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Topic: IMPORTANT THAT EVERYONE READS THIS
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YODA
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Posted 8:33 pm, 11/16/2009
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That is so - so - true One - thanks for posting that 
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GOOD NEWS
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Posted 8:31 pm, 11/16/2009
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another good one
The Images of Mother
4 YEARS OF AGE
My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE
My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE
My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.
14 YEARS OF AGE
Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.
16 YEARS OF AGE
Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.
18 YEARS OF AGE
That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE
Well, she might know a little bit about it.
35 YEARS OF AGE
Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 YEARS OF AGE
Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE
Wish I could talk it over with Mom....
Always take the opportunity to tell your family you love them!
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GOOD NEWS
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Posted 8:30 pm, 11/16/2009
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heres a good one
The Pearls
The cheerful girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them: a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box.
"Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please!" Quickly, the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face. "A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."
As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents.
On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace. Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere- Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green. Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story.
One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?" "Oh, yes, Daddy. You know that I love you." "Then give me your pearls." "Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess- the white horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my favorite." "That's okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.
About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?" "Daddy, you know I love you." "Then give me your pearls." "Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is so beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her slippers." "That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you." And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.
A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian-style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.
"What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?" Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, Daddy. It's for you. "With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny. He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her genuine treasure.
So much like our heavenly father. He has something wonderful in store for us, even more wonderful than what we are hanging on to right now. The only thing we have to do is trust God and hand over our dreams so He can give us the real ones.
1 Peter 2:5 "You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
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LBAMC
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Posted 8:21 pm, 11/16/2009
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Keep on Singing
Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby was on the way, she did what she could to help her 3 year old son, Michael, prepare for a new sibling. They found out that the new baby was going to be a girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael sang to his new sister in Mommy's tummy. He was building a bond of love with his little sister before he even met her. The pregnancy progressed normally for Karen, an active member of the Panther Creek United Methodist Church in Morristown, Tennessee.
In time, the labor pains came. Soon, it was every five minutes_ every three_ every minute. But serious complications arose during delivery and Karen found herself in hours of labor. Would a C-section be required? Finally, after a long struggle. Michael's little sister was born. But she was in very serious condition. With sirens howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital, Knotsville, Tennessee.
The days inched by. The little girl got worse. The pediatric specialist regretfully had to tell the parents, "There is very little hope. Be prepared for the worst." Karen and her husband contacted a local cemetery about a burial plot. They had fixed up a special room in their home for the new baby - but now they found themselves having to plan for a funeral.
Michael, however, kept begging his parents to let him see his sister,. "I want to sing to her," he kept saying. Week two in intensive care looked as of a funeral would come before the week was over. Michael kept nagging about singing to his sister, but kids are never allowed in Intensive Care. Karen made up her mind, though. She would take Michael whether they liked it or not! If he didn't see his sister right then, he may never see her alive. She dressed him in an oversized scrub suit and marched him into ICU.
He looked like a walking laundry basket. But the head nurse recognized him as a child and bellowed, "Get that kid out here now! No children are allowed." The mother rose up strong in Karen, and the usually mild-mannered lady glared steel-eyed right into the head nurse's face, her lips a firm line.
"He is not leaving until he sings to his sister!"
Karen towed Michael to his sisters bedside. He gazed at the tiny infant losing the battle to live. After a moment, he began to sing. In the pure-hearted voice of a 3-year-old, Michael sang: "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray - "Instantly, the baby girl seemed to respond. The pulse rate began to calm down and become steady.. "Keep on singing, Michael," encouraged Karen with tears in her eyes. "You never know, dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away-" As Michael sang to his sister, the baby's ragged, strained breathing became as smooth as a kitten's purr.
"Keep on singing, Sweetheart!!!"
"The other night, Dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms_" Michael's little sister began to relax as rest, healing rest, seemed to sweep over her.
"Keep on singing, Michael."
Tears had now conquered the face of the bossy head nurse. Karen glowed.
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Please don't take my sunshine away."
The next day... the very next day_ the little girl was well enough to go home! Woman's Day Magazine called it "The Miracle of a Brother's Song". The medical staff just called it a miracle. Karen called it a miracle of God's love!
Never give up on the people you love. Love is so incredibly powerful.
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LBAMC
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Posted 7:16 pm, 11/16/2009
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The Burden
I slammed my bedroom door and leaned against it. Was there no rest from this life? I stumbled to my bed and dropped onto it, pressing my pillow around my ears to shut out the noise of my existence.
"Oh, God," I cried, "Let me sleep. Let me sleep forever and never wake up!"
With a deep sob, I tried to will myself into oblivion, then welcomed the blackness that came over me.
Light surrounded me as I regained consciousness. I focused on its source: the figure of a man standing before a cross.
"My child," the person asked, "why do you want to come to Me before I am ready to call you?"
"Lord, I'm sorry. It's just that…that I can't go on. You see how hard it is for me. Look at this awful burden on my back. I simply can't carry it anymore."
"But haven't I told you to cast all of your burdens on Me, because I care for you? My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
"I knew You would say that. But why does mine have to be so heavy?"
"My child, everyone in the world has a burden. Perhaps you would like to try a different one."
"I can do that?"
He pointed to several burdens lying at His feet. "You may try any of these."
All of them seemed to be of equal size, and each was labeled with a name.
"There's Joan's," I said. Joan was married to a wealthy businessman. She lived in a sprawling estate and dressed her three daughters in the prettiest designer clothes. Sometimes she drove me to church in her Cadillac when my car was broken.
"Let me try that one." How difficult could her burden be? I thought.
The Lord removed my burden and placed Joan's on my shoulders. I sank to my knees beneath its weight.
"Oh, take it off quickly! What makes it so heavy?"
"Look inside."
I untied the straps and opened the top. Inside was the figure of her mother-in-law, and when I lifted it out, it began to speak.
"Joan, you'll never be good enough for my son. He never should have married you. You're a terrible mother to my grandchildren…"
I quickly placed the figure back in the pack and withdrew another. It was Donna, Joan's youngest daughter. Her head was bandaged from the surgery that had failed to cure her epilepsy.
A third figure was Joan's brother. Addicted to drugs, he had been convicted of killing a police officer.
"I see why her burden is so heavy, Lord. But she's always smiling and helping others. I didn't realize..."
"Would you like to try another?" He asked quietly.
I tested several. Paula's felt heavy. She was raising four small boys without a father. Debra's did too: a childhood of sexual abuse and a marriage of emotional abuse. When I came to Ruth's burden, I didn't even try. I knew that inside were arthritis, old age, a demanding full-time job, and a beloved husband in a nursing home.
"They're all too heavy, Lord. Give me back my own."
As I lifted the familiar load once again, it seemed much lighter than the others.
"Let's look inside," He said.
I turned away, holding it close. "That's not a very good idea."
"Why?"
"There's a lot of junk in there."
"Let Me see."
The gentle thunder of His voice compelled me. I opened my burden.
He pulled out a brick.
"Tell Me about this one."
"Lord, You know. It's money. I know we don't suffer like people in some countries or even the homeless here in America. But we have no insurance, and when the kids get sick we can't always take them to the doctor. They've never been to a dentist. And I'm tired of dressing them in hand-me-downs."
"My child, I will supply all of your needs…and your children's. I've given them healthy bodies. And I will teach them that expensive clothing doesn't make a person valuable in My sight."
Then He lifted out the figure of a small boy. "And this?"
"Andrew…" I hung my head, ashamed to call my son a burden. "But, Lord, he's hyperactive. He's not quiet like the other two. He makes me so tired. He's always getting hurt and someone is bound to think I abuse him. I yell at him all the time. Someday, I may really hurt him…"
"My child, if you will trust Me, I will renew your strength. If you allow Me to fill you with My Spirit, I'll give you patience."
Then He took some pebbles from my burden.
"Yes, Lord, those are small. But they're important. I hate my hair. It's thin, and I can't make it look nice. I can't afford to go to the beauty shop. I'm overweight and can't stay on a diet. I hate all my clothes. I hate the way I look!"
"My child, people look at your outward appearance, but I look at your heart. By My Spirit, you can gain self-control to lose weight. But your beauty should not come from outward appearance. Instead, it should come from your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in My sight."
My burden seemed lighter than before.
"I guess I can handle it now," I said.
"There is more," He said. "Hand Me that last brick."
"Oh, You don't have to take that. I can handle it."
"My child, give it to Me." Again His voice compelled me. He reached out His
hand, and for the first time I saw an ugly wound.
"But, Lord, this brick is so awful, so nasty, so…Lord! What happened to Your hands? They're scarred!"
No longer focused on my burden, I looked up for the first time into His face. On His brow were ragged scars - as though someone had pressed thorns into His flesh.
"Lord," I whispered, "what happened to You?"
His loving eyes reached into my soul.
"My child, you know. Hand Me the brick. It belongs to Me. I bought it."
"How?"
"With My blood."
"But, why, Lord?"
"Because I have loved you with an everlasting love. Give me the brick."
I placed my filthy brick into His wounded palm. It contained all the dirt and evil of my life: my sins, my pride, my selfishness, the depression that constantly tormented me.
He turned to the cross and hurled my brick into the pool of blood at its base. It hardly made a ripple.
"Now, My child, you must go back. I will be with you always. When you are troubled, call to Me and I will help you and show you things you cannot even imagine now."
"Yes, Lord. I will call on You."
I reached down to pick up my burden.
"You may leave that here if you wish. You see all these burdens? They are the ones that others have left here at My feet. Joan's, Paula's, Debra's, and Ruth's, and many others. When you leave your burden here, I carry it with you. Remember, My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
As I placed my burden with Him, the light began to fade. Yet I heard Him whisper, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
A peace that passed my understanding flooded my soul. I stood tall and walked back into life
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tropicalraine2009
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Posted 1:18 pm, 11/16/2009
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I love ur story...very touching.
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LBAMC
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Posted 07:18 am, 11/16/2009
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The Freshman
One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd." I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.
As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives."
He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!". There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.
I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play football on Saturday with me and my friends. He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him. And my friends thought the same of him. Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "Dang boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!" He just laughed and handed me half the books. Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship. Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak.
Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than me and all the girls loved him! Boy, sometimes I was jealous. Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!"
He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. "Thanks," he said.
As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began. "Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story."
I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. "Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable."
I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth. Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life.
For better or for worse. God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others.
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LBAMC
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Posted 8:01 pm, 11/08/2009
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Yes Lord
"Yes, Lord!!" This morning I asked, "How much more can I take; What else must I do for Your name's sake? I'm running this race to get closer to You. But, my God, I can't believe the things I go through. "The stress and struggles of this thing called life. The unknowns: will I marry and be a good wife? What school shall I attend; Masters, Doctorate, then what? Am I even in the right profession or just stuck in a rut? "Did I mail off that payment? Did I pick up my suit? I know I'm forgetting something. Is patience part of the fruit? We have rehearsal tonight?! But, I have other plans. Help the needy and greedy? Lord, I've only got two hands. "There's Bible Study on Wednesdays and meetings on Monday. I am practically at Church from Sunday to Sunday. You've burned my insides like a craftsman with gold. Flames set hot and long enough, gave newness to the old. "My old friends are gone and some family members too. You've got my attention, now what must I do? Dedicate my whole being to focus on You? Put aside my plans and desires and give what is due? "Should I think of You each second and meditate each day? Should I fast and pray and watch what I say? Should I be humble and obedient and forget about myself? Shall I, Your vessel, just sit here on a shelf? "Waiting to be used by You, is that my only goal? Have You the rights to my spirit and the papers to my soul? Pray harder, listen better, study more and sin less?"
And my God silenced me, as I felt Him say . . . "Yes. Whatever I command, you should do with no delay. You must study My Words and walk in My Way. "I will cleanse you from all you have done to yourself. For you know not the time, you'll be pulled from the shelf. Like a glass that is dirty, with smudges and spots. You must be presentable, having minimal blots. "For My Living Water must be sweet to the taste. Therefore, I must prepare the container in which it is placed. Your life is not yours, it belongs to Me. I knew you before you knew, now I want you to see. "Your true purpose in life is based on My plans. So, I'll mold you and shape you with My own hands.
Yes, pain you feel and experience loss. But it's not as though I asked you to carry a Cross. "Who has stretched you wide and speared you deep? Who has nailed your hands and pierced your feet? Are there stripes on your back or bruises on your face? When was the last time you saved the human race? "Have you died lately and arisen from the dead? Did I ask you to adorn a crown of thorns upon your head? My Son wore that crown, so that yours may be one of glory.
Now, all I'm asking of you, is to tell the story. "Tell them where you were when you heard the Good News. How you came to know that Jesus paid all your dues. So, yes, you owe Me. But your life is not the fine. As a matter of fact, you're only giving Me back, what's already Mine. "Just do what you must and give it your best. Don't worry, just have faith and I'll take care of the rest. I love you and want you to trust and choose Me. You must My dear child, if you want to be free. "Free from the powers and bondage of sin. Able to choose Eternal Life instead of an eternal end. I want Us to be close and on one accord." Then His eyes asked if I understood. And I humbly replied . . . Yes, Lord."
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LBAMC
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Posted 8:00 pm, 11/08/2009
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Hey GOOD NEWS
Those are really good, thank you for sharing. keep bringing them on.
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GOOD NEWS
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Posted 7:56 pm, 11/08/2009
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HERES ANOTHER ONE
THE EMPTY CHAIR
A man's daughter had asked the local pastor to come and pray with >>her
father. When the pastor arrived, he found the man lying in bed >>with his
head propped up on two pillows and an empty chair beside >>his bed. The
pastor assumed that the old fellow had been informed >>of his visit, "I
guess you were expecting me," he said.
"No, who are you?"
"I'm the new associate pastor at your local church," the pastor replied.
"When I saw the empty chair, I figured you knew I was going to show up."
"Oh yeah, the chair," said the bedridden man. "Would you mind closing the door?"
Puzzled, the pastor shut the door.
"I've never told anyone this, not even my daughter," said the man. "But
all of my life I have never known how to pray. At church, I used to hear
the pastor talk about prayer, but it always went right over my head.."
"I abandoned any attempt at prayer," the old man continued, "until one
day, about four years ago, my best friend said to me, 'Joe, prayer
is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here's what
I suggest. Sit down on a chair, place an empty chair in front of you,
and in faith, see Jesus on the chair. It's not spooky because he
promised, "I'll be with you always.' Then, just speak to him and
listen in the same way you're doing with me right now."
"So, I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours
every day. I'm careful, though. If my daughter saw me talking to an
empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me
off to the funny farm."
The pastor was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old guy to
continue on the journey. Then he prayed with him, and returned to the church.
Two nights later the daughter called to tell the pastor that her daddy
had died that afternoon.
"Did he seem to die in peace?" he asked.
"Yes. When I left the house around two o'clock, he called me over to
his bedside, told me one of his corny jokes, and kissed me on the cheek.
When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him dead. But
there was something strange, in fact, beyond strange - - kinda weird.
Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and
rested his head on a chair beside the bed."
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GOOD NEWS
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Posted 7:54 pm, 11/08/2009
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HERES YOU A GOOD ONE LBAMC
Hey Satan!
You really shook me up last night! Having someone go into a Youth Rally and shoot people, that seemed cruel even for you! You almost had me discouraged and disheartened. Almost. Then I started to realize what was really going on.
My main question was why are you attacking Christian Youth?
Then it hit me, fear. You realize that these are the people that will turn the tide of your "battle". You are so afraid because these youth aren't afraid of your conventional weapons. Peer pressure, drugs, sex, greed are all failing as these kids are standing up and saying "NO! I choose to honor God with my behavior.
" You tried cranking up the heat, making the culture more enticing to them, and they still say "NO!" So you try to use the weapon that works well with adults, fear. That's not working. You killed them in Paducah, KY but still they pray. You shot them because they said yes to Jesus in Littleton, CO and they still choose to walk with God. Now you murder them in Fort Worth, and they will still Worship our awesome God. In case you haven't figured it out yet, it won't work!
Our kids won't cave in to you!! They are going to do exactly what you fear most, they will pray for strength. And God will give it to them! He will give them strength to keep going. They will spark a revival in our nation that will turn millions back to God. Once again, Jesus's love will beat your hate!
Oh and as for trying to make them feel that life is hopeless, that's where I come in. I won't let that happen. I will fight you every step of the way, showing the hope that is the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. You see I know we have not been given a spirit of fear, but God calls us His children, and you don't mess with one of God's kids!
So take your shots and try, but we will not cave, and we're finished
being on the defensive. Jesus tells us that the Gates of **** can't
stop us, and we're claiming that promise. So get ready for the battle of your life. Problem for you is, you have already lost. You lost 2,000
years ago when you tried to kill Jesus. Now the students that you kill are standing with Him no more pain, laughing at you and your feeble attempt at victory.
Please understand, this is no less then a declaration of war. You may want to give up now, cause our Dad is on our side and Jesus told us that if He is for us nobody can stand against us. So if you desire, we will accept your unconditional surrender, otherwise let's get ready to rumble!
Your sworn enemies forever
Christian Believers
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LBAMC
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Posted 7:51 pm, 11/08/2009
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Tired
Dear Lord I want to ask you a question 'bout my life... The struggles and the trials and the pain and all the strife; I just can't see and end you know, heaven seems so far away; Dear Lord would you hurry up and bring the judgement day?
All I want is to go home and see my Saviour there; I know it must seem selfish when lost souls are everywhere. But Lord you know I'm homesick and I'm tired and worn out; This world of sin is so mixed up, Lord, what's it all about?
Did you ever feel this way when you lived as a man?
Did you ever tell the Father you'd had all that you could stand?
Did you ever for a moment wish you weren't so all alone?
Did you ever want to give it up and just go on back home?
I know you know just how I feel and to admit it is no sin; So is the battle ever over and do Christians really win? Is the master of deception ever really bound in hell? The lies he's told about me are too numerous to tell.
Will anyone ever like me or even think that I'm ok? Enemies are everywhere there's a new one every day. How can I go on like this and hold my head up high? Lord you surely don't expect me to go on and try.
Dear Jesus, did you ever find it difficult to pray?
Or did you ever scowl at the dawn of a new day?
Or did you resent the fact that you hung upon a tree, And died the death of a criminal to save someone like me?
Dear Lord help me remember when things get really tough, And all I think or pray about is that I've had enough; Please remind me that you were shamed but didn't hang your head; And please remind me that it was also for your enemies you bled.
Dear Jesus please remind me in your gentle loving way That you never once complained about the price you had to pay. And please keep my heart in tune to all you want to do In the lives of my enemies who need to know you too.
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LBAMC
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Posted 7:47 pm, 11/08/2009
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In Gods Eye
A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill.
In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands
started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you
but first, let me do this."
He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up. He then asked, "Who still
wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air. "Well," he replied, "What
if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it
into the floor with his shoe.
He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?"
Still the hands went into the air.
"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what
I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in
value. It was still worth $20."
Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the
dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way.
We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or
what will happen, you will never lose your value in God's eyes. To Him,
dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to
Him. Psalm 17:8 states that God will keep us, "as the apple of His eye."
Thought: The worth of our lives comes not from what we do or who we are, but
by whose we are! You are special - Don't ever forget it!
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LBAMC
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Posted 7:42 pm, 11/08/2009
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The Meaning of Christmas
Shopping in the crowded mall,
Anticipating a fresh snowfall,
Mailing cards to friends and relatives,
Buying gifts that are much too expensive.
The scent of baking fills the air,
Holly adorns the rail of the stair,
Santa Claus cookies and spiked eggnog,
Shopping for gifts from the catalog.
Making toys for the little ones,
The aroma of ham and cinnamon.
Mistletoe hangs from an overhead light,
The fireplace crackles throughout the night.
Carolers sing on the portico,
The house is lit up all aglow.
Hidden gifts have been brought out.
Memories of Christmas, without a doubt.
Visitors traveling from afar,
Following the heavens brightest star,
Bearing gifts for a newborn king,
Reverent on this Holy Evening.
Precious babe, born in a stable,
Wrapped in swaddling that should have been sable.
Born to a virgin, sired by Our Father,
Shepherds and beasts come near together.
Laid in a manger in a stall,
Born to die to save us all.
A miracle happened this Blessed night.
He told the world with a celestial light.
This child created by Our Father above
Taught us the meaning of true love.
His birth is honored by all the devout.
This is what Christmas is really about
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slug&oggie
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Posted 10:29 pm, 11/07/2009
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Tears In A Bathroom Stall
I was traveling with my parents a few summers ago. We were headed to mybrother's college graduation and I was pregnant with my third child. It washot, my other two children came along and we were getting ready to leave oneof the rest stops along Route 80. While was I throwing some cool water in myface to get refreshed, I realized there was a soft but sad cry coming fromone of the bathroom stalls.I wasn't sure if I should ask her if she was all right or needed help. Beingseven months pregnant and away from home, I was leery about strangers andhumbling myself to help someone. As I was thinking, she stepped out of thebathroom stall. I turned to ask if she was OK and she yelped. "I didn't knowanyone was in here, it was so quiet I thought I was alone," she said. I feltfoolish. "I am sorry if you are embarrassed," I said, "I was just leaving.Unless you need someone to talk too." As she responded with a nod, I lookedat her closer. She had bruises on her shoulder and neck, and one on the sideof her face. "I am not sure if it's my business, but you really should havethose sores looked at by a doctor." I tried to encourage her. "I am very farfrom home" she said, just about bursting to tears again. "I am a couple ofstates away from my home too," I said, trying to calm her down. "He beatsme, and everyone knew it was wrong but me," she told me in a very quietwithdrawn voice, almost like she was wondering if it really was true. Isaid, "Absolutely! It's wrong because you are a precious gift from God andHe hurts when your hurting, and cries when you cry." She looked at me andsaid, "No one has ever described God like that to me. I thought God would beangry that I didn't stay with my husband and try to work it out." I told herthat I believed in a loving, compassionate and tender-hearted, just, God whowants the very best for His children. But we should not run away from ourresponsibilities. "Your husband had no right to take his anger out on you,whether it was because of something you did, or said, or that he had a badday." I told her of relationships that I had been in that were abusive andthat it was no way a life that God would want for anyone. Even though Godwants marriage to work, He wants us to be safe and free to be what He hasmade us to be. Her eyes filled with tears again and she said thank you.I walked out of the bathroom and walked down the sidewalk where my parentsand two children were playing. I thought of all the things I liked in myparents and in my husband -- the love, laughter, the forgiveness, andrestoration that comes in knowing your mate. Then I remembered my commitmentto God and that is when I started to cry. I cried for the strength that myhusband and I could raise our two boys in a way that they respect woman asprecious gifts from God, and for the hope our daughter in knowing her faith,loving her husband with her all, will never weep in a bathroom stall runningfrom fear.My heart goes out to any and everyone who has been abused in their life, andI pray God's love and peace upon you, strength to be true to yourself, andin knowing that God loves you.Just be honest with yourself and to God -- He wants to help. -
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kilby
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Posted 08:51 am, 11/07/2009
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Dear Friend,
I just had to write to tell you how much I love you
and care for you.
Yesterday, I saw you walking and laughing with your friends.
I hoped that soon you'd want me to walk along with you, too.
So, I painted you a sunset to close your day and whispered a
cool breeze to refresh you.
I waited .... you never called. I just kept on loving you.
As I watched you fall asleep last night, I wanted so much
to touch you. I spilled moonlight onto your face, trickling
down your cheeks as so many tears have.
You didn't even think of me.
I wanted so much to comfort you.
The next day I exploded a brilliant sunrise
into glorious morning for you. But you woke up late
and rushed off to work. You didn't even notice.
My sky became cloudy and my tears were the rain.
I LOVE YOU!!!
Oh, if you'd only listen. I really LOVE you.
I try to say it in the quiet of the green meadow and in the
vibrant blue sky. The wind whispers my love throughout
the treetops and spills it into the vivid colors of all the flowers.
I shout it to you in the thunder of the great waterfalls and
compose love songs for birds to sing for you.
I warm you with the clothing of my sunshine and perfume
the air with nature's sweet scent. My love for you is deeper
than any ocean and greater than any need in your heart.
If you'd only realize how I care.
My dad sends his love. I want you to meet him.
He cares, too. Fathers are just that way.
So, please, call on me soon. No matter how long it takes,
I'll wait forever.
Because I LOVE YOU.
Your Friend, Jesus
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GOOD NEWS
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Posted 06:59 am, 11/07/2009
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Thank You LBAMC for keeping this thread going. It has been a true blessing to me for months. May God Bless you.
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LBAMC
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Posted 10:23 pm, 11/06/2009
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Subject: Forgiveness
This is pretty strong....
One day a while back, a man, his heart heavy with grief, was walking in the woods.
As he thought about his life this day, he knew many things were not right. He thought about those who had lied about him back when he had a job. His thoughts turned to those who had stolen his things and cheated him.
He remembered family that had passed on. His mind turned to the illness he had that no one could cure. His very soul was filled with anger, resentment and frustration. Standing there this day, searching for answers he could not find, knowing all else had failed him, he knelt at the base of an old oak tree to seek the one he knew would always be there, and with tears in his eyes, he prayed "Lord - You have done wonderful things for me in this life. You have told me to do many things for you, and I happily obeyed.
Today, you have told me to forgive. I am sad, Lord, because I cannot. I don't know how. It is not fair, Lord. I didn't deserve these wrongs that were done against me and I shouldn't have to forgive. As perfect as your way is Lord, this one thing I cannot do, for I don't know how to forgive. My anger is so deep Lord, I fear I may not hear you, but I pray that you teach me to do this one thing I cannot do - Teach me To Forgive.
As he knelt there in the quiet shade of that old oak tree, he felt something fall onto his shoulder.
He opened his eyes. Out of the corner of one eye, he saw something red on his shirt. He could not turn to see what it was because where the oak tree had been was a large square piece of wood in the ground.
He raised his head and saw two feet held to the wood with a large spike through them. He raised his head more, and tears came to his eyes as he saw Jesus hanging on a cross. He saw spikes in His
hands, a gash in His side, a torn and battered body, deep thorns sunk into His head.
Finally he saw the suffering and pain on His precious face. As their eyes met, the man's tears turned to sobbing, and Jesus began to speak.
Have you ever told a lie, he asked? The man answered - yes Lord. Have you ever been given too much change and kept it? The man answered yes Lord. And the man sobbed more and more. Have you ever taken something from work that wasn't yours, Jesus
asked? And the man answered yes Lord. Have you ever sworn, using my Father's name in vain? The man, crying now, answered yes Lord. As Jesus asked many more times, "Have you ever"? The man's crying became uncontrollable, for he could only answer yes Lord.
Then Jesus turned His head from one side to the other, and the man felt something fall on his other shoulder. He looked nd saw that it was the blood of Jesus. When he looked back up, his eyes met those of Jesus, and there was a look of love the man haad never seen or known before. Jesus said, I didn't deserve this either, but I forgive you.
It may be hard to see how you're going to get through something,
but when you look back in life, you realize how true this statement is.
Read the first line slowly and let it sink in. This is simple, and important.
Read on....This first line is deep.
If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it. Lord I love You and I need You, come into my heart, Today. For without You I can do nothing.
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LBAMC
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Posted 10:02 pm, 11/02/2009
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My Decision
I have a decision to make--
what will I do?
I'll humbly bow my head,
dear Father, and bring it to You.
I know You'll show me
the thing that is right,
It may be tomorrow
or it may be tonight.
I want to serve You
and do Your will,
I would like to go boldly
but I'm timid still.
I'm not afraid,
that's what I say,
But what if I
choose the wrong way?
You've promised to lead me
and I know it is true,
But how Blessed LORD,
will I know it is You?
I trust You to show me
and rid me of doubt,
Keep me and lead me
and make it work out.
I feel calmer now,
I know You are here,
You'll show me the pathway,
each step will be clear.
Forgive me for wanting
to see far ahead,
And help me follow You
each moment instead.
Thanks for Your strength
and Your wisdom too,
And for teaching me daily
that I can trust You.
I know that the moment
my decision is due,
That you'll tell me plainly
what I should do.
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LBAMC
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Posted 10:00 pm, 11/02/2009
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All We Really Need To Know
We Learned From Noah's Ark
1. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
2. Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone might ask you to do
something REALLY big.
3. Don't listen to critics -- do what has to be done.
4. Build on high ground.
5. For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
6. Two heads are better than one.
7. Speed isn't always an advantage. The cheetahs were on board, but so were
the snails.
8. If you can't fight or flee -- float!
9. Take care of your animals as if they were the last ones on earth.
10. Don't forget that we're all in the same boat.
11. When the doo-doo gets really deep, don't sit there and complain --
shovel!!!
12. Stay below deck during the storm.
13. Remember that the ark was built by amateurs and the Titanic was built by
professionals.
14. If you have to start over, have a friend by your side.
15. Remember that the woodpeckers INSIDE are often a bigger threat than the
storm outside.
16. Don't miss the boat.
17. No matter how bleak it looks, there's always a rainbow on the other
side.
18. "Stop what you are doing, and do what God says!"
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
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