Thank You

I have noticed here at Chambrel that a simple ‘thank-you’ for the amenities given is lacking . Whether it is a ride to the store , church , etc , or service in the dining room.

A recent blog was about gratitude to God for His gift of Mercy and Grace , but should we not be grateful for all things. A simple ‘thank you’ works wonders in our everyday life. As a child during my growing-up years two words stand out, ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ If I wanted a piece of candy I was taught to say , “please may I have a piece of candy. “ Then after receiving a piece of candy I was taught to say , “thank you.’

I have traveled in many countries around the world, and I discovered ‘thank you’ works wonders everywhere. Especially if you say it in the language of the country you visit. In Mexico, I learned that GRACIAS is the golden key to the hearts of the people. In Japan the magic word was ARIGATO. French is such a fascinating language and MERCI pleases all. When in Italy, say GRATIA. In beautiful Hawaii it is MAHALO. In picturesque Denmark the password to friendliness was THOKK. And even in conservative Sweden, they quickly responded to the word , TAK. In mysterious Hong King the word which hurdled the barriers was DOR JARE.

Back in our own nation, just the plain word THANKS seems to warm up the populace and the atmosphereJust as gratitude is one of the finest attributes of mankind, ingratitude is one of the most tragic shortcomings.

So here are relevant rules which have been tested and proved:

1.Gratitude does not seem to be a natural trait of human hearts, so consciously and deliberately look for ways to thank people until it becomes a habit

2. Thanks should be sincere. Say it like you mean you it. Don’t let it sound routine, but ‘special.’

3. Thank people by name. If there are several people you want to thank, don’t just say ‘thanks everybody,’ but name them .

4, Thank people when they least expect it. That is when a ‘thank you’ is more powerful. it gives the person who performed the good deed or act for you (and yourself-) a heart-warming inner lift.

5. Above all we should constantly say ‘THANKS’ to God, for the worship most acceptable to God comes from a thankful and cheerful heart

Priceless

Our lives are filled with priceless things…

Friendly hands in time of need,

Unselfish gift of time and deed.

Remembering all things given free

We should in heart more grateful be.

Kindness

I was waiting to get in line at the grocery store the other day.. The person behind me literally pushed her way to the front of the line. This person did not have any self respect for other people’s right. Those right, comforts and feelings are just good manners…a way of expressing consideration for others. Kindness is something that everyone can give to others…a gift that everyone can afford, yet seldom given.

A wise man once said that ‘Kindness’ is the golden chain by which society is bound together.

Here at Chambrel there are people of every walk of life. Most are very cheerful and friendly and kind to one another. A few are grumpy and never smile, have no manners and any act of kindness is unknown to them. I’m thinking a friendly word and a big smile might work wonders; it might soothe and comfort those less considerate.

Many people destroy themselves by their thoughts. When an individual thinks destructively he is only adding to the sum total of his misery. Many of the residents here at Chambrel are just plain lonely. Some of them have outlived every close relative or friend. A word of encouragement, just spending a little time with them, could make a big difference.

As Christians we are admonished to care for one another. “Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers…..“ Hebrews 13:1,2

The power of the human mind is awesome and almost limitless. How about this code of living: Think big, Talk small, Love much, laugh easily, work happily, play fair, give cheerfully, BE KIND, Thank God and remember….if you’re too busy to Pray, you’re just too busy.

These immortal lines were penned by Henry Van Dyke:

Four things a man must learn to do,

If he would make his record true,

To think without confusion clearly,

To love his fellow-man sincerely,

To act from honest motives pure,

To trust in God and Heaven securely.

Why We Should Go To Church

Bill and I have met many new friends here at Chambrel. We enjoy playing games with them, or just sharing a friendly conversation. Recently, one couple, who we particularly like to be with, when asked what church they attended, answered: “We don’t go to church.” Now here was a challenge. How do we tell our friends, ‘why we should go to church.’

The following are excepts taken from ‘Our Daily Bread: Why bother going to church? Some would tell us that it’s better to sleep late on Sunday, eat a leisurely breakfast, and lounge around talking with the family. And then maybe have lunch with friends or enjoy a picnic and games with the children.

Worship? Who need worship anyway? We all do! We need worship because we are unique creatures made in the image of God. We are made for God, so we can’t fulfill our purpose unless we develop a right relationship with Him. And worship helps us to do that when we focus on the Lord.

As we join with other worshipers in church, our hearts are lifted out of this temporal world into God’s eternal world. According to William Temple, in worship the conscience is quickened by the holiness of God, the mind is fed by the truth of God, the imagination is purged by the beauty of God, the heart is opened to the love of God, and the will is devoted to the purpose of God. And thus, we are helped onward in our goal of becoming more like God.

Church membership has never gotten anyone into heaven. But this doesn’t mean it’s unimportant to be committed to a local church. True, the Bible doesn’t command believers to “join” a church, because they are already members of the church, the body of Christ. But the Bible does instruct Christians to be actively involved in a local group of believers. “…..and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another….”( Hebrews 10:24,25). Commitment to an active fellowship in a local church is biblical.

Sometimes we would rather not be involved in church life, thinking it’s easier just to go it alone. But research has proven that the group experience of fellowship with others has proven that it helps believers to remain loyal to the Lord. Relationships within a unified, Spirit-filled body of believers are essential for growth and for maintaining our individual faithfulness to the Savior. Our own personal relationship to God, vital as that is, is not sufficient to produce spiritual maturity and endurance.

In the Bible, the life of faith is often described as a walk. For most of us, our Christian pilgrimage involves plodding, a pace that sometimes feels unspiritual and sometimes feels unspiritual and unproductive. The dictionary defines plodding as ‘making one’s way slowly and
perseveringly.”Our soul’s deepest longings are satisfied when we know Jesus as our Savior, but we must keep prodding on to know Him better and to become more like Him! An example of productive plodding is William Carey. A shoemaker by trade. Carey became a scholar, a linguist, and the father of modern missions. He lived by this motto:

“Expect great thing from God; attempt great things for God.:

Are we fulfilling our God-given responsibilities by faith, or do we feel like giving up? God wants us to be a faithful follower, maintaining a unified fellowship with other believers.

Only One Life

Two little lines I heard one day, as I plodded on in my usual way:And they rang in my ears again, and again, repeating in solemn, sweet refrain:“Only one life, ‘twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”“Only one life,” The still, small voice gently allures to the better choice,Bidding me never let selfish aims overshadow my Savior’s claims.Give me, Savior, a purpose deep, in joy or sorrow Thy trust to keep;And so thru trouble, care and strife, Glorify Thee in my daily life!“Only one life, ‘twill soon be past; only what ‘s done for Christ will last.

Christian Graphie

Just As I Am

My favorite entertainer is Alfred Lee. As he plays his technics electronic organ, we hear the sounds of a full orchestra. His music and his testimony of his love for Christ inspires everyone.

At a recent program , one of the songs he played was, ‘Just as I am.” Bill remarked : “he would like that song sang at his funeral.” In turn I said I wanted the song “It is Well With My Soul” sang at my funeral. I thought how appropriate the two songs were, for if we accept the fact that God receives us just as we are then certainly we can say, it is well with my soul.

Some Christians acknowledge that the Bible teaches the assurance of Salvation, but they can’t seem to find it for themselves. No one is too good or too bad to be saved. In John 6:37 we read: “ All that the Father gives me will come to Me, and the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out.”

To some people that sounds too easy and simple to be true. They feel that there is something more they must do. They think they must perform good works to gain God’s favor, but the Bible is clear - we are saved, ‘not by works of righteousness,’ but according to His Mercy. Nehemiah 9:6 ".....Thou art a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful....."

God is all-wise and knows better than anyone else what is best for our lives. He is almighty and has power to accomplish what is best for us. The most logical thing we can do is surrender our live to God.’Let us not dwell on our former life, but affirm the possibility of new growth in our lives.

When we are plagued by times of doubt, let us consider the following guidelines for maintaining assurance:
…..Confess every known sin, and do what you know is right.
…..Spend time with strong Christians
.....Read your Bible.
…..Communicate with God often through prayer

Jesus always accepts people as they are. No one who comes to Jesus will be turned away. Come to Him with all your sin. He’ll accept you just as your are. This song written by Charlotte Elliott in 1834 says it all:

Just as I am, without one plea

but that Thy blood was shed for me.

And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come! I came!

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

Because Thy promise, I believe,

O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

As we rest in the love of Christ and recognize that God holds our hand, we can be at peace and step out into the full joy and liberty of the children of God.

Thank You

I have noticed here at Chambrel that a simple ‘thank-you’ for the amenities given is lacking . Whether it is a ride to the store , church , etc , or service in the dining room.

A recent blog was about gratitude to God for His gift of Mercy and Grace , but should we not be grateful for all things. A simple ‘thank you’ works wonders in our everyday life. As a child during my growing-up years two words stand out, ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ If I wanted a piece of candy I was taught to say , please may I have a piece of candy. Then after receiving a piece of candy I was taught to say , thank you.

I have traveled in many countries around the world, and I discovered ‘thank you’ works wonders everywhere. Especially if you say it in the language of the country you visit. In Mexico, I learned that GRACIAS is the golden key to the hearts of the people. In Japan the magic word was ARIGATO. French is such a fascinating language and MERCI pleases all. When in Italy, say GRATIA. In beautiful Hawaii it is MAHALO. In picturesque Denmark the password to friendliness was THOKK. And even in conservative Sweden, they quickly responded to the word , TAK. In mysterious Hong King the word which hurdled the barriers was DOR JARE.

Back in our own nation, just the plain word THANKS seems to warm up the populace and the atmosphere, just as gratitude is one of the finest attributes of mankind, ingratitude is one of the most tragic shortcomings..

So here are relevant rules which have been tested and proved:


1.Gratitude does not seem to be a natural trait of human hearts, so consciously and deliberately look for ways to thank people until it becomes a habit.

2. Thanks should be sincere. Say it like you mean you it. Don’t let it sound routine, but ‘special

3. Thank people by name. If there are several people you want to thank, don’t just say ‘thanks everybody,’ but name them .

4, Thank people when they least expect it. That is when a ‘thank you’ is more powerful. It gives the person who performed the good deed or act for you (and yourself-) a heart-warming inner lift.

5. Above all we should constantly say ‘THANKS’ to God, for the worship most acceptable to God comes from a thankful and cheerful heart.

Priceless

Our lives are filled with priceless things…

Friendly hands in time of need,

Unselfish gift of time and deed.

Remembering all things given free,

We should in heart more grateful be

Hugs,Wilhelmine Mitchell

http://wilhelminemitchell.blogspot.com/

The art of listening

Too often here at Chambrel communication is all one-sided. People talk and never listen. They believe they have the amazing ability to successfully solve all problems. They are convinced they can see more and farther than others. The past is ignored and the future is certain since they are in charge.

Unfortunately, we all tend to live in a way that draws attention to ourselves--our cars, our clothes, our careers, our cleverness, our success. But when life is all about us, and we fail to interact with others, there are consequences .

The importance of self and the importance of talking cannot be denied, but too much of either, or both will block the channel of communications. God gave us two ears and only one mouth. Does that indicate that He wants us to listen twice as much as we talk?

To listen lovingly is an expressive act of Christian concern and obedience. We do not know how God talked to his people in the Old Testament time, but likely, just as he speaks to us today, in a still small voice, “Be still and know that I am God.” --Psalm 46:1

We hear the alarm clock in the morning, the telephone, the door bell, the din of traffic. We are so accustomed to having everything we do accompanied by sound that it is difficult to realize that we can accomplish something in silence.

Listening is an art and courtesy. The sense of fairness, equality, polite social interchange, and common decency depend on polite listening. Listening is an education. The wiser the person, the greater will be his listening capacity. Listening is a creative process for the exchange of ideas. We should all learn to be dedicated listeners

. We can talk to God without uttering a word. We can confide our hopes, our fears, our faults, our desires and our intentions to Him. In this silence we know that we will be heard, that we will be encouraged , forgiven and strengthened.

When I really listen I can hear the Master’s voice coming in clear:
Precious child have no fear for you are not alone, I am near.

Just for Today

Lord for tomorrow and its needs I do not pray,

Keep me, my God from stain of sin, just for today.

Now set a seal upon my lips, for this I pray;

Keep me from wrong or idle words, just for today.

Let me be slow to do my will, prompt to obey,

And keep me, guide me, use me, Lord, just for today.

Hugs,Wilhelmine Mitchellhttp://wilhelminemitchell.blogspot.com/

Independence Day

On this fourth of July let us all remember the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of American and what it stands for:

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Maybe you once said "One nation invisible" rather than indivisible and thought it was dedicated for Richard Stans.
The Pledge of Allegiance has been expanded since it first appeared in the magazine, Youth's Companion in 1892. In 1923, the words 'flag of the United States of America' were substituted for 'my flag' and in 1954, the phrase 'under God' was added.

The pledge, adopted by Congress in 1942, was written in response to then-President Benjamin Harrison's call to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America by showing patriotism.

No one know for sure who wrote the pledge. The magazine's circulation chief, Francis Bellamy, gets credit from the U.S. Flag Association. But advocates of Mr. Bellamy's assistant, James B. Upham, who think he wrote it, bitterly dispute the point.

How's that for fireworks?

Camping

As we grow older we tend to reminiscent more about days gone by, especially the good times, the fun times, even the not so funny times which bring tears or laughter as we remember.


As a family, whenever we had vacation time, we enjoyed camping at the various National and State Parks. We had three boys, who delighted in camping out. The girls, myself and our daughter, did the cooking & clean-up while the boys pitched , secured the tent and set-up the sleeping arrangement.



Camping is a way for close fellowship, not only with the immediate family, but with other campers. Sitting around a campfire, sharing stories or playing games - a real comradely is formed.


One such time occurred in Florida. We were spending the night at Santa Rosa Island State Park, an island off the shore at Pensacola. After we arrived, we went through the nightly ritual. We were all settled down when something crawled over my body. Not knowing what it was, not being fully awake, and being very dark, I simply reached down and sloughed it off. Soon, the same thing happened to each person in the tent until someone woke up and lit a lantern. Our visitor was a snake - a no-poisonous snake, but a snake. Now we had been informed there were no snakes on this island, in this part of Florida. We came to the conclusion that we had carried the snake in our camping gear from the campsite at Lake Ponchartrain in Louisiana to Florida. It was scary at the time but as we remember and retell this story, we all have a good laugh.



On another occasion we were intending to arrive at our camp site in the Cumberland Mountains in Tennessee before nightfall. A very scenic drive through the Smoky Mountains took longer than we expected, so by the time we arrived at the foot of the mountain it was getting late. A long, spiral drive up the side of the mountain was slow and tedious driving so that when we arrived it was pitch dark. We couldn't even see to set-up camp. Being summer and fairly warm, we slept the best we could - in the car and on the ground. When we awoke the next morning, we were startled to find our car was parked on the edge, the very edge of a 1,000 ft. drop. We are able to laugh about the occasion now, but it sure was scary at the time.



As a family, we have encountered many such occasions, but all have been meaningful and have left a lasting impression.

Family

There is a special kind of closeness, tat only families know,

That begins with childhood trust and deepens as you grow.

There's a special kind of comfort in knowing your family is there,

To back you up, to cheer you up, to understand and care.

Of all the treasures life may bring, your family means the most,

And whether near or far apart, that love will hold you close.

Cindy Jacobs