Anger

As the new year approaches, I thought about the resolution I most needed to make.
I enjoy playing the card game of ‘bridge.’ I don’t like to be singled out and told I played wrong. When this happen it causes me to become angry even though I know that the person criticizing me is trying to make themselves look good by making me look bad.

I can’t solve the problem of becoming angry, without recognizing that anger is one of the seven deadly sins. People seldom use the word sin anymore. When we do something wrong, we say we showed ‘inappropriate behavior,’ or made a ‘tactical ‘error’ or ‘mistake.’

I’m ready to affirm my anger is a sin and my resolution for the new year is to try and control that anger.

I realize that sin is not to be hated primarily for the agony it brings into our lives, though that’s part of it. It is to be hated because it has a numbing effect. It deadens our sense of touch with God and lets us live without an awareness of those things that slowly damages our soul. It produces numbness to our spirit . We need a healthy hatred of sin, and anger is one of those sins.

God’s hatred of sin does not diminish His love for the sinner. The Bible tells us: “His anger is but for a moment,” When we repent, He forgives us and doesn’t bring it up against us again.

Some say that the first word of the gospel is repentance. Martin Luther put is this way: “When our Lord, Jesus Christ said ‘repent,’ He willed that the entire life of a believer be one of repentance.” Confession means calling our sins what God calls them. We needn’t fear revealing them to Him for He already knows them.

The demands of God’s perfect justice were met when our substitute, Jesus Christ, bore our sins on the cross, suffered our penalty, and paid our debts.

I’m thankful for the ‘escape clause’ in Romans 12:18. It does not say that we have to live peaceable with all men under every circumstances, for even the Lord recognizes that with some people this is not possible.

I will continue to play bridge. I can choose to be calm. I can be kind even when someone treats me unkindly , and I can be loving when my patience is tested.

The Power of Words
A careless word may kindle strife.
A cruel word may wreck a life.
A bitter word may hate instill;
A brutal word may smite and kill.
A gracious word may smooth the way;
A joyous word may light the day.
A timely word may lessen stress;
A loving word may heal and bless.
--Author Unknown.

Celebrate

What is this we celebrate.
What happened on this special date?
\Are we so busy or in a daze,
To turn to God and give Him praise?

I close my eyes to focus clearer,
Shut out noise, draw Him nearer.
This was when our Savior was born,
Let us worship Him with gifts adorn.

He has given us the greatest gift,
One that’s constant and uplifts,
That only comes from up above,
His grace & Mercy, but mostly love.

A Merry Christmas
&
A Happy New Year!

Joyful

What better time to think of being Joyful than at Christmas time.

In Sunday School one Sunday the idea ,was mentioned ,that Joy was something altogether different from being happy or happiness. It started me thinking of the differences between being happy and being Joyful.

How to gain, how to keep, how to recover happiness is in fact for most people the secret motive of all they do. You cannot find happiness once and expect to own it for a lifetime. You have to keep working at it.

But bringing happiness to others brings an unexpected happiness to yourself for some of it rubs off on you.

"The secret of happiness is not in doing what one likes but in liking what one has to do. " Dyer.

Norman Vincent Peale :“Keep you heart free from hate, your mind from worry,
Live simple, expect little, give much,
Fill your life with love, scatter sunshine,
Forget self, think of others."

But to be really happy, you have to walk with God. If you don’t, you may often walk alone
……………………….

The world offers “passing pleasures” (Hebrews 11:25), but the Lord Jesus offers to give us full and lasting JOY (John 15:11). Happiness is dependent on circumstances, but JOY is inward and is not disturbed by one’s environment.

Happiness is always changing, but JOY is constant! Worldly delight are often followed by depression. True JOY is grounded in Jesus Christ, who is “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8)

To keep experiencing happiness we must run from one stimulus to another, for it refuses to be permanently grasped. JOY is just the opposite. It is a gift we receive from God.

Happiness is built on self-seeking, but JOY is based on self-sacrifice. The more we pursue self-gratification, the more empty we feel. JOY, however, is based on the sacrificial giving of ourselves. As we learn what it means to focus on the needs of others, we find greater fulfillment in God Himself, who meets our every need.

Only when you seek the things of Christ can you find abiding JOY.

JOY
I searched for happiness
It eluded me, I must confess
Until I counted my blessings.
Now my heart & soul sings
For its Joy I found and then I knew
Its only things that Christ can do.
Wilhelmine

A THANKFUL HEART

I’m thankful …..
For the quiet hours
When we can meditate
And know that God is ever present
And Holds secure our fate.

Just as we hear the whisper
Of a gentle breeze
Leaves rustling on the ground
Or falling from the frees.

In all the little things
We often do not hear
Sure as the sun and stars
We know that God is near.
I’m thankful…..

For the time alone
When we can tune in
The memories stored away
And play them back again.

The birth of a new born babe
Now turned sixty - one
The tears & laughter in between
And the victories that were won.

The many friends who share our joy
And often share our sorrow
The good times had and
The plans made for tomorrow.
I’m thankful…..

For the bountiful gifts
Each day that we enjoy
In gratitude I turn to God
To give Him praise and glory.

We live in a country
That is prosperous and free
Full of wondrous things
For everyone to see.

So many comforts
To make us secure
His strength for our trials
That we might endure.
I’m Thankful -Wilhelmine

God's Cake

I just received this e-mail and it fit so perfectly with my last blog, I wanted to print this e-mail.

A daughter is telling her mother how everything is going wrong: she’s failing algebra; her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.
Meanwhile, her mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, “Absolutely, Mom, I love your cake.”
Here, have some cooking oil” her mother offers. “Yuck,” say hr daughter. “How about a couple raw eggs?” “Gross, Mom!” “Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?” “Mom, those are all yucky!” To which the mother replies: “Yes, all those things seem bad by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully, delicious cake!”
God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful.
Whenever you want to talk, He’ll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

I HOPE YOUR DAY IS A PIECE OF CAKE!

LUCK- Good or Bad

All of us have heard people who almost constantly complain when things go wrong and say: “That’s just my luck,” or “this isn’t my day,” or “I should have stayed in bed,” or “I’m having a bad hair day.” Everyone has some ups and downs and frustrations. But is it right to blame all of this on “bad luck?”

Foreclosures on homes, unemployment, businesses going bankrupt are reasons to consider ,according to the economy, whether good or bad. Many of us have been touched in one way or another. Mine family has been hit by unemployment.

My growing-up years were during the 30’s, “The Great Depression.” It was not easy - my Dad worked for the WPA ( Works Progress Administration). This was one of the programs President Roosevelt created to put Americans back to work. The WPA gave jobs to 8.5 million unemployed at an average wage of $43 monthly. For the 11 billion the WPA spent, the country got 65,000 miles of roads, 200,000 buildings and bridges.

Another program was the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), known as “Tree Monkeys”, which employed 2.5 million men who planted trees and built 31 State Parks in Texas alone.

These are just two of several programs President Roosevelt started that were meant to preserve the pride of American workers in their ability to earn a living and would hopefully see the U.S. back into a secure economic status.

The impact of these work relief programs saved the depression-era Americans from unemployment and destitution. This generation learned to make-do, not to get upset over little tings and to accept the things they couldn't changed.

This little poem had a big impact on my life during this time:

Never say Die
Never say Die, say Damn
It isn’t classic, it may be profane,
But we mortals have need of it
Time and again.
And you’ll find you’ll recover
From fates hardest slams
If you never say Die, Say Damn

So, don’t attempt to relive the past or to waste time on regrets. Look toward the future, not yesterday. The first step, of course, is to take inventory of yourself. What you do with what you’ve got helps to determine your luck. You yourself are the only one who can change your direction and chart your course. We all have setbacks, but keep on keeping on. Count your blessings and always take time to pray. The Lord tells us we can start over new each day. There is Hope.

I found this timely quote . Author unknown.” Problems are made for big people and how you solve them is the yardstick of how big a person you really are.”

Scripture

Halloween or ‘All Saints Day’ is just past. We celebrated All Saints Day in church today remembering members who had passed away during the past year.

I was remembering Elizabeth Faris who was a good friend & mentor to me., also the wife of a Presbyterian Minister. I recalled many wonderful memories of time spent together, but foremost were the times I heard her refer to a Bible verse to solve a particular problem. She believed that everything in life had an answer in the scriptures. What a good example she set for me to follow.

I believe that the Bible is the greatest guide in the world if we know how to use it.
The Bible tells us that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim. 3:16) and is profitable for our spiritual development. Only as we see the big picture - how the many biblical doctrines fit together - will we avoid staring at some truths and becoming blind to others.

The Rev. Ira Guss describes the Bible this way:
“ This book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, doom of sinners and happiness of believers. Its doctrines are Holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe and practice to be Holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim‘s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword and Christians’ charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened and the gates of hell closed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory , rule the heart and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be open at the judgment and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor and condemns all who trifle with its Holy contents.”

All scripture is God talking to his people. He is invisible to our eyes and our hands cannot touch Him, but that doesn’t mean He’s not here. Electricity is invisible, but it is a source of vast power. God has given us scripture and He calls it His word. The more you know the Word, the better you will hear His voice. To ensure you have a good day always start the day with scripture and prayer. Take time to read Psalm 119 33-40 and make its words your prayer. Teach me (v33), Give me (34), Make me (v35), Incline me (v36), Turn me (v37), Establish me (v38), Spare me (v39), Revive me (v40).

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Matt. 4:4

A Balanced Life

I recently heard Steve Blow talk at our church, on “Prune, Balance and Open Mind.”. I started thinking about how important it is to have a balanced life. We build a lifestyle on past lessons and decisions, but it also depends on our dedication day by day to things worthwhile. We cannot live off yesterday’s successes, or last week’s prayers. Each new day is both a challenge and an opportunity. As each day unfolds, we must pause and remind ourselves to commit to those things that will broaden and enhance our lives.

We also want to live our life so that we have the respect of many. Then we will be able to speak effectively to others about Christ. Gilbert wrote,

“You’re writing a gospel, a chapter each day,
By the deeds that you do, by the words that you say;
Men read what you write, whether faithless or true,
Say what is the gospel according to you.”

Starting today, let’s look at life as a daily commitment to a more balanced life and one more dedicated to God.

The following is copied from an ‘Our Daily Bread’ Devotional.

Take time to work…..Work is the essence of who we are, it is the price of success.

Take time to relax…..To avoid stress make a quiet escape from your routine -take a short walk

or meditate.

Take time to think…..We have a creative side-revel in your uniqueness.

Take time to listen to others…..Always be receptive to different viewpoints.

Take time to read…..It is the foundations of knowledge.

Take time to love…..Think about others. It’s Godlike

Take time to dream…..It’s a road to greater vision. Good things come to those who wait.

Take time to laugh…..Laughing helps lighten life’s load. It is better than medicine.

Take time to worship…..Be reverend. Pray, it’s a source of power.

Take time too plan…..Set priorities. It is the secret of being able to have time for the first nine things.

Stop Pouting - Start Praising

As I was walking around Chambrel this week, I tripped on a patch of uneven concrete and fell face forward. scraping my nose & forehead. I’m not a pretty sight.

As I grow older and my health declines, there are days when I really wish there was a PITY CLUB that I could attend. Yet instinctively I know how foolish it is to balk at burdens and to fret because unpleasant experiences come our way. Who needs pain or frustrations?

From an yellowed clipping, I gleaned these words of helpful commentary by O. G. Wilson.

“Like all men, the believer is exposed to physical difficulties and disease. In those days he turns to complaining and self-pity, the ‘song of the Lord’ is hushed to silence. ‘I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed,’ says the psalmist.(Psalm 77:3). It is always so. If Satan is allowed to drive a little wedge of complaint into the soul, at once all its inner fortitude and strength ebbs away.”

O. G. Wilson continues: ‘I saw a man who was sick, hungry and unable to take a step and yet whose smile was as cheery as the chirp of the first robin of spring. Then I met a man radiantly happy , from whose eyes all sight had been lost due to an accident. I visited a rest home where a penniless man was singing joyously the triumphant songs of grace.’

The Lord knows I need to change my attitude. A spirit of discontent shows a lack of positive faith in Christ.

Here are some suggestions for overcoming a complaining attitude. This alternative gives God an opportunity to work creatively, both in us and in out circumstances.

Remember that your troubles did not take God by surprise. He is still in control.

Believe that God has a solution , a provision, or a gift of wisdom to match your difficulty.

Pray, affirming your faith in God and expressing your confidence in His loving purpose for you.

Wait with expectancy and availability, trusting God to work out His perfect will.
Praise Him -even before He acts
.
Finally, if you find yourself wearing ’a spirit of heaviness,’ try changing into ’the garments of praise!’ Stop pouting and start praising!

I thank you God for mercies shown (and)
For your great love that I have known.
I’m grateful for the life you’ve blessed (but)
Sometimes I forget, I must confess
To give my praise to you alone (who)
Died on the cross-our sins to atone.
We need to shed all pretense-all façade (and)
Remember redemption is a gift from God.

The Tie That Binds

The church that I attend is First Presbyterian Church, Garland. Every few years they hold an
eightieth birthday party for all those members that have reached 80 years or more. As I fellowshipped with those present, I reminisced about all the years we had worshipped together and played together. The many times we upheld one another in time of need.. It seems there is a special bond between Christians. Not just those members of FPC but Christians everywhere.

This brought other occasions to mind. One such occasion was when I made a trip to Greece following the ‘Footsteps of Paul.’ In Philippi at the Gaggitas River where Lydia was baptized, (Acts 16: 12-18), we had prayer with another tour group and joined hands and sang, ‘Bless be the Tie That Binds.’ There wasn’t a dry eye in the group.

Another time I was in Hamburg, Germany visiting a cousin who regularly worships in a Lutheran Church.
While sightseeing downtown Hamburg on a Sunday, the time came for worship, so we attended an ecumenical worship service especially for travelers’. It was one of the most inspiring worship services I ever attended.. There were people from at least 25 different countries. All praising one God, Lord and Savior of us all.

Still another occasion was when I was on a tour celebrating Martin Luther’s 500th Anniversary. We visited the cities where he lived, studied and preached. This was a time before the Berlin Wall came down., and Germany was divided. We were traveling mostly in the GDR, German Democratic Republic, which was a socialist state. One of the first cities we visited was Eisenach, where Luther lived from 1498-1501. We were grateful to be able to worship and partake of the Lord’s Supper at St. Thomas Church in Eisenach, the city Luther always referred to as his ‘Beloved City.‘ Of course, we couldn’t understand the words that were being spoken, but we felt the Spirit making us one as we worshipped together.

If life gives us Christian friends,
Who are faithful to the end,
Then life has given more than gold.
The greatest joy a heart can hold.
If Christian friends are ours to share,
To understand, believe and care,
Our Lord God surely knew,
Life would be complete and true.

Chosen by God

On the first day of school, a teacher asked the children to form a circle and to close their eyes. If she tapped you on the shoulder, you were to move quietly to the center of the circle. The teacher explained that the children she chose would be her helpers for the year. I wondered if she liked me and if I was worthy. Then the touch came, I opened my eyes and moved to the center of the circle. Then I watched the wisest teacher slowly , lovingly touched every student in the class. We were all worthy. She needed us all and loved us all.

I forgot where I read this, but I was impressed with the ability of the teacher to understand that we all need to feel worthy. In the same way God reaches out & touches every shoulder and calls us all into the circle.

Sometimes we wonder if God can use our meager talents. It is knowing that God loves us and thinks we are worthy that we can act in terms of our own nature and set our own goals.

Let Go- Let God

What makes the sky so very blue?
The sun to shine so bright?When clouds of doubt are far and few,
Your soul is winging flight.
What makes a friend so dear, so true?
A neighbor warm your heart?
When in need, concern shows thru
A love you cannot part.
What makes the world an exciting place?
A never ending challenge?
When yearning and learning set the pace
With mind and soul akin.
What makes each day fresh and new?
From morning until night?
When you LET GO and LET GOD thru
Then everything is right.
Wilhelmine

Strategy for Daily Living

An article which I recently read said that we readily accept an expression such as , “As a man thinketh so is he.” However, first we must know our self., and to know our self we must cross-examine ourselves to find out our weaknesses and shortcomings and try to correct them. Do we measure up to the “Fruits of the Spirit,” and do we guard against the five great enemies of :“Peace.”

Galatians 5:22-24
“ But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

Many people have interpreted the meaning of these words by paraphrasing. We need to be careful lest we accept the paraphrasing instead of the scripture.

The’ Fruits of the Spirit’ in all righteousness, and truth enable us to pursue our own objectives without fear of failure, censure or criticism.

Love … Knows no limits to its endurance. People always like to be with those who care about them.

Joy/Happiness…Is when the positives satisfactions outweigh the negative experiences.

Peace…Comes when one completely decides for God.

Patience…Enables you to hear a person’s cry for help.

Kindness, Goodness … Doing good is the only certain happy action of a man’s life.

Faithfulness…In an all-seeing and personal God, an alliance with the Almighty.

Self-control…Is using caution and self-restrain.

Beware of situations that generate the five great enemies of PEACE; Avarice, Ambition, Envy, Anger and pride. To guard against these enemies we first must understand them.

Avarice comes from believing that you need certain things when you probably don’t

Ambition arises from dissatisfaction with yourself and your activities.

Envy comes from an irrational comparison of what others have achieved and what you have achieved.

Anger can envelop you and destroy your incentive.

Pride develops from a need to impress yourself and others with qualities you lack.

Don’t waste your time with the enemies of peace. Pursue the “Fruits of the Spirit.” Life is made up of little things, in which a SMILE can win and preserve the heart.

Smiling is infectious, , you can catch it like the flu
When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner, and someone saw my grin,
When he smiled I realized I’d passed it on to him.
I thought about that smile, then I realized it’s worth,
A single smile, just like mine, could travel around the earth.
So, if you feel s smile begin, don’t leave it undetected,
Let’ start an epidemic quick and get the world infected
Theresa Edwards

Holy Spirit

Bill has an ongoing ssssssssssst connection with another resident here at Chambrel. Let me explain. When they greet each other during the day, they aim their pointer finger at each other close enough to connect . I’m not sure what this does for each of them other to say they are on the same wave length and they care about each other.

While serving as pastoral counselor at Baylor Hospital I had similar experiences. After holding hands while praying with a patient, he embraced me., thanked me, and said: “I really felt the spirit connecting us.”

Another occasion ,when after a time of friendly conversation, I said: “Let’s have a word of prayer,” the patient immediately began praying.

Something that connects two people must be the ‘Holy Spirit’. God’s Spirit works in our hearts to make us instruments of blessings to others. He puts an opportunity to do good in our path and says to us, ”Just do what I want you to do, purely out of love for Me.”

The good news is that as believers we possess the Holy Spirit. What Jesus accomplished for us, the Spirit works out in us. Christians need the Holy Spirit for everything.

The Spirit of God enables the people of God to understand the word of God. With the help of the Spirit we can apprehend the truths of the Word of God and appreciate their beauty and significance.

There have been times when visiting a patient , prayer has been refused.

In Zech.4:6 we read that success comes, not by human might or power, but by God’s Spirit. Our responsibility is to speak out faithfully in His name and leave the results to Him.

AS believers in Jesus, we sometimes become frustrated when people, who are not believers refuse to trust in Him. When that happens, we must remember that our role is to obey the command to tell others about Christ; the Holy Spirit’s work is to convict and save them. People need to be born of the Spirit; we can neither believe for them nor redeem them. The Holy Spirit imparts new life from above. We witness faithfully and prayerfully, and God performs the miracle of salvation.

Drop a pebble in the water,
Just a splash and it is gone;
But there’s half a hundred ripples,
Circling, on and on and on…..
Spreading from the center,
Each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn’t believe the volume
The splash from that one pebble gave.

FORGIVEN

The Sermon this past Sunday was on FORGIVEN, PRAYER and GIVE, three things this preacher thought were the most important things in our lives.

As is usual, I critiqued the sermon and ‘Forgiven’ brought to mind so much more than what was said.

We read in the scriptures that we ‘all sin and fall short of the glory of God.’
Accepting yourself , I think, with all the good and the bad that make up your character, comes only after you realize God has accepted you - just as you are. Then and only then can you forgive yourself for all the wrong things that you do because you know that God has already forgiven you.

But, God does want to hear our confession and request for forgiveness. It is hard for us to admit when we are wrong, not only with our relationship with God, but with one another. Yet, if God so freely forgives us, then we surely should forgive each other.

That requires an apology. All of us make mistakes. When we do things that hurt other people, our behavior or our words become a barrier between us. If we don’t apologize, the relationship is fractured.

This is a story about Leonardo da vinci who was a gifted artist. It is said that just before he began his painting of The Last Supper, he had a quarrel with a fellow artist. Leonardo felt so bitter toward his rival that he determined to paint the face of his enemy as the face of Judas. In that way he would take revenge on the man. By picturing him as the betrayer of Jesus, he would make his face the object of scorn to all who viewed the painting.

The face of Judas was one of the first that da Vinci finished, and everyone could easily recognize it as the face of the painter with whom he had quarreled. But when Leonardo began to paint the face of Jesus, he could make no progress. Something seemed to be hindering his best efforts. According to the story, he finally came to the conclusion that the frustration he was experiencing was due to his continuing hatred of his enemy. Leonardo immediately painted out the face of Judas and began again on the face of Christ, this time with the success that the ages have come to acclaim.

As long as we hold on to anger and hatred in our hearts, the Holy Spirit cannot bring Christ into our lives. God wants to forgive us. But he forgives our sins only if we confess. This pattern also applies in human relationships.

We’re not perfect, but we try
We’re doing the best that we can.
We’ll always say that we are sorry,
We know that you’ll understand.

So lets accept ourselves and each other
Without guilt or scolding or fear.
All that is past has been forgiven
When God made it all disappear

WORDS

After expressing thoughts about gossip, it seemed only fitting to explore the meaning of words.

It’s been estimated that a talkative person may speak 30,000 words a day! But the important questions is, how do our words, whether many or few, affect others?

A careless word may kindle strife
A cruel word may wreck a life.
A bitter word may hate instill;
A brutal word may smite and kill.

Many times we have to ‘eat our words’ before we learn to avoid saying things we’d like to retract.

A gracious word may smooth the way;
A joyous word may light the day.
A timely word may lessen stress;
A loving word may heal and bless.

Henry Ford contended that: Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is why so few engage in it. Probably millions of mistakes, tragedies and crimes have resulted from not really thinking things through, before speaking and weighing the alternatives and the possible consequences.

So watch your thoughts, they become words and your words become actions which become habits. Your habits become character which becomes your destiny

GOSSIP

Here at Chambrel we have a group of residents that meet every morning before breakfast to have coffee and fellowship together. They share their own stories and the stories of other residents Herein lies the danger, “.“Sharing the stories of others .

Could retelling the story of another be subtle GOSSIP? Could a raised eyebrow or a questioning tone of voice cast doubt on a person’s reputation or integrity?

One of the most sobering lists in the Bible is God’s itemization of the seven things He hates, beginning with ‘a proud look’ and concluding with ‘one who sows discord among brethren’ (Prov. 6: 16-16).

Between those two are five other acts of betrayal, each represented by parts of the body, tongue, hands, heart, feet and lips.
Rumor is one thing that gets thicker as you spread.

A lying tongue
Hands that shed innocent blood
A heart that devises wicked plans
Feet that make haste to run to evil
False witness that breathes out lies.

Let us be sure we are faithful agents of encouragement and love when meeting together .

JULY FACTS

…..The Ruby is the Gem for July and the Water Lily is the flower for the month of July!

President James Garfield was shot, July 2, 1881

Idaho became the 43rd state, July 3, 1890

Continental congress adopted the Declaration of Independence and John Hancock signed it, July 4, 1717

Amendment 26, which sets the voting age at 18 in the United States was proclaimed, July 5, 1971

The Republican Party held its first state convention at Jackson, Michigan, July 6, 1854

Wyoming became the 44th state, July 10, 1890

Scientists set off the first atomic bomb, Alamogordo, New Mexico, July 16, 1945

U.S. Astronaut, Neil A. Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon, July 20-1969

George Stephenson first successfully demonstrated a steam locomotive , July 25, 1814

Truce signed, ending Korean War, July 27, 1953

You Bet I'm a Flag Waver! by Mary Lou Kieswetter

I hope you will enjoy this inspiring message that was sent to us from Bill Woods several years ago.

It seems appropriate to reflect on that all-important symbol of our freedom: THE FLAG!
The rat-a-tat-tat of a drummer’s stick, the clash of brass cymbals, the twirling of silver batons and a brilliantly dressed fast-stepping color guard marching down the middle of Any Street, U.S.A., are the appetizers that stimulate my hungry heart for a nourishing feast of patriotism. The chemistry of my anatomy has lacked this ingredient for a near-disastrous length of time and my system is suffering form “patriotic decay.”

I want to feel my heart race, a mist to cloud my eyes, and the tightness of that ‘lump in my throat’ to make speaking impossible for a moment. I crave to know that good old-fashioned spirit of flag-waving. Let me see visions of Betsy Ross, Washington, Jefferson and Nathan Hale as I watch a parade pass by. If I become so stirred that I shout, “Three cheers for the red, white and blue,” don’t jeer me. JOIN me and let the world know you are proud to be an American!
Why can’t Americans let loose emotionally and allow their fervor for flag and country to ripple forth as do the red and white stripes of our beautiful American flag? Because somewhere among the curbside of every parade Americans are brainwashed into believing it “corny” to become wrapped up constitutionally with a 3’ by 5’ red, white and blue piece of cloth. A complacent attitude toward our 50 stars seems the socially-accepted way to respond. God forgive you who have allowed this apathy to destroy our national heritage--a heritage so desired by those who conceive to destroy it that they strive continuously to unravel our red, white and blue braid of unity and endeavor to steal our precious privilege of living free. We modern Americans take so for granted the inheritance we have been given that we have become negligent of the realization that we have been entrusted to preserve the heritage for those yet unborn.

No-one is born patriotic. Patriotism must be instilled through constant introduction to the subject just as we are taught our religion. The Cross and the Flag are the two symbols we as Americans may share regardless of our race, creed, color, financial status or political views. We enter the House of Worship to acknowledge our belief in God. The American flag is displayed to educate those around us that we have love for flag and country and the freedoms it stands for. How do we preserve our heritage for future generations? It would be simple if mason jars could be filled and labeled with “Blood Shed while the Star-Spangled Banner Was Being Written” or “Tears and Sweat from Those Who Fought at Flanders Field, Corregidor and Pearl Harbor.” But the accomplishments of the past cannot be bottled and placed on a shelf for the next generation to open. Our nation heritage must be preserved within the capsule of the human heart with enough dedicated character to subject its overflow into our nation‘s youth. Heritage is preserved through citizenry. We are citizens; it is up to us to set the example for our children to endeavor to be “good citizens.” The demonstration of strong faith in democracy must be made prevalent. The youth of our nation is Uncle Sam’s strongest weapon against defeat. Each generation must rekindle in its youth the allegiance to our flag, reverence for those in our nation’s past and an attitude of cooperation with the present administration if office, regardless of personal political views.

Numerate your blessings on the Fourth of July, our nation’s birthday; for your material accomplishments could not be totaled if your first blessing hadn’t been that of being born an American. You be I’M A FLAG WAVER, and when I place my hand over my heart as that glorious American flag of our passes by, I feel very near to God; and that’s a pretty good place to be in these troubled days

Favorite Bible Verse

My favorite Bible verse is: “This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Ps. 118:24

When we consider the mighty works of the Creator, the wonder of them, the splendor of them, how can we ever be unmindful of the miracle of each day fresh from God’s hands?

Who could ignore the sudden startling beauty of the sun bursting above the rim, or the sun setting in the evening, the pink and rose, spreading like a great opening flower, changing to gold and crimson, to purple and mauve, until the whole world is lit with a strange glory.

Another thing we can be deeply thankful for is the gift of life. We have the opportunity to enjoy all nature, and the freedom to worship our God. The blessings of being a Christian just keep on coming. They’ll never run out. What a generous, thoughtful God we serve. The countless blessings in our lives continue to overflow.

Sunset
The Sky’s a burst with beauty,
The horizon is all aglow,
Making geometrical patterns
In purple, red & gold.
The performance is breathtaking
With it’s changing scene,
Just as you turn a kaleidoscope
It’s over unforeseen.

Father's Image

4 years: My Daddy can do anything!
7 years: My Dad knows a lot…a whole lot.
8 years: My father does not know quite everything.
12 years: Oh well, naturally Father does not know that either.
14 years: Oh, Father? He is hopelessly old-fashioned
21 years: Oh, that man--he is out of date!
25 years: He knows a little bit about it, but not much.
30 years: I must find out what Dad thinks about it.
35 years: Before we decide, we will get Dad’s idea first.
50 years: What would Dad have thought about that?
60 years: My Dad knew literally everything?
65 Years: I wish I could talk it over with Dad once more.

History of Fathers Day

In the United States, the first modern Father’s Day celebration was held on July 5, 1908, in Fairmont, West Virginia. It was celebrated as a church service at Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South, now known as Central United Methodist Church. Grace Golden Clayton, who is believed to have suggested the service to the pastor, is believed to have been inspired to celebrate fathers after the deadly mine explosion in nearby Monongah the prior December. This explosion killed 361 men, many of them fathers and recent immigrants to the United States from Italy.

Another driving force behind the establishment of the integration of Father’s Day was Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd, born in Creston, Washington. Her father, the Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, as a single parent raised his six children in Spokane, Washington. She was inspired by Anna Jarvis’s efforts to establish Mother’s Day. The first June Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane.

Unofficial support from such figures as William Jennings Bryan was immediate and widespread, President Woodrow Wilson was personally feted by his family in 1916. President Calvin Coolidge recommended it as a national holiday in 1924. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson made Father’s Day a holiday to be celebrated on the third Sunday of June. The holiday was not officially recognized until 1972, during the presidency of Richard Nixon.

(Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

DRY SPELLS

Do I give the false impression that my life is always sunny-- that my view of God is always clear.?

Several of my good friends died recently and I questioned , “Why couldn’t they be saved?”
When my mother died, she was in a nursing home. I was distraught , for I had sent her to live with my sister in Florida , not knowing she would be put in a nursing home. I could not be comforted.

Does it ever seem as if you can’t get through to God in prayer? When it seems God isn’t listening, that He's 'forgotten to be gracious.' What should we do?

Do we need to invest in a 20 -volume set of commentaries, bury ourselves under a mound of theology books, or enroll in a Bible college or seminary. No, that isn’t necessary. Your experience isn’t unique and it doesn’t mean you are an outcast from God’s redeemed family.

In the passion-filled poetry of Psalm 13, David also admitted that he couldn’t see God, and didn’t understand what He was doing (v1). But by the end of his prayer, he was certain that what he couldn’t see was nevertheless there because he had seen it before in God’s bountiful care(5-6).

1 Thessalonians (5:25) tells us to seek out a fellow believer with whom we can share our feelings and ask them for prayer. IT WORKED FOR ME!

We can also express our confidence that the Lord is still there by recalling times we’ve witnessed His goodness. So keep on praying in faith to your great God, no matter how silent heaven may seem.

Whenever you are worried
And feel lost or astray,
Remember that an angel
Is never far away.
Have faith in God’s hearing
And let angels guide the way,
So that love, hope and faith
Are the start of each new day.

Memorial Day History

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died n our nation’s service. It was officially proclaimed “Memorial Day” on May 5,1869 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

Traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country.

Many feel that when Congress made the day into a three-day weekend in with the National Holiday Act of 1971, it made it all the easier for people to be distracted from the spirit and meaning of the day.

To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed on Dec. 2000 which asks that a 3 p.m. local time for all Americans “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are dong for a moment of silence or listening to “Taps.”

The Moment of Remembrance is a step in the right direction to returning the meaning back to the day. What is needed is a full return to the original day of observance. Set aside one day out of the year for the nation to get together to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to their country.

Ordinary People

Two sayings attributed to Mohammad Ali: “It’s hard to be humble when you are as great as I am,” and “It ain’t bragging if you can back it up.”

The first quote I’ve seen numerous times on the desk of business people. Also, my Aunt Ethel was fond of making this quote her own. The second quote I’ve seen in many commercials on TV.

I recently heard a book reviewer who after his allotted time was up kept the floor by asking the audience for questions. In a meeting I conducted, the opening singer asked the audience if they wanted to hear more songs after her time was up .

Do some people think about themselves, talk about themselves using “I” as often as possible. Expect to be appreciated. Trust nobody but themselves. Insist on consideration and respect. Demand agreement with their own views on everything.

The question was asked Marilyn vos Savant: “Why do some people think they’re better than others?” Her answer was “ I believe some people are better than other people-so, in those cases, they’re right. But the rest of the time , it’s just plain wishful thinking. A person is never so empty as when he is full of self.

Have you ever been in the presence of greatness? Perhaps you shook the hand of a world leader. Maybe you got close to a famous athlete. Or you may have had a book signed by a bestselling author.

To be near such icons of popularity and prestige can almost take your breath away. In reality, though, it shouldn’t. They may have done something great, but at the heart of it all they are just like you and me. They are all ordinary people lifted to incredible heights by an extraordinary God.

I have no voice for singing
I cannot make a speech,
I have no gift for music,
I know I cannot teach.
I am no good at leading,
I cannot organize,
And anything I write
Would never win a prize.
It seems my only talent
Is neither big nor rare
Just to listen & encourage
And to fill a vacant chair.
But all the gifted people
Could not so brightly shine
Were it not for those
Who use a talent such as mine.
R. R. Belter

For Mothers Everywhere

Mother wise, you're bliss itself
You win, you touch all bases
If you were packaged on a shelf
I’d buy a dozen cases.
Your rating is quadruple A,
In Momsville, you’re a giant
Affectionate, wise, I’ve got to say
You are my favorite.
Written by David Mitchell as a young boy

There Is a Wholeness

Every Wednesday at 4 o’clock p.m. is Social Hour here at Chambrell. Bill is so good mingling with the other residents and learning to know them by name, exchanging bits of news and jokes.
I don’t have that “gift of gab.” It is hard for me to verbalize my thoughts when talking to other people. I do so admire the person who always says the right word at the right time. Socially, I feel inadequate and incomplete.

“There is a Wholeness,” taken from an article printed in Guidepost from a book by Harold S. Kushner entitled: How Good Do We Have to Be?” He tells a story, “The Missing piece,” taken from a book by Shel Silverstein.

The story involves a circle from which a large triangular wedge had been cut. The circle wanted to be whole so it went looking for the missing piece. But because it was incomplete, it could only roll slowly. It admired the flowers along the way. It chatted with butterflies. It enjoyed the sunshine.

It found lots of pieces , but none fit. So it left them all by the side of the road.and went on searching. Then one day it found a piece that fit exactly. It was so happy . Now it could be whole with nothing missing. But as a perfect circle it rolled too fast to notice the flowers or talk to the butterflies. When it realized how different the world seemed, it stopped, left its missing piece by the side of the road and rolled on--appreciating life again..

There is a wholeness about the person who has come to terms with his limitations , who knows who he is and what he can and cannot do. When we have everything we never know what it feels like to yearn, to hope, to dream . In some strange sense we are more whole when we are incomplete. So do not be concerned if your life is not a complete circle. Take time to smell the roses, and thank God for He loves you just as you are.

How do I thank thee?
I see the blue sky
And the bird in wing
I’m awed by the beauty of the trees.
How do I thank thee?
I smell the sweet flower
I feel the warm sun
Yet cool breezes blow over me.
How do I thank you?
I see the sunrise, sunset
Stars twinkling overhead
God made the heaven and the seas.
How do I thank thee
I see it all
I shout for joy - I’m alive
God made all this and God made me.
Wilhelmine

Molded by God

Spring always seems to me a time for renewal. A chance for growth!

My Aunt Ethel had a printed quote hanging in her kitchen window. It said: “God sees us as we can be, but loves us as we are.”

Moses said he was, ‘slow of speech-Oh my Lord, send I pray, some other person,’ Paul said, ‘I know that nothing good lives in me.’

Simon, the fisherman was impulsive, arrogant, self-centered and unfaithful. When Jesus saw him, he looked beyond the mere exterior of this crude fisherman and saw there the picture of a man of vast undeveloped resources.

God calls and does not ask it we are suitable……….only if we are available.
One of the greatest parts of our Lord’s ministry was spent in dealing with men such as these. He seemed to have the ability to look beyond the mere exterior of a person and bring forth the best that was within.
Jesus told Moses: “ I will appoint Aaron to be your spokesman.” He wanted him to be the leader of Israel. How well God knew his potentialities.

To change the actual “Thou Art’ into the ideal ‘ Thou shall be,’ is the high function of Jesus Christ. Regardless of our age or station in life, there are unlimited possibilities of what we may become, if we let God do the leading and the developing.
Just as a green shoot becomes a blooming flower, we too can be transformed into effective Christian living. He understands our inadequacies . He knows us as we are, but he knows what we can become.

New Life
As I look out my window day by day.
I see changes take place, Nature may
Bring forth a green shoot where once
The ground was bare - no life was found.
The sun caresses the tender sprout
I patiently wait and look all about
As it grows taller, I see quite near
Another green shoot and another appear.
Anxiously I wait now with interest anew
As the blooms unfold in glorious hue.
Yesterday a place that did annoy
Today is beauty for all to enjoy.
Wilhelmine

April Fool's Day

April Fools likely originated in 16th century France, where the start of the New Year was observed on April 1st until, in 1562, Pope Gregory introduced the new Christian calendar where the new year fell on January 1st. Some people, however, didn’t hear or didn’t believe the change, and continued to celebrate New Years on April 1st. Others would then play tricks on them (April Fools).

In France, April Fools was traditionally celebrated by placing dead fish on the backs of friends. Today, real fish have been replaced by fish shaped stickers, which are stuck to the back of one’s shirt. This arises from the fact that the April sun ends the zodiacal sign of the fish .

Today, Americans play small tricks on friends and strangers alike on the first of April. One common trick on April Fool’s Day, or All Fool’s Day, is pointing down to a friend’s shoelace and saying, “Your shoelace is untied.” Teachers in the nineteenth century used to say to pupils, “Look! A flock of geese!” and point up. School children might tell a classmate that school has been canceled. Whatever the trick, if the innocent victim falls for the joke, the prankster yells, “April Fool!”

The “fools errands” we play on people are practical jokes. Putting salt in the sugar bowl for the nest person is not a nice trick to play. College students set their clocks an hour behind, so their roommates show up to the wrong class - or not at all. Most April Fool jokes are in good fun and not meant to harm anyone. The most clever April Fool joke is the one where everyone laughs, especially the person upon whom the joke is played.

Follow Me

A crowd of people gathered ‘round Him by the Sea of Gallilee
This man who healed the sick and made the blind to see.
Oh, that we had eyes to see Him
To mingle with the crowd
Ears to hear the words He taught them…..“Follow me.”

They say He ate with those shunned by the Pharisees
He told them man was not made for the law,
But had a higher destiny.
Oh, that we might have the mind to comprehend,
The privilege to call Him Master, Friend,
A heart contrite to understand His message…..”Follow me.”

News about His teaching traveled far and wide,
The Bridegroom waits to wed His Holy Bride.
Drink the wine of new life, cast away the old,
Accept God’s love made manifest of which you were foretold.
He tried to tell them about Gethsemane
One day they would deny, forsake Him, this he could foresee.

Oh, that we might speak for Him, His love embrace
To tell about Golgotha and His saving Grace.
Father , we thank you for sending your Son to
Live among men that we might know your love.
Let us remember also the sacrifice He made
That we might live free from sin. Amen.

Wilhelmine

Easter

For children, the glorious Easter celebration, too often means that special Sunday when the Bunny comes and they get a basket full of goodies and get to participate in an Easter Egg Hunt. Traditionally for youth & adults alike it often means bright new spring clothes and bonnets. But Easter should have a much deeper meaning. It is the day when Christ rose from the dead and left the heartwarming message for all mankind that if you believe in Him, you too shall have everlasting life.

The philosopher Luther wrote: In His life, Christ is an example, showing us how to live; in His death, He is a sacrifice, satisfying for our sins; in His resurrection, a conqueror, in His ascension, a king, in His intercession, a high priest.

One brilliant explanation of the significance of Christ was written by a wise man named French:
This is part of the glory of Christ as compared with the chiefest of his servants that He alone stands at the absolute center of humanity, the one completely harmonious man, unfolding all which was in humanity, equally and fully on all sides, the only one in whom the real and ideal met and were absolutely one. He is the absolute and perfect truth, the highest that humanity can reach; at once its perfect image and supreme Lord.

Written many years ago, a verse from this Easter Carol gives a significant setting for a memorable Easter Day:
“Tomb, thou shall not hold Him longer;
Death is strong, but Life is stronger;
Stronger than the dark, the light;
Stronger than the wrong, the right;
Faith and Hope triumphant say
Christ will rise on Easter Day.”

If you think about meaningful words like these, you will begin to realize the real significance of the glorious Easter celebration.

Interesting Facts About Easter

Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20).

This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify Passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.
Based on the above information, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22), but that is rare.

Here’s the interesting information. This year is the earliest any of us will ever see Easter, and only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or older). And none of us have ever, or will ever, see a day earlier! Here’s the facts:

1) The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913. The only folks that were around for that were folks 95 years or older.
2) The next time Easter will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year.

Irish Limericks

Monday, March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a day when, as the saying goes, everyone’s a wee bit Irish. So, it seems fitting to share a few Irish limericks:

May there always be work for your hands to do,
May your purse always hold a coin or two,
May the sun always shine on your windowpane,
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain,
May the hand of a friend always be near you,
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

May you always find blue skies above your head,
Shamrocks beneath your feet,
Laughter and joy a plenty,
Kindness from all you meet,
Good friends and kin to miss you
If ever you choose to roam,
And a path that’s been cleared by angels
Themselves bringing you safely home.

As you travel down life’s highway,
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine softly in your face,
And the rains fall gently on your fields;
And until we meet again,
May God keep you in the palm of his hand.

When a bit of sunshine hits ye,
After passing of a cloud,
When a fit of laughter gets ye and
Yer spine is feeling proud,
Don’t forget to up and fling it at a soul
That’s feeling blue
For the minute that ye sling it,
It’s a boomerang to you.

St. Patrick

Patrick was born in Britain, at the end of the fourth century, the grandson of a priest and son of a Christian deacon. He was kidnapped before his 16th birthday by Irish pirates, made a slave and forced to herd sheep for six years. He eventually escaped, but returned to Ireland and started the church there.


A humble man who shunned the limelight, Patrick wanted an unmarked grace and he got it. No one knows when he died or where he’s buried. Even the date of death is uncertain- maybe the 460’s, maybe the 490’s.


The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was in New York colony on March 17, 1762. Irish soldiers serving in the British military marched to bolster pride in their heritage. Today, the arch-bishop of New York reviews the parade from the steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which was completed in 1879.


Following are a few misconceptions and little-known facts about one of the world’s most popular saints: He was not the first bishop of Ireland, but the second, after Palladius, who was sent by Pope Celestine in 431. Patrick took over in 432.



It’s just popular lore that he drove the snakes out of Ireland.


Stories that he converted every soul in Ireland are false. For centuries after he founded the Christian church there, Druids and other worshippers of pagan Celtic gods remained.


It would have been clever, but to the best of anyone’s knowledge, St. Patrick never used the shamrock in sermons to explain the Holy Trinity. Like the leprechaun, that’s just another myth.

Fascinating Facts about Valentine's Day

Although St. Valentine’s Day is a well-established American holiday, little is known about the man after whom the day is named. Here are some answers to questions about St. Valentine and his day:

St. Valentine was a priest and physician who lived in Rome during the third century. At that time, Christianity was a persecuted faith and Valentine was imprisoned. When he would not recant his faith, Valentine was put to death on February 14.

According to legend, when Valentine was a priest in Rome, Emperor Claudius II ordered young men not to marry, believing if they did not have wives, they would be more willing to go to war. Moved by compassion for the young lovers, Valentine married them secretly.

February 15 was the date set aside to honor the Roman god, Lupercus. On that day, young women would write love notes and deposit them in a large urn. The young men would take the notes out and then court the women whose messages they had drawn. When Christianity became the official religion of Rome, the church merged the Roman holiday with the martyrdom of St. Valentine on February 14.

Valentines came to the U.S. with the earliest English settlers. John Winthrop, governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, wrote his wife: “February 14, 1629, Thou must be my Valentine.”

Esther A. Howland of Worcester, Mass., developed the first cards in 1847. That year, she sold an amazing $5000 worth of cards. Her fancy valentines made St. Valentine’s Day very popular. Soon other manufacturers were making cards.

In 1993, one billion Valentine’s Day cards were sold.

Know Thy Self

Well, I did it again. My impulsive, opinionated, spoken word got me in trouble.

To really know yourself, one must cross-examine yourself. Find your weaknesses and shortcomings, and try to correct them, and recognize the importance and potential power of self-control. One element of self-control is caution and caution is reserve in speaking. THINK! Deep thought is an excellent substitute for spontaneous reaction.

Most people have heard the ancient axiom voiced originally by Socrates which says; “Know Thyself.” But how many have examined the implications behind this significant bit of philosophy?

We readily accept such expressions as “the world is what you make it..” “we see what we wish to see,” “as a man thinks so is he,” “to thine own self be true.” But shouldn’t we search even deeper for the true significance of such sayings.

The Ancient Greeks told a story of a warrior named Achilles. His mother had been warned that he would die of a wound, so she dipped him as an infant in the river Styx. That was to make him invincible . But she held him by one heel which the protective waters didn’t cover. And it was through that heel that he received his final wound. What is our Achilles heel? A quick temper, a critical tongue, or chronic impatience . We need to know our weaknesses, and then rely on the Lord for His help.

I am so guilty of speaking before thinking- of speaking impulsively. I’m very opinionated and very verbal with my thoughts. Then there is the person that sits on the fence and has no thought about anything. I think the opinionated people are the leaders, but I’m sure having discretion in what is said is necessary. That is my biggest shortcoming. The tongue has great destructive power. We need to guard our speech, for what is spoken cannot be taken back.

Nobody is temptation-free. The Bible is not a written record of perfect people (except for Jesus). Adam and Eve failed to obey God‘s specific restrictions. Abram lied about his relationship to Sarai. Moses grew angry and struck the rock in disobedience to God. David committed adultery and murder. Solomon started out well, but turned from God for a time. Peter denied knowing Jesus. As we see the errors made by biblical characters, we can ask the Lord to protect us from making similar mistakes.

Even mature Christians have weaknesses in their spiritual armor that make them vulnerable to a wounding attack by the enemy of their souls. We can learn from the mistakes of others. We can’t possibly live long enough to make them all ourselves.

Wise is the person who knows what to say, but when not to say it. O Lord, help me to learn a lesson from the wise. Help me to hold my tongue and not let it slip.

“The boneless tongue, so small and weak,
Can crush and kill,” declared the Greek.
The Persian proverb wisely saith,
“A lengthy tongue, an early death.”
Sometimes it takes this form instead:
“Don’t let your tongue cut off your head.
While Arab sages this impart:
“The tongue’s great storehouse is the heart.”
From Hebrew wit, the maxim’s sprung:
“Though feet should slip, don’t let the tongue.”
A verse from Scripture crowns the whole:
“Who keeps the tongue doth keep his soul”
Author unknown

Grace and Gratitude

It is time for me to acknowledge my gratitude to God for the healing of body & spirit!


GRACE implies a willingness to grant favors. A virtue coming from God. The first priority then is being thankful to God for our blessings - no matter how may or how few they happen to be.

MERCY is a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion. It implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it. Our sins are pardoned. Grace and Mercy cannot be separated - they have share meaning elements.

GRATITUDE or Thankfulness is one of the most important and beautiful words in the English language. The dictionary defines it as 'an acknowledgement of a favor, gift or benefit,' but beyond that this wonderful word is gratifying to the giver and heart-warming to the receiver. I recall reading that gratitude is not only the memory, but the homage of the heart, rendered to God for His Goodness.

Gratitude is all too rare. Too much is taken for granted. The more blessings we have, the less we appreciate them. Just as gratiude is one of the finest attributes of mankind, ingratitude is one of the most tragic shortcomings.

I always thought I would write a book aboout my faith called: "Grace and Gratitude." When I finally did write about my faith, I called it: 'In the Meanwhile,' starting with Grace & Gratitude and ending with Holding Hands, for it is what we do with our lives in between after accepting His Grace that bring us to the last, Holding Hands with God.

Our gratitude for blessings received should be as sincere and deeply rooted as the mercies sought and grace given. It should be based on the Grace through Faith we have in God, who offers us a chance for eternal life.

My heart is full to overflowing in gratitude for the blessings I have received from friends and family and the realization that God's Grace is with us always.

Shakespeare petitioned: O Lord, who lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.

The Bible is still the greatest guide in the world, if you know how to use it. For this alone, we should thank God.

You came to earth in human form

You experienced all walks of life

You taught and healed the multitude

Whose lives were full of strive.

You have wiped my past away

You know me through and through

Your mercy is more than I deserve

Each and everyday I start anew.

You have walked and talked with me

You have taught me how to pray

I've learned to wait for answers

In all things come what may.

And in our daily problems

The Holy Spirit's there to guide

The words we cannot express

You abundantly provide.

Dear Lord, I'm very thankful

For the Grace you do bestow

My grateful heart rejoiced

In the blessings that I know.

Wilhelmine

FRIENDSHIP

Genuine friends are like pearls; they should be cherished & preserved. And if you have a friend worth loving, love them and let them know it……and that is just what many friends here at Chambrel and Church are doing.

When news was known about my impending surgery, I received a flood of calls and notes full of love and concern with promises of prayers. I’m truly blessed!

The beauty of true friendship is when a person likes you for what you are in spite of all your faults and all your shortcomings. One in whose understanding and virtue you can equally confide in and whose opinion you can value for its sincerity. One who comes to your side not only when you’re on top, but when you’re down in the dumps, or sick, or needy, or in trouble.

Robert Lewis Stevenson once said: “We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best that we can find in our travels is an honest friend."

Abe Lincoln said: “The better part of one’s life consists of friendships.”

A friend loveth at all times….Proverbs 17:17

To know you have friends come what may,
Can brighten a dark & cloudy day.
Life is full of ups and downs,
Of smiling faces and of frowns.
Of kind words said and those unspoken
Of pledges made and promises broken
The best way to show you really care
Is to have a heartwarming smile to share.
To see someone’s smiling face,
Regardless of the time or place
Cannot easily be explained
Or a kind word said to ease one’s pain
Can surely warm one’s heart indeed
To be a true friend in time of need.
Wilhelmine

ADVERSITY

This was written to bolster my morale as I face major surgery. I have had too much time to ponder while waiting for a surgery date. Today was my Pre-op and also my birthday and I spent all day at the hospital having a procedure that was necessary before I have surgery on the 8th. I did get lots of cards & well-wishes and spent the day with my daughter - that was a plus.

When I had Hepatitis the following scripture was meaningful: “…..but they that wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.“ Isaiah 40:31. I even had a plaque printed with this scripture until a friend needed it more than I did and I passed it on.

Deut.33:27 says “The eternal God is your dwelling place and underneath are the everlasting arms.” I had a painting of Christ with his arms and hands outstretched. I always found solace in looking at this picture when I needed assurance in time of need. I gave this picture away when a friend moved out of state and she needed the same assurance the picture portrayed for her.

When I’m anxious or troubled, my son, Steve tells me to go back and read my blogs. Instead, I’m writing a new one to fortify me for what lies ahead.

I read somewhere that frequently it takes adversity to really test a person’s fortitude.
The late Walt Disney once said: “You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world, you may come away grinning.”

A German proverb says: “He who has not tasted bitter does not know what sweet is”

In China a philosopher said: “The diamond cannot be polished without friction or the man perfected without trial.”

The poet Longfellow wrote: Let us be patient! These afflictions not from the ground arise, but oftentimes celestial benediction assumes this dark disguise.

An unknown writer penned these lines which were adopted as a motto for the famous Kennedy family: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

Then there is the words to a song….Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag and smile, smile, smile.

I think I’ll settle on the scripture: “Thou shall keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee.”
Isaish 26:3

God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways all our lives through.
But GOD HATH PROMISED strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.