Saturday, February 27, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Purpose
Ecclesiastes 3:1-12
"1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
9 What does the worker gain from his toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live."
2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
9 What does the worker gain from his toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live."
Our Lord reminds us of our goal in these verses. In verse 1, the Bible states there is a time for everything which reminds us we all have a purpose. We may have different purposes at different times and may not clearly see one but it is still there. In verse 12, her reminds us that we all have one main goal...DO GOOD!
I was talking with a friend this week about how life takes us in directions that we never foresee. We said that sometimes it seems like the worst thing in the world. My friend brought up this reference in Eccelesiastes. God has a plan for us all even if we can't see it or it's not what we thought it would be. As we look at our lives remember Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
SORRY!
The past few months have been very hectic for us. We reported in November that my mother had broken her hip. We took her to my home when she was released from rehab. She is doing great but LuAnn and I have been very busy taking care of her. We missed blogging during all of the holidays. I apologize but we will try to do better in the coming weeks.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
THANKSGIVING
Giving thanks is a lesson that we are taught from childhood. Our parents remind us to say "thank you" after receiving a gift. As I said my prayers at night, I said thank you for every stuffed animal I had named. As adults, we sometimes forget that innocence, that everything is a blessing and a gift.
Mark 10:14-16 (NASB)
But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, "Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. "Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all." And He took them in His arms and began blessing them...
Thank you for all of your prayers and encouragement concerning my Granny. She is doing better. She has a long road ahead of her but with God and prayer all things are possible.
This Thanksgiving as you are with family and friends say thank you for each one for they are a blessing from God. My Granny and my family definitely are. I say thank you for this blessing everyday and especially today.
Mark 10:14-16 (NASB)
But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, "Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. "Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all." And He took them in His arms and began blessing them...
Thank you for all of your prayers and encouragement concerning my Granny. She is doing better. She has a long road ahead of her but with God and prayer all things are possible.
This Thanksgiving as you are with family and friends say thank you for each one for they are a blessing from God. My Granny and my family definitely are. I say thank you for this blessing everyday and especially today.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Yet Again...
Well, It happened again yesterday. For those of you who remember, last year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving I fell and broke my kneecap...chaos insued. I turned out well and I am walking great. Yesterday, as all of my family was leaving for church we received a call... my 93 yr. old Granny had fallen going into church. She was rushed to the emergency room and is now at Baptist West awaiting surgery for a broken hip. As you can imagine, the entire family is a little bit shaken up. We are all praying this turns out well. My Granny hasn't been overnite in a hospital in 51 yrs. Her sixth child was born at that time. Today as you say your prayers and count your blessings would you please add my Granny? She needs your prayers and is definitely a blessing to all of us.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
LAZARUS COMES TO LIFE
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
PRAYER
I know it has been a long time since a post has been added. I apologize. I don't think we knew how to follow the story of Allene. Prayer seems fitting.
We teach children that prayer is simply talking to God. How do we as adults forget that? We try to add flowery language. God wants our heart...simple and honest.
He is our father! Our earthly fathers should show us the attributes of our heavenly father. I've always said I have the best father in the world. My dad (Richard) loves me no matter what. He may not agree with me (which he tells me) but he loves me. He protects me. My dad would put me in a bubble just to keep me from pain. I believe our heavenly father is like this. He wants the best for us. All we need to do is trust him.
To talk to our heavenly father we need to pray. Talk to Him just as we would our earthly father. He wants that close personal relationship with each of us. As my Granny says, "Your heart grows with each child." He must have a huge heart because He has A LOT of children.(lol)
I remember as a small child that I had a friend sleep over. She crawled into bed ready to sleep. I had a conniption. I had always been taught that before bed you have to say your prayers. To this day I still say a prayer before going to sleep. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
Let's try to teach children how important prayer is to our lives. Tell them, but most importantly...show them.
Thanks Mom & Dad
LuAnn
We teach children that prayer is simply talking to God. How do we as adults forget that? We try to add flowery language. God wants our heart...simple and honest.
He is our father! Our earthly fathers should show us the attributes of our heavenly father. I've always said I have the best father in the world. My dad (Richard) loves me no matter what. He may not agree with me (which he tells me) but he loves me. He protects me. My dad would put me in a bubble just to keep me from pain. I believe our heavenly father is like this. He wants the best for us. All we need to do is trust him.
To talk to our heavenly father we need to pray. Talk to Him just as we would our earthly father. He wants that close personal relationship with each of us. As my Granny says, "Your heart grows with each child." He must have a huge heart because He has A LOT of children.(lol)
I remember as a small child that I had a friend sleep over. She crawled into bed ready to sleep. I had a conniption. I had always been taught that before bed you have to say your prayers. To this day I still say a prayer before going to sleep. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
Let's try to teach children how important prayer is to our lives. Tell them, but most importantly...show them.
Thanks Mom & Dad
LuAnn
Saturday, August 22, 2009
ALLENE GRAY
Today we are sad and heaven is rejoicing that the Lord brought home another lamb. Allene Gray went home to our Lord early this morning. From the youngest to the oldest her prescence was known and felt. Allene became a member of our congregation in 1934. She was a great example of serving the Lord all your life. LuAnn and I do not remember when she was not a part of our lives. When I was a child she was my Sunday School teacher. Most recently, she was my mother's Sunday School teacher. A few short weeks ago she, along with her sisters Arlene and Nannie, served the food at VBS. Her absence will leave an ache in our hearts but we will cherish her memory forever. We love you Allene.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Rather cleverly done. This is in two parts, the prayer (in blue type) and GOD (in red type) in response. It is very, very good.
THE LORD'S PRAYER
(Author Unknown)
Our Father Who Art In Heaven.
Yes?
Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.
But -- you called ME!
Called you?No, I didn't call you.I'm praying.Our Father who art in Heaven.
There -- you did it again!
Did what?
Called ME.You said,"Our Father who art in Heaven"Well, here I am..What's on your mind?
But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day.I always say the Lord's Prayer.It makes me feel good,kind of like fulfilling a duty.
Well, all right.Go on.
Okay, Hallowed be thy name.
Hold it right there.What do you mean by that?
By what?
By "Hallowed be thy name"?
It means, it means .. . good grief, I don't know what it means.How in the world should I know?It's just a part of the prayer.By the way, what does it mean?
It means honored, holy, wonderful.
Hey, that makes sense.. I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before.Thanks.
Thy Kingdom come,Thy will be done,on earth as it is in Heaven.
Do you really mean that?
Sure, why not?
What are you doing about it?
Doing? Why, nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control, of everything down here like you have up there. We're kinda in a mess down here you know.
Yes, I know;but, have I got control of you?
Well, I go to church.
That isn't what I asked you.What about your bad temper?You've really got a problem there, you know.And then there's the way you spend your money -- all on yourself.And what about the kind of books you read?
Now hold on just a minute!Stop picking on me!I'm just as good as some of the rest of those People at church!
Excuse ME..I thought you were praying for my will to be done.If that is to happen,it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you -- for example
Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups.Now that you mention it,I could probably name some others.
So could I.
I haven't thought about it very much until now,but I really would like to cut out some of those things.I would like to, you know, be really free.
Good.Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together -- You and ME.I'm proud of You.
Look, Lord, if you don't mind,I need to finish up here.This is taking a lot longer than it usually does.Give us this day, our daily bread.
You need to cut out the bread..You're overweight as it is.
Hey, wait a minute! What is this?Here I was doing my religious duty,and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups.
Praying is a dangerous thing.You just might get what you ask for.Remember, you called ME -- and here I am.It's too late to stop now.Keep praying. ( pause . . )Well, go on.
I'm scared to.
Scared? Of what?
I know what you'll say.
Try ME.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
What about Ann?
See? I knew it!I knew you would bring her up!Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories.She never paid back the money she owes me.I've sworn to get even with her!
But -- your prayer --What about your prayer?
I didn't -- mean it..
Well, at least you're honest.But, it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness and resentment isn't it?
Yes, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even with her.Boy, have I got some plans for her.She'll wish she had never been born.
No, you won't feel any better.You'll feel worse.Revenge isn't sweet.You know how unhappy you are -- Well, I can change that.
You can? How?
Forgive Ann .Then, I'll forgive you;And the hate and the sin,will be Ann 's problem -- not yours.You will have settled the problem as far as you are concerned.
Oh, you know, you're right.You always are.And more than I want revenge,I want to be right with You . . (sigh).All right, all right . .I forgive her.
There now!Wonderful!How do you feel?
Hmmmm. Well, not bad.Not bad at all!In fact, I feel pretty great!You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight.I haven't been getting much rest, you know.
Yeah, I know.But, you're not through with your prayer, are you? Go on.
Oh, all right.And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil.
Good! Good! I'll do that.Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.
What do you mean by that?
You know what I mean.
Yeah. I know.
Okay.Go ahead. Finish your prayer.
For Thine is the kingdom,and the power,and the glory forever.Amen.
Do you know what would bring me glory?What would really make me happy?
No, but I'd like to know.I want to please you now.I've really made a mess of things.I want to truly follow you..I can see now how great that would be.So, tell me . . .How do I make you happy?
YOU just did.
THE LORD'S PRAYER
(Author Unknown)
Our Father Who Art In Heaven.
Yes?
Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.
But -- you called ME!
Called you?No, I didn't call you.I'm praying.Our Father who art in Heaven.
There -- you did it again!
Did what?
Called ME.You said,"Our Father who art in Heaven"Well, here I am..What's on your mind?
But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day.I always say the Lord's Prayer.It makes me feel good,kind of like fulfilling a duty.
Well, all right.Go on.
Okay, Hallowed be thy name.
Hold it right there.What do you mean by that?
By what?
By "Hallowed be thy name"?
It means, it means .. . good grief, I don't know what it means.How in the world should I know?It's just a part of the prayer.By the way, what does it mean?
It means honored, holy, wonderful.
Hey, that makes sense.. I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before.Thanks.
Thy Kingdom come,Thy will be done,on earth as it is in Heaven.
Do you really mean that?
Sure, why not?
What are you doing about it?
Doing? Why, nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control, of everything down here like you have up there. We're kinda in a mess down here you know.
Yes, I know;but, have I got control of you?
Well, I go to church.
That isn't what I asked you.What about your bad temper?You've really got a problem there, you know.And then there's the way you spend your money -- all on yourself.And what about the kind of books you read?
Now hold on just a minute!Stop picking on me!I'm just as good as some of the rest of those People at church!
Excuse ME..I thought you were praying for my will to be done.If that is to happen,it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you -- for example
Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups.Now that you mention it,I could probably name some others.
So could I.
I haven't thought about it very much until now,but I really would like to cut out some of those things.I would like to, you know, be really free.
Good.Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together -- You and ME.I'm proud of You.
Look, Lord, if you don't mind,I need to finish up here.This is taking a lot longer than it usually does.Give us this day, our daily bread.
You need to cut out the bread..You're overweight as it is.
Hey, wait a minute! What is this?Here I was doing my religious duty,and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups.
Praying is a dangerous thing.You just might get what you ask for.Remember, you called ME -- and here I am.It's too late to stop now.Keep praying. ( pause . . )Well, go on.
I'm scared to.
Scared? Of what?
I know what you'll say.
Try ME.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
What about Ann?
See? I knew it!I knew you would bring her up!Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories.She never paid back the money she owes me.I've sworn to get even with her!
But -- your prayer --What about your prayer?
I didn't -- mean it..
Well, at least you're honest.But, it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness and resentment isn't it?
Yes, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even with her.Boy, have I got some plans for her.She'll wish she had never been born.
No, you won't feel any better.You'll feel worse.Revenge isn't sweet.You know how unhappy you are -- Well, I can change that.
You can? How?
Forgive Ann .Then, I'll forgive you;And the hate and the sin,will be Ann 's problem -- not yours.You will have settled the problem as far as you are concerned.
Oh, you know, you're right.You always are.And more than I want revenge,I want to be right with You . . (sigh).All right, all right . .I forgive her.
There now!Wonderful!How do you feel?
Hmmmm. Well, not bad.Not bad at all!In fact, I feel pretty great!You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight.I haven't been getting much rest, you know.
Yeah, I know.But, you're not through with your prayer, are you? Go on.
Oh, all right.And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil.
Good! Good! I'll do that.Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.
What do you mean by that?
You know what I mean.
Yeah. I know.
Okay.Go ahead. Finish your prayer.
For Thine is the kingdom,and the power,and the glory forever.Amen.
Do you know what would bring me glory?What would really make me happy?
No, but I'd like to know.I want to please you now.I've really made a mess of things.I want to truly follow you..I can see now how great that would be.So, tell me . . .How do I make you happy?
YOU just did.
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