Ingrid Michaelson

“The Way I Am”

If you were falling, then I would catch you.

You need a light, I'd find a match.

Cuz I love the way you say good morning.

And you take me the way I am.

If you are chilly, here take my sweater.

Your head is aching, I'll make it better.

Cuz I love the way you call me baby.

And you take me the way I am.

I'd buy you Rogaine if you start losing all
your hair.

Sew on patches to all you tear.

Cuz I love you more than I could ever
promise.

And you take me the way I am.

You take me the way I am.

You take me the way I am.

Here's To The Sunny Slopes Of Long Ago...

There is a place in my head where I will go. A place where sorrow and pain can not find me. A place covered with tall grass, rolling hills, and bright blue skies. The only sounds will be the swaying of the grass in the gentle breeze and the whistle of birds playing. A place where I will feel the warmth of the sun on my face, and my legs will be strong again. I will stand in the grass and let the grass brush past my finger tips as it sways. A place where I can see my brother's face and not be sad. A place where the memories will put a smile on my face instead of tears in my eyes.

Friday after they disconnected his ventilator, I sat with my brother while the breath left his body. His wife came in for a while then left, my other brother was there and a longtime family friend stood with us. Other people came in and out but I never left his side. For over two hours his chest would jerk and heave as he struggled to take his short gasps of air. Our friend said that there has to be a better way of dong this. I agreed. His eyes were open but he was not there. It was a hard two hours. I held his hand, it was cold but he was sweating. Slowly he began to calm down and his breathing came to a halt. It was a welcomed silence. Choking back the tears as best I could, I read the Lord’s Prayer out loud. I want my brother to go to Heaven. I want to see him again someday along with our parents. I hope when my time comes to pass that if I’m not able, someone will say the same prayer for me.

-- Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. --

Amen.

Faith...

A friend of mine said something wise to me, he said, “people don’t go to church because of church people.” now that’s hitting the nail on the head, it should be on a t-shirt or something. People don’t go to church because of other people, not so much because of the clergy but because of the people sitting in the pews. You know why God takes care of drunks and fools? I used to go to this all night diner to drink coffee with some friends, it was our hangout spot. The waitresses there that had the most seniority got to pick their own schedules, they always picked Friday and Saturday nights when the bars let out and shied away from the Sunday and Wednesday church crowds. A drunk would chose from the buffet, drink a cup of coffee and leave a big tip. The church crowd would ask for a lot of extra everything, order a single hamburger for three kids have you cut it up and then deliver it to the three different tables where they were sitting , leave a huge mess and a .37 cent tip from ten peopleI was Baptized when I was thirteen years old in the Methodist Church. I was raised Baptist at home but we did not attend church as a kid. I wasn’t sure about getting Baptized because I wasn’t sure what it meant. I talked with some friends at church, our youth minister, and even some of the Elders. I wanted to make sure I was doing it for the right reason. Looking back, that was pretty wise for a thirteen year old boy. A few years later I started going to an Assembly of God Church with my older brother, I liked it quite a bit though I never could get used to people speaking in Tongues. My bother told me to keep an open mind and just do what my heart told me to do. So I let people do what they wanted to and I remained silent. Eventually for one reason or the other I stopped going to church. Looking back it was always because of the people I stopped going (I know that’s a poor excuse) I used to worry about what people thought too much. Through the years I would always pray, not everyday but occasionally. I was always a little apprehensive about giving myself completely to God, I thought I would miss out on the fun stuff or that I would fail and not be worthy of Heaven. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes and then some. I’ve done a lot of things that I’m not proud of. I’ve sinned with the best of them and still do (I’m working on that) Almost two years ago I finally got the nerve to give myself to God. I still don’t go to church, I have the Don Williams outlook on that, “I don’t believe that Heaven waits, for only those who congregate” I speak of the Lord and share with other as much as possible, I try and teach my daughter. I’ve put it all in Gods hand’s and he has done a remarkable job in taking care of me. I’ve gotten through every obstacle in my life and I know that I will continue to do so. All I have to do is my best. Be honest, be helpful, be forgiving, say my prayers, and just do the right thing. I work on my short comings and try and include God in all of my decisions. It’s really pretty easy and I wish that I would have figured this out long ago. I miss out on nothing and the reward is grand. I’m no Holy Roller, I am who I am, and as long as God knows what’s in my heart nothing else matters. He will see to it that I get what I need, maybe not what I want but always what’s really important and I’ll always get by, and the day when I don’t, it’s ok because I’ll be in Heaven and it can’t get better than that. BTW, J.E. Cook is my friend and Brother and a Christian too. I hope he finds happiness along his path. Peace.

Be There When Someone needs You

A Marine walked up to the Nurses desk and asked if someone could help him.

A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside of an elderly man.

"Your son is here," she said to the old man.

She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's eyes opened.

Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young uniformed Marine standing outside the oxygen tent. He reached out his hand. The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old man's limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement.

The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit beside the bed. All through the night the young Marine sat there in the poorly lighted ward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and strength.

Occasionally, the nurse would come by and suggest that the Marine move away and rest for awhile.

He refused.

Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital - the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients.

Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the night.

Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited.

Finally, she returned. She started to offer words of sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her.

"Who was that man?" he asked.

The nurse was startled, "He was your father," she answered.

"No Ma'am, he wasn't," the Marine replied. "I never saw him before in my life."

"Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?"

"I knew right away there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed his son, and his son just wasn't here. When I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, knowing how much he needed me, I stayed."

The next time someone needs you ... just be there. Stay.

(sent to me by my friend Suzanne)

My Daily Prayer

Lord, I thank you for this day as I thank you for all others.

Lord, I thank you for all of the blessings that you’ve bestowed upon me and my loved ones.

Lord, I thank you for blessing and watching over my brother Larry, please continue to heal him and bring him home to us.

Lord, Please continue to bless and watch over Fran.

Lord, please continue to bless and watch over, Mytra, Gary, Jennifer, Joseph, Daniel, Little Charles, James, Lari, Halle, and most of all Emily.

Lord, I thank you for being in all of our lives and watching over all of our family and loved ones.

Lord please continue to look after my dogs Tig and Dutchy, They are as much a part of my family as anyone, and I thank you for bringing them into our lives.

Lord, I ask these things in Jesus Christ’s name. - Amen

Operation Christmas Child

The true meaning of Christmas - The Gift Of Christ’s Love

Operation Christmas Child is a project where people are asked to put together a shoebox to be sent to needy children around the world. Simple items are placed in the boxes including hygiene items, school supplies, small toys, gum or hard candy, and clothing items. Please go to, “Samaritan’s Purse” @ http://www.samaritanspurse.org/
Operation Christmas Child sends a message of hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and Christian literature. This program provides an opportunity for individuals of all ages to be involved in a simple, hands-on missions project that reaches out to suffering children while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus Christ, God's greatest gift. In past years, Samaritan's Purse has collected over 6 million shoe boxes worldwide and distributed them to children in over 90 countries. National collection week was November 13th to the 20th. But you can still help, just click on the link above.
Some of these children have never had a gift, some have never had anything. When they receive something like this they are so happy that they want to share what they get with others. Children that have never had anything have not had the opportunity to share, this is something new to them, it’s not something they were taught like most of us, it is just naturally in their hearts. To have nothing but feeling compelled to share what little you get with others is the true meaning of Christmas. The true joy of giving. Merry Christmas.

two horses

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if you stop your car, or if you are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing. Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing. If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her. As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray. When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell. Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need. Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

And God spoke all these words, saying: "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage."

I. You shall have no other Gods before me.

II. You shall not make for yourself any carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

III. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

IV. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter nor your manservant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.

V. Honor your father and mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

VI. You shall not murder.

VII. You shall not commit adultery.

VIII. You shall not steal.

IX. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

X. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.

i havn't been around in a while, i spent some time in the hospital and i've not had my head screwed on correctly lately, ssi is giving me fits and times are getting rough. my friend SRG's mother Marilyn Reese is in the hospital and not doing very well, she is a good christian lady and a dear woman. any prayers would be appreciated. god bless.

i feel so alive...

Alive
By P.O.D.

Everyday is a new day
I'm thankful for
Every breath I take
I won't take it for granted
So I learn from my mistakes
It's beyond my control
Sometimes it's best to let go
Whatever happens
In this lifetime
So I trust in love
You have given me
Peace of mind
CHORUS:
I feel so alive
For the very first time
I can't deny you
I feel so alive
I feel so alive
For the very first time
And I think I can fly

Sunshine upon my face
A new song for me to sing
Tell the world

How I feel inside
Even though it might
Cost me everything
Now that I know this
So beyond, I can't hold this
I can never
Turn my back away
Now that I've seen you
I can never look away

Repeat chorus

Now that I know you
(I could never
Turn my back away)
Now that I see you
(I could never look away)
Now that I know you
(I could never
Turn my back away)
Now that I see you
(I believe no matter
What they say)

Repeat chorus twice





BestVideoCodes.com

P.O.D.

(2001)

Satelite

i can only imagine

I Can Only Imagine
By Mercyme

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

[Chorus:]
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

[Chorus]

I can only imagine [x2]

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you






BestVideoCodes.com

If you would like to listen to the song as performed by Ronnie Kimball, click here: "IMAGINE" Have a good day.

three yellow roses

I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry. The pain of losing my husband of 57 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories. He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands. He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on. Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two. Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak. Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket.. hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks. She saw me watching her and she smiled. "My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know." I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes. "My husband passed away eight days ago," I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. "Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have together." She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away. I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone. I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile I had ever seen. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine. As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes. "These are for you," she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. "When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for." She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but I was still unable to speak, I watched her walk away as the tears clouded my vision. I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone. Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel.

Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are.

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings. Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.
Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible. Thank you, Lord , that I can see. Many are blind.
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud. Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.
Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced. Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.
Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.
Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest. Thank you, Lord, for life.

And Remember that a friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift. A friend is someone to treasure. For friendship is a gift. A friend is someone who fills our lives with Beauty, Joy and Grace and makes the world we live in a better and happier place. Have A Good Day.

full of want...

i want my normal routine back, i want to have less pain, i want to be inspired to write something worth reading. i would like to be more comfortable, i would like to improve my site and generate more readers. i want something worth saying. but right now i want pizza. peace.

neglect...

I’ve been neglecting this site lately, I haven’t been feeling well and I can’t seem to focus long enough to do anything. i've been getting these antibiotic shots everyday and they make me sick (i think i have 3 or 4 more days left) I miss writing and spending a little time each day thinking about such things, hopefully I’ll be back on track soon and back to my old routine.

he did fine...

i think george w. bush did fine last night. i don't agree with every thing he said, he mentioned a lot of the same things that theodore roosevelt did almost 100 years ago. if you are going to come to america, then be an american. do it legally and assimilate to being an american, learn english and follow our laws and fly our flag. and he ended his speech with, "One Nation Under God".

and right now that's good enough for me.

not so hot

i don't feel well today, physically and mentally. i'm in a bad mood, taking things to seriously. i've got the shakes again. you'd think that i was detoxing or something. i'm uncomfotable in just about everything i do today. my stomach is doing hula-hoops around my colan. and my left foot is swollen so bad it feels like it's going to pop. it will go away soon i hope. if i had a cat i would probably kick it.

another bad day

i know this is a little late for friday but it's been one of those days. first off i slept in, that doesn't happen often, and when i woke up i was in a full blown panic attack (i like to call them anxiety attacks) panic sounds kind of sissyfied (sp?) i couldn't breath, the panic wasn't that bad but the no breathing was hell. it was one of the worst ones i'd ever had. the last doctor i saw a few weks ago said that the attacks were a symptom of sleep apnea, that would have been nice if the other doctors i'd been seeing for over ten years would have mentioned that. a reason for them would go a long way in dealing with them, i'm one who needs to have answes to such things. it took me a while to get the breathing under control, i wont go into an explanation because i don't think there is one, it took me the rest of the morning to get over the doom and gloom of it. not a good feeling, i called my sister to help me through it, she was at work and was ready to walk out, i think i scared her a bit. i told her it would be over by the time she got here. it was getting better knowing she was getting ready to mess up her job. i could not stand having that on my shoulders. i hope she knows how much she helped just listening to me freak out, it must have been ugly. i'm tired now but sort of worried it will happen a gain, which is bad because worry brings them on, i think. it's 12:38 AM now maybe i'll sleep, maybe not.

psalm 23 -- an old stand by

Psa 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Psa 23:2
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

Psa 23:3
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Psa 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Psa 23:5
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Psa 23:6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Amen

the lord's prayer

Book of Common Prayer (1928)

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen.

a joyful heart...

"A joyful heart is good medicine" Proverbs 17:20-22

Three things to give some thought to…

1- Zero Gravity:

When NASA first started sending up astronauts, they quickly discovered that ball-point pens would not work in zero gravity. To combat this problem, NASA scientists spent a decade and $12 billion developing a pen that writes in zero gravity, upside-down, on almost any surface including glass and at temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 300 degrees Celsius.
The Russians used a pencil.
When your taxes are due again -- enjoy paying them.

2 - Our Constitution:

They keep talking about drafting a Constitution for Iraq. Why don't we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it's worked for over 200 years and we're not using it anymore.

3 - Ten Commandments:

The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments in a Courthouse is that you cannot post "Thou Shalt Not Steal", Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery" and "Thou Shall Not Lie" in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians! It creates a hostile work environment.

Have a Smile and a Good Day.

feed them wisely

Two Wolves

One evening an old Indian Man told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "my son, inside us all rages the battle between two wolves."

One is evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.

The boy thought about it for a moment then asked, " but Grandfather, which wolf will win?"

The old Indian simply replied, "The one you feed my son."

(This was sent to me by my friend Babs.)

King James

Then spake Jesus again unto them saying, I am the light of the world: he that shall followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12

King James

But I say unto you which hear. Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you.
Luke 6:27

King James

The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry.
Psalm 34:15

worth repeating

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary, Sunday, 12/18/05.

Herewith at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart: I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I am buying my dog biscuits and kitty litter. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores.

They never know who Nick and Jessica are either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they have broken up? Why are they so important?I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is either, and I do not care at all about Tom Cruise's wife.

Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I am a subversive? Maybe, but I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. If this is what it means to be no longer young. It's not so bad.

Next confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a crèche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution, and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke, it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her, "How could God let something like this happen?" (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we all are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?"

In light of recent events...terrorists attacks, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK.

Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with, "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to Hell.

Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.

Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mails and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.

Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing?

Funny how if you were to e-mail this message, you would not send it to everyone on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it to them.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

a-s-a-p

Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.? Generally we think of it in terms of being even more in a hurry and adding stress to our lives. Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we will begin to find a new way to deal with those rough days along the way.

There's work to do, deadlines to meet; You've got no time to spare, but as you hurry and scurry - ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

In the midst of family chaos, "quality time" is rare. Do your best; Let God do the rest - ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

It may seem like your worries are more than you can bear; Slow down and take a breather - ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

God knows how stressful life is; He wants to ease our cares, and He'll respond to all your needs A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

the sneeze

They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two students filing into the already crowded auditorium. With rich maroon gowns flowing and the traditional caps, they looked almost as grown up as they felt. Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Moms freely brushed away tears. This class would not be praying during the commencements -- not by choice, but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it. The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families. The speeches were nice, but they were routine... until the final speech received a standing ovation. A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then, it happened. All 92 students, every single one of them, suddenly SNEEZED!! The student on stage simply looked at the audience and said, " GOD BLESS YOU, each and every one of you!" And he walked off stage... The audience exploded into applause. The graduating class found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future with or without the court's approval. This is supposed to be a true story but I don't know for sure. It was supposed to have happened at a school in Maryland. I like it none the less either way.
Now here is where I might not act in a Christian manner. Whether it be in a school, post office, work, public building state or otherwise, or anywhere in America for that matter, let someone try and tell me I can not PRAY or WORSHIP when and where I choose. They better be prepared to stand down or take a Redneck Country Ass Whipping. That is the most ridiculous thing ever in the history of the United States. I can not pray because I might offend someone but I am not supposed to be offended because I can not. What has become of us? It is just wrong and there is nothing else to say.

if no one alse reads my blog, i hope god does

god, i need a little help today. it's a bad one. i'm tired of this pain but not of this life. i won't give up , i won't quit. my legs are on fire and i can't think clearly. it's been a bad few weeks. more pain than usual, less breaks in between. what can i do? john j dunbar helps. i can picture the tall prairie grass and the plains, the breeze blowing, the sea of grass gently waving in the warm sun, i wish i was standing there now, i don't want to cry. please help me.

emily is home now, she will help me. thank you.

i wish i had some cheese to go with this whine

I have not worked since November 22nd, 2005. That will be six months soon. That’s the longest I’ve gone without working since I was eleven years old. I used to go to work with my dad on nights, weekends, and during the Summer. He laid carpet and I would help move things, fetch tools and help pad and whatever else he needed. By the time I was thirteen I could do the work of a full grown man. It’s what men did. You worked.
I should have stopped working long before I did but I just couldn’t make my self quit. I worked for a company that may have had it’s problems but they took care of me and put food on my table for fourteen years. They kept me on longer than they should have, made allowances for me. I did my best and I have no regrets.
I’ve applied for disability, Social Security. The paperwork and what you have to go through would probably deter most people but I have no choice. My family has no money and no means of providing for me. I have a brother who I could move in with but he has his own family and his own struggles. I would be a huge burden on them. At this point in my condition I’m pretty high maintenance. If I moved in with his family my daughter would have to move back in with her mom. I wouldn’t have to put a gun in my mouth, my heart would just stop. I would just lay down and die.
The people at the Social Security office said it could be four to six months before a decision would be made if I was approved or not, and it would be at least six months before I’d see a check. I would be paid for the back months from the date I filed or from the last day I was able to work. That’s still if I’m approved, and a lot of good it will do when my house is in foreclosure and I‘ve lost everything else. I had very little money saved and a very young 401-k plan through work but we had only had it a short time and it didn’t amount to much. Income tax return helped out some but I’ve only got enough to last a few more months. I’ve been worried sick to say the least. Last week I went to my last doctor’s appointment, or I should say their last appointment and the doctor said if it was up to her I would be approved but she never knows. She just fills out the reports and turns them in, she never hears one way or the other. It did ease my mind a lot that she thought I would though. For the first time in a long time I had the feeling that everything was going to be alright. Disability won’t be much but I should be able to take care of my daughter for a few more years.
Yesterday someone who I love, a family member, not meaning to or thinking said, “You know they are going to turn you down don’t you?” “At least the first time, you’ll probably have to wind up getting a lawyer.” I said nothing and went on about my business, but I was up most of the night. every time I would doze off I would dream that I could not breathe, then when I would wake up I was having trouble breathing. Huffing like I could not get enough air. A few extra puffs from the inhaler didn’t help. So I laid there and thought about what I would do if it doesn‘t work out. I have no plan. I’m tired of worrying, I’m tired of not knowing. I’m tired of whining and complaining. I wanted a good nights sleep so I could start back on Lasix today. I don’t think that’s going to happen. I believe it’s going to be a bad day.

the living bible

This is such a great example of The Living Bible.

His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. Kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college. Across the street from the campus is an up scale, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it. One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, in his jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat. The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything. Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet. By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick. About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A Godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do. How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid sitting on the floor? It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The Pastor can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do. And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone.
Everyone chokes up with emotion.
When the Pastor gains control, he says, "What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget." "Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read".

I asked the Lord to bless you
as I prayed for you today.
To guide you and protect you
as you go along your way....

His love is always with you,
His promises are true,
And when we give Him all our cares,
You know He will see us through.

Treating someone decent is the best gift you can give yourself. Be kind always.

must have been a baptist...

A man was driving down the street in a sweat because he had an important meeting to attend and couldn't find a parking place anywhere. Looking up towards heaven, he said, "Lord, please take pity on me. If you could just find me a parking place I will go to Church every Sunday for the rest of my life and give up drinking forever, I swear." Miraculously, all of a sudden a parking place appeared. The man looked up again and said, "Never mind, I found one."

one god, one creator

~ Obeying the Laws of the Creator ~

These "laws" have been passed down from generation to generation by the Cherokee. If you study these in depth, you will see that they will cover the Ten Commandments and the others that Jesus gave, most found in the respect shown to others. This is what the Cherokee based their life on. By following these, one would live in harmony and balance with all of Creation.
1. The first thing one should do of the morning is to praise the Creator for your life and all of Creation. Asking Him for guidance through the day and thanking Him for providing another day for you. Recognizing Him as the only one true God.
2. Always keep fresh in your mind that everything has been created by God and deserve respect. Everything God has created has a purpose in life. We should honor these and treat them with kindness and generosity. Always assume that others are in need of something. Offer what you have to give.
3. When you find that you have more than you and your family need, then give the excess to someone who can use it.
4. When you say you are going to do something, or otherwise promise something, you are bound by your words. You can not break it without permission from the person you have told this to.
5. Practice silence. This shows self-control, true courage, patience, dignity, reverence and internal peace. And by practicing silence you can build these characteristics up through time.
6. Never over indulge or under indulge on anything. Do all things in moderation. And this includes boasting or attracting attention through your behavior. Eating, sleeping, working, learning and so on.
7. Know what helps you and what hurts you. Learn from your experiences and be open to new ones, remembering to live each day in itself, not worrying about tomorrow or living in the past but retaining the knowledge learned. Listen to advice and guidance offered by elders and friends. Listen with your heart and then follow up through prayer to the Creator for His guidance.
8. Always ask permission before doing anything that involves someone else, including all living things. Always give something back in return for things received, including a simple "thank you." Remember that a smile can be shared.
9. Beware of what is inside you and outside of you.

The following are all about respect and can be grouped together as one once it is understood what respect truly is.

10. Always, always, always show respect. From the youngest to the oldest, from the rocks to the trees, from all animals to all peoples.
11. Never stare at someone and drop your eyes in respect to an elder or teacher.
12. Always give a sign of greeting, even to strangers.
13. Never talk about someone in a harmful or critical way. Remember that what you say it will always come back to you one way or the other.
14. Never touch anything that is not yours without permission from the owner.
15. Respect the privacy of everyone. Never enter into their place or space without permission. Do not disturb anyone's quiet time or prayer time.
16. Never offer advice or ask questions of another without their permission.
17. Never interrupt.
18. When you are in someone's home, follow their customs out of respect.
19. Always treat other things held sacred by someone with respect even though you may not understand why.
20. Treat Mother Earth with respect. Always protect Mother Earth as well as all of Creation on her in all ways.

These natural laws and ways of obeying the one Creator is put inside us through the Sacred Fire. Putting these teachings into words is not an easy task. Kelly Hartley (Willow Branch), has used the book "Medicine of the Cherokee: The Way of Right Relationship" by JT Garrett and Michael Garrett in aiding her in doing this so that we could better understand the proper way of living as Cherokee.

no words necessary

men and women, black and white alike, soldiers strong and brave joined together in prayer, that's america. that's my america. lets pray they all come home safe and soon.

a moment of doubt

i had a doctors appointment today, it was hopefully the last one i needed to get my disability approved of. first off my truck would not start, my brother had to come over and exchange the battery for me and he was late. i had company just as i was getting ready to get in the shower, it was a couple of friends i had not seen in a while so it was nice but bad timing, they understood and left after a short visit. i still had time, thought i would trim my hair a bit, half way though, the clippers took a dive, wound up taking me an hour to do a 3 minute trim job, finally got ready, finally got underway and about 8 blocks from my house my truck overheats, the thermostat is climbing and climbing into the red zone. i think for some reason god did not want me to make that appointment, i even told my kid as much. i slowed down and the truck cooled off some so i kept going (this was the most important doctor visit of my life) no visit, no money, no support kid. i kept limping on, honking at people to hurry and get out of the way (i was even praying). it seemed as long as i kept moving steady the temp kept going up and down but staying out of the pullover and stop zone. i finally made it, front door parking, right on time, no waiting, an excelent doctor, everything went well and it looks promising for me to get approved. left and got down the road a ways and remembered the overheating problem, pulled over, now we had the time and i had a few jugs of water in the back, my kid filled the radiator and we continued on our way, no problem. and i realized it wasn't that god did not want me to make it, it was god got my brother there on time to fix my truck, god made it possible for me to get ready and get on my way, and god made sure i at least had enough water to make it there. god was looking out for me all of the time. for a moment i forgot that. just like all of the bad things that laid in my way my whole life, it was not god who put those thing there to test me and make me struggle or even to fail. he was the one who stood beside me, when i needed it, he was the one who stood in front of me when i needed it, he was the one who stood behind me when i needed it. he was the one who helped me get through it all, and still i forget. but my god will not spite me and leave me to my own distruction because i forget now and then. he will be there everytime to help me, and he will remind me to have faith in him even when i don't in myself. and i thank him. it's true what they say, god is good.