THE BUZZARD:
If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is That a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a Run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, It will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.
THE BAT:
The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkable nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.
THE BUMBLEBEE:
A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom.. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself..
PEOPLE:
In many ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is look up! That's the answer, the escape route and the solution to any problem!
Just look up.
Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, But faith looks up!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Modesty By: Richard Mummau
We want to look at 1 Timothy 2:9-10 "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety: not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array: But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works".
We want to look primarily at the aspect of being "modest". Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words says this:
MODEST
kosmios (2887), "orderly, well arranged, decent, modest" (akin to kosmos, in its primary sense as "harmonious arrangement adornment"; cf. kosmikos, of the world, which is related to kosmos in its secondary sense as the world), is used in 1 Tim. 2:9 of the apparel with which Christian women are to adorn themselves; in 3:2 (rv, "orderly;" kjv, "of good behavior"), of one of the qualifications essential for a bishop or overseer. "The well-ordering is not of dress and demeanor only, but of the inner life, uttering indeed and expressing itself in the outward conversation" (Trench, Syn., Sec.xcii).¶ In the Sept., Eccl. 12:9.¶
We live in an age when so many people have lost all sense of modesty. The moment the sun comes out and it begins to get hot, they begin to take their clothes off and wear less and less. And what some people consider "modest" is not really modest at all.
We usually consider "modesty" as relating to the attire of people, but it actually begins in the heart. A person who can expose their bodies in public are giving evident to a barren spiritual condition of the heart.
A study of the Scripture will show that "nakedness" is *always* associated with and signifies a "barren spiritual condition". And all we have to do is look around when we are out in society, especially during hot weather, to see the condition of people's hearts today.
Now I will not make a blanket statement and say that every person who is not modest is not a Christian. I have known some people who were not dressed modestly, but when told what the scriptures say about modest dress, began to make some changes in their attire. And generally when they did this, they brought upon themselves criticism from many other people who consider themselves to be good Christians.
We live in an age when any statement that is made that implies immodest dress is not for the Christian brings out a volley of disputes and angry words by those who consider themselves to be a Christian, but are dressed immodestly.
I just want to give a few thoughts about modesty that have come to my mind.
We often think of Modesty as pertaining to the women only. But men can dress immodestly also. I believe that we men should have our bodies covered. We should not be wearing tight trousers and form fitting shirts. I have always considered a T-Shirt to be underwear and therefore I never wear a T-shirt without another shirt over it. The "muscle" shirts that can be bought are also not modest. In fact, anything that we wear that draws attention to the "body" can probably be considered immodest. The heart of a man can also be seen by how he attires his body.
Modesty for the women means also to cover the body. There is clothing which covers the body, but is also immodest. Dresses that are too tight are immodest, even if they are a cape or a jumper. I've always been blessed by sisters whose dresses were long. I think a safe guide is if they are at least half way between the ankle and the knee, preferable closer to the ankle than the knee.
My wife mentioned that she saw a Plain woman who had on a denim skirt that had a slit at the side of the skirt. These types of dresses are often more provocative than other dresses.
A man's carnal nature is often stirred more by a dress that leave more to the imagination than is actually seen.
Slacks or pants on a woman are also immodest, because they reveal the form of the body. I know that some people consider slacks more modest than a dress. But if the dresses are long enough, a woman can do many things without appearing immodest. For someone who has only worn slacks for many years, it does take some practice to learn how to work in a dress. But it can be done.
Now I could probably mention many other things, but I just wanted to say enough to get you all to thinking about this are of our Christian lives. Paul writes "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him". Colossians 3:17
With this verse in mind we can always apply this test when we buy a dress or make on. Would I buy this dress or make my dress like I have made them if my Lord Jesus Christ was standing by my side. Or, if I gave this pattern to the Lord for approval, would he make some changes to it, or would he give it back to me the way I gave it to Him? J
And for us men, would we be happy for Jesus Christ to come and visit us and find us attired the way are usually dress? Or would I hurry up and change my clothes if I saw Jesus coming down the street knowing he was coming to visit me?
I had someone tell me one time that "no one" was going to tell them how to dress. But the moment they picked up the newspaper and saw that they were out of style, they had to hurry up and get to the store to purchase those clothes that would make them acceptable in society. So, everyone has been told or influenced by something or someone in their choice of clothes. Are we being influenced by the world or by Christian Principles. One woman made this statement to my wife and I, *I’d sooner be caught dead, than out of fashion*. What kind of spirit is that manifesting?
I might add that even when someone is dressed modestly, it is still possible to dress in such a way so as to draw attention to ourselves. Anything we wear for the "express purpose" of drawing attention our selves is wrong. Sometimes this is seen in the little ornamentation and lace that is put on the dress. It is true that the modestly dressed woman will draw attention to herself. But modestly dressed women dress the way they do to please the Lord, and if that happens to draw attention to themselves, so be it. We don't dress like the world just so that we don't draw attention to ourselves. We dress differently to please the Lord. Our motive for dressing like we do is what God sees.
We want to look primarily at the aspect of being "modest". Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words says this:
MODEST
kosmios (2887), "orderly, well arranged, decent, modest" (akin to kosmos, in its primary sense as "harmonious arrangement adornment"; cf. kosmikos, of the world, which is related to kosmos in its secondary sense as the world), is used in 1 Tim. 2:9 of the apparel with which Christian women are to adorn themselves; in 3:2 (rv, "orderly;" kjv, "of good behavior"), of one of the qualifications essential for a bishop or overseer. "The well-ordering is not of dress and demeanor only, but of the inner life, uttering indeed and expressing itself in the outward conversation" (Trench, Syn., Sec.xcii).¶ In the Sept., Eccl. 12:9.¶
We live in an age when so many people have lost all sense of modesty. The moment the sun comes out and it begins to get hot, they begin to take their clothes off and wear less and less. And what some people consider "modest" is not really modest at all.
We usually consider "modesty" as relating to the attire of people, but it actually begins in the heart. A person who can expose their bodies in public are giving evident to a barren spiritual condition of the heart.
A study of the Scripture will show that "nakedness" is *always* associated with and signifies a "barren spiritual condition". And all we have to do is look around when we are out in society, especially during hot weather, to see the condition of people's hearts today.
Now I will not make a blanket statement and say that every person who is not modest is not a Christian. I have known some people who were not dressed modestly, but when told what the scriptures say about modest dress, began to make some changes in their attire. And generally when they did this, they brought upon themselves criticism from many other people who consider themselves to be good Christians.
We live in an age when any statement that is made that implies immodest dress is not for the Christian brings out a volley of disputes and angry words by those who consider themselves to be a Christian, but are dressed immodestly.
I just want to give a few thoughts about modesty that have come to my mind.
We often think of Modesty as pertaining to the women only. But men can dress immodestly also. I believe that we men should have our bodies covered. We should not be wearing tight trousers and form fitting shirts. I have always considered a T-Shirt to be underwear and therefore I never wear a T-shirt without another shirt over it. The "muscle" shirts that can be bought are also not modest. In fact, anything that we wear that draws attention to the "body" can probably be considered immodest. The heart of a man can also be seen by how he attires his body.
Modesty for the women means also to cover the body. There is clothing which covers the body, but is also immodest. Dresses that are too tight are immodest, even if they are a cape or a jumper. I've always been blessed by sisters whose dresses were long. I think a safe guide is if they are at least half way between the ankle and the knee, preferable closer to the ankle than the knee.
My wife mentioned that she saw a Plain woman who had on a denim skirt that had a slit at the side of the skirt. These types of dresses are often more provocative than other dresses.
A man's carnal nature is often stirred more by a dress that leave more to the imagination than is actually seen.
Slacks or pants on a woman are also immodest, because they reveal the form of the body. I know that some people consider slacks more modest than a dress. But if the dresses are long enough, a woman can do many things without appearing immodest. For someone who has only worn slacks for many years, it does take some practice to learn how to work in a dress. But it can be done.
Now I could probably mention many other things, but I just wanted to say enough to get you all to thinking about this are of our Christian lives. Paul writes "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him". Colossians 3:17
With this verse in mind we can always apply this test when we buy a dress or make on. Would I buy this dress or make my dress like I have made them if my Lord Jesus Christ was standing by my side. Or, if I gave this pattern to the Lord for approval, would he make some changes to it, or would he give it back to me the way I gave it to Him? J
And for us men, would we be happy for Jesus Christ to come and visit us and find us attired the way are usually dress? Or would I hurry up and change my clothes if I saw Jesus coming down the street knowing he was coming to visit me?
I had someone tell me one time that "no one" was going to tell them how to dress. But the moment they picked up the newspaper and saw that they were out of style, they had to hurry up and get to the store to purchase those clothes that would make them acceptable in society. So, everyone has been told or influenced by something or someone in their choice of clothes. Are we being influenced by the world or by Christian Principles. One woman made this statement to my wife and I, *I’d sooner be caught dead, than out of fashion*. What kind of spirit is that manifesting?
I might add that even when someone is dressed modestly, it is still possible to dress in such a way so as to draw attention to ourselves. Anything we wear for the "express purpose" of drawing attention our selves is wrong. Sometimes this is seen in the little ornamentation and lace that is put on the dress. It is true that the modestly dressed woman will draw attention to herself. But modestly dressed women dress the way they do to please the Lord, and if that happens to draw attention to themselves, so be it. We don't dress like the world just so that we don't draw attention to ourselves. We dress differently to please the Lord. Our motive for dressing like we do is what God sees.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Our Favorite Sports Teams
We are not fair weather fans, we are die hard fans, Win or loose, your still and always will be our teams..
#1 Football Team Pittsburg Steelers
#1 Baseball Team Pittsburg Pirates
#2 Football Team San Diego Chargers
#2 Baseball Team San Diego Padre's
#3 Football Team Arkansas Razorbacks - Go Hoggs
#3 Football Team Arkansas Razorbacks - Go Hoggs
Friday, January 21, 2011
Pittsburg Steelers Rule!!!!
Tribute to My "JMSQ" Mom's
Tribute To My {JMSQ} Mom(s)
My Mom's name is Carol Lane. She is the Mother of 4 children: Lanny, David, Jean, & Stacy.
Mom stayed at home to raise her children until times called for her to go to work. Then she drove school busses so she could be home with her children when they were not in school. Mom loved and cared for each one of us, with her warm and LOVING heart guiding our every step as only a loving MOM can do.
Times were rough for Mom & Dad (D.O. Sam-son) and they divorced in 1965.
My dad also has a son named Jim.
Mom re-married to William J. Lane (AKA Billy Joe), and we were joined with a new sister named Sandra Leigh in our family.
In 1967 I went to Pa. to live with my Dad & Step Mother. My step-Mom's name is JoAnn Sampson.
She also has 2 sons from a previous marriage. She was a strong no nonsense kind of lady, which is just what I needed at the time. It was the strong will of my step-mom that saved me from myself. I will always love her & be grateful for the love and support this lady shared with me
Without the LOVE, STRENGTH, SUPPORT AND COURAGE of these 2 BEAUTIFUL WOMEN I wouldn't have turned into the Lady I am to this day. I will forever LOVE AND HONOR these 2 Ladies because you see it took these 2 SPECIAL LADIES to raise me and I will forever owe them for all they have done.
Payment will be in the way I conduct my life and perhaps the light will shine upon them.
I LOVE YOU MOM WHERE EVER YOU ARE AND WHAT EVER YOU ARE DOING MY LOVE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU.
January 14th, 1998
In Loving Memory of Mom & Dad Sampson
JoAnn Sampson - 1930 - 1998
"Duke" D. O. Sampson - 1929 - 2000
Time keeps moving on, yet I can't believe your gone. Alive only in my memory's & Dreams now. I Miss YOU both so much, how I wish I could hear your voice again and give you a hug, your smell, touch.
Give Jesus all the Love and Praise you have and we'll have a hugh family picnic reunion again when we all come home.. Love & Hugs always
Tribute to My Dad Duke Sampson
Dad, I THANK YOU for standing by me and encourageing me every step of the way.
Your Love and visions have been an insite in my life and I love shareing them with our children & Grandchildren.
You Are such a SPECIAL MAN in My Life, and I Love You SO
I LOVE YOU DAD WHERE EVER YOU ARE AND WHAT EVER YOUR DOING
January 14th, 1998
Tribute to Mom & Dad Q {RHQ}
From Ron himself
My Parents names are Homer & Ramona.They are the parents of 7 children,-- Sharon, Ron, Frank, Trina, Julie, Faith, & Shawn.
Dad worked in the steel mills and doing odd jobs around town to make ends meet, while Mom stayed home and raised our family. My parents worked long and hard but never complaned.
My parents celebrated their 61th anniv. in Feb.2009 of which I'm real proud.
I am grateful to have the ties that bind us together as a family.
My parents are Strong, Warm, Supporting & Loving, of which I try to follow there footsteps with our children.
This is in Honor of You Mom & Dad- I {RHQ} Love You & Thanks. Jan.10th,1996
In Loving Memory of Mom & Dad Q
In Loving Memory of:
Ramona Quee 1925 - 2009
Homer Quee 1930 - 2009
Mom & Dad Q. Loved Long and Hard for 61 yrs, 7 children, 13 Grandchildren, 17 Great Grandchildren.. They passed away within 12 days of eachother. I like to think they are strolling along Heaven Hand-n-Hand..
~~~~~~ Mom & Dad Children ~~~~~~
(L-to-R) (L) Sharon, Faith,Shawn - (R) Julie, Ron & Trina in the middle
In Loving Memory Jim
This is my oldest brother who left this world and joined his late wife Marianne in Aug. 2009. I miss him so much, the phone rings and I "KNOW" it's no longer him, so I have no desire to answer the phone.. Love you little brother!!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jim's Daughters ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(L)-to-(R)
Ron & Jeanarie's Visions
We (Ron & I) have been BLESSED with 3 Children, Rhonda, Ronnie Jr., & Lance, and 6 Grandchildren. We LOVE spending time with our Grandchildren. I don't know if they're helping us to grow old or keeping us young but in either case We enjoy every minute we have together with them.
Ron & I were Married Sept.1971 These have been the BEST & MOST BLESSED YEARS of MY LIFE. Ron is not only my HUSBAND but he is my BEST FRIEND and together we can conquer anything that life brings our way. I feel truly BLESSED and HONORED to have RON as my HUSBAND and PARTNER in life. (God is so good to US).
I enjoy Quilting. Ron helps me measure, and cut my quilt pieces and together we put them into place and then I do the quilting.. I couldn't do this without the help of my SWEETY. He makes this hobby so enjoyable, and both our names are signed on each Quilt
Ron loves to guarden. In our spare time we go for long drives into the mountains (my passion) and we enjoy going for walks and watching the sunsets, and just being together. In the summer evenngs we enjoy playing cards out back by the light of the moon and our fire pit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Life Is Like A Quilt"
Life is like a patchwork quilt
And each little patch is a day
Some patches are rosy, happy and bright
And some are dark and gray
But each little patch as it is fitted in
And sewn to keep it together
Makes a finished block in this life of ours
Filled with sunshine and rainy weather
So let me work on life's patchwork quilt
Through the rainy days and sun
Trusting that when I have finished my block
The Master will say "Well done"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
{God will never lead you where "HIS Grace" cannot keep you.}
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier."
- Mother Teresa
"Love one another as I have Loved You"
-Quote of Jesus carved into the gravemarker of Mother Teresa.
What an example to follow in our day to day lives
"In your Service to others keep to the humble works because they are works nobody else will do. It is never to small for God"
- Mother Theresa
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"ENCOURGEMENT"
Encouragement is a gift we can all give!!! Thank You Lord, for the people who have enriched our lives and strengthenen our FAITH. Show us ways to encourage other people in "YOUR NAME.....AMEN".
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ron drove 18-wheelers hauling raw steel from the Mills in Penna. before they closed down all the Mills, at which time we came to Ca. and he's been working on Nissans ever since.
In July 2001, We moved to Arkansas where we are making our home now. It's a big adjustment for both of us, but the sceenery around here is so beautiful. We still love going for long drives, and finding new places to enjoy in our new home
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others, can't keep it from themselves"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When faced With a mountain,I WILL NOT QUIT! I will keep on striving until I climb over, find a pass through, tunnel underneath ... or simply stay and turn the mountain into a gold mine,
WITH GOD'S HELP!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"The Wise Owl"
There was once an old owl who lived in an oak.
The more he heard, the less he spoke;
The less he spoke; the more he heard.
O,if men were all like that wise bird.
~~~~~~~~~~~
My all time favorite poem, my Nana read to me all the time when I was a girl...
"The Purple Cow"
I never saw a purple cow.
I never hope to see one.
But I can tell you, anyhow,
I'd rather see than be one.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cherokee Blessing
May the warm winds of heaven blow softly upon your house.
May the Great Spirit Bless all who enter there.
May your mocassins make happy tracks in many snows, and may the rainbow always touch your shoulder.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
{Gi ni} ~AKA~ "Prayer Heart Woman"
Jean in Cherokee is spelled (Gi ni')
The meaning of Jean is "God's Graceous Gift"
"We shall be known by the tracks we leave behind".
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Cherokee Wisdom"
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between 2 "wolves" inside us all
One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
Service Dogs
I bet you're asking WHAT a dog can do for a person who is disabled. A service dog can do many tasks, depending on the person's disability. A dog guide is the eyes for its blind handler, taking the handler around obsticles. A hearing dog alerts the handler to sounds, a Seizure Alert/Response dog responds when the handler has a seizure, and a Mobility Assist Dog (also called a Service Dog), is the arms and legs for a disabled person. A psychiatric service dog keeps a person with an psychiatric disorder calm and able to be going to out in public. For more specific examples, please see the Assistance Dog part of this page.
Many people have seen Guide dogs in their daily lives, guiding their handlers expertly around obstacles and across streets. There are, however, dogs that help someone who is deaf, in a wheelchair, using crutches, and for many other disabilities.
The main types of Assistance Dogs (called Service Dogs in the Americans with Disabilities Act and many laws), are:
Guide Dogs:
Probably the most familiar type of service dog is the guide dog that is trained to help blind or visually impaired people. These dogs serve as the eyes for their owner, navigating them through traffic, stairs and sidewalks while avoiding all obstacles that could cause injury.
Hearing Dogs:
Similar to guide dogs, "hearing" or "signal" dogs are specially trained to assist deaf people. They alert their owner to sounds, usually by approaching their owner and then by going back to the source of the sound. They signal such noises as doorbells, phones, smoke alarms, crying babies, microwave bells and even tea kettles whistling. These dogs have the same access privileges as guide dogs and are permitted in all public and private facilities.
Service Dogs:
Service Dog is the catch all term for any dog that helps a physically or mentally disabled person. You have the following catagories:
Mobility Assist Dog: Pulls a person's wheelchair, carries things in a backpack, picks up things a person drops, opens/closes doors, helps the handler get dressed or undressed.
Walker Dog: Helps the handler walk by balancing or acting as a counter balance. Does many of the tasks that the Mobility Assist Dog does.
Seizure Alert/Response Dog: This dog is trained to respond to a person's seizures and either stay with the person, or go get help. Some dogs are trained to hit a button on a console to automatically dial 911. When the dog hears the voice over the speaker, the dog starts barking. The disabled person would have arranged that the system is dog activated.
Psychiatric Service Dog: A person with a mental disability may need a dog to be able to go out in public (agraphobic), or may be autistic and need the dog to keep them focused. These dogs are trained NEVER to leave their handler's side. For more information on tasks that a dog can do, go to the IAADP PSD Info page.
SsigDog: A dog trained to assist a person with autism. The dog alerts the partner to distracting repetitive movements common among those with autism, allowing the person to stop the movement (e.g., hand flapping). A person with autism may have problems with sensory input and need the same support services from a dog that a dog might give to a person who is blind or deaf.
Combo Dog: Some programs, Paws With A Cause, for example, have started training dogs for people with multiple disabilities, like a guide/mobility assist dog.
Also, "service animal" is the legal terms for ANY animal that assists someone who is disabled, therefore, a guide dog is also a service dog/animal.
Like guide and hearing dogs, service dogs of any type, are allowed in public when accompanying their disabled handler.
This list is not the ONLY things that dogs can be taught to do.
Three Tree's
Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, 'Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.'
Then the second tree said, 'Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take Kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.'
Finally the third tree said, 'I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest Tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.'
After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, 'This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter, 'and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.
At the second tree the woodsman said, 'This looks like a strong tree. I should be able to sell it to the shipyard.' The second tree was happy Because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, 'I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one,' and he cut it down.
When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.
The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.
The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark.
The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.
Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.
Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said 'Peace' and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.
The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, God will give you great gifts.
Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.
We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His Ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.
May your day be blessed. And until we meet again, may God cradle you in the palm of His hand.
Then the second tree said, 'Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take Kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.'
Finally the third tree said, 'I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest Tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.'
After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, 'This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter, 'and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.
At the second tree the woodsman said, 'This looks like a strong tree. I should be able to sell it to the shipyard.' The second tree was happy Because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, 'I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one,' and he cut it down.
When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.
The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.
The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark.
The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.
Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.
Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said 'Peace' and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.
The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, God will give you great gifts.
Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.
We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His Ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.
May your day be blessed. And until we meet again, may God cradle you in the palm of His hand.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Italian Beef & Barley Soup (Crock-Pot)
Ingredients:
•2 pounds cubed beef chuck roast
•5 cups water
•2 cubes beef bouillon, crumbled
•1/2 onion, chopped
•1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce (I use a 15 oz. can if Italian Diced tomatoes)
•3/4 cup uncooked pearl barley
•salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1.In a slow cooker, combine beef, water, bouillon, onion, tomato sauce, barley, salt and pepper.
2.Cover, and cook on Low for 5 hours.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Quick Prayer
Quick Prayer Just 27 words,
"God, our Father, walk through my house and take away all my worries
and illnesses and please watch over and heal my family in Jesus name, Amen."
Thursday, January 13, 2011
PISTACHIO DELIGHT
{PISTACHIO DELIGHT}
1 lg. tub Cool Whip
1 sm. pkg. instant pistachio pudding
16 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained
1 sm. pkg. miniature marshmallows
Empty Cool Whip into a large bowl. Add pistachio pudding, pineapple and marshmallows. Stir mixture until fluffy. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
1 large bowl
1 large wooden spoon
Plastic wrap
1 cup JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows
1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) JELL-O Pistachio Flavor Instant Pudding
1 can (20 oz.) can of Crushed Pineapple, drained
1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts (or walnuts, or pecans)
1 and 1/2 cups thawed COOL WHIP whipped topping
Mix all ingredients above, cover with plastic wrap for at least and hour, uncover and enjoy
Friday, January 7, 2011
You Might Be A Redneck
You might be a redneck if: It never occurred to you to
be offended by the phrase, 'One nation, under God..'
You might be a redneck if: You've never protested about seeing
the 10 Commandments posted in public places.
You might be a redneck if: You still say ' Christmas'
instead of 'Winter Festival.'
You might be a redneck if: You bow your head when
someone prays.
You might be a redneck if: You stand and place your
hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem
You might be a redneck if: You treat our armed forces
veterans with great respect, and always have.
You might be a redneck if: You've never burned an
American flag, nor intend to.
You might be a redneck if: You know what you believe
and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.
You might be a redneck if: You respect your elders and
raised your kids to do the same.
You might be a redneck if: You'd give your last dollar to
a friend.
God Bless the USA !
Senior Citizens
Senior citizens are constantly being criticized for every conceivable
deficiency of the modern world, real or imaginary. We know we
take responsibility for all we have done and do not blame others.
HOWEVER, upon reflection, we would like to point
out that it was NOT the senior citizens who took:
The melody out of music,
The pride out of appearance,
The courtesy out of driving,
The romance out of love,
The commitment out of marriage,
The responsibility out of parenthood,
The togetherness out of the family,
The learning out of education,
The service out of patriotism,
The Golden Rule from rulers,
The nativity scene out of cities,
The civility out of behaviour,
The refinement out of language,
The dedication out of employment,
The prudence out of spending,
The ambition out of achievement,
And we certainly are NOT the ones who eliminated patience and tolerance from personal relationships and interactions with others!!
deficiency of the modern world, real or imaginary. We know we
take responsibility for all we have done and do not blame others.
HOWEVER, upon reflection, we would like to point
out that it was NOT the senior citizens who took:
The melody out of music,
The pride out of appearance,
The courtesy out of driving,
The romance out of love,
The commitment out of marriage,
The responsibility out of parenthood,
The togetherness out of the family,
The learning out of education,
The service out of patriotism,
The Golden Rule from rulers,
The nativity scene out of cities,
The civility out of behaviour,
The refinement out of language,
The dedication out of employment,
The prudence out of spending,
The ambition out of achievement,
And we certainly are NOT the ones who eliminated patience and tolerance from personal relationships and interactions with others!!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Habbersett Scrapple
Ingredients
Pork Stock, Pork, Pork Skins, Corn Meal, Wheat Flour, Pork Hearts, Pork Livers, Pork Tongues, Salt and Spices.
Safe Handling Instructions
Keep Refrigerated.
Slice 1/4" to 1/2" thick. Slices should not touch. Preheat pan to medium heat (375°F). Brown each side for approximately 10 minutes.
We like to cook our's in a tab of bacon greese, but I've also cooked our's with cooking spray, either way, it's wunderbaar-wonderful