It's the world we live in that made me feel that way. Otherwise I wouldn't have
thought for a moment about sitting next to that beautiful young girl.
My recent trip to Kentucky ran smoothly except for a near two hour delay in
Pittsburgh. I must admit I have never had a major problem while flying across
this great country. In fact, I believe this was the first time I have ever
experienced a delay that long.
But I always tell my travel agent that if ever I need to be delayed let it be in
Pittsburgh. They have the greatest shops and restaurants to keep me busy for
hours.
They finally announced boarding. Now I don't believe for a moment that I'm the
only person who goes through this. From the moment I enter the plane I start
scanning ahead to see my seat. "Who's sitting next to me on this flight?" I
wonder. "Is there anyone in my seat already?" That's happened a few times.
"Are there any screaming babies nearby?"
Flight time is precious time for me. I sleep, write or read. So screaming
babies and frequent bathroom people become a problem.
Today I get to sit next to a beautiful young girl who appears to be about 12
years old. As I approach my seat she seems nervous, perhaps a little
apprehensive and I must say very disappointed. You see walking in front of me
was this handsome young male teenager. I could see that sparkle in her eye dim
as he walked by and I sat down. I'll admit I was nervous and concerned. She
was traveling alone and I was one of those strangers her parents told her not to
talk to.
"Hi! My name is Bob," I said.
"Hello!" she replied without giving her name.
Then we spent the next one hour and fifteen minutes not saying a word.
She was a typical kid. She never sat still for longer than five minutes. Often
times she reached into her carry on and pulled out what appeared to be six
brushes, four packs of gum and all the empty wrappers, a bag filled with jaw
breakers, a tube of rainbow colored sugar crystals and three foot long licorice.
Oh, yes she also ate two bags of airplane peanuts. I gave her mine.
It wasn't until the last 15 minutes of the flight that I heard it. That sweet
sounding Voice that said "Give her one of your books!"
"She's only 12," I argued. "She won't find my book interesting. Do they even
know how to read at 12?" I thought sarcastically.
But again and again I heard it repeat, "Give her one of your books!" And so I
opened one up, signed it and said, "I am a professional speaker and author.
I'd like to give you one of my books if you would permit me."
She giggle a bit and said yes followed by "Oh, thanks!"
I then began to explain the story.
"It's a fictional story based on actual events. I changed the names but
basically much of this is true. My oldest son, Keith had cancer and that's part
of this book."
"Oh, I'm sorry", she said. "No need to be. He's doing just fine, thank you.
Where are you from?" I asked.
Then for the next ten minutes this young lady never stopped talking. In fact,
as we were leaving the plane she talked and walked backwards down the aisle.
Much of what she said was all a blur for me after she said these words: "Wow, I
just saw the Hershey Medical Center mentioned in there. Is that where your son
went for his cancer treatments?" she asked.
I nodded "Yes."
"That's where I had my heart transplant," she said with a big bright smile.
Heart transplant. This child had a heart transplant. Then I took notice. Right
at the top of her pink t-shirt, just below her collar bone, the beginnings of a
scar peeked over her collar. This vibrant young, beautiful girl had the heart
of a donor. Obviously a young donor who lived in a family who cared enough to
save another child's life.
She continued to share the details of her stay at Hershey. I continued to
listen in amazement. For the story she told was a familiar one. She was the
girl down the hall we all prayed for. I never knew how things turned out for
her until today.
They say some lives cross because they were meant to. This was more than a
chance meeting. I discovered that this child leaving Pittsburgh to go home to
Kentucky was a patient in the same hospital, on the same miraculous floor, at
the same time my son was there. That little Voice inside of me kept telling me
to give her a copy of my book. I argued. The Voice won...as always.
The last words she said to me was..."My Mom always told me that God was going to
call me home but then He had a "Change of Heart!" Do you get it?" Then she
giggled and laughed as she walked through the last door into the arms of her
loving family.
I got it. I heard the Voice say, "Now you know why!"
"I believe in you!"
Bob Perks © 2001
http://www.bobperks.com
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Looking For Me!
Oh Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, Oh Lord, You know it altogether.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me.
Psalms 139: 1 - 4, 6 NKJV
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV
Looking for me!
Anyone found me?
I'm looking for me!
I'm a little girl masquerading as a woman.
I got lost along the way, wanting to be all for everyone,
I didn't leave anything for me.
Anyone found me?
I'm looking for me, the real me!
I'm a mother, a sister, a lover, a friend, my different roles I play well.
An Oscar winner I could be.
But has anyone found me?
I'm looking for me!
I'm professional, I'm witty, charming as well,
But has anyone seen me?
I'm looking for me!
Like a pressure cooker I'll explode if I don't find me soon.
Has anyone found me? I'm looking for me...
GOD SPEAKS…
Ssh my child,
Before you were born, I named you and ordained you.
Rest with Me a while, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
You're who I say you are.
When you search for Me with your whole heart you'll find the Me you're looking for.
© Taken from Inspirations for Women…A Journey to Wholeness
By Jacqueline Peart, Inspired by the Holy Spirit
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, Oh Lord, You know it altogether.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me.
Psalms 139: 1 - 4, 6 NKJV
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV
Looking for me!
Anyone found me?
I'm looking for me!
I'm a little girl masquerading as a woman.
I got lost along the way, wanting to be all for everyone,
I didn't leave anything for me.
Anyone found me?
I'm looking for me, the real me!
I'm a mother, a sister, a lover, a friend, my different roles I play well.
An Oscar winner I could be.
But has anyone found me?
I'm looking for me!
I'm professional, I'm witty, charming as well,
But has anyone seen me?
I'm looking for me!
Like a pressure cooker I'll explode if I don't find me soon.
Has anyone found me? I'm looking for me...
GOD SPEAKS…
Ssh my child,
Before you were born, I named you and ordained you.
Rest with Me a while, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
You're who I say you are.
When you search for Me with your whole heart you'll find the Me you're looking for.
© Taken from Inspirations for Women…A Journey to Wholeness
By Jacqueline Peart, Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Saturday, September 24, 2005
The Will Of God
The Will of God
by Julie
The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you.
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.
Julie
julieptl@jazzwireless.net
by Julie
The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you.
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.
Julie
julieptl@jazzwireless.net
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Listen
by Jacqueline Peart
Listen
If you are to be successful then developing listening skills is key! We must learn to listen on three different levels:
Level 1 is the ability to listen to God and to recognise His voice and promptings. He will lead and direct you in the way that you should go and once you know His voice, a strangers voice you will not follow.
Level 2 is learning to listen to others. So often we are concerned about what we're going through or what we want to say that we spend little time listening whole-heartedly to others. Listening to what they have to say can build your knowledge base and you may be surprised how much you will learn!
Level 3 is where we must learn to listen to ourselves. For example, listening to our bodies, "Are we tired?" Then rest, "Are we uncertain?" Then seek advice from wise people. So often we ignore our body signals albeit, physical or emotional - start listening to you!
This week take a listening temperature check and see how well you are at listening to others, that means no interruptions, no butting in, no sharing your stuff…just listen!
Be encouraged by the following poem that highlights some of the challenges of listening. It is taken from Deep Calleth Unto Deep, Relationships.
Listen
Will somebody listen to me, I'm crying out for help
Will somebody listen to me, I feel like I'm dying inside?
Hi, How are you?
Fine, and you?
Not so bad, though I?ve been feeling really down lately.
Well that's not as bad as when I was down. Do you know what happened to me when … and so their story goes.
When will we listen, when will we hear?
I'm struggling, I've found it difficult to pray.
Haven't you prayed about it? No problem, let's bind it, rebuke it, cover it in Jesus name.
Will somebody just listen to me, I'm crying out for help.
I don't need pat answers or simplistic remedies,
All I want is for somebody to listen to me.
GOD SPEAKS
I've heard you and I'm listening.
Who are you that goes against the odds and takes a moment to hear my cry?
I'm your friend and your brother even though I am your King
I heard you and answered you before you uttered a word.
Now the question is:
Will you listen to Me?
For I AM knocking at your door!
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and dine with him, and he with Me.
Revelations 3:20 NKJV
Jacqueline has launched her latest book in the Deep Calleth Unto Deep series called "Inspirations for Women …A Journey to Wholeness". Be encouraged by one of the poems from the book, available online at www.deeppublishing.com
Listen
If you are to be successful then developing listening skills is key! We must learn to listen on three different levels:
Level 1 is the ability to listen to God and to recognise His voice and promptings. He will lead and direct you in the way that you should go and once you know His voice, a strangers voice you will not follow.
Level 2 is learning to listen to others. So often we are concerned about what we're going through or what we want to say that we spend little time listening whole-heartedly to others. Listening to what they have to say can build your knowledge base and you may be surprised how much you will learn!
Level 3 is where we must learn to listen to ourselves. For example, listening to our bodies, "Are we tired?" Then rest, "Are we uncertain?" Then seek advice from wise people. So often we ignore our body signals albeit, physical or emotional - start listening to you!
This week take a listening temperature check and see how well you are at listening to others, that means no interruptions, no butting in, no sharing your stuff…just listen!
Be encouraged by the following poem that highlights some of the challenges of listening. It is taken from Deep Calleth Unto Deep, Relationships.
Listen
Will somebody listen to me, I'm crying out for help
Will somebody listen to me, I feel like I'm dying inside?
Hi, How are you?
Fine, and you?
Not so bad, though I?ve been feeling really down lately.
Well that's not as bad as when I was down. Do you know what happened to me when … and so their story goes.
When will we listen, when will we hear?
I'm struggling, I've found it difficult to pray.
Haven't you prayed about it? No problem, let's bind it, rebuke it, cover it in Jesus name.
Will somebody just listen to me, I'm crying out for help.
I don't need pat answers or simplistic remedies,
All I want is for somebody to listen to me.
GOD SPEAKS
I've heard you and I'm listening.
Who are you that goes against the odds and takes a moment to hear my cry?
I'm your friend and your brother even though I am your King
I heard you and answered you before you uttered a word.
Now the question is:
Will you listen to Me?
For I AM knocking at your door!
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and dine with him, and he with Me.
Revelations 3:20 NKJV
Jacqueline has launched her latest book in the Deep Calleth Unto Deep series called "Inspirations for Women …A Journey to Wholeness". Be encouraged by one of the poems from the book, available online at www.deeppublishing.com
Saturday, September 17, 2005
"On Commitment"
"I don't care." That statement is such a sad one. Lack of enthusiasm, being devoid of passion, being non-committal are all symptoms of giving up our responsibility for choosing and making decisions. It may not be an intentional abdication of choice, but as it happens, it wears on our hearts and weighs us down until we end up admitting, "I can't care." And it becomes the truth.
"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." (Psalm 37:5-6). God wants us to make choices, each and every day! He wants us to care, to realize that our choices make a difference to Him. Our choice to follow the Lord is the option we need to make each day.
Things can happen inside us when we strive for justice. When we see others hurting around us, we often try to "fix" them. Our intentions are good, but the Lord is not glorified. It is not our role to do the "fixing." Our part is simple: commit our way to the Lord. As we learn to make this choice, God will honor our decision and watch out! The justice of our cause will be met! The light of our righteousness will pour upon our lives and those around us! The very thing we couldn't accomplish on our own power happens by God's design! So let us make sure that we don't slip into an attitude of "I don't care." God cares and wants us to care now and forever!
Until next time, make it a blessed day,
Pastor Ellen
"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." (Psalm 37:5-6). God wants us to make choices, each and every day! He wants us to care, to realize that our choices make a difference to Him. Our choice to follow the Lord is the option we need to make each day.
Things can happen inside us when we strive for justice. When we see others hurting around us, we often try to "fix" them. Our intentions are good, but the Lord is not glorified. It is not our role to do the "fixing." Our part is simple: commit our way to the Lord. As we learn to make this choice, God will honor our decision and watch out! The justice of our cause will be met! The light of our righteousness will pour upon our lives and those around us! The very thing we couldn't accomplish on our own power happens by God's design! So let us make sure that we don't slip into an attitude of "I don't care." God cares and wants us to care now and forever!
Until next time, make it a blessed day,
Pastor Ellen
Thursday, September 15, 2005
"Fear Not"
'Fear Not' is what the angel said to Mary and the shepherds- easy to say, but it's hard to stop that fear welling up inside. Mary and the shepherds had every good reason to be terrified!!
Fear is something we all have to some extent. some fear is our body's natural response to danger and is a healthy protection. Other kinds of fear we experience is more due to our past experience or anxiety at what we anticipate might happen.
An acronym for fear is Fantasized Events Appearing Real. Often this kinds of fear inhibits us from being ourselvesand beeing real with others. We imagine and are afraid of judgment or disapproval from others, making a mistake, looking foolish or incompetent, appearing different etc and we don't say or do what is really in our heart.
We are created by God as being a unique ,special person,and yet we spend so much energy trying to blend in and seem like everyone else.
We can be fear and anxious about many different things, but God does not want us to live like that. recently I have become aware of how much fear I have inside , and how I am not putting my trust in God, but responding to the fearful thoughts. If you experience this yourself take encouragement from these verses of Scripture I read this morning.
Psalm 34 v 4
"I sought the Lord and He answered me- he delivered me from all my fears"
Psalm 22 v 4+5
"In You our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. They cried to You and were saved; in You they trusted and were not disappointed."
Psalm 34 v 8-10
"Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.
Fear the Lord you his saints for those whofear Himlack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."
Fear is something we all have to some extent. some fear is our body's natural response to danger and is a healthy protection. Other kinds of fear we experience is more due to our past experience or anxiety at what we anticipate might happen.
An acronym for fear is Fantasized Events Appearing Real. Often this kinds of fear inhibits us from being ourselvesand beeing real with others. We imagine and are afraid of judgment or disapproval from others, making a mistake, looking foolish or incompetent, appearing different etc and we don't say or do what is really in our heart.
We are created by God as being a unique ,special person,and yet we spend so much energy trying to blend in and seem like everyone else.
We can be fear and anxious about many different things, but God does not want us to live like that. recently I have become aware of how much fear I have inside , and how I am not putting my trust in God, but responding to the fearful thoughts. If you experience this yourself take encouragement from these verses of Scripture I read this morning.
Psalm 34 v 4
"I sought the Lord and He answered me- he delivered me from all my fears"
Psalm 22 v 4+5
"In You our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. They cried to You and were saved; in You they trusted and were not disappointed."
Psalm 34 v 8-10
"Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.
Fear the Lord you his saints for those whofear Himlack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
"Can You Hear Me?"
Picture a vast canyon where we can yell and scream and shout at the top of our lungs. The echo of our voices comes back again and again. There is no different response to our echo, no answer to our voices. It's just the echo, again and again. Why do we expect an answer? When no response comes back, why are we disappointed?Sometimes our prayers seem to be just echoes. We cast them out to the Lord, and He seems silent and distant.
In our pleas for an answer, all we get are the echoes of our voices: "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" (Psalm 13:1) David wrote this psalm about his plight, and it is comforting to know that even he struggled with the echoes of his voice and his waiting for a response."But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation." (Psalm 13:5). Yet David, in the midst of his depression, sees a glimpse of hope from God, even though He hasn't answered his plea. David's trust in God lifts him out of the depths of that canyon to remember how God saves, not destroys. And that very thought can sustain him and sustain us in the depths of our waiting for God's response. Our trust in God will sustain us, no matter how low we feel or how low we stoop. God never fails to love us and come to our rescue. It may not be our own timing or our expected plan of rescue, but God is good to us now and forever!
In our pleas for an answer, all we get are the echoes of our voices: "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" (Psalm 13:1) David wrote this psalm about his plight, and it is comforting to know that even he struggled with the echoes of his voice and his waiting for a response."But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation." (Psalm 13:5). Yet David, in the midst of his depression, sees a glimpse of hope from God, even though He hasn't answered his plea. David's trust in God lifts him out of the depths of that canyon to remember how God saves, not destroys. And that very thought can sustain him and sustain us in the depths of our waiting for God's response. Our trust in God will sustain us, no matter how low we feel or how low we stoop. God never fails to love us and come to our rescue. It may not be our own timing or our expected plan of rescue, but God is good to us now and forever!
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Joni Eareckson Tada
Joni Eareckson Tada of the Agoura Hills, California-based Joni and Friends says: "Like you, I have been shaken by the horrific images of Hurricane Katrina...a tragedy like this really hits hardest the elderly and the disabled. Their lives have been devastated and, like you, I have been gripped by media images of these dear people who have lost their walkers and wheelchairs; even their homes! Each radio and television report reminds me that it is always the weakest and most vulnerable that are impacted the most in a natural disaster.
In an e-mail to media outlets, Joni continues: "Perhaps you heard the 'call' for wheelchairs on Fox News, and I specifically wanted you to know that, right now, Joni and Friends is helping to get wheelchairs and walkers to the elderly and disabled presently housed in Houston's Astrodome and other locations, including the River Center in Baton Rouge. Please visit www.joniandfriends.org if you wish to partner up to help us help others.
"I can say that, for the present time, our Wheels for the World restoration centers at the prisons in Louisiana and Nashville have a sufficient number of wheelchairs for emergency use for disabled people and the elderly housed in temporary shelters, such as the Astrodome (although when the storm surge hit Gulfport, Mississippi, we lost a container of 200 wheelchairs on the docks about to be shipped to Cuba for an upcoming Wheels for the World the ministry trip). I cannot say we will have enough wheelchairs in the future -- like most organizations, right now we are simply trying to assess the need, the numbers, and mobilize resources into place (simple things like getting extra trucks to our Wheels restoration centers, loaded up with wheelchairs and walkers, filled with gas, and sent on their way)!
"We are also in touch with the Salvation Army, the Southern Baptists, and the Christian Emergency Response Network to see how we might provide more wheelchairs and mobility equipment. There are several Centers for Independent Living in Mississippi, Louisiana and Houston which have put out an alert for urgent help -- we are in direct contact with them, especially as it regards need for wheelchairs and other mobility equipment. It’s amazing how people are coming together to help -- through Wheels for the World, we provided the Nashville Sheriff’s Department with 25 wheelchairs which they are transporting directly to one of the temporary shelters! Thank God we have the capacity to 'make a difference' not only through our JAF Field Ministry teams, but our volunteers and church partners in the South.
Joni concludes: "Most importantly, would you please join with us in praying for disabled people who are in distress and urgent need? May the Lord Jesus show them compassion and consolation through our combined efforts. And may we all continue to lift up our awesome God as supreme and sovereign in the aftermath of this tragic storm. Through it all, may many more families affected by disability come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and comfort! On behalf of our president, Doug Mazza, and all our JAF teams who are working hard to help, God bless you for caring."
View Joni's Books
Comments from Dr Billy Graham on Hurricane Katrina
The disaster of Hurricane Katrina may be the worst tragedy America has known since the Civil War. The aftermath has almost been frightening," says Dr. Billy Graham, speaking from his home outside Charlotte, North Carolina.
"Mayhem, looting, shooting, and raping on one hand -- compassion on the other. Millions of Americans, and millions of people in many countries abroad, want to help. The tragedy is so overwhelming that it is beyond comprehension. Yet it presents a challenge. With the aid of modern technology it is possible to turn the tragedy into blessing," Dr. Graham said in a statement released to media outlets.
Dr. Graham continued: "I pray especially for the hundreds of thousands who have become refugees because of what has happened. The flood of refugees may be one of the greatest challenges our society has ever faced. It is clear that it will take years for thousands of lives to return to normal. Once again, Americans are showing that they are the most compassionate people in the world. Scores of organizations and thousands of churches and individuals are involved in opening their arms of love and compassion to these refugees. It may be the greatest opportunity to demonstrate God's love in this generation.
"Whenever any disaster like this strikes, we often ask ourselves why. Why did God let this happen? I have been asked that question hundreds of times, and I have to confess that I do not know the full answer. I can recall walking through the aftermath of hurricanes in Florida and South Carolina, and a typhoon in India that killed tens of thousands, and earthquakes in California and Guatemala, and every time I have asked 'Why?' Job in the Bible asked the same question thousands of years ago, and his only answer was that God's ways are often beyond our understanding, and yet He is sovereign and He can still be trusted. The Bible says evil is a mystery. Someday we will understand, but not now."
Dr. Graham adds: "I do know this, however: God knows what we are going through, and He still loves us and cares about us. In the midst of suffering and tragedy we can turn to Him for the comfort and help we need. Times like this will make us react in one of two ways: Either we will become bitter and angry -- or we will realize our need of God and turn to Him in faith and trust, even if we don't understand. The Bible says, 'He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds' (Psalm 147:3). The Bible also promises, 'When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. ...Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you' (Isaiah 43:2,4). May this tragedy make each of us realize our need of God, and may we turn to Christ in repentance and faith and find our hope in Him."
He concludes: "Across America this weekend, not a minute will go by without millions praying for those impacted by the hurricane – the loss of loved ones, homes, jobs. Our hearts go out to you, and the message we would like to get through to you is that we care, and that we are helping in every way we can."
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Hurricane Katrina
Special Bulletin #8 - 2005:The Lessons of Hurricane Katrina, Part I by Rick Joyner September 6, 2005
As more than a million people are trying to cope with being homeless, separated from loved ones, and in many, many cases, the loss of loved ones, the nation must begin to cope with issues that can either tear us apart or enable us to emerge more unified, stronger, and better than ever. To do this we must understand what happened and what did not happen. Every Christian needs to also understand why this happened.
To read more of this article visit www.morningstar.com
As more than a million people are trying to cope with being homeless, separated from loved ones, and in many, many cases, the loss of loved ones, the nation must begin to cope with issues that can either tear us apart or enable us to emerge more unified, stronger, and better than ever. To do this we must understand what happened and what did not happen. Every Christian needs to also understand why this happened.
To read more of this article visit www.morningstar.com
PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE AUTHOR RICK WARREN OUTLINES SADDLEBACK CHURCH'S RESPONSE TO HURRICANE KATRINA
In a note to the Saddleback Church Family, Pastor Rick Warren says: "Hundreds of you have called the Ministry Center to ask, 'What are we doing to help the relief efforts from Hurricane Katrina?' Warren says: "This Monday (Labor Day) Kay and I will be flying to the disaster area with our relief assessment team and meeting with our network of churches to plan the best way to serve them. This will be a long, long recovery. "Once we know what types of volunteer help are most needed, we'll tell you. Right now there is almost zero communications within the area (no electricity) so everything is in chaos. 80 percent of New Orleans is flooded. An entire city must be rebuilt."We will have a special offering this weekend for the disaster relief. There's a line on the offering envelope for special offerings and a space where you can write the word 'RELIEF.'
Warren took the opportunity to brag on his church members"Your generosity through this church is legendary. For instance, last December, on a single weekend our church gave $1,393,933 for tsunami relief in South East Asia. Amazing!"Working directly church-to-church with our purpose driven PEACE network we were able to help 241 partner churches serve countless villages with needed relief. Plus, we started 5 new churches in devastated areas!P.E.A.C.E. is an acrostic for Plant churches, Equip leaders, Assist the poor, Care for the sick and Educate the next generation. It's part of a vision Warren has for a New Reformation in churches and a New Spiritual Awakening through churches around the world.
"Here's what your gifts (your gift through local churches ) to the December's tsunami relief accomplished:
provided acute medical care to 20,040 suffering people in South East Asia
built 2,621 new homes for the poor
started 6 new businesses that created 275 new jobs
provided 70 new boats and nets needed for fishing
dug 40 new water wells
impacted a total of 1,118,257 different individuals in some way
planted 5 new churches
led 43,554 people to open their hearts to the love of Jesus and become followers!
"This is the PEACE plan in action! Partnering with local churches in villages and planting churches where there were none, we were able to do so much more than imagined. Now we have the opportunity with the hurricane to do PEACE relief here in our own nation."Warren says that in just two weeks Saddleback Church is beginning the exciting small group campaign '40 Days of PEACE.' "One reason is to prepare us as a church to be ready to respond to the needs in our world. But assisting the poor and caring for the sick from this disaster cannot wait. So we're starting some projects now," Warren said.He promises to speak this weekend on "Hope for Hurting Parents."
Warren says: "If you're asking yourself, 'What can I do now, today?' Here's what you can do. PRAY. You can pray by yourself, with your family or co-workers or members of your small group. Ask God for three things:
1.) That he would make himself known to the hundreds of thousands of people impacted.
2.) That he would mobilize his church to meet the needs of the people affected.
3.) That he would prepare your heart to respond in a way that would bring him glory.
Warren is due to be interviewed on the 'Your World with Neil Cavuto Show' (Fox News Channel) about how to comfort the victims of the hurricane. It will air in Southern California at 3pm, 12 pm, and 4 am Eastern Time.
Warren took the opportunity to brag on his church members"Your generosity through this church is legendary. For instance, last December, on a single weekend our church gave $1,393,933 for tsunami relief in South East Asia. Amazing!"Working directly church-to-church with our purpose driven PEACE network we were able to help 241 partner churches serve countless villages with needed relief. Plus, we started 5 new churches in devastated areas!P.E.A.C.E. is an acrostic for Plant churches, Equip leaders, Assist the poor, Care for the sick and Educate the next generation. It's part of a vision Warren has for a New Reformation in churches and a New Spiritual Awakening through churches around the world.
"Here's what your gifts (your gift through local churches ) to the December's tsunami relief accomplished:
provided acute medical care to 20,040 suffering people in South East Asia
built 2,621 new homes for the poor
started 6 new businesses that created 275 new jobs
provided 70 new boats and nets needed for fishing
dug 40 new water wells
impacted a total of 1,118,257 different individuals in some way
planted 5 new churches
led 43,554 people to open their hearts to the love of Jesus and become followers!
"This is the PEACE plan in action! Partnering with local churches in villages and planting churches where there were none, we were able to do so much more than imagined. Now we have the opportunity with the hurricane to do PEACE relief here in our own nation."Warren says that in just two weeks Saddleback Church is beginning the exciting small group campaign '40 Days of PEACE.' "One reason is to prepare us as a church to be ready to respond to the needs in our world. But assisting the poor and caring for the sick from this disaster cannot wait. So we're starting some projects now," Warren said.He promises to speak this weekend on "Hope for Hurting Parents."
Warren says: "If you're asking yourself, 'What can I do now, today?' Here's what you can do. PRAY. You can pray by yourself, with your family or co-workers or members of your small group. Ask God for three things:
1.) That he would make himself known to the hundreds of thousands of people impacted.
2.) That he would mobilize his church to meet the needs of the people affected.
3.) That he would prepare your heart to respond in a way that would bring him glory.
Warren is due to be interviewed on the 'Your World with Neil Cavuto Show' (Fox News Channel) about how to comfort the victims of the hurricane. It will air in Southern California at 3pm, 12 pm, and 4 am Eastern Time.
God Is Always There
I have spent much time following the events of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on the TV. To experience such loss and devastation to lives and possessions is hard to imagine. Yet over and over again I hear that people have got through because of their faith. It is their faith that has sustained them through physical, mental and emotional trauma. Although there are many things we don't understand, it is in such times of dire need that God draws close and gives us comfort and strength that is unexplicable , except for Him.
Yesterday I was listening to a song by Relient K which reminded me not only of the many Katrina victims, but also my own impossibilities that I am trusting God for. As you read these lyrics, join me in making them a prayer for all the Katrina victims and for all those who feel like their world is crumbling.
For The Moments I Feel Faint Lyrics Artist(Band):Relient K
Am I at the point of no improvement?
What of the death I still dwell in?
I try to excel, but I feel no movement.
Can I be free of this unreleasable sin?
[Chorus:]
Never underestimate my Jesus.
You're telling me that there's no hope.
I'm telling you your wrong.
Never underestimate my Jesus
When the world around you crumbles
He will be strong, He will be strong
I throw up my hands"Oh, the impossibilities"
Frustrated and tired
Where do I go from here?
Now I'm searching for the confidence I've lost so willingly
Overcoming these obstacles is overcoming my fear
[Chorus]
I think I can't, I think I can't
But I think you can, I think you can
I think I can't, I think I can't
But I think you can, I think you can
Gather my insufficiencies and place them in your hands, place them in your hands, place them in your hands
[Chorus](x2)
He will be strong (x3)
Father God
We pray right now for all those who are thinking -they can't. For all those whose world has crumbled and are feeling like they are losing their hope. We know we can't, but You, God, can!
Prove Yourself to us as we put our trust in You.
Help us not to underestimate the power of Jesus.
Amen
Yesterday I was listening to a song by Relient K which reminded me not only of the many Katrina victims, but also my own impossibilities that I am trusting God for. As you read these lyrics, join me in making them a prayer for all the Katrina victims and for all those who feel like their world is crumbling.
For The Moments I Feel Faint Lyrics Artist(Band):Relient K
Am I at the point of no improvement?
What of the death I still dwell in?
I try to excel, but I feel no movement.
Can I be free of this unreleasable sin?
[Chorus:]
Never underestimate my Jesus.
You're telling me that there's no hope.
I'm telling you your wrong.
Never underestimate my Jesus
When the world around you crumbles
He will be strong, He will be strong
I throw up my hands"Oh, the impossibilities"
Frustrated and tired
Where do I go from here?
Now I'm searching for the confidence I've lost so willingly
Overcoming these obstacles is overcoming my fear
[Chorus]
I think I can't, I think I can't
But I think you can, I think you can
I think I can't, I think I can't
But I think you can, I think you can
Gather my insufficiencies and place them in your hands, place them in your hands, place them in your hands
[Chorus](x2)
He will be strong (x3)
Father God
We pray right now for all those who are thinking -they can't. For all those whose world has crumbled and are feeling like they are losing their hope. We know we can't, but You, God, can!
Prove Yourself to us as we put our trust in You.
Help us not to underestimate the power of Jesus.
Amen
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
It Could Have Been Me- But For The Grace Of God
This week the world has reeled in shock at the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in the southern Gulf States of America. Although other major events have also happened this week, people who live in North America, in particular, are still trying to come to terms with the reality and extent of this disaster in their own back yard. Thoughts and images of the affected area come to mind many times a day. With the highly developed technology available today, the media enables us to follow the tragic events as they unfold, and it feels as if it has happened closer to home, than the reality of thousands of miles away.
The Hurricane Katrina disaster, for me, and I’m sure many others, has evoked many questions and emotions. Although days have past since Hurricane Katrina took its toll, I still have strong feelings of shock and disbelief that this has actually happened! Feelings of empathy and sorrow for the millions of people who have lost so much overwhelm my heart, and then come flashes of anger at the looters and criminal element that are taking advantage the misfortunes of others. I understand how desperate people might resort to stealing to meet their urgent need for survival............
Read more........But For the Grace of God
The Hurricane Katrina disaster, for me, and I’m sure many others, has evoked many questions and emotions. Although days have past since Hurricane Katrina took its toll, I still have strong feelings of shock and disbelief that this has actually happened! Feelings of empathy and sorrow for the millions of people who have lost so much overwhelm my heart, and then come flashes of anger at the looters and criminal element that are taking advantage the misfortunes of others. I understand how desperate people might resort to stealing to meet their urgent need for survival............
Read more........But For the Grace of God
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Worried?
"HIS PEACE WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS." ( PHILIPPIANS 4:7 NLT )
FOR WORRYWARTS!
Jesus said, "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of
course not" ( Mt 6:27 NLT ). Worry changes nothing. When's the last
time you solved a problem by worrying about it? Imagine somebody saying,
"I got behind on my bills so I decided to worry my way out of debt. And
you know, it worked! A few sleepless nights and a day of hand-wringing,
I yelled at the kids and took some pills, and-glory to worry-money
appeared in my account." You don't add one day to your life or one bit of
life to your day of worrying, but you can age prematurely and die
quickly.
Listen to these two Scriptures: "Those who trust in the Lord are like
Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever" ( Ps 125:1 NIV
). "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because
he trusts in You" ( (s 26:3 NIV ). We don't intentionaly doubt God, yet
when we worry we do. Can you imagine a child asking Michelangelo, "Are
you sure you know what to do with that chuck of rock?" Paul writes,
"His peace will guard your hearts and minds." Paul employs a military
metaphor here. The Philippians lived under Roman occupation and were
accustomed to the centurions guarding their town. What security! Before an
enemy could get to them they first had to get past the guards. And you
know what? God gives you the same guarantee! Nothing can get to you
without first coming through Him. When you know that, His peace fills your
heart.
By "SIS.VERONICA WASHINGTON"
FOR WORRYWARTS!
Jesus said, "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of
course not" ( Mt 6:27 NLT ). Worry changes nothing. When's the last
time you solved a problem by worrying about it? Imagine somebody saying,
"I got behind on my bills so I decided to worry my way out of debt. And
you know, it worked! A few sleepless nights and a day of hand-wringing,
I yelled at the kids and took some pills, and-glory to worry-money
appeared in my account." You don't add one day to your life or one bit of
life to your day of worrying, but you can age prematurely and die
quickly.
Listen to these two Scriptures: "Those who trust in the Lord are like
Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever" ( Ps 125:1 NIV
). "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because
he trusts in You" ( (s 26:3 NIV ). We don't intentionaly doubt God, yet
when we worry we do. Can you imagine a child asking Michelangelo, "Are
you sure you know what to do with that chuck of rock?" Paul writes,
"His peace will guard your hearts and minds." Paul employs a military
metaphor here. The Philippians lived under Roman occupation and were
accustomed to the centurions guarding their town. What security! Before an
enemy could get to them they first had to get past the guards. And you
know what? God gives you the same guarantee! Nothing can get to you
without first coming through Him. When you know that, His peace fills your
heart.
By "SIS.VERONICA WASHINGTON"
Monday, September 05, 2005
The Cost of Raising Children
I have repeatedly seen the breakdown of the cost of
raising a child, but this is the first time I have
seen the rewards listed this way...
The government periodically releases the cost of
raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with
$160,140 for a middle income family.
Talk about sticker shock! That doesn't even touch
college tuition but $160,140 isn't so bad if you
break it down.
It translates into:
*$8,896.66 a year,
*$741.38 a month, or
*$171.08 a week.
*That's a mere $24.24 a day!
*Just over a dollar an hour.
Still, you might think the best financial advice
is don't have children if you want to be "rich."
Actually, it is just the opposite.
What do you get for your $160,140?
* Naming rights. First, middle, and last!
* Glimpses of God every day.
* Giggles under the covers every night.
* More love than your heart can hold.
* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.
* Endless wonder over rocks, ants,
clouds, and warm cookies.
* A hand to hold, usually covered
with jelly or chocolate.
* A partner for blowing bubbles, flying
kites, building sand castles and
skipping down the sidewalk in the
pouring rain.
* Someone to laugh yourself silly with,
no matter what the boss said or how
your stocks performed that day.
For $160,140, you never have to grow up.
You get to:
* finger-paint,
* carve pumpkins,
* play hide-and-seek,
* catch lightning bugs, and never stop
believing in Santa Claus.
You have an excuse to:
* keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,
* watching Saturday morning cartoons,
* going to Disney movies, and
* wishing on stars.
You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under
refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted noodle
wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for
Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for
Father's Day.
For $160,140, there is no greater bang for your buck.
You get to be a hero just for:
* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,
* taking the training wheels off a bike,
* removing a splinter,
* filling a wading pool,
* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and coaching a
baseball team that never wins but always gets
treated to ice cream regardless.
You get a front row seat to history to witness the:
* first step,
* first word,
* first bra,
* first date, and
* first time behind the wheel.
You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to
your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of
limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great
grandchildren.
You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal
justice, communications, and human sexuality that
no college can match.
In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God.
You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away
the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart,
police a slumber party, ground them forever, and
love them without limits, So one day they will like you,
love without counting the cost.
All of this and more for just about one dollar per hour,
what a bargain!
raising a child, but this is the first time I have
seen the rewards listed this way...
The government periodically releases the cost of
raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with
$160,140 for a middle income family.
Talk about sticker shock! That doesn't even touch
college tuition but $160,140 isn't so bad if you
break it down.
It translates into:
*$8,896.66 a year,
*$741.38 a month, or
*$171.08 a week.
*That's a mere $24.24 a day!
*Just over a dollar an hour.
Still, you might think the best financial advice
is don't have children if you want to be "rich."
Actually, it is just the opposite.
What do you get for your $160,140?
* Naming rights. First, middle, and last!
* Glimpses of God every day.
* Giggles under the covers every night.
* More love than your heart can hold.
* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.
* Endless wonder over rocks, ants,
clouds, and warm cookies.
* A hand to hold, usually covered
with jelly or chocolate.
* A partner for blowing bubbles, flying
kites, building sand castles and
skipping down the sidewalk in the
pouring rain.
* Someone to laugh yourself silly with,
no matter what the boss said or how
your stocks performed that day.
For $160,140, you never have to grow up.
You get to:
* finger-paint,
* carve pumpkins,
* play hide-and-seek,
* catch lightning bugs, and never stop
believing in Santa Claus.
You have an excuse to:
* keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,
* watching Saturday morning cartoons,
* going to Disney movies, and
* wishing on stars.
You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under
refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted noodle
wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for
Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for
Father's Day.
For $160,140, there is no greater bang for your buck.
You get to be a hero just for:
* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,
* taking the training wheels off a bike,
* removing a splinter,
* filling a wading pool,
* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and coaching a
baseball team that never wins but always gets
treated to ice cream regardless.
You get a front row seat to history to witness the:
* first step,
* first word,
* first bra,
* first date, and
* first time behind the wheel.
You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to
your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of
limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great
grandchildren.
You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal
justice, communications, and human sexuality that
no college can match.
In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God.
You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away
the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart,
police a slumber party, ground them forever, and
love them without limits, So one day they will like you,
love without counting the cost.
All of this and more for just about one dollar per hour,
what a bargain!
Sunday, September 04, 2005
God Created You And Threw Away The Mold
Consider this - the greatest gift that you can give to the world is You.
You are totally unique. God is so creative! Just as He doesn't ever create two snowflake crystals alike, neither does he create people alike. God delights in you and the unique characteristics, gifts, personality,appearance, heart that He created in you. You are a gift created by Him for the world to know and appreciate. You reflect a minute part of God and His Creativity.
How many times a day do we hide who we really are? How often do you suppress 'you' and try to be like someone else to gain acceptance and approval from others? What is it that makes us want to fit in and not stand out? Why are we so uncomfortable with our uniqueness?
Everytime we try to be like someone else who we admire, or who seems successful we set ourselves up for failure. We can only be 100% successful in being ourselves, and no-one else can be you. When we celebrate and flaunt our uniqueness we give something totally unique to other -we are a gift to them that enriches their lives.
Sometimes we lose ourselves. We lose a sense of who we are and settle into a second rate existance shaped by the expectations of who others think we should be, or who we think we should be. We cannot find peace and inner freedom unless we accept and live as God created us to be. This happened to me and it took me years to realize what was happening. Then I started a journey of discovering who I really was. It is a journey, it is a process- yet the places that I have travelled in it have enriched my life and brought such peace and contentment. I am beginning to live as the person God created me to be. Would I go back? NEVER!!!
You are totally unique. God is so creative! Just as He doesn't ever create two snowflake crystals alike, neither does he create people alike. God delights in you and the unique characteristics, gifts, personality,appearance, heart that He created in you. You are a gift created by Him for the world to know and appreciate. You reflect a minute part of God and His Creativity.
How many times a day do we hide who we really are? How often do you suppress 'you' and try to be like someone else to gain acceptance and approval from others? What is it that makes us want to fit in and not stand out? Why are we so uncomfortable with our uniqueness?
Everytime we try to be like someone else who we admire, or who seems successful we set ourselves up for failure. We can only be 100% successful in being ourselves, and no-one else can be you. When we celebrate and flaunt our uniqueness we give something totally unique to other -we are a gift to them that enriches their lives.
Sometimes we lose ourselves. We lose a sense of who we are and settle into a second rate existance shaped by the expectations of who others think we should be, or who we think we should be. We cannot find peace and inner freedom unless we accept and live as God created us to be. This happened to me and it took me years to realize what was happening. Then I started a journey of discovering who I really was. It is a journey, it is a process- yet the places that I have travelled in it have enriched my life and brought such peace and contentment. I am beginning to live as the person God created me to be. Would I go back? NEVER!!!
"Boundary Lines"
"Boundary Lines"(On The Other Side of the Tracks)
Surely in every town there is an invisible line that divides the poor from the not-so-poor. More often than not, the other side of the tracks includes the racial ethnic minorities. And there are associated gang problems, drug and alcohol abuse problems, and poor academic performance in the schools in those areas.
The world does not seem to be a happy and peaceful place.Yet, David says in Psalm 16:5-6,"Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance."
In my growing up years, the other side of the tracks was where I lived! There was poverty and the problems that go along with it. Yet, somehow God's presence among those who knew Him, made those chosen ones see the boundary lines in a different light. God's grace in the lives of those who believed showed the assurance of a delightful inheritance! And against all odds, those whose trust in the Lord was like David's, had their portion and their cup filled to overflowing!
We, too, may be living on the other side of the tracks. But guess what! The Lord promises to make our lots secure. He loves us and promises us not just an inheritance but a delightful one! How cool is that! The world may divide us along its own boundary lines, but the Lord crosses them and creates His own boundary lines that include us today and forever!
Until next time, make it a blessed day,Pastor Ellen
Surely in every town there is an invisible line that divides the poor from the not-so-poor. More often than not, the other side of the tracks includes the racial ethnic minorities. And there are associated gang problems, drug and alcohol abuse problems, and poor academic performance in the schools in those areas.
The world does not seem to be a happy and peaceful place.Yet, David says in Psalm 16:5-6,"Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance."
In my growing up years, the other side of the tracks was where I lived! There was poverty and the problems that go along with it. Yet, somehow God's presence among those who knew Him, made those chosen ones see the boundary lines in a different light. God's grace in the lives of those who believed showed the assurance of a delightful inheritance! And against all odds, those whose trust in the Lord was like David's, had their portion and their cup filled to overflowing!
We, too, may be living on the other side of the tracks. But guess what! The Lord promises to make our lots secure. He loves us and promises us not just an inheritance but a delightful one! How cool is that! The world may divide us along its own boundary lines, but the Lord crosses them and creates His own boundary lines that include us today and forever!
Until next time, make it a blessed day,Pastor Ellen
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