles.

God isn’t messing around here. There are no accidents with our lives. Whatever we have received and experienced has shaped who we are, and because of that, we are qualified. There is truly no one else like you… for a reason.

John Fischer is an author, speaker, and song writer based in Southern California. His latest book, Love Him in the Morning has been released by Revell Publishing.

2004-09-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

DANCING WITH GOD
When I meditated on the word GUIDANCE, Ikept seeing "dance" at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one personrealizes that, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music.One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in onedirection or another. It's as if two become onebody, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. My eyes drew back to the word GUIDANCE. When I saw "G," I thought of God, followed by"u" and "i." "God, "u" and "i" dance." God, you, and I dance. As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead.My prayer for you today is that God's blessingsand mercies be upon you on this day and everyday. May you abide in God as God abidesin you. Dance together with God, trusting Godto lead and to guide you through each season of your life.This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached. If God has done anything for you inyour life, please share this message with someone else, for prayer is one of the best gifts we can receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards; so let's continue to pray for one another.
AND I HOPE YOU DANCE !!!!! _________________________________________________________

2004-09-21T11:55:00.000-07:00

SUFFERING AND HEALING TOGETHER

He had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect,so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the serviceof God...Because he himself was tested by what he suffered,he is able to help those who are being tested. --- Hebrews 2:17-18

At the time of the tragic Oklahoma City bombing, the Rev. Danny Cavettwas undergoing chemotherapy for lymphoma. But he had no time to thinkabout his own problem.Cavett is chaplain of the Oklahoma City Children's Hospital as well asdirector of chaplain services for its two university hospitals. Andmany distraught families needed support and consolation.His hair falling out from chemotherapy, so he shaved his head. Hedidn't want to mention his condition to the families he was helping.A physician at Children's Hospital said, "With Danny you'll never seeself-pity. His empathy for the suffering of others has beeninspirational."Our own suffering can help us understand the pain of others and to be ahealing presence.

2004-09-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

Being Positive in Spite of Your Problems
By Rick Warren

So you think you've got problems? Consider Brian Hise..
Brian Hise had more than his share of bad luck in July. When his
apartment in Provo, Utah became flooded from a broken pipe in the
apartment above his, the manager told him to go out and rent a water
vacuum. That's when he discovered that his car had a flat tire.
He changed the tire and went inside again to phone a friend for help.
But the electric shock he got from the phone so startled him that he
inadvertently ripped the instrument off the wall! Before he could leave
his apartment a second time, a neighbor had to kick his door down
because by now water damage had jammed it tight.
While all this was going on--someone stole Hise's car! But it was
almost
out of gas so he found it just a few blocks away. He then had to push
it
to a gas station where he filled up the tank.
That evening Hise attended a military ceremony at the university he was
attending. He injured himself severely when he somehow sat on his
bayonet..which had been tossed in the front seat of his car!
Doctors were able to stitch up Brian's wound but no one was able to
resuscitate four of his canaries who were crushed to death from the
wet,
falling plaster in his apartment. After arriving home and slipping on
the wet carpet where he badly injured his tailbone, Brian said he began
to wonder if, (and I quote) "God wanted me dead, but just kept
missing!"
The Bible says "Is your life full of difficulties...? BE HAPPY, for
when
the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow
and
don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is
finally in full bloom, then you'll be ready for anything, strong in
character, full and complete." James 1:2-4 (LB)
Remember Warren's Laws of Stress Management:
Law #1 Don't sweat the small stuff!
Law #2 Realize it's ALL small stuff!

2004-09-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and
patience. (Colossians 3:12)

"Many bright children do not achieve to their abilities," according to
Sylvia Rimm, author of Why Bright Kids Get Poor Grades. Here are some
practical ideas that can help children achieve their full potential:
Have you allowed television to gobble up too much of your family's
evenings or weekends? Break that habit.
Is your home or office more cluttered than you'd like? Tame that
monster
and help youngsters organize their work, too.
Are children getting enough sleep? Try to get everybody to bed an hour
earlier.
Come to think of it, most of us could benefit from integrating these
habits into our own lives. Remember, when it comes to reaching your
potential, age is irrelevant.

2004-09-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

THINKING ABOUT SUCCESS
Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life span?

--- Matthew 6:27

“If you want to succeed, be prepared to tolerate a lot of failure along the way.” That’s what Guy Kawasaki, author of Hindsights: The Wisdom and Breakthroughs of Remarkable People, believes.
The business man and computer expert admits that “Failure is horrible, but it happens and it’s over, while success goes on and on. The only time failure is crippling is when you refuse to learn from it.”
In interviewing people that he considered successful, Guy Kawasaki found a number of ideas that really hit home: We cannot change our past. We can only learn from it.
Happiness is not a function of money or power or social status. It is a function of family, friends and spirituality.
And every person has the ability to improve the life of someone else.

2004-08-30T14:20:00.000-07:00

Never Fear Failure By Rick Warren

Failure is no big deal. Really. It's one way you learn. You learn what doesn't work by trying and failing. If you want to succeed in life, you've got to let go of the fear of failure.

Did you hit the ball the first time you took a swing with a bat?
Did you balance perfectly the first time you tried to ride a bike?
Didn't you learn to swim by nearly sinking to the bottom first?

The reason kids learn so fast is because they aren't afraid to fail. You learned to walk by taking a few steps, falling down, getting back up and trying again. Imagine the absurdity of a child who falls after a feeble first step and says, "I give up! I'm a failure at walking!" Unfortunately, as adults we often hold that attitude.

The FEAR of failure is far more detrimental to you and your career than failure will ever be. It keeps you from trying again. The Bible says this:
"Fear of man is a dangerous trap...." Pr. 29:25 Anytime you're more worried about what others think than doing what's right, you're headed for a trap. True winners are more concerned about achievement than image.

We all stumble and fail from time to time, but winners pick themselves up and start again. "For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again" Pr.24:16

Babe Ruth struck out 1,330 times - but we remember the 714 home runs he hit.
R.H. Macy failed seven times before his store in New York became a retail powerhouse.
Novelist John Creasey got 753 rejection slips from publishers. But he also published 564 books.

Don't be afraid of failing. Instead, keep your eyes on the opportunities before you and ask God to give you the courage to keep trying! "God does not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control." 2 Tim 1:7

2004-08-24T22:37:00.000-07:00

It's The Little Things That Get To You
By Rick Warren

It's amazing how 15 minor frustrations at the office can add up to one big bad attitude by the time you head for home. Frustrations come in three varieties:

Interruptions - unexpected visitors or phone calls like the one I received while typing this sentence. You've got a deadline to meet and something requires your time. Our best plans are often interrupted.
Inconveniences - while interruptions are usually people, these are usually situations involving things: the copy machine breaks down, traffic jams up, you can't find what you need when you need it.
Irritations - delays, unreliable people, having to play telephone tag, catching a cold, obnoxious clients, etc.

You can't eliminate these - I guarantee you'll face all three types this week - but you can learn to keep them from making you stressed-out.

WHAT'S THE SECRET OF MANAGING FRUSTRATIONS?
DON'T RESIST IT! - Don't overreact or blow up.
DON'T RESENT IT! - Don't internalize you anger.
DON'T RESIGN TO IT! - Don't have a pity-party.
REDUCE IT! - Treat it as insignificant.

Put the frustration into proper perspective. It's just a minor setback...a part of living...no big deal! It's certainly not worth a heart attack.
Here are Warren's Rules for Stress Management:

RULE #1: Don't sweat the small stuff.
RULE #2: Realize it's all small stuff!

The Bible says, "A man's wisdom gives him patience." The only way we can see all stuff as small stuff is to view it from God's perspective. When I am in tune with God, I remember he has everything under control even though I don't! So I don't have to sweat it! "The fruit of the Spirit is love...joy...peace..."

PRAY THIS: "Lord, help me to be filled with your love, joy, and peace this week - so that when I'm squeezed and pressured that is what comes out of me."

2004-08-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

When People Hurt You at Work
By Rick Warren
As long as you work with people, the odds are high that you will be hurt by them at different times...
... customers will abuse you ... competitors will lie about you ... associates will betray you ... bosses will not appreciate you
Sometimes people hurt you intentionally, sometimes unintentionally. It doesn't matter- it still hurts! The typical response to hurt is become resentful. Resentment is holding onto a hurt. Rather than letting it go, you remember the hurt by reviewing it over and over in your mind. But rather than making you feel better, resentment only intensifies the hurt. Every time you review it, the hurt seems to get bigger and seem more unfair. The Bible says resentment is self-defeating for three reasons:

It's unreasonable! "To worry yourself to death with resentment is a foolish thing to do." Job 5:2 It won't change the past or correct the problem. It just causes you to act in foolish ways.
It's unhelpful! "You are only hurting yourself with your anger." Job 18:4 It always hurts you more than it does the person you resent. You're miserable while the offender goes on his way unaffected!
It's unhealthy! "Some men stay healthy until they die.. others live and die with bitter hearts." Job 21:23-25 Doctors say that resentment is the most unhealthy emotion. It poisons your system.

HOW SHOULD I HANDLE A HURT?
REVEAL YOUR HURT. Admit it to someone you trust. And tell God you hurt! Don't repress it, confess it! If you swallow your anger, your stomach will keep score. I say "Revealing your feeling is the beginning of healing."
RELEASE YOUR OFFENDER. Let them go. Forgive them - for your own peace of mind. You'll never stop hurting until you've forgiven them. Just remember how much God has forgiven you and trust God to settle the score.
REFOCUS YOUR LIFE. As long as you focus on someone you hate- you allow them to control you. When you say "He makes me so mad" you are admitting that he controls your emotions. Don't resist the resentment, replace it with other thoughts.

2004-07-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

Don’t Count Your Chickens
Everybody loves a good story. Some are so entertaining and filled with wisdom that they withstand the test of time. Aesop’s Fables are among them. Here’s one of those ancient Greek tales that still bears repeating.
A milkmaid was given a pail of milk by the farmer as a reward. She knew a neighbor who would buy it and decided to buy some eggs with the money. These she planned to raise into chickens and then sell. Then she would buy herself some new clothes.
But the milkmaid’s plans fall apart when she spills the milk. The moral of the story? Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched.
Yet making plans and having dreams is not only normal, it’s essential to a meaningful life. Don’t let disappointments stop you. Work to make your dreams come true.
And remember, don’t cry over spilt milk.
I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh. (Joel 2:28)