Genesis 47:13-27

            ALL I CAN SAY ABOUT THIS IS WOW!!!!!

RECENT VIRGINIA CHURCH SERVICE-STIMULUS SERMON

Genesis 47:13-27

I would love to give the Pastor of this predominantly black church in Virginia a hug and a high five. This guy is obviously a leader.

Perhaps we should each decide who our real leader is.....It is amazing to see that very little has changed in 4,000 years.


                      ------------------------------------------------

Good morning, brothers and sisters; it's always a delight to see the pews crowded on Sunday morning, and so eager to get into God's Word. Turn with me in your Bibles, if you will to the 47th chapter of Genesis, we'll begin our reading at verse 13, and go through verse 27.


Brother Ray, would you stand and read that great passage for us? ....(reading)...


Thank you for that fine reading, Brother Ray... So we see that economic hard times fell upon Egypt , and the people turned to the government of Pharaoh to deal with this for them. And Pharaoh nationalized the grain harvest, and placed the grain in great storehouses that he had built. So the people brought their money to Pharaoh, like a great tax increase, and gave it all to him willingly in return for grain. And this went on until their money ran out, and they were hungry again.


So when they went to Pharaoh after that, they brought their livestock -their cattle, their horses, their sheep, and their donkey - to barter for grain, and verse 17 says that only took them through the end of that year..


But the famine wasn't over, was it? So the next year, the people came before Pharaoh and admitted they had nothing left, except their land and their own lives. "There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our land. Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for food, and we with our land will be servants to Pharaoh.." So they surrendered their homes, their land, and their real estate to Pharaoh's government, and then sold themselves into slavery to him, in return for grain.


What can we learn from this, brothers and sisters?


That turning to the government instead of to God to be our provider in hard times only leads to slavery? Yes.. That the only reason government wants to be our provider is to also become our master?


Yes.


But look how that passage ends, brothers and sisters! Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt , in the land of Goshen . And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly." God provided for His people, just as He always has! They didn't end up giving all their possessions to government, no, it says they gained possessions! But I also tell you a great truth today, and an ominous one.


We see the same thing happening today - the government today wants to "share the wealth "once again, to take it from us and redistribute it back to us. It wants to take control of healthcare, just as it has taken control of education, and ration it back to us, and when government rations it, then government decides who gets it, and how much, andwhat kind. And if we go along with it, and do it willingly, then we will wind up no differently than the people of Egypt did four thousand years ago - as slaves to the government, and as slaves to our leaders.


What Mr. Obama's government is doing now is no different from what Pharaoh's government did then, and it will end the same. And a lot of people like to call Mr.Obama a "Messiah," don't they? Is he a Messiah? A savior? Didn't the Egyptians say, after Pharaoh made them his slaves, "You have saved our lives; may it please my lord, we will be servants to Pharaoh"?


Well, I tell you this - I know the Messiah; the Messiah is a friend of mine; and Mr. Obama is no Messiah! No, brothers and sisters, if Mr. Obama is a character from the Bible, then he is Pharaoh. Bow with me in prayer, if you will...


Lord, You alone are worthy to be served, and we rely on You, and You alone. We confess that the government is not our deliverer, and never rightly will be. We read in the eighth chapter of 1 Samuel, when Samuel warned the people of what a ruler would do, where it says "And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the LORD will not answer you in that day."


And Lord, we acknowledge that day has come. We cry out to you because of the ruler that we have chosen for ourselves as a nation. Lord, we pray for this nation. We pray for revival, and we pray for deliverance from those who would be our masters. Give us hearts to seek You and hands to serve You, and protect Your people from the atrocities of Pharaoh's government.


                            In God We Trust...

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If you don't agree .... just delete. Have a nice day.

Shoes In Church - Shoe Man

I showered and shaved............. I adjusted my tie.

I got there and sat............. In a pew just in time.

Bowing my head in prayer......... As I closed my eyes.

I saw the shoe of the man next to me..... Touching my own. I sighed.


With plenty of room on either side...... I thought, "Why must our soles touch?"

It bothered me, his shoe touching mine... But it didn't bother him much.

A prayer began: "Our Father"............. I thought, "This man with the shoes, has no pride.

They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the side!"

"Thank You for blessings," the prayer went on.

The shoe man said............... A quiet "Amen."


I tried to focus on the prayer....... But my thoughts were on his shoes again.

Aren't we supposed to look our best. When walking through that door?

"Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought, Glancing toward the floor.


Then the prayer was ended........... And the songs of praise began.

The shoe man was certainly loud...... Sounding proud as he sang.

His voice lifted the rafters......... His hands were raised high.

The Lord could surely hear. The shoe man's voice from the sky.


It was time for the offering....... And what I threw in was steep.

I watched as the shoe man reached.... Into his pockets so deep.

I saw what was pulled out.......... What the shoe man put in.

Then I heard a soft "clink" . As when silver hits tin.


The sermon really bored me......... To tears, and that's no lie.

It was the same for the shoe man... For tears fell from his eyes.

At the end of the service...... As is the custom here.

We must greet new visitors, And show them all good cheer.

But I felt moved somehow............. And wanted to meet the shoe man.

So after the closing prayer....... I reached over and shook his hand.

He was old and his skin was dark.... And his hair was truly a mess.

But I thanked him for coming......... For being our guest.

He said, "My names' Charlie.......... I'm glad to meet you, my friend."


There were tears in his eyes....... But he had a large, wide grin.

"Let me explain," he said......... Wiping tears from his eyes.

"I've been coming here for months.... And you're the first to say 'Hi.'"

"I know that my appearance........."Is not like all the rest.

"But I really do try................."To always look my best."

"I always clean and polish my shoes.."Before my very long walk.

"But by the time I get here........."They're dirty and dusty, like chalk."


My heart filled with pain........... And I swallowed to hide my tears.

As he continued to apologize......... For daring to sit so near

He said, "When I get here..........."I know I must look a sight.

"But I thought if I could touch you.."Then maybe our souls might unite."


I was silent for a moment........... Knowing whatever was said

Would pale in comparison... I spoke from my heart, not my head.

"Oh, you've touched me," I said......"And taught me, in part;

"That the best of any man............"Is what is found in his heart."


The rest, I thought,................ This shoe man will never know.

Like just how thankful I really am... That his dirty old shoe touched my soul

You are special to me and you have made a difference in my life.

I respect you, and truly cherish you.


Send this to your friends, No matter how often you talk,

Or how close you are, And send it to the person who sent it to you.

Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them, and tell new friends you never will.

Remember, everyone needs a friend.

Fruit Of The Spirit Baby Hat (Crochet)

                                  Fruit of the spirit  Galatians 5:22-23 


G Hook & F Hook

3 colors needed:

Brown for stem color

Dark Green for Leaves


Red - Apple - Goodness

Blue - Blue Berry - Peace

Yellow - Lemon - Joy

Orange - Orange - Kindness

Pink - Cranberries - Gentleness

Green - Pear - Self Control

Purple - Plum's -Faithfullness

White - cauldiflower - Purity

Cream - onions- Love

Brown - Kiwi - Patience


                                     Basic Hat Pattern:


Hat: Beginning at top of hat with BROWN, ch 4, sl st in first ch to form ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 2, work 11 dc in ring, join with a sl st in first dc. 12 sts.


CHANGE COLORS

Rnd 2: Ch 2, 1 dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, join with a sl st in first dc. 24 sts.


Rnd 3: Ch 2 *2dc in next st, dc in next st, repeat from * around ending with 2dc in last st, join with a sl st in first dc. 36 sts.


Rnd 4: Ch 2, *dc in next st 2 sts, 2dc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st in first dc. 48 sts.


NOTE: When finishing with Rib Edging #2 end these instructions after row 9 and continue at bottom with edging #2

Rnds 5 - 11: Ch 2, dc in each st around, join with a sl st in first dc. 52 sts.

DO NOT FASTEN OFF

Row 12
#1 Edging: (Ch 1 and sc) in each st around, join with a sl st in first sc. Fasten off. Weave in ends of yarn. Turn up bottom of hat for brim.


Row 10
#2 Rib Edging: Row 10: 1 FPHDC, in first st, 1 BPHDC in next st around. Join & finish off

FPHDC:
Yo, insert hook from front to back and to front again around the vertical post (upright part) of next st, yo and draw yarn through, yo and complete hdc.

BPHDC:
Yo, reaching over top of piece and working on opposite side (right side) of work, insert hook from right to left around vertical post of next st, yo and draw yarn through, yo and complete hdc.


F Hook: Make 2
Leaf: Ch 13, sc in sceond ch from hook, (hdc in next ch, dc in next 3 ch's, tr in next 2 chs, dc in next 3 chs, hdc in next ch), 3 sc in last ch. Working on opposite side of chs; repeat between (), sc in last ch. Fasten off. Sew leafs on top of hat.


I sew leafs completly down sometimes, but usually I sew the ends of leafs on to the brown stem and let the front of leaf remain free.

RIP Murphy - April 23, 1998 - Nov. 8, 2010

                                           April 23, 1998 - Nov. 8, 2010

Today I'm Thankful For: The "strength" to put our Precious Murphy to sleep.. One of the hardest things in the world for me to do, yet he "knew"  as I "knew" and was ready to sleep.


Murphy has been a great friend to us, to everyone who met him, loved him or just came by for a visit. He so loved people and being the center of attention.

I'll look for you at the Rainbow Bridge, along with Fatz, Foxy, Peaches, where we all can run together again and enjoy eachothers company..

                   RIP Our Special Friend, You will be Missed by all!!!!

Fruit Of The Spirit Soup

Fruit Of The Spirit Soup  (Galatians 5:22,23)


Pearl Barley - Love

Split Pas - Joy

Black Beans - Peace

Red Beans - Patience

Pinto Beans - Kindness

Navy Beans - Goodness

Lenils - Gentleness

Black-Eye-Peas - Self-Control


Gabanzo's - Holy Spirit

Smoked susage or diced ham



Directions:
Rinse beans, Put in Crock-Pot & cover with water. "About 3/4 full of
liquid & beans total", - Add meat, turn on low, cook 8 to 10 hours.
(10 to 12 hrs if using Gabanzo's beans) I use liqud smoke, & onions.
i also serve it with fresh bread.


NOTE: I buy 1 pound of each of these beans, open them and put into a
large container, then I mix the completly so there always ready when
I am, I measure out 2 cups and thats enough to feed 4 to 6 folks.


NOTE: This also makes a lovely gift for someone who might be moving
or down in the dumps, if you layer each kind of bean in a jar, then
attach this recipe, they'll always know how much you love them..(smile)



                    "MAY YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT HUNGER IS"

5 Crock-Pot Chicken Recipes

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
This is one of my all time favorite comfort foods. This version of crock pot chicken and dumplings is a semi-homemade, quick and easy version. This is how I do it: In a 3 - 5 quart crock pot layer 4 chicken breasts. As evenly as you can, top it with 2 Tablespoons of cubed butter. In a medium sized mixing bowl stir together 2 cans of cream of chicken soup, a small can of chicken broth, 2 teaspoons of ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of poultry seasoning. Pour over top of chicken and butter and cook on low for 5 - 6 hours or on high for 3 - 4 hours. Take a can of biscuits and quarter each biscuit. Make sure crock pot is on high and completely submerge each biscuit quarter in liquid, adding them individually. Cook for additonal 30 minutes or until "dumplings" are no longer doughy in the center.


Crock Pot Chicken Vindaloo
This is a great crock pot chicken indian dish. The spices are remarkable in this vindaloo. Here is how it's done: In a large mixing bowl stir together 3 tablespoons of white wine vinegar, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh ground ginger, 3/4 tablespoon of curry powder, 1 tablespoon of cumin, 1/4 teaspoon each of cardamom, ground cloves and cayenne, 1 tablespoon of mustard seed, 2 tablespoons of olive oil and one cup of tomato sauce. In the meantime cut 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves into chunks and place in a 3 quart crock pot. Pour the mixture over chicken. Add 1 small onion, 1 cinnamon stick and 2 tablespoons of dried parsley. Cook on low for 5 - 6 hours or on high for 3 - 4 hours. Remove cinnamon stick before serving. It's GREAT served over jasmine rice.

Crock Pot Balsamic Chicken
We have crock pot balsamic chicken in place of traditional spaghetti or chicken cacciatore. It is so filling, yet light. The best way to serve it is over angel hair pasta. Here is how it's done: In a 2 1/2 - 3 quart crock pot place 1 pound of chicken breast tenderloins, 1 small onion that has been thinly sliced, 1 - 8 ounce package of mushrooms that have been sliced, 2 - 14.5 ounce cans of crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon each of dried basil, oregano and rosemare, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme and salt and pepper to taste. Cook on high for 5 - 6 hours or on low for 2 1/2 - 3 hours. Once cooked, mix all ingredients to incorporate and serve over angel haired pasta.


Crock Pot Roasted Chicken and Baked Potatoes
This crock pot roasted chicken and baked potatoes is the ultimate in one pot wonders. It is more of a technique than a recipe. Just wash however many potatoes you need to feed your family, prick them with a fork and wrap in aluminum foil. Place them in the bottom of your crock pot (the size will depend on how many potatoes and chicken breasts your making). Rub your bone in chicken breasts with your favorite rub (I've used poultry seasoning, barbecue rub, lemon pepper... all are good). Balance the chicken breasts on top of the potatoes and cook on high for 3 1/2 - 4 hours or on low for 7 - 8 hours. Make a salad or steam some broccoli and dinner is done.


Crock Pot Rotisserie Chicken
Instead of buying those wonderful rotisserie chickens at the grocery store I have been making them in the crock pot. Jeanette shared this recipe with me and I've been making it ever since. It's so easy to do and a rotisserie chicken is so versatile. You can make quesadillas, chicken salad, chicken casserole.... the possibilities are endless if you have leftover rotisserie chicken (which we always do). Here is how I do it: Line a 6 - 7 quart crock pot with a Reynold's Slow Cooker Liner. Make 5 or 6 aluminum foil balls to place in the bottom of the crock pot. Rinse a 4 - 5 pound baking hen and pat dry. Season the inside of the cavity and the outside of the baking hen with seasoned salt and ground black pepper. Place on top of the foil balls and cook on high for 6 hours. Make sure to check the chicken for doneness with a meat thermometer or make sure all the juices are running clear.

Potato Chip Cookies

Potato Chip Cookies


 1 cup margarine

 1 cup crushed potato chips

 1/2 cup sugar

 2 cup flour

 1 tsp. vanilla


 Mix margarine, sugar and vanilla together. Add potato

 chips and stir in flour. Form small balls from mixture.

 Place on ungreased cookie sheet.Press ball flat with the

 bottom of glass dipped in sugar.

 Bake at 350 for 16-18 minutes.

October's E-Letter & Ramblings

Well today turned Nov. 1, 2010, where oh where has time gone???

The weather has cooled down quite alot. I open the windows durning the day to let the fresh air in, but find I close them about 5 or so when the evening chill starts to attack my toes. Once my toes get cold, I'm done for..smile
I even dug out our winter blanket & flanel sheets to keep us snug as a bug in our toasty bed. Such a pleasure to look forward to after a long day working, tending to chores & such to go crawl into a toasty bed with my Beloved.

Ron and I had a lovely Mini vacation in OK again in Oct. I got alot of knitting down, a few patterns came to mind, jotted them down so I wouldn't forget them. Ron always enjoyes his mini vacations, it relaxes him. He works so hard and just needs some down time.

Funny thing happened just before Ron & I left for OK. I recieved a birthday card I mailed our Daughter-in-Love back in May that she never recieved. When Ron first handed it to me I said I haven't sent anything to Marla for months, YET, it was post marked Oct. when it was found out in Calif. and the wrong address???? 1 + 1 is not adding up to 2 here. I got a little up-set because I didn't want Marla to think I forgot her Birthday. (The kids were here in May and I mailed it out right after they left for Calif) Well I contacted her and got the correct address and told her what had happened, so at least she knows I didn't forget her... I Love her so Dearly and am so THANKFUL Lance found her and married her. They both are so BLESSEd & good for eachother.

10/29/2010 
After 10 months without wearing my headcovering, I'm wearing it again. I wore it for 2 years, then took it off and decided it wasn't what I wanted or needed at this time in my life... BOY was I WRONG. After much PRAYER, my headcovering is back on to STAY, and I've even ordered 2 new ones from Joyce's coverings and am looking forward to them arriving. And YES, Jumpers, Skirts etc are back to stay as well. (Modest dressing)
Went out today and boy oh boy what a difference, the feeling of walking in God's Blessings, curtise people in Wal-Mart- what a difference..  Thank You Lord for directing my steps and guiding me back inside Your Fold..

Ron spendt the  weekend diggin up his Dalia's bulbs to store away until Spring when he'll re-plant them. This is such a good thing becuse they are such a treasure. The BIG PURPLE ones were his Grandfather's, so they mean alot to ron.

!0/31/2010
Last evening Mom & I had to take my Aunt to the Hospital. Se was blacking out and in a whir spin. They ran all kinds of test on her and found a sinus infection. We got home about 10pm and everyone settled in for a good nights rest

I Pray everyone reading this has a BLESSED NOVEMBER.. Make a list of all the things your THANKFUL for and spend some time looking back on it being thankful all over again

Have a BLessed Thanksgiving one & all... Blessings Jeanarie

Puff The Magic Dragon

                                  Peter, Paul & Mary : Puff The Magic Dragon Lyrics


Puff, the magic dragon lived
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee,
Little jackie paper loved that rascal puff,
And brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff. oh

Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee,
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee.

Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail
Jackie kept a lookout perched on puffs gigantic tail,
Noble kings and princes would bow wheneer they came,
Pirate ships would lower their flag when puff roared out his name. oh!

Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee,
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee.

A dragon lives forever but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant rings make way for other toys.
One grey night it happened, jackie paper came no more
And puff that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar.

His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain,
Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane.
Without his life-long friend, puff could not be brave,
So puff that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave. oh!

Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee,
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee.

Cherokee Dishcloth (Knitted)

                                 Cherokee Dishcloth Measures 8 1/2" X 9"


I came up with this dishcloth while knitting on the couch Silom Springs OK. So I jotted down the numbers came home and whipped it up

10 Needles

CO 36

Rows 1-3: Knit across

Row 4: Knit 2, YO, Knit 2 together, Knit 9 sts, YO, Knit 2 Together, Knit to end

Row 5: Repeat row 4 until cloth measures 8 1/2 " from beginning to needle

Rows 6-9: Knit across, cast off

NOTE: Yo can make this cloth 7" or 8" high, I like to make mine a little bigger because I give them away as gifts and never know for sure who's going to recieve this

Simple Knitted Dishcloth

                                    Simply Dish-Cloth Measures 9 1/2" X 7"


10 1/2 needles

CO 36

Rows 1-3: Knit across

Row 4: Knit 2, YO, Knit 2 Together, knit across

Repeat Row 4 until cloth measures from beggining to needles 6 3/4

Row 5-7: Knit Across Cast Off


NOTE:
This dishcloth can be made bigger, but I thought it looked pretty big as is, KNOWING that all knitted dishcloths stretch when wet.
ALSO, I use larger needles because the bigger the holes the quicker they dry so you won't have a moldy or meldew smell

Color's of Roses & their Meaning

Red Rose

Love & affection, Romantic & Abiding Love, True Love, I Love You, Desire, Courage & Passion, Congratulations, Job Well Done, Respect & Appreciation, Honest Beauty, Courage & Passion, Bliss to Marriage

Dark Red Rose
Deep passion, Readiness for a commitment, Unconscious beauty, Dying love


Light Rose
Gentleness, Joy & Grace, Admiration, Sympathy & Gentleness, Harmony & Warmth


Pink Rose
Grace & Elegance, Admiration for beauty and refinement, Sweetness


Bright Pink
Appreciation & Recognition, "Thank You", Gratitude, Admiration


Lavender Rose
Love/Enchantment at first sight, Regal majesty and splendor, Wonder & Impossibility


Purple Rose
Enchantment & Magnetism, Opulence & Majesty


Dark Purple Rose
Enchantment & Magnetism, Opulence & Majesty


Blue Rose
Mystery & Ambiguity, The impossible or The unattainable, "You are extraordinarily wonderful", Mysterious beginnings of new things


Turquoise Rose
Calm, Fertility, Abundance and Bounty, Constant rejuvenation of spirit, Self-respect and Well being


White Rose
Purity & Innocence, Reverence & Humility, Heavenly & Honor, Everlasting love, Marriages and New Beginnings, I am worthy of you, Beauty & Youthfulness, Remembrance


Yellow Rose
Friendship and "I care", Unbridled joy, Promise of a new beginning, Gladness, Delight, Warmth, Good Luck, Welcome Back, Remember Me, Dying Love


Gold Rose
Friendship and "I care", Unbridled joy, Promise of a new beginning, Gladness, Delight, Warmth, Good Luck, Welcome Back, Remember Me, Dying Love


Peach Rose
Modesty, Closing of a new deal, Great cheer, Sincerity & Genuineness, Sympathy, Gratitude and Thankfulness


Orange Rose
Fascination, Passion & Desire, Enthusiasm & Energe, Pride, "I am so proud of you"


Black Rose
Farewell & Sorrow, Loss & Mortality, Death of Old habits, Begining of new things or journey, Courage & Resistance, Halloween More details...

Koffee Time - Sharing Thoughts with you

                                 ~ ~ ~ "Recipe for Miracles" ~ ~ ~

Ingredients:
1 part of knowing who you are
1 part of knowing who you aren't
1 part of knowing what you want
1 part of knowing who you wish to be
1 part of knowing what you already have
1 part of choosing wisely from what you have
1 part of loving and thanking for ALL you have

Instructions:
Combine ingredients together gently and carefully, using faith and vision. Mix together with strong belief of the outcome until finely blended.Use thoughts, words and actions for best results.

Bake until Blessed. Give thanks again
Yield: Unlimited servings


                              ~ ~ ~ Recipe for drama: ~ ~ ~
1 cup of gossip (from people who don't even know you, or you them) 1/4 cup of rumors, a pinch of green envy and best of all a tablespoon of attitude. Let simmer. You'll know it's done when it all boils over...


                             ~ ~ ~ Matthew 5 ~ ~ ~
Note the sequence of Matt 5... We recognize our need (Blessed are the poor in spirit), We repent, (Blessed are they who mourn), we surrender to God's control, (Blessed are the meek) We yearn for His presence (Hunger & thirst), We grow closer to Him and forgive, (blessed are the merciful) We change our outlook (Pure in ...heart) Love others, (blessed are peacemakers) enduring injustice. (Persecution)! ~adapted from Max


                                    ~ ~ ~ The Turtle ~ ~ ~
Taking their homes with them wherever they go, turtles remind us to remember our roots while still welcoming new places and phases in life. They teach us to appreciate life's simple, true necessities, shelter, food,drink and most importantly faith. The turtle's slow gait requires the animal to have faith that it will eventually get where it is going and that its needs will be satisfied along the way

Someone shared the Turtle with me and I thought it was great, so I'm sharing as well...JMSQ

                   ~ ~ ~  By: Karen Puff Rosenkrantz ~ ~ ~
"Calling Jesus "Lord" does not necessarily mean you have submitted to
His Lordship. The proof of His Lordship over you is not in what you call
Him; it is in the obedience to what He says." ~Chip Brogden~


                            ~ ~ ~ The Bible ~ ~ ~
THE BIBLE Contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners. Happiness of the saved. Here heaven is opened, hell disclosed. Your present choice will decide your eternal state.!Amen!

Friendship Oak Tree

                                          The Famous Friendship Oak


On the beachfront campus of The University of Southern Mississippi-Gulf Coast (formerly Gulf Park), overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, is a magnificent live oak tree 500 plus years old. The tree is loved by former students of Gulf Park College, revered by tree lovers, held in fond memory by those whose wedding ceremonies were conducted on the platform with its mighty branches, and viewed daily by tourist. This is the Friendship Oak.

   Friendship Oak keeps her majestic vigil on the Gulf of Mexico, a vigil which dates back to 1487.  If asked about the length of stay on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, she might reply: "I was a sapling when Christopher Columbus sailed the Caribbean, and had begun to bear acorns when Ponce de Leon reached Florida in quest for the Fountain of Youth.  In 1587, the year Virginia Dare, the first white child born at Roanoke Island, appeared, I had turned a hundred years...."

Current measurements show a 50-foot height; diameter of trunk 5 feet 9 inches; circumference of the trunk is 18 feet 7 inches, spread of foliage, 156 feet.  The average length of the main lateral limbs is 60-66 feet from the trunk; average circumference of limbs at the trunk is 7 1/2 feet; the tree forms almost 16,000 square feet of shelter and lateral roots go out 150 feet.

Her motto on the plaque reads: "I am called 'Friendship Oak.'  Those who enter my shadow are supposed to remain friends through all their lifetime no matter where fate may take them in after years."

The Thorn By: Beverly Lewis

Well I took Ron to the Dr's this morning, while waiting in the waiting room, I finished the book I started, By: Beverly Lewis Called the Thorn. Left me BEGGING FOR MORE, how on earth am I going to wait until April 2011 for book 2 of 3 to come out of the Rose Trilogy ..


I so love the writtings and story theme's of Beverly Lewis. I have so many of her books and love them all

Romance, mystery, and family drama intertwine deep in the heart of Lancaster County's Amish country. The Thorn is Book One in a stirring new sage from Beverly Lewis, "the reigning queen of Amish fiction"
                                               --Library Journal


This book is about two Amish sisters divided by one sister's impulsive marriage to an outsider... Hen longs for the Old Ways she left behind...

Rose is unsure of her own heart- devoted to the bishop's rebellious foster son Nick, yet courted by another

So, if your looking for a great book to just relax with, I suggest The Thorn, you won't be sorry