Wisdom Speaks for Itself

This image really spoke to me when I studied it during my quiet time with God. It attacks the prideful man, one who wants publicity for his good works as if to say, "Look what I do to help others" There are many who love to see their name on billboards and the like; but God wants us to be humble and silent about helping others. It brings me to the verse in Matthew 6:2 where it tells us how to be silent in our giving of our talents, no matter what they are.
Instruction about Giving

1"Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. 2"So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3"But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,…

Love that Does Not Return

They say that if you love someone, you should let them go. But they never say what to do when they don't come back.
— Greatest Quotes (@GreatestQuots) November 23, 2014 

God and the Geese

There was once a man who didn't believe in God, and he didn't hesitate to let others know how he felt about religion and religious holidays.    His wife, however, did believe, and she raised their children to also have faith in God and Jesus, despite his disparaging comments. One snowy Eve, his wife was taking their children to service in the farm community in which they lived. They were to talk about Jesus' birth. She asked him to come, but he refused. "That story is nonsense!" he said. "Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth as a man? That's ridiculous!"  So she and the children left, and he stayed home.

A while later, the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a  blizzard. As the man looked out the window, all he saw was a blinding snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening. Then he heard a loud thump. Something had hit the window. He looked out, but couldn't see more than a few feet. When the snow let up a little, he ventured outside to see what could have been beating on his window. 

In the field near his house he saw a flock of wild geese. Apparently they had been flying south for the winter when they got caught in the snowstorm and couldn't go on. They were lost and stranded on his farm, with no food or shelter. They just flapped their wings and flew around the field in low circles, blindly and aimlessly. A couple of them had flown into his window, it seemed. 

The man felt sorry for the geese and wanted to help them. The barn would be a great place for them to stay, he thought. It's warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm. So he walked  over to the barn and opened the doors wide, then watched and waited, hoping they would notice the open barn and go inside. 

But the geese just fluttered around aimlessly and didn't seem to notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them. The man tried to get their attention, but that just seemed to scare them, and they moved further away. He went into the house and came with some bread, broke it up, and made a bread crumb trail leading to the barn. They still didn't catch on. 

Now he was getting frustrated. He got behind them and tried to shoo them toward the barn, but they only got more scared and scattered in every direction except toward the barn.  Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where they would be warm and safe.  "Why don't they follow me?!" he exclaimed. "Can't they see this is the only place where they can survive the storm?" 

He thought for a moment and realized that they just wouldn't follow a human. "If only I were a goose, then I could save them," he said out loud. Then he had an idea. He went into barn, got one of his own geese, and carried it in his arms as he circled around behind the flock of wild geese. 

He then released it. His goose flew through the flock and straight into the barn -- and one-by-one, the other geese followed it to safety. He stood silently for a moment as the words he had spoken a few minutes earlier replayed in his mind: "If only I were a goose, then I could save them!" Then he thought about what he had said to his wife earlier. "Why would God want to be like us? That's ridiculous!" 

Suddenly it all made sense. That is what God had done. We were like the geese--blind, lost, perishing. God had His Son become like us so He could show us the way and save us. 

As the winds and blinding snow died down, his soul became quiet and pondered this wonderful thought. Suddenly he understood why Christ had come. Years of doubt and disbelief vanished with the passing storm. He fell to his knees in the snow, and prayed his first prayer:

"Thank You, God, for coming in human form to get me out of the storm!"

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This was shared with me on email. What a wonderful story!

Lessons from Alexander the Great

On his deathbed Alexander the Great summoned his generals and told them his three ultimate wishes:

The best doctors should carry his coffin;

The wealth he had accumulated (money, gold, precious stones) should be scattered along the way to his burial; and

His hands should be left hanging outside the coffin for all to see.

Surprised by these unusual requests, one of his generals asked Alexander to explain.

Here is what he said:

"I want the best doctors to carry my coffin to demonstrate that in the face of death; even the best doctors in the world have no power to heal;

"I want the road to be covered with my treasure so that everybody sees that the wealth acquired on earth, stays on earth.

"I want my hands to swing in the wind so that people understand that we come to this world empty-handed and we leave empty-handed after the most precious treasure of all is exhausted....time."

Time is our most precious treasure because it is limited. We can produce more wealth, but we cannot produce more time.

When we give someone our time, we actually give a portion of our life that we will never take back. Our time is our life!

The best present you can give your family and friends is your time.

May we all have the wisdom to give it.

God Grants us Talents

We know the parable about the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 and how God expects us to use the gifts that HE has chosen for us. How are you using yours? I ran across this perfect example through my email when +PurposeCity  and @PurposeCity on Twitter followed me on Twitter. I researched them and discovered thay Noah Curran is sharing great WORD ART using God's word (pun). It was so refreshing to see the talent and gift he has and for it to be used in such a wonderful way. I could not take myself away from it. Thank you Noah Curran for your designs. They are breathtaking. This is the one that I have decided to share since it spoke the loudest to me this morning. It is telling me to be brave, and have courage in light of what I dealing with in my life. What does it say to you? If you are like me and need courage check out Joshua 1:9 also for another scripture on courage. It is my favorite and I challenge Noah to design one with that one.

"The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion." - Proverbs 28:1 pic.twitter.com/VZ9JGkdeYo
— PurposeCity (@PurposeCity) August 20, 2014

The New Pastor

 

Pastor Jeremiah Steepek (pictured above) transformed himself into a homeless person and went to his newly assigned church where he was to be introduced as the head pastor that morning. 

He walked around this larger church for about 30 minutes while it was filling with people for Sunday morning service... Only 3 people said hello to him. 

He asked people for change to buy food... NOT ONE person gave him change. They turned away or said that they didn’t have any change… even though they had more than enough change for the coffee donation bucket.

He went into the sanctuary where he sat down in the front of the church. Shortly thereafter two ushers approached him and asked that he move to the back of the sanctuary. 

He obeyed, and as he walked to the back row, he quietly said hello with a warm smile to the people also sitting in the sanctuary. The greeting returned was stares and dirty looks. He felt that uncomfortable feeling of people looking down on him and judging him. 

As he sat in the back of the church, the service began. He listened to the church announcements and such. When all that was done, the elders walked to the front alter... They were excited to introduce the new pastor. They were advised that the new pastor would be sitting with the congregation.

The only elder who was in on this experiment announced, "We would like to introduce to you Pastor Jeremiah Steepek!”

The congregation looked around clapping with joy and anticipation. The homeless man sitting in the back stood up… he began walking down the aisle. 

The clapping stopped with ALL eyes on him as he walked the altar. The elder who knew what was going on handed the microphone to the new Pastor. 

While holding the microphone, the Pastor looked down as he paused for a moment.

Then he looked up and quietly recited, “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me’… he paused as he looked over the congregation.

The Pastor continued, “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

After he recited this, he looked towards the congregation and told them all what he had experienced that morning. Members were shocked, some began to cry… many heads were bowed in shame.

He continued by stating, “Today I see a gathering of people, but I do not see a church that represents the teachings of Jesus Christ.

The world has more than enough people. We need more Christian disciples. 

My question to you this morning, when will YOU decide to become a disciple?” He then dismissed the service.

Far too many people do NOT understand that being a Christian is so much more than something you claim... It’s something you live by… it's compassion... it’s something you kindly share with others.

Modern Day Parable

I work with a very talented fellow. His name is Roy Mazzagate and his gift and talent is creating videos. Most of the videos have been school related highlighting activities in our District. This one I want to share is his first take on a 'movie' which he calls a Modern Day Parable. You can catch him on Facebook where he has created a space for his newly created productions called the Light of Truth Productions.

Ever Look at Your Hands?

I'll never look at my hands the same!

Grandpa, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat, I wondered if he was OK. Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was OK. He raised his head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for asking," he said in a clear strong voice. "I didn't mean to disturb you, Grandpa, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to him. "Have you ever looked at your hands," he asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?"

I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making. Grandpa smiled and related this story:

Time for Family

This summer on my short time away from work, my husband and I was able to take our two granddaughters camping at Livingston Campground. This was their first time camping and they were able to enjoy it with their cousin. I have been reading a lot about "balancing" your time and taking time to unplug from devices and other technology. As you can see, I have even taken time away from posting on my blogs. It has been refreshing to say the least. I challenge you to try it. Here is a Google + book that I made from our camping photos. Not sure if it is going to show up for you. You probably have to have a Google Account to view this. Before signing off, let me mention that Dr. Oz spoke today about a new disease called TEXT-itis! Yes, believe it. You probably have experience the burning pain in your neck and shoulders. It is from leaning forward while texting, but I get it from keyboarding on my laptop at the office! I have been trying to stand up at my desk more. If you have some articles on any of these, please share. Now for the Google+book on our Camping Trip.

The Indelible Project: James

Proverbs 3:6

Don't forget... #ChristianEducators #yourock! pic.twitter.com/SlSxnXxh2m
— Ruthie (@Ruthie2U) May 2, 2014

New Alphabet

A is for apple, and B is for boat, That used to be right, but now it won't float! Age before beauty is what we once said,But let's be a bit more realistic instead. 

Now the Alphabet: 
A's for arthritis;
B's the bad back, 
C's the chest pains,perhaps car-di-ac? 
D is for dental decay and decline, 
E is for eyesight, can't read that top line! 
F is for flatulence and fluid retention,
G is for gut droop, which I'd rather not mention. 
H high blood pressure--I'd rather it low; 
I for incisions with scars you can show. 
J is for joints, out of socket, won't mend,
K is for knees that crack when they bend. 
L 's for libido, what happened to sex? 
M is for memory, I forget what comes next. 
N is neuralgia, in nerves way down low; 
O is for osteo, bones that don't grow!
P for prescriptions, I have quite a few, just give me a pill and I'll be good as new! 
Q is for queasy, is it fatal or flu? 
R is for re flux, one meal turns to two. 
S is for sleepless nights, counting my fears, 
T is for Tinnitus; bells in my ears! 
U is for urinary; troubles with flow;
V for vertigo, that's 'dizzy,' you know.. 
W for worry, now what's going 'round? 
X is for x-ray, and what might be found. 
Y for another year I'm left here behind,

Z is for zest I still have-- in my mind! 
I've survived all the symptoms, my body's deployed,
And I'm keeping twenty-six doctors fully employed!

HAVE A GREAT DAY !

Have a wonderful Day

JOY

I read a newsletter from a dear friend, Yvonne Barrage who shared the acronym for JOY. She said it was something she learned as a youngster from her parents. I am fond of acronyms and want to not only to share it with my grandchildren, but with you also. I created a little image using a great website: Canva. It helps you create design easily. You can sign up for free! Check out my "JOY" design below. I was able to save the design as an image or pdf. Thank you +YvonneBarrage for sharing your thoughts and inspiring this design. You can catch her blog here: Grace Bound

Advantages of Google +

I have really enjoyed using Google + and the ease in connecting with like-minded people. Love how you can post to certain circles without all the Facebook issues. One example of the advantage of using Google + is how I became acquainted with Phil Wagner. I discovered his blog called, "God's Gymnasium" and was blown away by the wonderful suggestion he gave on memorizing scripture. I actually experienced this first hand by joining Beth Moore's Siesta Scripture Memory Team (SSMT) that she holds every other year. It was my first year and I was amazed what I gained from memorizing bible verses during the year. We liked it so much; that we formed a Facebook group to continue called "The Refuge". I hope you take to time to read Phil's blog post, because I plan to check out his helpful suggestions to memorize more verses. Love the link to Gateway's 100 most popular bible verses. Wouldn't that be a fantastic challenge? Memorize all 100 verses! Think we can do this? Sure we can!

We Need to Hear, See, Internalize This: I AM GOD!

Take a short 2 1/2 minute break from your day to watch this powerful video. I am glad I did and hope you will share it too. I located it from +Phil Wagner in California on Google+ Love how small the world seems when we share across the world with others.

I Am a Christian

When I say that "I am a Christian," I am not shouting that "I am clean living." I'm whispering "I was lost, but now I'm found and forgiven."

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

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

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

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

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

When I say "I am a Christian," I'm not holier than thou. I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!
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I took a snapshot of this poem in a nurse's office while waiting to see a doctor in Beaumont. I can't remember the name of the nurse, but appreciate that she allowed me to take the picture. She did not know the author, but hope you like it as much as I did.

10 Things God Won't Ask You

When you die, 10 things GOD won't ask you: 

1..... God won't ask what kind of car you drove. He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation..
2..... God won't ask the square footage of your house, He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
3..... God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet, He'll ask how many you helped clothe. 4..... God won't ask what your highest salary was. He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.
5..... God won't ask what your job title was. He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.
6..... God won't ask how many friends you had. He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.
7..... God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived, He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.
8..... God won't ask about the color of your skin, He'll ask about the content of your character.
9..... God won't ask why it took you so long to find Him and ask Him into your house, He'll lovingly take you to heaven and not to the gates of Hell.

10..... God won't have to ask how many people you forwarded this to, He already knows your decision.

Hobby Lobby Closing Stores on Principles

Hobby Lobby Founder-May Close ALL Stores The wisdom that comes from above is first, pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruit, without uncertainty or insincerity. James 3:17 By David Green, the founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. When my family and I started our company 40 years ago, we were working out of a garage on a $600 bank loan, assembling miniature picture frames. Our first retail store wasn't much bigger than most people's living rooms, but we had faith that we would succeed if we lived and worked according to God's word. From there, Hobby Lobby has become one of the nation's largest arts and crafts retailers, with more than 500 locations in 41 states. Our children grew up into fine business leaders, and today we run Hobby Lobby together, as a family. We're Christians, and we run our business on Christian principles. I've always said that the first two goals of our business are (1) to run our business in harmony with God's laws, and (2) to focus on people more than money. And that's what we've tried to do. We close early so our employees can see their families at night. We keep our stores closed on Sundays, one of the week's biggest shopping days, so that our workers and their families can enjoy a day of rest. We believe that it is by God's grace that Hobby Lobby has endured, and he has blessed us and our employees. We've not only added jobs in a weak economy, we've raised wages for the past four years in a row. Our full-time employees start at 80% above minimum wage. But now, our government threatens to change all of that. A new government healthcare mandate says that our family business MUST provide what I believe are abortion-causing drugs as part of our health insurance. Being Christians, we don't pay for drugs that might cause abortions, which means that we don't cover emergency contraception, the morning-after pill or the week-after pill. We believe doing so might end a life after the moment of conception, something that is contrary to our most important beliefs. It goes against the Biblical principles on which we have run this company since day one. If we refuse to comply, we could face $1.3 million PER DAY in government fines. Our government threatens to fine job creators in a bad economy. Our government threatens to fine a company that's raised wages four years running. Our government threatens to fine a family for running its business according to its beliefs. It's not right. I know people will say we ought to follow the rules; that it's the same for everybody. But that's not true. The government has exempted thousands of companies from this mandate, for reasons of convenience or cost. But it won't exempt them for reasons of religious belief. So, Hobby Lobby and my family are forced to make a choice. With great reluctance, we filed a lawsuit today, represented by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, asking a federal court to stop this mandate before it hurts our business. We don't like to go running into court, but we no longer have a choice. We believe people are more important than the bottom line and that honoring God is more important than turning a profit. My family has lived the American dream. We want to continue growing our company and providing great jobs for thousands of employees, but the government is going to make that much more difficult. The government is forcing us to choose between following our faith and following the law. I say that's a choice no American and no American business should have to make. The government cannot force you to follow laws that go against your fundamental religious belief. They have exempted thousands of companies but will not except Christian organizations including the Catholic church. Since you will not see this in the liberal media, please pass this on to all your contacts. Sincerely, David Green CEO and Founder of Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. Did you ever think we would be discussing something like this in the land of free and home of the brave? "Freedom is not free . . . but the U.S. Militar

Four Valuable Things My Daughter Learned From Playing With American Girl Dolls

Four Valuable Things My Daughter Learned From Playing With American Girl Dolls Wow, great article on the positive things about your little ones playing with the American Dolls!

Love That Laminin

It's been a while since I first saw this video. It was shared in a combined devotional with our Maintenance Department and several of us from Technology. I really miss those lunches when we came together and shared God's word. Those were some great times. Here is a GodTube video that came to mind as I was thinking about how GOD looks down on us and considers everything we do. He reads from Psalms 33 and Colossians 1. Great clip that is worth the 8 minutes of listening. The BEST part of course is at the end.

Louie Giglio - Laminin from thefacelesswarrior on GodTube.

Inspiration for 2014

Inspiration for 2014! pic.twitter.com/QLfjTG1Czu

— Peggy Hale (@phale) January 1, 2014

It was hard to get back to the 'working' world! I enjoyed my time off so much and the best part about it, I unplugged myself from too much technology and tried to enjoy family, friends, and the simple things. I was reading God's word and other material online and in books. So much emphasis lately is getting back to the basics or the SIMPLE things in life. I like simple. I am a simple, country girl and love being outdoors, enjoying God's creations. I ran across this poster of brainstorming for INSPIRATION in 2014. I think most of these things can be applied to your Christian life, don't you think? I love the tips and will review them to make sure I am applying them in 2014. They fit right in with the 'simple' life.