Great emails....wanted to share them

HANDY LITTLE CHART
God has a positive answer:

YOU SAY	GOD SAYS	BIBLE VERSES
You say: 'It's impossible'	God says: All things are possible	(Luke 18:27)
You say: 'I'm too tired'	God says: I will give you rest	(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: 'Nobody really loves me'	God says: I love you	(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: 'I can't go on'	God says: My grace is sufficient	(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: 'I can't figure things out'	God says: I will direct your steps	(Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: 'I can't do it'	God says: You can do all things	(Philippians 4:13)
You say: 'I'm not able'	God says: I am able	(II Corinthians 9:
You say: 'It's not worth it'	God says: It will be worth it	(Roman 8:28 )
You say: 'I can't forgive myself'	God says: I Forgive you	(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: 'I can't manage'	God says: I will supply all your needs	(Philippians 4:19)
You say: 'I'm afraid'	God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear	(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'	God says: Cast all your cares on ME	(I Peter 5:7)
You say: 'I'm not smart enough'	God says: I give you wisdom	(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: 'I feel all alone'	God says: I will never leave you or forsake you	(Hebrews 13:5)

[/center]

HIGH SCHOOL -- 1959 vs 2009


Scenario 1:

Jack goes quail hunting before school and then pulls into the school parking lot with his shotgun in his truck's gun rack.

1959 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.

2009 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.



Scenario 2:

Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school.

1959 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins.. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.

2009 - Police called and SWAT team arrives -- they arrest both Johnny and Mark. They are both charged them with assault and both expelled even though Johnny started it.

Scenario 3:

Jeffrey will not be still in class, he disrupts other students.

1959 - Jeffrey sent to the Principal's office and given a good paddling by the Principal. He then returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.

2009 - Jeffrey is given huge doses of Ritalin. He becomes a zombie. He is then tested for ADD. The school gets extra money from the state because Jeffrey has a disability.

Scenario 4:

Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.


1959 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college and becomes a successful businessman.

2009 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy is removed to foster care and joins a gang. The state psychologist is told by Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has an affair wit h the psychologist.

Scenario 5:

Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.

1959 - Mark shares his aspirin with the Principal out on the smoking dock.

2009 - The police are called and Mark is expelled from school for drug violations. His car is then searched for drugs and weapons.

Scenario 6:

Pedro fails high school English.

1959 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English and goes to college.

2009 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against the state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English is then banned from core curriculum. Pedro is given his diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.

Scenario 7:

Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from the Fourth ofJuly, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle and blows up a red ant bed.

1959 - Ants die.

2009- ATF, Homeland Security and the FBI are all called. Johnny is charged with domestic terrorism. The FBI investigates his parents -- and all siblings are removed from their home and all computers are confiscated. Johnny's dad is placed on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.

Scenario 8:

Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.

1959 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.

2009 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.


And it will only get worse! - We have met the enemy - and he be us........

<BLOCKQUOTE style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN-LEFT: 3.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: blue 1.5pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none">After serious & cautious consideration...your contract of friendship has been renewed for the New Year 2009!




</BLOCKQUOTE>
It was a very hard decision to make, so try not to screw it up!!!

My Wish for You in 2009


May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts.

May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills.

May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips!
May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy. May you find the joy of the Lord spilling out of your cup and overflowing your saucer as you share your life with all those God brings into your path.
May the problems you had forget your home address! In simple words...

May 2009 be the best year of your life!!!


















<BLOCKQUOTE></BLOCKQUOTE>

PEACE BE WITH YOU
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> As you well know, we are getting closer
>>> to my birthday. Every year there is
>>> a celebration in my honor and I think
>>> that this year the celebration will be
>>> repeated.
>>>
>>> During this time, there are many people
>>> shopping for gifts, there are many
>>> radio announcements, TV commercials, and
>>> in every part of the world everyone
>>> is talking that my birthday is getting
>>> closer and closer.
>>>
>>> It is really very nice to know, that, at
>>> least once a year, some people think
>>> of me.
>>>
>>> As you know, the celebration of my
>>> birthday began many years ago.
>>>
>>> At first, people seemed to understand
>>> and
>>> be thankful of all that I did for
>>> them; but in these times, no one seems
>>> to
>>> know the reason for the
>>> celebration.
>>>
>>> Family and friends get together and have
>>> a lot of fun, but they don't know
>>> the meaning of the celebration. I
>>> remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner
>>> table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and
>>> chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many
>>> beautifully wrapped gifts.
>>>
>>> But, do you want to know something? I
>>> wasn't invited.
>>>
>>> I was the guest of honor and they didn't
>>> remember to send me an invitation.
>>>
>>> The party was for me, but when that
>>> great
>>> day came, I was left outside, they
>>> closed the door in my face .. and I
>>> wanted to be with them and share their table.
>>>
>>> In truth, that didn't surprise me
>>> because
>>> in the last few years, all close
>>> their doors to me. Since I wasn't
>>> invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went
>>> in
>>> and stood in a corner.
>>>
>>> They were all drinking; there were some
>>> who were drunk and telling jokes and
>>> laughing at everything. They were having

>>> a grand time.
>>>
>>> To top it all, this big fat man all
>>> dressed in red wearing a long white
>>> beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho!
>>> He seemed drunk. He sat on the
>>> sofa and all the children ran to him,
>>> saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus" as
>>> if the party were in his honor!
>>>
>>> At midnight, all the people began to hug
>>> each other; I extended my arms
>>> waiting for someone to hug me and do you
>>> know no-one hugged me.
>>>
>>> Suddenly, they all began to share gifts.
>>> They opened them one by one with
>>> great expectation. When all had been
>>> opened, I looked to see if, maybe,
>>> there was one for me. What would you
>>> feel if on your birthday everybody
>>> shared gifts and you did not get one?
>>>
>>> I then understood that I was unwanted at
>>> that party and quietly left.
>>>
>>> Every year, it gets worse. People only
>>> remember the gifts, the parties, to
>>> eat and drink, and nobody remembers me.
>>>
>>> I would like this Christmas that you
>>> allow me to enter into your life.
>>>
>>> I would like that you recognize the fact
>>> that almost two thousand years ago
>>> I came to this world to give my life for
>>> you, on the cross, to save you.
>>>
>>> Today, I only want that you believe this
>>> with all your heart.
>>>
>>> I want to share something with you. As
>>> many didn't invite me to their party,
>>> I will have my own celebration, a
>>> grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm
>>> still making the final arrangements..
>>>
>>> Today, I am sending out many invitations
>>> and there is an invitation for you.
>>> I want to know if you wish to attend and
>>> I will make a reservation for you
>>> and write your name with golden letters
>>> in my great guest book.
>>>
>>> Only those on the guest list will be
>>> invited to the party.
>>>
>>> Those who don't answer the invite, will
>>> be left outside. Be prepared because
>>> when all is ready you will be part of
>>> my
>>> great party.
>>>
>>> See you soon. I Love you!
>>>
>>> Jesus
>>>
>>> Share this message with your loved ones
>>> before Christmas.

One day
a mother died.
And
on that clear, cold morning,
in the warmth of her
bedroom,
the
daughter was
struck with
the
pain of learning that sometimes
there isn't any more.

No
more hugs,
no
more lucky moments to celebrate together,
no
more phone calls just to chat,
No
more 'just one minute'

Sometimes,
what we care about the most goes away.
never
to return before we can say good-bye,
Say
'I Love You.'

So
while we have it . . it's best we love it . .
And
care for it and fix it when it's broken
and
take good care of it when it's sick.

This
is true for marriage
....
and friendships .

And
children with bad report cards;
And
dogs with bad hips;
And
Aging parents and grandparents
We
keep them because they are worth it,
Because
we cherish them!


Some
things we keep --
like
a best friend who moved away
or
a classmate we grew up with.
There
are just some things that
make
us
happy,
No
matter what.


Life is important,
and
so are the people we know
And
so, we keep them close!
I
received this from someone today
who
thought I was a 'KEEPER'!

Then
I sent It to the people I think
of in the same way!
Now
it's your turn to send this to all those people
who Are
'keepers' in your life!

Thank
you very much for being a special part of MY Life!









Be
kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some
kind of
battle.....

Merry Christmas, everyone!

<BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>The W in Christmas

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.

I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.

Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old.

For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."

I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation.
All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads.

Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.

As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".

The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.

In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

C H R I S T W A S
L O V EAnd, I believe, He still is. </BLOCKQUOTE></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE style="PADDING-LEFT: 3px; BORDER-LEFT: blue 2px solid">Jesus is the reason for the season
With 2 weeks before Christmas, REMEMBER:
Jesus is Better than Santa
Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year
JESUS is an ever present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies
JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did. He knows our history and future
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly
JESUS has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is HO HO HO
JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says "You better not cry"
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.
Santa's little helpers make toys
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded he arts, repairs broken homes
Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in Christmas.
Jesus is still the reason for the season.

I will be making a conscious effort to wish everyone
a Merry Christmas this year ...
My way of saying that I am celebrating

the birth of
JESUS CHRIST.
So I am asking my email buddies,
if you agree with me,
to please do the same.
And if you'll pass this on to
your email buddies, and so on...
maybe we can prevent one more
American tradition from being lost in the sea of
"Political Correctness".

</BLOCKQUOTE>

Do not delete




"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1






This is one of the best prayers I think I have ever read.


PRAY THIS EVEN IF YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE IT!! IT WILL ONLY TAKE A MINUTE.


I started not to do this, but as I read it.... I understood God to say, 'You need a miracle tomorrow.... so here goes... Prov. 29:25...






You never know when God is going to bless you!! Good things happen when you least expect them to !!!!!!!!


Change the number in the subject box when you forward it by adding one!!!





Dear Lord, I thank You for this day, I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you.





I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over.


And give the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits.





I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak... Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those that will delete this without sharing it with others. I pray for those that don't believe.





But I thank you that I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace , love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met. I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation gr eater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.


I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees it.





If you prayed this prayer, change the number in the subject box before forwarding the message so people can see how many people have done so. God Bless!!!!!!!!!!!





Just repeat this phrase and see how God moves!!


God I love you and I need you, come into my heart, please.





Pass this message to 10 people except you and me. Don't ignore and God will bless you.


Know that you are already blessed by the person who sent this to you.

If you got this, than you know how I feel about you, AND my wishes and prayers for you not only in 2009, but forever!!
Dear God:
The lady reading this
is beautiful, classy and
strong, and I love her.
Help her live her life to the fullest.
Please promote her and cause her to excel above her expectations.
Help her shine in the darkest places where it is impossible to love.
Protect her at all times, lift her up when she needs you the most,
and
let her know when she walks with you,
She will always be safe.
Love you !!!!
Now you're on the clock!!!!
In 9 minutes something will make you happy. ;-)
But you have to tell 9 sisters you love them, including me. Go!!!!

> > Christian One Liners:
> >
> > Don't let your worries get the best of you;
> > Remember, Moses started out as a basket case.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited,
> > until you try to sit in their pews.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+ *+*
> > It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose,
> > but mosquitoes come close.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > People are funny; they want the front of the bus, middle of the road,
> > and back of the church.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on the front door forever.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > If a church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > God Himself doesn't propose to judge a man until he is dead.
> > So why should you?
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > Peace starts with a smile.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > I don't know why some people change churches;
> > What difference does it make which one you stay home from?
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > A lot of church members singing 'Standing on the Promises',
> > are just sitting on the premises.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > We're called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > Be ye fishers of men. You catch 'em - he'll clean 'em.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > Stop, drop, and roll won't work in Hell.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > Forbidden fruits create many jams.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > God grades on the cross, not the curve.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > God loves everyone, but probably prefers
> > 'fruits of the spirit' over 'religious nuts!'
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > He who angers you, controls you!
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > If God is your Co-pilot, swap seats!
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > The Will of God never takes you to where the
> > grace of God will not protect you.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > We don't change the message, the message changes us.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > The best mathematical equation I have ever seen
> > 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.
> > *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> > If this blessed you in a profound way today, Dear Friend,
> > PLEASE pass along to friends to bless them!
> > I bet someone will LOVE it as much as you.
> > There is no greater treasure than a good friend.
>

This is unbelievable....

Begin forwarded message:



Texas Coach Speaks Out.
Jim Neugent is a coach in Childress , Texas ..

Jim writes:
My name is Jim Neugent. I wrote to ABC (on-line) concerning a
program called 'THE PRACTICE.' In last nights episode, one of the
lawyer's mothers decided she is gay and wanted her son to go to
court and help her get a marriage license so she could marry her
'partner.' I sent the following letter to ABC yesterday and really
did not expect a reply, but I did get one.

My original message was:

ABC is obsessed with the subject of homosexuality. I will no
longer watch any of your attempts to convince the world that
homosexuality20is OK. 'THE PRACTICE' can be a fairly good show, but
last night's program was so typical of your agenda. You picked the
'dufus' of the office to be the one who was against the idea of his
mother being gay, and made him look like a whiner because he had
convictions. This type of mentality calls people like me a 'gay
basher.' Read the first chapter of Romans (that's in the Bible) and
see what the apostle Paul had to say about it... He, God and Jesus
were all 'gay bashers! '. What if she'd fallen in love with her
cocker spaniel? Is that an alternative life style? ( By the way,
the Bible speaks against that, too.)
--Jim Neugent


Here is ABC's reply from the ABC on-line webmaster:

How about getting your nose out of the Bible (which is ONLY a book
of stories compiled by MANY different writers hundreds of years
ago) and read the declaration of independence (what our nation is
built on), where it says 'All Men are Created equal,' and try
treating them that way for a change! Or better yet, try thinking
for yourself and stop using an archaic book of stories as your lame
crutch for your existence. You are in the minority in this country,
and your boycott will not affect us at ABC or our freedom of
statement.

Jim Neugent's second response to ABC:
Thanks for your reply. From your harsh reply, evidently I hit a
nerve. I will share it with all with whom I come in contact.
Hopefully, the Arkansas Democrat Newspaper will include it in one
of their columns and I will be praying for you.
--- Jim Neugent ---------------------



Note: Wouldn't Satan just love it if people stopped using the Bible
for a crutch? Please re-send this to everyone in your mailbox.

-- Thanks, Jim Neugent


I wonder if the person from ABC considered how many people would
read this e-mail! This is one we should definitely pass on.


--
If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.

Three Bullets

There once was a man who had nothing for his family to eat. He had an 'old rifle' and three bullets. So, he decided that he would go out hunting and kill some wild game for dinner. As he went down the road, he saw a rabbit. He shot at the rabbit and missed it. The rabbit ran away. Then he saw a squirrel and fired a shot at the squirrel and missed it. The squirrel disappeared into a hole in a cottonwood tree. As he went further, he saw a large wild 'Tom' turkey in the tree, but he had only one bullet remaining.
A voice spoke to him and said, 'Pray first, aim high and stay focused.

However, at the same time, he saw a deer which was a better kill. He brought the gun down and aimed at the deer. But, then he saw a rattlesnake between his legs about to bite him, so he naturally brought the gun down further to shoot the rattlesnake.
Still, the voice said again to him, 'I said 'Pray, Aim high and Stay focused.'

So, the man decided to listen to God's voice.

He prayed, then aimed the gun high up in the tree and shot the wild turkey. The bullet bounced off the turkey and killed the deer. The handle fell off the gun and hit the snake in the head and killed it. And, when the gun had gone off, it knocked him into a pond. When he stood up to look around, he had fish in all his pockets, a dead deer and a turkey to eat for his family.
The snake (Satan) was dead simply because the man listened to God.

Moral of the story:

Pray first before you do anything, aim and shoot high in your goals, and stay focused on God. Never let others discourage you concerning your past. The past is exactly that, 'the past.'

Live every day one day at a time and remember that only God knows our future and that he will not put you through any more than you can endure..

Do not look to man for your blessings, but look to the doors that only He has prepared in advance for you in your favor.

Wait, be still and patient: keep God first and everything else will follow.

Pass this on in order that someone else might be blessed.

FROM ONE FRIEND TO ANOTHER

Don't worry about tomorrow, God is already there!

SO TRUE!





The Price of Children

This is just too good not to pass on to all. Here is something absolutely
positive for a change. I have repeatedly seen the breakdown of the cost of
raising a child, but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed
this way. It's great.


The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth
to 18 and came up with $160,140.00 for a middle income family. Talk about
price shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition. But $160,140.00
isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into:


* $8,896.66 a year,
* $741.38 a month,
* $171.08 a week.
* A mere $24.24 a day!
* Just over a dollar an hour.


Still, you might think the best financial advice is ; don't have children
if you want to be 'rich.' Actually, it is just the opposite.


What do you get for your $160,140.00?

* Naming rights. First, middle, and last!
* Glimpses of God every day...
* Giggles under the covers every night.
* More love than your heart can hold.
* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.
* Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies.
* A hand to hold usually covered with jelly or chocolate.
* A partner for blowing bubbles and flying kites.
* Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or
how your stocks performed that day.


For $160,140.00, you never have to grow up. You get to:

* finger-paint,
* carve pumpkins,
* play hide-and-seek,
* catch lightning bugs,
* never stop believing in Santa Claus.


You have an excuse to:

* keep reading the Adventures of Piglet * and Pooh,
* watch Saturday morning cartoons,
* go to Disney movies, and
* wish on stars.


You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets
and collect spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in
clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day.


For a mere $24.24 a day, there is no greater bang for your buck. You get
to be a hero just for:

* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,
* taking the training wheels off a bike,
* removing a splinter,
* filling a wading pool,
* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and
* coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.


You get a front row seat in history to witness the:
* First step,
* First word,
* First bra,
* First date,
* First time behind the wheel.


You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree,
and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.


In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all
the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch
a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them
without limits, so one day they will, like you, love without counting the
cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!!


Love & Enjoy Your Children & Grandchildren &
Great-Grandchildren!!!!!!! It's The Best Investment You'll Ever
Make!!!!!!!!!

Isaiah 65:24
This beautiful story was written by a doctor who worked in Central Africa.


One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died, leaving us with a tiny, premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive; as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator). We also had no special feeding facilities.

Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in. Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates).


'And it is our last hot water bottle!' she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk, so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways.
'All right,' I said, 'put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm.'

The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died.

During prayer time, one ten-year-old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children.. 'Please, God' she prayed, 'Send us a hot water bottle today. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon.'
While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, 'And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?'

As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say 'Amen'? I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything; the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from the homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever, received a parcel from home.
Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator!

Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door. By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there on the porch was a large 22-pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children. Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot.. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly... Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box.

From the top, I lifted out brightly-colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend.

Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the..... could it really be?
I grasped it and pulled it out. Yes, a brand new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could.
Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, 'If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly, too!

'Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully-dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted! Looking up at me, she asked, 'Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?'
'Of course,' I replied!

That parcel had been on the way for five whole months, packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child - five months before, in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it 'that afternoon'.
'Before they call, I will answer.' (Isaiah 65:24)

When you receive this, say the prayer. That's all you have to do. No strings attached. Just send it on to whomever you want - but do send it on. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost, but a lot of rewards. Let's continue praying for one another. This awesome prayer takes less than a minute.


Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this. I ask You to minister to their spirit. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubting, release a renewed confidence to work through them. Where there is tiredness or exhaustion, I ask You to give them understanding, guidance, and strength. Where there is fear, reveal Your love and release to them Your courage.. Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up leaders and friends to support and encourage them. Give each of them discernment to recognize the evil forces around them and reveal to them the power they have in You to defeat it. I ask You to do these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

P.S. Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both. Passing this on to one not considered a friend is something Christ would do.