I'll Be Home for Christmas

A tribute to the men and women of our armed forces. May we never forget all they and their families sacrifice to keep us safe.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Measure of a Man

Came across this the other day and thought I'd share it.

Not-how did he die?

      But-how did he live?

Not-what did he gain?

      But-what did he give?

These are the units

      To measure the worth

Of a man as a man

      Regardless of birth

Not-what was his station?

      But-had he a heart?

And how did he play

      His God-given part?

Was he ever ready

      With a word of good cheer,

To bring back a smile,

      To banish a tear?

Not-what was his church?

      Nor-what was his creed?

But-did he befriend

     Those really in need?

Not-what did the sketch 

      In the newspapers say?

But-how many were sorry

     When he passed away?

Author Unknown

That's What I Said

A few things I've said.

A true friend gets stabbed in the heart when someone stabs you in the back.

Loyalty can be earned, trust can be earned, love must be given.

In loving, we find we are stronger than we ever imagined.

Life is about loving, and leaving the world a bit better for your having been there.

Can I make a difference?

In a world of hurricanes, wars, earthquakes, and epidemics; one has to wonder, "What can I do? " Most of us are not multi-millionaire philanthropists, experienced diplomats, or skilled doctors. We can't finance rebuilding efforts, mediate between hostile nations, or heal the sick. So, can we really make a difference?

A vacationing businessman was walking along a beach when he saw a young boy.
Along the shore were many starfish that had been washed up by the tide and were sure to die before the tide returned. The boy walked slowly along the shore and occasionally reached down and tossed a beached starfish back into the ocean. 

The businessman, hoping to teach the boy a little lesson in common sense, walked up to the boy and said, "I have been watching what you are doing, son. You have a good heart, and I know you mean well, but do you realize how many beaches there are around here and how many starfish are dying on every beach every day? Surely an industrious and kind hearted boy such as yourself could find something better to do with your time. Do you really think that what you are doing is going to make a difference?" 

The boy looked up at the man, and then he looked down at a starfish by his feet. He picked up the starfish, and as he gently tossed it back into the ocean, he said, "It makes a difference to that one."

-Author Unknown -

So, maybe you can't dole out wads of cash to good causes, but I bet you could give a little. Likely you won't be called to broker any peace treaties, but you might be able to help settle an argument between friends. And it doesn't take a doctor to fix chicken soup for an ailing family member, or visit a sick friend. Maybe our actions will make a big difference and maybe they won't, but "It makes a difference to that one."

Hope

It grows up in a barren land
First seed then shoot
A leaf and stem
Growing stronger and stronger still
It bursts forth, spreading light and life across the sand
Touches all with fragrant bloom
And never fades away

by Me

Blessed Insurance?

     Our family has a sort of "humor calendar" in the bathroom. Each day has a different funny story, typo, or comment from churches across America. One in particular got me thinking. It listed several different hymns that suited whatever group they were talking about. The dentist's hymn was "Crown Him With many Crowns" the fisherman's was "Shall We Gather at the River?" and so on. For Senior Citizen's the hymn was "Blessed Insurance." At first I found this funny, but after thinking about it, it struck me that that is how many people treat their faith, like it's some sort of Divine fire insurance. They got the policy (accepted Christ), pay their premiums (go to church, tithe, support fundraisers etc.),  and expect that, when they die, they can file a claim and cash in on the policy. 
     Now, I'm not going to debate about whether they are saved or not, that's between them and God, but I do pity them. Here they've been introduced to the most amazing thing this universe has ever known, this thing called faith, and to the one who started it all, (God) and they aren't doing anything about it! They are missing out on the greatest thing you could ever have: a relationship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; Creator, Savior, Comforter. This God, that created everything, loves us and desires a personal relationship with us, so much so that His Son died to make it possible. His love, His peace, His friendship are better than anything this world can offer and they're missing out on it! It's like they've sat down to a magnificent banquet, with every kind of delicious food (and not one calorie), and all they're doing is sipping their water. "Taste and see that the Lord is good!" 

      Think a moment about your best friend. You love to spend time with them, don't you? You probably miss them when they aren't around. Maybe you talk for hours about absolutely nothing, or maybe you have long discussions about deep and meaningful topics. They likely know many, if not all, of your darkest secrets. Friendship with God is all that and more! He knows you better than anyone ever could, because He made you. The God of everything, with all of creation to take care of and some 2 billion followers worldwide, wants to be friends with YOU! How awesome is that?

      So, if you know any "insurance policy" Christians, pity them. Whether their policy turns out to be valid, or not, they will have missed out on the greatest thing this life has to offer, a deep, personal relationship with Almighty God. And if you are that kind of Christian, I encourage you to just look up and say, "Hi, God. What're You up to?" and then really listen for an answer. Who knows, it may be the start of a beautiful friendship.

Anatomy 101 (a picture is worth a thousand words)

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so this blog is 3,000 + words long, hehe.

Anatomy of a True Christian

Anatomy of a True Friend

Anatomy of a Hypocrite 

I know there are many more/different things I could've used, so please, if you think of one (or more) I don't have here, comment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Interesting fact: Alphabetically, hypocrisy comes after Christianity, God and friendship. It also comes between God and I, me, you and us. Methinks the dictionary makes a good point.

Carpe Diem (seize the day)

Never miss the chance to

  

   lend a hand; 

         everyone needs a little help once in a while.

   give a compliment; 

         it may be the only one the receive all day.

   smile at a stranger;

         it'll brighten their day-and yours.

   say something nice;

         kind words are never out of place.

   be a friend;

         we all need them.

   offer encouragement;

         a few words can make a world of difference.

   tell someone you love them;

         because you never know when today might be their last day -

                     or yours.

                   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, 

faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law. 

Galatians 5:22-23

Who’s part of the body? (another transfer first posted June 27, 2010)

Ok, so, you’ve probably heard about how the church is the body of Christ. (Romans 12:4-5) Pastors preach on this topic all the time, talking about how each part of the body is necessary and important to the function of the body. If you’re like me you’re probably used to thinking of this in terms of your local congregation. However, I think we miss the bigger picture; there are millions of Christians all over the world. They are from different cultures, they speak different languages and they belong to different denominations. Each has their own traditions and rules, but they are still Christians. A foot cannot say to the hand, “Because you have fingers, you are not part of the body,” and an eye can’t say to the ear, “Because you cannot see, you are not part of the body.” Of course, this sounds ridiculous. Hands and feet are obviously part of the body – how could anyone think otherwise? Ever heard of one denomination that thought all other denominations weren’t Christians? Or maybe you’ve heard people say that one denomination was not Christian because of certain traditions. The chorus of a song by Higher Power speaks to this.

“It’s not what’s over the door or the church that you attend, that makes you a child of God and a heavenly citizen. As the eyes of the Lord look this world o’er there’s just one thing He’s lookin’ for. Can’t you see that it’s what’s in your heart, and not what’s over the door?”

Hand, foot, eye, Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran, if Jesus is in our hearts we belong to one body and the sooner we start acting like it, the sooner the body will start fulfilling the task God created it for – bringing others to Him.

Two Blogs Transferred From Another Site (so all my blogs will be in one place)

What've we become and what are we going to do about it?

(originally posted 5/28/08)

Some thoughts on the church of today inspired by a blog by someone else (thus why some bits may not make sense.)

The fruit of the spirit is LOVE. Joy is love's strength. Peace is love's security. Long-suffering is love's Patience. Gentleness is love's conduct. Goodness is love's character.  Faith is love's confidence.  Temperance is love's victory. Against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35

A scene from THE DIVIDED BATTLE by G.L. Hill keeps coming to mind. At the time I first read it, I kept thinking of some of the churches, and some of the people I've met in them.

              ...Discussion grew hot. Some very harsh words were exchanged. 

              Some plain truths were told, and denied point blank, and a decision 

              seemed no nearer than when the question was first proposed.
              In the shadowy dimness back under the gallery two demon-emissaries 

              of the enemy stood taking notes. One of them, young in his office, 

              looked puzzled.
              "I don't see how you can tell which are Christians and which are 

               fighting for us," he said at last, in an aside to his superior officer, 

               who was watching the argument with great satisfaction.
              "Don't you know the rule?" asked the other sharply. "This is their 

               own leader's word: 'By this shall all men know that ye are my 

               disciples, if ye have love one to another'!"
               A look of surprised comprehension began slowly to dawn upon the 

               young demon's face.
               "Why then, almost all of them are fighting for us!"...

    I really think we are fighting a battle against ourselves, bickering over points of opinion while the enemy of our soul makes headway-using our arguing to disillusion those who might want to come to Christ. When we draw swords on each other, we fail to show the love that has saved us to a world that desperately needs it.

 

Actions speak louder than words - or do they? 

(originally posted 12/2/08)

Dad (a.k.a my pastor)always says that we are often the only Bibles people read. As Christians, our behavior to each other reflects what is inside of us.

        (Matt. 7:16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from

         thistles?)

If we're acting the same as everyone else (i.e. lying, hating, gossiping) people think that's what our God is like. If we say one thing and act contrary to that, then even the most powerful witness falls flat. However, words are very powerful. The right words can heal a wound, but the wrong words can kill.

        (Prov. 12:18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,but the tongue of the wise brings

         healing.

         Prov. 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,and those who love it will eat its fruits.)

If we act like a Christian, but never say anything, no one will know the Savior behind our actions. Conversely, if we preach a powerful message, but then continue on like the rest of the world, people will think our God means nothing. I'd say both are equally important.