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Sunday, September 30, 2012

40 DAYS OF PRAYER TO CHANGE AMERICA (Day 3: Government)

 
 
40 Days of Prayer to Change America
Day 3: Government
 
    A wise nation takes into account the Word of God as it makes laws. Even a cursory reading of the history of the founding of the United States demonstrates that our founding fathers seriously endeavored to base our nation's laws on their strong Judeo-Christian beliefs. Secularists today often counter that many of those men were deists and not strong Christians. Their own beliefs aside, our founders, almost to a man, insisted that laws were based on Divine revelation and not on human wisdom. A strong secularist, Thomas Jefferson said powerfully, "And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their own firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that His justice cannot sleep forever."
 
  • Pray that the United States will repent of its corporate rejection of the Word of God as the basis of law.
  • Pray that a fear of God will sweep across our nation, leading us to a place of wisdom.
  • Pray that courage born of wisdom will be given to Christians in places of leadership in government, the courts and law schools across the nation so that they will stand for a Godly basis for law.
 PRAYER
 
Father, I give You thanks for the Godly foundation of my nation. Forgive us for drifting from Your ways. Raise up a standard of righteousness across this nation that honors Your Word and exalts Your Name. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen
 
*** reprinted from Charisma Magazine

40 DAYS OF PRAYER TO CHANGE AMERICA (Day 2: Immigration)

 
 
40 Days of Prayer to Change America
Day 2: Immigration
 
 
     If there was ever a nation that understood what it means to be a refuge for the oppressed, it ought to be the United States. As a nation comprised of immigrants and their descendants, we have been a land of refude; yet, we still struggle with what it means to open our national doors to others. But the Lord is a perfect refuge, a perfect stronghold in times of trouble. When a nation turns to God, He will be a refuge for them. Amid the chaos of current events --- whether financial collapse, terrorism or war --- how comforting it is to know that God wants to be a stronghold for our nation.
 
  • Ask the Lord to turn the hearts of America's citizens and leaders to Himself as we wrestle with immigration policies.
  •  Pray that our nation will increasingly see that God is our only refuge and the troubles of this world.
*** reprinted from Charisma Magazine.
 
PRAYER
 
Heavenly Father, I pray today for more compassion in the world. So many people feel uncared for and unloved. I ask that they be shown the same compassion that You have shown me. I pray that people take better care of each other and reach out to one another more, for this can be a cold, cold world. Father, help us all learn to be more giving and loving to each other and to take the time to take care of those who have no one to watch over them today. In Jesus' Loving Name. Amen.

40 DAYS OF PRAYER TO CHANGE AMERICA (Day 1: Prophetic Church)

 
 
 
40 Days of Prayer to Change America
Day 1: Prophetic Church
 
     "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is --- his good, pleasing and perfect will."      --- Romans 12: 2
 
 
     Our nation doesn't know it , but America needs the church. Not just as a bunch of good-deed doers, but as those who give direction for the future and who preserve and protect in the present. We've not done this well, but that is the place in which God has put us. We are to be light, helping people (and nations) avoid the pitfalls of darkness. We are to be salt, both as seasoning and protection for our society.
     The nation cannot afford a sidelined church, taken out by worldliness and confusion. Paul commands us to allow ourselves no longer to be conformed by worldly patterns, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Only then we will understand that the Will of God, not our own lives, but so that we can be a prophetic voice to our nation.
  • Repent of the church's failure to be light and salt in our society.
  • Pray for a transformation in the church through a renewing of our minds.
  • Ask the Lord for the church to rise up with a strong prophetic voice for America..
*** reprinted from Charisma Magazine.
 
 
PRAYER
 
 
Heavenly Father, we come to you today and we humbly ask you to guide our country in the direction you want it to go. Many things about our country and our culture are changing Lord, and we need Your help in understanding which changes are for good and which are taking us places You never intended for us to go. Guide the leaders of our country, Lord --- those in elected positions and those in other postitions of influence. And Father, guide our thoughts, our words, and our actions, that we may be good stewards of this amazing country You have given us. We ask that You never lift Your hand of protection from us. In our Savior, Jesus Christ's All-Powerful Name, we pray. Amen.
     
 
 
 



40 DAYS OF PRAYER TO CHANGE AMERICA (Introduction)





     Prayer is critical to any nation, especially one that proclaims a connection to God. The United States historically had claimed such a connection, but things have changed. The drift from our Judeo-Christian foundation is evident in almost every aspect of our society. Our only hope of returning to our biblical foundation is through prayer.
     2 Chronicles 7:14  "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.  (NKJV)
     With the upcoming elections possibly determining our nation's future, imagine what could happen if the church stood unified in the Spirit of 2 Chronicles 7:14. Beginning September 28, 2012 through November 6, 2012, you can join the masses crying out for 40 days for God to save America. A 40-day prayer guide to help you intercede in one of our nation's most critical seasons ever will be posted. Use the guide however it helps you most --- print it, place it by your Bible and pray these 40 different prayer emphases one by one.
     It is very important they you pray. Whether you pray the prayers which are posted or if you choose to say your own prayer, but please.... just PRAY! With America at a crossroads, prayer is the only thing that will bring real change. Let's not miss this opportunity.

*** article reprinted from Charisma Magazine.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

MORAL STORY (The Man and the Butterfly)

 
 
The Man and the Butterfly
 
     One day, a man found a cocoon of a butterfly with a small opening. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force it's body through the little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could not go any further.
     Then the man decided to help the butterfly, so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily.
     Now the butterfly was free from the cocoon and didn't need to struggle any more. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body which would contract in time.
     Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of it's life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It was never able to fly.
     What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight since it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.
 
 
MORAL: Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. 
 
 


MORAL STORY (How Are You Building Your Life)

 
 
How Are You Building Your Life
 
     An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer contractor of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck but he needed to retire. He knew they would be able to get by.
     The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but it was evident that his heart was not in his work. He didn't put all his effort into doing a good job. It was a sad way for him to end his career in this manner.
     When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front door key to the carpenter and said, "This is your house. It's my gift to you for all your years of hard work and dedication to the company."
      What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have put all his heart into it and made it a great sturdy home. Now he had to live in a house that was not built very well.
 
MORAL:  We should not build our lives in a distracted way, reaching rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best.
 
INSIGHT:  Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your life as the house.. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board or erect a wall. Build wisely. It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one more day, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity. The plaque on the wall says, "Life is a do-it-yourself project". Who could say it more clearly? Your life today is the result of your attitudes and choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the result ot your attitudes and the choices you make today.
 
 
Colossians 3:23  Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.  (NLT)

POEM (Missing You Always)

 
 
Missing You Always
 
 
You never said I'm leaving
You never said goodbye,
You were gone before we knew it
And only God knows why.
 
A million times I needed you
A million times I cried,
If love alone could have saved you
You never would have died.
 
In life I loved you dearly
In death I love you still,
In my heart I hold a place
That only you can fill.
 
It broke my heart to lose you
But you didn't go alone,
As part of me went with you
The day God took you home.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

POEMS (Footprints in the Sand -- with ADDED BONUS Buttprints in the Sand)

 
 
 
 
Many have read or heard the poem "Footprints in the Sand" but how many of you have heard or read "Buttprints in the Sand", the flipside of that poem? This is a special two-part poem that may cause some of us to examine ourselves and how much we really expect from our Savior Jesus Christ.
 
 
Footprints in the Sand
 
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand; one belonged to him and the other to the LORD.
 
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints
in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
 
This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it, "LORD, you said that once I decided to follow You, You would walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that  during the most troublesome times in my life, there's only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed You most You would leave me.
 
The LORD replied, "My precious, precious child. I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."
 
 
 
FLIPSIDE....
 
 
 
Buttprints in the Sand
 
One night I had a wonderful dream
A set of prints on the sand was seen;
The footprints of my Precious LORD
Yet, mine were not along the shore.
 
But then a stranger print appeared
I asked the LORD, "Well, what have we here?"
This print is large and round and neat
But LORD, it's just too big for feet."
 
"My child," He said in a somber tone,
"For miles I carried you alone.
I challenged you to seek My face,
Take up your cross and walk in grace."
 
"You disobeyed, you would not grow.
You would not stand against the flow.
Your neck was stiff, your ears were shut
So it was there, I dropped you on your butt."
 
"Because in life there come a time,
When one must fight, when one must climb.
When one must rise and take a stand
Or leave one's buttprints in the sand."
 
NOW ASK YOURSELF....
AM I LEAVING FOOTPRINTS OR BUTTPRINTS?
 
 
 



INSPIRATIONAL STORY(The Wise Woman's Stone)

 
 
The Wise Woman's Stone
 
 
     A wise woman, who was traveling in the mountains, found a precious stone in a stream. The next day, she met another traveler who was hungry and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food.
       The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. Without hesitation, she did so and the traveler quickly left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime.
        But a few day later, he came back to return the stone to the wise woman. "I've been thinking." He said, "I know how valuable the stone is, but I want to give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me this precious stone.
 
 
Ecclesiastes 5:13 There is another serious problem i have seen under the sun. Hoarding riches harms the saver.  (NLT)

Saturday, September 22, 2012

POEM (Never Give up)

 
 
NEVER GIVE UP
 
 
Never give up
Never lose HOPE,
Always have FAITH
It allows you to cope.
 
Trying times will pass
As they always do,
Just have patience
Your dreams will come true.
 
So put on a smile
You'll live through your pain
Just know it will pass
And strength you will gain.

MORAL STORY (Things Aren't Always What They Seem)

 
Things Aren't Always What They Seem
 
     There was once a man who was shipwrecked and stranded on an island. Every day he prayed asking God to send someone to rescue him, but to his disappointment, no one ever came.
        Months passed and this man learned how to survive on the island. During this time, he accumulated things from the island and stored them in a hut that he constructed.
        One day, after hunting for food and returning back to the hut, much to his dismay, he saw that his hut was on fire along with everything else he owned! All of his possessions were going up in smoke! The only thing he had left were the clothes on his back. Initially, he was in shock, but then he was consumed with anger and rage!
         In his fury he threw a fist into the air and began cursing God and yelling, "God, how could you let this happen to me? I've been praying everyday for months about being rescued and no one has come, and now, everything I have is on fire! How could you do this to me! Why did you let this happen?"
          Later, the man was on his hands and knees weeping heavily when he happened to look up and catch sight of a ship coming in his direction. The man was rescued and as they were heading back to civilization, the man asked the captain, "How were you able to find me?"
          The captain replied, "We were voyaging across the ocean when we noticed on the horizon a column of smoke going up. We decided to go check it out and when we did, that's when we found you!"
 
MORAL: In life we are going to be confronted with challenges, problems and disasters. But keep in mind that what the devil has meant for bad, God can transform into your good! What is a catastrophe can sometimes be a blessing in disguise.
 
Psalm 34:17-19   "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is neat to those who have a broken heart, and saves such such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all."  (NKJV)


Friday, September 21, 2012

POEM (My Hope)

 
 
MY HOPE
 
 
Though I fell in my weakness
My transgressions I confessed,
His Love so greatly expressed
MY HOPE is in His Loving Kindness.
 
To God, satan brought my case
My sin ran it's reckless race,
But Forgiveness found it's place
MY HOPE is in His Endless Grace.
 
He settled all my anxieties
When He turned to me and said,
"No more worries, forever are My Mercies"
MY HOPE is in His Promises.
 
My great anticipation
As I'm marked for redemption,
He is my only expectation
MY HOPE is in His Salvation.
 
MY HOPE IS IN THE LORD!

INSPIRATIONAL STORY (Man Must Constantly Exceed His Level)



 
 
Man Must Constantly Exceed His Level
 
 
This inspiring story is about Bruce Lee, a legendary Martial Arts Master.
 
 
     "Bruce had me up to three miles a day, really at a good pace. We'd run the three miles in twenty-two minutes. Just under eight minutes a mile. [Note: when running on his own in 1968. Lee would get his time down to six-and-a-half minutes per mile.]
     So this morning he said to me, "We're going to go five."
     I said, "Bruce, I can't go five. I'm a lot older than you are and I can't do five."
     He said, "When we get to three, we'll shift gears and it's only two more and you'll do it."
     I said, "Okay, I'll go for it."
     So we get to three, we go into the fourth mile and I'm okay for three or four minutes and then I really begin to give out. I'm tired, my heart's pounding, I can't go any more and so I say to him, "Bruce, if I run any more," --- and we're still running --- "if I run any more I'm liable to have a heart attack and die."
     He said, "Then die."
     It made me so mad that I ran the full five miles. Afterward, I went to the shower and then I wanted to talk to him about it. I asked him, "Why did you say that to me?"
     He simply said, "Because you might as well be dead. Seriously, if you always put limits on what you can do, physical or anything else, it'll spread over into the rest of your life. It'll spread into your work, into your morality, into your entire being. There are no limits. There are plateaus, but you must not stay there, you must go beyond them. if it kills you, it kills you. A man must constantly exceed his level."
 
*** from the Art of Expressing the Human Body by Bruce Lee, John Little
 
INSIGHT: This teaches us that if we build a wall in front of our dreams we will never cross it, but the one who destroys all obstacles starts within ourselves.
This was submitted via e-mail by Wendy Tafoya
 
Phillipians 3:14  I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

POEM (Faith's Fight)

 
Faith's Fight
 
"There is no God!" Science rails
At this idea of Faith, Reason pales;
"No such thing!" they shouted
With arms folded, they pouted.
 
"You must believe!" cries Faith
"I Am the Creator of the earth," God saith;
"Before earth's foundation, I laid
Without Me, there was nothing made."
 
No desire to believe, Reason boast
"No Father, no Son, no Holy Ghost!"
Faith laughs at Reason's philosophy
And yells, "In God, exists all Three!"
 
Science screams, "That makes no sense!
You need to show me your evidence!"
"Science, Science, you protest too much
On God's creation, "your" existence is really a crutch."
 
But on that great and dreadful day
Science and his friend, Reason, shall say;
"So foolish was I and oh so ignorant,
My thoughtless words, I now repent." 

MORAL STORY (Face Difficulties Positively)

 
 
Face Difficulties Positively
 
     This story is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. the mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule praying or whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together, told them what happened and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.
     Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, HE WOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP!
     This he did, blow after blow, "SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP... SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP. SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP!" He continued repeating this to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought panic and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!
     It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted stepped triumphantly over the wall of the well! What seemed like it would bury him actually helped him... all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.
 
 
MORAL: If we face our problems and respond to them positively and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness or self-pity, we will become victorious.
 
John 16:20  "Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.  (NKJV)

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

INSPIRATIONAL STORY (What Would You Do)

 
 
What Would You Do?
 
This is a true, touching story showing the compassion of young boys.
 
     At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and it's dedicated staff, he offered a question: "When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet, my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?"
     The audience was stilled by the query. The father continued, "I believe that when a child like Shay, physically and mentally handicapped, comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child."
     Then he told the following story:
 
Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball.  Shay asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?"
 
Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
 
Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning."
 
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. His father watched with a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart. The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential of a winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next up to bat. At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.
 
However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in. Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.
 
The game would now be over. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game. Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, "Shay, run to first! Run to first!" Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.
 
Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second, Shay!" Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball, the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team. He could have thrown the ball to the second baseman for the tag, but he understood the other's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.
 
Everyone was screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay! All the way, Shay!"
 
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third! Shay, run to third!" As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, "Shay, run home! Run home, Shay!" Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team.
 
"That day," said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, "the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love, humility, and humanity into this world."
 
Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making his father so happy, and coming home and seeing his mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
 
 
We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to make a difference. So mamy seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice:
 
Do we pass along a little spark of love, humility and humanity or do we pass up those opportunities? A wise man once said, "Every society is judged by how it treats its least fortunate.
 
1 Peter 3:17   For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (NKJV).
 
    THIS IS MY TESTIMONY:
     This story is a reminder of an incident I encountered a few years ago. My nephew, Ross, who is deaf and mentally challenged due to a brain injury and his brother, Sam, were big basketball fans but both had separate teams they supported. Ross was for Cleveland Cavaliers (when Lebron James was playing for them) while Sam was a die-hard Chicago Bulls fan.
     Getting into the finals, The Bulls were to play against Cavaliers on Ross's birthday. I spoke to Sam, a few days prior, and I told him how wrong it would be if Ross's team lost, especially on his birthday. Sam laughed and said, "Well, we'll see what happens."
     When Ross's birthday came he was excited that his team was going up against Ssm's team and he was hoping his team would win. The game didn't come on until that evening and all through the day I was expecting Sam to text and wish Ross a "Happy birthday and wish his team luck on the match-up that night."
     But the day passed, it was now evening and time for the game to start yet, we didn't hear anything from Sam. Then when the game started, Ross anxiously watched and kept hoping his team would win. I knew how it would have made his birthday complete should that happen. I was so hoping Sam would text Ross but he didn't.
     The first half of the game Ross's team was ahead. He was filled with joy, saying that finally his team will beat Sam's team. But during the second half, the teams went back-and-forth with both teams gaining the lead. Finally in the fouth quarter, The Bulls gained a large lead and it didn't look good for the Cavaliers. Sure enough, by the time the game was over, the Bulls had won. Ross was very disappointed and sadly gathered his pajama's and headed into the bathroom to shower before going to bed.
     About 5 minutes after the game was over, Sam sent me a text message, "Tell Ross happy birthday and sorry about his team."
     I was furious. The audacity of Sam texting only moments after Ross's team lost was like a slap in the face. I called Sam and confronted him about his insensitivity towards Ross. Then we began to get into a heated argument, as I was bluntly explaining to Sam about his treatment toward Ross and Sam was only giving me excuses as to why he didn't call or text earlier to wish him a happy birthday.
    After I hung up on Sam, a few minutes later I called him and apologized for my anger and for how I spoke to him. He continued to give me excuses but he never once apologized for how he treated Ross.
     My relationship with Sam has basically been strained every since that time. Even a few years after this incident, at the family reunion, Sam tried to bring the subject up again --- not to apologize but seemingly, just to upset me again --- but I just walked away. I knew he had no remorse for his actions.
     Sam now has his own ministry and I pray he has received a revelation about his actions on that day and I pray he will someday ask God's forgiveness. I never told Ross about Sam texting that day so there is no need for him to apologize to Ross.
     But that year, the Cavaliers may have lost in the playoffs but the Bulls never won the championship either. Fortunately, Lebron James went to play for Miami Heat (which is now Ross's team. Whoever Lebron is with that's Ross's team) and this year, 2012, the Miami Heat won the NBA Championship and Lebron James won most valuable player. 
 
 Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
 
INSIGHT: On this side of heaven we will never understand how "all things" can work together for good for God's children. We know that not all things in themselves are good, but God knows how He'll do it and in Him we trust! We need to be more sensitive, humble and compassionate to those who are handicapped. Treating them inferior to ourselves only puts a blemish on our own character.
 
*** Although the testimonial story is true, the names have been changed for legal purposes.
 
~One Love~
    
   
 
     

PSALM 23 (For the workplace)

 
 
 
PSALM 23
(FOR THE WORKPLACE)
 
THE LORD IS MY REAL BOSS, AND I SHALL NOT WANT
HE GIVES ME PEACE WHEN CHAOS IS ALL AROUND ME;
HE GENTLY REMINDS ME TO PRAY AND DO ALL THINGS
WITHOUT MURMURING AND COMPLAINING.
 
HE REMINDS ME THAT HE IS MY SOURCE AND NOT MY JOB
HE RESTORES MY SANITY EVERYDAY AND GUIDES MY DIRECTIONS,
THAT I MIGHT HONOR HIM IN ALL THAT I DO
WITH HIM, I NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ANY REJECTION.
 
EVEN THOUGH I FACE ABSURD AMOUNTS OF E-MAILS, SYSTEM CRASHES, UNREALISTIC DEADLINES, BUDGET CUTBACKS, GOSSIPING CO-WORKERS, DISCRIMINATING SUPERVISORS AND AN AGING BODY THAT DOESN'T ALWAYS
 CO-OPERATE EVERY MORNING...
I WILL NOT STOP--- FOR HE IS WITH ME!
HIS PRESENCE, HIS PEACE AND HIS POWER WILL SEE ME THROUGH!
 
HE RAISES ME UP, EVEN WHEN THEY FAIL TO PROMOTE ME
HE CLAIMS ME AS HIS OWN
EVEN WHEN THE COMPANY THREATENS TO LET ME GO.
HIS FAITHFULNESS AND LOVE IS BETTER THAN ANY BONUS CHECK.
 
HIS RETIREMENT PLAN BEATS MY 401K
AND WHEN IT'S ALL SAID AND DONE
I'LL BE WORKING FOR HIM A WHOLE LOT LONGER
AND FOR THAT...
 
I WILL BLESS HIS NAME!

POEM (When Tomorrow Starts Without Me)

 
 
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
 
When Tomorrow starts without me
     and I'm not here to see;
If the sun should rise and find
     your eyes filled with tears for me.
 
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
     the way you did today;
While thinking of the many things
     we didn't get to say.
 
I know how much you love me
     as much as I love you;
And each time you think of me
     I know you'll miss me, too.
 
When tomorrow starts without me
     don't think we're far apart;
For every time you think of me
     I'm right there in your heart.