A new pastor in a small Oklahoma town spent the first four days making personal visits to each of the members, inviting them to come to his first services.
The following Sunday the church was all but empty. Accordingly, the Pastor placed a notice in the local newspapers, stating that, because the church was dead, it was everyone's duty to give it a decent Christian burial. The funeral would be held the following Sunday afternoon, the notice said.
Morbidly curious, a large crowd turned out for the "funeral." In front of the pulpit, they saw a closed coffin, smothered in flowers. After the Pastor delivered the eulogy, he opened the coffin and invited his congregation to come forward and pay their final respects to their dead church.
Filled with curiousity as to what would represent the corpse of a "dead church," all the people eagerly lined up to look in the coffin. Each "mourner" peeped into the coffin then quickly turned away with a guilty, sheepish look.
In the coffin, tilted at the correct angle, was a large mirror.
Author Unknown
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
JOHN MCCAIN'S REMARKS ABOUT THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE!!!
In light of the recent appeals court ruling in California, with respect to the Pledge of Allegiance, the following recollection from Senator John McCain is very appropriate: "The Pledge of Allegiance" - by Senator John McCain.
As you may know, I spent five and one half years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. In the early years of our imprisonment, the NVA kept us in solitary confinement or two or three to a cell. In 1971 the NVA moved us from these conditions of isolation into large rooms with as many as 30 to 40 men to a room. This was, as you can imagine, a wonderful change and was a direct result of the efforts of millions of Americans on behalf of a few hundred POWs 10,000 miles from home. One of the men who moved into my room was a young man named Mike Christian.Mike came from a small town near Selma, Alabama. He didn't wear a pair of shoes until he was 13 years old. At 17, he enlisted in the US Navy. He later earned a commission by going to Officer Training School Then he became a Naval Flight Officer and was shot down and captured in 1967. Mike had a keen and deep appreciation of the opportunities this country and our military provide for people who want to work and want to succeed. As part of the change in treatment, the Vietnamese allowed some prisoners to receive packages from home. In some of these packages were handkerchiefs, scarves and other items of clothing.Mike got himself a bamboo needle. Over a period of a couple of months, he created an American flag and sewed on the inside of his shirt.Every afternoon, before we had a bowl of soup, we would hang Mike's shirt on the wall of the cell and say the Pledge of Allegiance.I know the Pledge of Allegiance may not seem the most important part of our day now, but I can assure you that in that stark cell it was indeed the most important and meaningful event.One day the Vietnamese searched our cell, as they did periodically, and discovered Mike's shirt with the flag sewn inside, and removed it.That evening they returned, opened the door of the cell, and for the benefit of all of us, beat Mike Christian severely for the next couple of hours. Then, they opened the door of the cell and threw him in. We cleaned him up as well as we could.The cell in which we lived had a concrete slab in the middle on which we slept. Four naked light bulbs hung in each corner of the room.As I said, we tried to clean up Mike as well as we could. After the excitement died down, I looked in the corner of the room, and sitting there beneath that dim light bulb with a piece of red cloth, another shirt and his bamboo needle, was my friend, Mike Christian. He was sitting there with his eyes almost shut from the beating he had received, making another American flag. He was not making the flag because it made Mike Christian feel better. He was making that flag because he knew how important it was to us to be able to Pledge our allegiance to our flag and country. So the next time you say the Pledge of Allegiance, you must never forget the sacrifice and courage that thousands of Americans have made to build our nation and promote freedom around the world.You must remember our duty, our honor, and our country"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."
As you may know, I spent five and one half years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. In the early years of our imprisonment, the NVA kept us in solitary confinement or two or three to a cell. In 1971 the NVA moved us from these conditions of isolation into large rooms with as many as 30 to 40 men to a room. This was, as you can imagine, a wonderful change and was a direct result of the efforts of millions of Americans on behalf of a few hundred POWs 10,000 miles from home. One of the men who moved into my room was a young man named Mike Christian.Mike came from a small town near Selma, Alabama. He didn't wear a pair of shoes until he was 13 years old. At 17, he enlisted in the US Navy. He later earned a commission by going to Officer Training School Then he became a Naval Flight Officer and was shot down and captured in 1967. Mike had a keen and deep appreciation of the opportunities this country and our military provide for people who want to work and want to succeed. As part of the change in treatment, the Vietnamese allowed some prisoners to receive packages from home. In some of these packages were handkerchiefs, scarves and other items of clothing.Mike got himself a bamboo needle. Over a period of a couple of months, he created an American flag and sewed on the inside of his shirt.Every afternoon, before we had a bowl of soup, we would hang Mike's shirt on the wall of the cell and say the Pledge of Allegiance.I know the Pledge of Allegiance may not seem the most important part of our day now, but I can assure you that in that stark cell it was indeed the most important and meaningful event.One day the Vietnamese searched our cell, as they did periodically, and discovered Mike's shirt with the flag sewn inside, and removed it.That evening they returned, opened the door of the cell, and for the benefit of all of us, beat Mike Christian severely for the next couple of hours. Then, they opened the door of the cell and threw him in. We cleaned him up as well as we could.The cell in which we lived had a concrete slab in the middle on which we slept. Four naked light bulbs hung in each corner of the room.As I said, we tried to clean up Mike as well as we could. After the excitement died down, I looked in the corner of the room, and sitting there beneath that dim light bulb with a piece of red cloth, another shirt and his bamboo needle, was my friend, Mike Christian. He was sitting there with his eyes almost shut from the beating he had received, making another American flag. He was not making the flag because it made Mike Christian feel better. He was making that flag because he knew how important it was to us to be able to Pledge our allegiance to our flag and country. So the next time you say the Pledge of Allegiance, you must never forget the sacrifice and courage that thousands of Americans have made to build our nation and promote freedom around the world.You must remember our duty, our honor, and our country"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."
Almighty God Tabernacle
The pastor's church is called Almighty God Tabernacle. On a Saturday night several weeks ago, this pastor was working late, and decided to call his wife before he left for home. It was about 10:00 PM, but his wife didn't answer the phone. The pastor let it ring many times. He thought it was odd that she didn't answer, but decided to wrap up a few things and try again in a few minutes.
When he tried again she answered right away. He asked her why she hadn't answered before, and she said that it hadn't rung at their house. They brushed it off as a fluke and went on their merry ways.
The following Monday, the pastor received a call at the church office, which was the phone that he'd used that Saturday night. The man that he spoke with wanted to know why he'd called on Saturday night. The pastor couldn't figure out what the guy was talking about.
Then the guy said, "It rang and rang, but I didn't answer." The pastor remembered the mishap and apologized for disturbing him, explaining that he'd intended to call his wife. The man said, "That's OK. Let me tell you my story.
You see, I was planning to commit suicide on Saturday night, but before I did, I prayed, 'God if you're there, and you don't want me to do this, give me a sign now.' At that point my phone started to ring. I looked at the caller ID, and it said, 'Almighty God'. (Almighty God Tabernacle) "I was afraid to answer! "
When he tried again she answered right away. He asked her why she hadn't answered before, and she said that it hadn't rung at their house. They brushed it off as a fluke and went on their merry ways.
The following Monday, the pastor received a call at the church office, which was the phone that he'd used that Saturday night. The man that he spoke with wanted to know why he'd called on Saturday night. The pastor couldn't figure out what the guy was talking about.
Then the guy said, "It rang and rang, but I didn't answer." The pastor remembered the mishap and apologized for disturbing him, explaining that he'd intended to call his wife. The man said, "That's OK. Let me tell you my story.
You see, I was planning to commit suicide on Saturday night, but before I did, I prayed, 'God if you're there, and you don't want me to do this, give me a sign now.' At that point my phone started to ring. I looked at the caller ID, and it said, 'Almighty God'. (Almighty God Tabernacle) "I was afraid to answer! "
Saturday, September 09, 2006
4 CANDLES
4 Candles slowly burned. The ambiance was so soft, one could almost hear them talking.
The First candle said: I AM PEACE! The World is so full of anger and fighting, nobody can keep me lit! Then the flame of peace went out completely.
The Second candle said: I AM FAITH! I am no longer indispensable, it makes no sense for me to stay lit another moment. Just then a soft breeze blew out faith’s flame.
Sadly the Third candle began to speak: I AM LOVE! People don’t understand my Importance, so they simply put me aside. They even forget to love those nearest to them. I haven’t the strength to stay lit and waiting no longer love’s flame went out.
Suddenly, a child entered the room and saw the 3 unlit candles. Why aren’t you burning? You are to stay lit until the end! The child began to speak.
The Fourth candle said: I AM HOPE! As long as HOPE burns it can lit the other 3 candles.
The First candle said: I AM PEACE! The World is so full of anger and fighting, nobody can keep me lit! Then the flame of peace went out completely.
The Second candle said: I AM FAITH! I am no longer indispensable, it makes no sense for me to stay lit another moment. Just then a soft breeze blew out faith’s flame.
Sadly the Third candle began to speak: I AM LOVE! People don’t understand my Importance, so they simply put me aside. They even forget to love those nearest to them. I haven’t the strength to stay lit and waiting no longer love’s flame went out.
Suddenly, a child entered the room and saw the 3 unlit candles. Why aren’t you burning? You are to stay lit until the end! The child began to speak.
The Fourth candle said: I AM HOPE! As long as HOPE burns it can lit the other 3 candles.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
WHAT MONEY CAN BUY
Money will buy:
A bed BUT NOT sleep.
Books BUT NOT brains.
Food BUT NOT appetite.
Finery BUT NOT beauty.
A house BUT NOT a home.
Medicine BUT NOT health.
Luxuries BUT NOT culture.
Amusement BUT NOT happiness.
A crucifix BUT NOT a Saviour.
A church BUT NOT heaven.
What money can't buy:
Jesus Christ can give freely without charge. Is HE your Lord and Saviour? If not, you can get a new lease on life right now. Confess to God that you have sinned and that you want to turn from your sins to receive Jesus Christ as Lord of your life. Through that steps of believing faith you can start life afresh with your sins forgiven and a new life in Christ.
A bed BUT NOT sleep.
Books BUT NOT brains.
Food BUT NOT appetite.
Finery BUT NOT beauty.
A house BUT NOT a home.
Medicine BUT NOT health.
Luxuries BUT NOT culture.
Amusement BUT NOT happiness.
A crucifix BUT NOT a Saviour.
A church BUT NOT heaven.
What money can't buy:
Jesus Christ can give freely without charge. Is HE your Lord and Saviour? If not, you can get a new lease on life right now. Confess to God that you have sinned and that you want to turn from your sins to receive Jesus Christ as Lord of your life. Through that steps of believing faith you can start life afresh with your sins forgiven and a new life in Christ.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
TAPS
We have all heard the haunting song, "TAPS." It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually creates tears in our eyes. But do you know the story behind the song? I think you will be interested to find out about it's humble beginnings.
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when a Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, Captain Ellicombe decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.
When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when war broke out.
Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial despite his enemy status. His request was partially granted. Captain Ellicombe had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect fot he father, they did say they could give him one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform and this wish was granted. The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" used in military funerals, and at the end of each day on US military bases was born.
The words to the song are as follows:
Day is done...Gone the sun...From the lakes.... From the hills..... From the skies....All is well...Safely rest.... God is nigh.
Fading light...Dims the sight....And a star....Gems the sky....Gleaming bright....Far afar...... Drawing nigh..... Falls the night. Thanks and praise....For our days....'Neath the sun.....'Neath the stars..... 'Neath the sky.... As we go...This we know......God is nigh.
I too, have felt the chils while listening to "Taps," but I have never seen all the words.
I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either.
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when a Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, Captain Ellicombe decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.
When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when war broke out.
Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial despite his enemy status. His request was partially granted. Captain Ellicombe had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect fot he father, they did say they could give him one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform and this wish was granted. The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" used in military funerals, and at the end of each day on US military bases was born.
The words to the song are as follows:
Day is done...Gone the sun...From the lakes.... From the hills..... From the skies....All is well...Safely rest.... God is nigh.
Fading light...Dims the sight....And a star....Gems the sky....Gleaming bright....Far afar...... Drawing nigh..... Falls the night. Thanks and praise....For our days....'Neath the sun.....'Neath the stars..... 'Neath the sky.... As we go...This we know......God is nigh.
I too, have felt the chils while listening to "Taps," but I have never seen all the words.
I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either.
God's Boxes
God's Boxes
I have in my hands two boxes, which God gave me to hold. He said, "Put all! Your sorrows in the black box, and all your joys in the gold."
I heeded His words, and in the two boxes, Both my joys and sorrows I stored, But though the gold became heavier each day, The black was as light as before.
With curiosity, I opened the black, I wanted to find out why, And I saw, in the base of the box, a hole, Which my sorrows had fallen out by.
I showed the hole to God, and mused, "I wonder where my sorrows could be!"
He smiled a gentle smile and said, "My child, they're all here with me."
I asked God, why He gave me the boxes, Why the gold and the black with the hole?
"My child, the gold is for you to count your blessings, The black is for you to let go."
Friday, September 01, 2006
25 Signs your hearing a lie
25 Signs You're Hearing a Lie
Whether it's your spouse, your boss, or your child, it's possible to determine if that person is lying to you just by carefully watching for clues.
According to Sheri and Bob Stritof, authors of "Your Guide to Marriage" on About.com, there are specific verbal and nonverbal clues we all give when we tell a fib. While few people would exhibit all of these, it's the rare person who can tell a lie and not exhibit some of them!
25 signs to tell if someone is lying to you:
01. Touching the chin or rubbing the brow
02. Crossed arms or legs
03. Playing with hair
04. A line of perspiration on the brow if it isn't a warm day
05. Saying "no" several times
06. Continually denying accusations
07. Being extremely defensive
08. Providing more information and specifics than necessary
09. Inconsistencies in what is being shared
10. Body language and facial expressions don't match what is being said
such as saying "no," but nodding the head up and down
11. Smugness
12. Placing a barrier, such as a desk or chair, in front of self
13. Uncommon calmness
14. Unwillingness to touch spouse during conversation
15. Being hesitant
16. Slouching posture
17. Rigidity or fidgeting
18. Differing behaviors; not acting in a usual fashion
19. Unnatural or limited arm and hand movements
20. Partial shrug
21. Lack of finger pointing
22. Unusual voice fluctuations, word choice, sentence structure
23. Stalling the conversation by repetitive use of pauses and comments like
"um" or "you know"
24. Lack of use of contractions; prefers emphasizing "not" when talking
25. Avoidance of eye contact, eyes glancing to the right, staring past you,
or turning away from you while talking
The Stritofs note that it is quite possible to mistake nervousness or distraction for lying or for misreading or mislabeling your spouse's behaviors.
What do you do if you think you're being told a lie by someone who is close to you? Ask questions. Ask for clarification. Trust your gut.
Whether it's your spouse, your boss, or your child, it's possible to determine if that person is lying to you just by carefully watching for clues.
According to Sheri and Bob Stritof, authors of "Your Guide to Marriage" on About.com, there are specific verbal and nonverbal clues we all give when we tell a fib. While few people would exhibit all of these, it's the rare person who can tell a lie and not exhibit some of them!
25 signs to tell if someone is lying to you:
01. Touching the chin or rubbing the brow
02. Crossed arms or legs
03. Playing with hair
04. A line of perspiration on the brow if it isn't a warm day
05. Saying "no" several times
06. Continually denying accusations
07. Being extremely defensive
08. Providing more information and specifics than necessary
09. Inconsistencies in what is being shared
10. Body language and facial expressions don't match what is being said
such as saying "no," but nodding the head up and down
11. Smugness
12. Placing a barrier, such as a desk or chair, in front of self
13. Uncommon calmness
14. Unwillingness to touch spouse during conversation
15. Being hesitant
16. Slouching posture
17. Rigidity or fidgeting
18. Differing behaviors; not acting in a usual fashion
19. Unnatural or limited arm and hand movements
20. Partial shrug
21. Lack of finger pointing
22. Unusual voice fluctuations, word choice, sentence structure
23. Stalling the conversation by repetitive use of pauses and comments like
"um" or "you know"
24. Lack of use of contractions; prefers emphasizing "not" when talking
25. Avoidance of eye contact, eyes glancing to the right, staring past you,
or turning away from you while talking
The Stritofs note that it is quite possible to mistake nervousness or distraction for lying or for misreading or mislabeling your spouse's behaviors.
What do you do if you think you're being told a lie by someone who is close to you? Ask questions. Ask for clarification. Trust your gut.
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