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My Wishes For Your Amazing 2012
Today...I wish you a day of ordinary miracles-
A fresh pot of coffee you didn't have to make yourself.
An unexpected phone call from an old friend.
Green stoplights on your way to work or shop.
I wish you a day of little things to rejoice in...
The fastest line at the grocery store.
A good sing along song on the radio.
Your keys right where you look.
I wish you a day of happiness and perfection-little bite-size pieces of perfection that give you the funny feeling that the Lord is smiling on you,
holding you so gently because you are someone special and rare.
I wish You a day of Peace, Happiness and Joy.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.
Wishing you the very best for 2012
A fresh pot of coffee you didn't have to make yourself.
An unexpected phone call from an old friend.
Green stoplights on your way to work or shop.
I wish you a day of little things to rejoice in...
The fastest line at the grocery store.
A good sing along song on the radio.
Your keys right where you look.
I wish you a day of happiness and perfection-little bite-size pieces of perfection that give you the funny feeling that the Lord is smiling on you,
holding you so gently because you are someone special and rare.
I wish You a day of Peace, Happiness and Joy.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.
Wishing you the very best for 2012
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A Time for Prayer
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From A Time For Prayer |
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"In times of war and not before, Kipling's words, unfortunately, ring true today. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, are a prime example. Immediately following the attacks, Americans embraced faith and prayer as they wept and pleaded with God for help. However, for many, life soon returned to "normal." Consider making prayer a "normal" part of your daily life and don't reserve it for desperate times. A simple way to establish the habit of daily prayer is to begin praying for people in positions of leadership over you. Think of leaders in Government, Military, Education, Business, Media, Church, and Family. By praying for these seven areas, you are lifting your community and your nation to God every week. Loneliness and feelings of isolation are common among leaders today. Many of them only hear from people when there is a need or complaint. You can be a light in their life by offering prayer and encouragement! |
Being Thankful
"Being Thankful"
Thanksgiving is closely approaching. Everyone is thanking the Lord for His blessings, thanking each other, and most are thanking Him for the 'spread' of food on our Thanksgiving table. I wonder why we don't do that EVERY day? After all, the Lord is with us always and provides for our needs every day, so having a thankful heart continuously seems only right.
Matthew 28:20
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And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
I hope that you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving, filled with fun
and love for each other, and yes, gratitude over-flowing. Maggie
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Being Thankful in All Circumstances
by Betty Miller
One of the most important keys that will make it possible for us to walk in kingdom living is our expression of praise. The Lord's prayer begins in an attitude of worship and praise, "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth" (Luke 11:2). Praise is the will of God, and heaven overflows with it.
"And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready" (Revelation 19:5-7).
Since the presence of praise is voiced continually in heaven, our voices should also be lifted up in praise to our Lord. In 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 we are told to, "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." The Lord tells us here that we are to have an attitude of joy, thanksgiving and prayer at all times, no matter what the conditions or circumstances are that surround us.
This verse does not mean that we are to thank God for bad things and tragedies that come our way. It means that we are to remain joyful no matter what is happening in our lives because we have the Lord, and in Him we shall overcome no matter what the devil is trying to do to us. The Lord does not want us to thank Him for the bad things that happen to us because He did not send them. He is not the author of evil. We are not to become bitter over life's circumstances, but rather to continue to rejoice in the Lord. It is the will of God for us to rejoice no matter what comes. It is not the will of God to receive evil things as from Him. It is an insult to God to thank Him for accidents, sickness, tragedy, etc. He does not send those things to us, the devil does. We are told to resist the devil, and submit to God. (James 4:7, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.") We are to love and rejoice in the Lord in spite of what the devil tries to do to us.
One of Satan's favorite schemes is to send something bad into someone's life and blame it on God. If he can get people to believe it is from the Lord, he has an easier time convincing them of his next lie, that God has failed them and deserted them. He follows this up with a further lie, "Why go on serving a God who does these kinds of things to you?" Satan's real target is to destroy our faith in God. He just attacks different areas to get at different people.
Our prayers should be in an attitude of praise even in the midst of our trials. We should lift our voices and praise the Lord like this, "Father, I praise You and love You, and no matter what the devil is trying to do to me. I know that You shall bring me through victoriously! Show me what I need to do, Lord. Show me the door that I have opened to the enemy. I resist him in the name of Jesus, and I command him to leave with all of his oppression and attacks. Jesus, You are the Lord of my life, and I submit to You and will never deny You no matter what happens. Praise God!".
Instead of praying like that, many Christians fall for the enemy's lies and come under condemnation and suffering. They begin to question God and even become mad at Him. The fault is not the Lord's but our own. We miss His complete victory because we have attributed Satan's attack to the Lord. We can even open the door for the enemy to come against us by not having a cheerful and rejoicing heart. We may complain and gripe to God about our plight in life instead of using the weapons He has given us to overcome the devil. Telling our troubles to God is not complaining, but blaming God for them is. One of the greatest weapons is our weapon of praise. We must praise God that He is there for us and lean not to our own understanding.
Angels in our Midst
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A French Cat
I love my three cats. They are labeled as 'house cats' because they only see
the 'outside' once a year when we take them to the vet for their 'check-ups'.
When we travel, I leave down lots of dry cat food (three different flavors in
three different large bowls), lots of water - 3 or 4 large bowls, and a gigantic
clean litter tub, filled with clean litter. Two of my cats are 16-years old, and the 'baby' is 4-years old. All three sleep with us, with each having their disignated location on the bed.
Now, 'dog lovers' (which, ironically I am also) simply do not understand the
love of felines. All my life I've heard how independant and aloof they are, but
not so for our three kittens. They all meet us at the door whenever we come home. They each come running when we call them. They each like to cuddle
in our laps - sometime 'our' idea, and sometime 'theirs'. All in all, they are wonderful companions, and the purring is a lovely, comforting sound. Maggie
Chicken Soup for the Soul: A French Cat
the 'outside' once a year when we take them to the vet for their 'check-ups'.
When we travel, I leave down lots of dry cat food (three different flavors in
three different large bowls), lots of water - 3 or 4 large bowls, and a gigantic
clean litter tub, filled with clean litter. Two of my cats are 16-years old, and the 'baby' is 4-years old. All three sleep with us, with each having their disignated location on the bed.
Now, 'dog lovers' (which, ironically I am also) simply do not understand the
love of felines. All my life I've heard how independant and aloof they are, but
not so for our three kittens. They all meet us at the door whenever we come home. They each come running when we call them. They each like to cuddle
in our laps - sometime 'our' idea, and sometime 'theirs'. All in all, they are wonderful companions, and the purring is a lovely, comforting sound. Maggie
Chicken Soup for the Soul: A French Cat
It is impossible for a lover of cats to banish these alert, gentle, and discriminating little friends, who give us just enough of their regard and complaisance to make us hunger for more. ~Agnes Repplier
Recently, my husband Gene and I traveled throughout Europe. We rented a car as we always do and drove along the back roads, staying in quaint, out-of-the-way inns. The only thing that distracted me from the wonder of the trip was the terrible longing I felt for our cat Perry. I always miss him when we travel, but this time, because we were gone for more than three weeks, my need to touch his soft fur and to hold him close became more and more intense. With every cat we saw, the feeling deepened.
We were high in the mountains of France one morning, packing the car before resuming our trip, when an elderly couple walked up to the car parked next to ours. The woman was holding a large Siamese cat and speaking to him in French.
I stood watching them, unable to turn away. My yearning for Perry must have been written all over my face. The woman glanced at me, turned to speak to her husband and then spoke to her cat. Suddenly she walked right over to me and, without one word, held out her cat.
I immediately opened my arms to him. Cautious about the stranger holding him, he extended his claws, but only for a few seconds. Then he retracted them, settled into my embrace and began to purr. I buried my face in his soft fur while rocking him gently. Then, still wordless, I returned him to the woman.
I smiled at them in thanks, and tears filled my eyes. The woman had sensed my need to hold her cat, the cat had sensed that he could trust me, and both, in one of the greatest gifts of kindness I have ever received, had acted upon their feelings.
It's comforting to know the language of cat lovers — and cats — is the same the world over.
Corinthians 13
Just this morning, July 8th, a dear pal and I were discussing 'holidays' and how there doesn't seem to be enough time to relax and enjoy them, and then I ran across the following !!! Thank you, Lord. Maggie
FIRST CORINTHIANS 13 'CHRISTMAS' VERSION, but good all the time........
~~ AUTHOR UNKNOWN
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime: but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.
If I work at a soup kitchen, carole in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity; but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata ut do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return; but rejoices in giving to those who can't.
Love bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things
endures all things.
Love never fails..
Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust;
But giving the gift of love will endure.
FIRST CORINTHIANS 13 'CHRISTMAS' VERSION, but good all the time........
~~ AUTHOR UNKNOWN
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime: but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.
If I work at a soup kitchen, carole in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity; but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata ut do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return; but rejoices in giving to those who can't.
Love bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things
endures all things.
Love never fails..
Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust;
But giving the gift of love will endure.
Dear God
In Chronicles 7:14, You say...."If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways ... then will I hear from Heaven, will forgive their sins and will heal their land."
Please God .. please bless and reawaken America !!!!
Things I've Learned
I've learned...that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned...that we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned...that it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned .... that the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?
I've learned...that to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I've learned...that the less time I have to work, the more things I get done.
And, I've learn to appreciate my pals, and I surely appreciate YOU !!!
Happy Fourth of July
John 8:36 - "If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
AND TO THE REPUBLIC, FOR WHICH IT STANDS,
ONE NATION UNDER GOD,
INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!
AND TO THE REPUBLIC, FOR WHICH IT STANDS,
ONE NATION UNDER GOD,
INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY to you. Hope you have an outstandingly fun and safe day, but don't forget how blessed
we are to live in this country and have the freedom to be celebrating the 235 years of the United States of America,
and to remember all those who have served over these years, and who are still serving.
They all deserve our deepest thanks and gratitude.
Psalm 112:9 - "They share freely and give generously to those in need.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
They will have influence and honor."
Psalm 68:6 - "God places the lonely in families;
He sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.
But He makes the rebellious live in a
sun-scorched land."
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm NOT saying that everyone who lives in 'a sun-scorched land' is doomed, just as I'm not
saying that there are not any 'rebellious' folks living here. All that I'm saying is that although there are some things in
our country which may not be perfect, it's still the best place to live on this earth, and we should be thankful, and give
God all the glory. We must never forget who gets the credit for the freedoms we have, of which we should be
eternally grateful.
2 Corinthians 3:17 - "For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
Have a wonderful day, Maggie
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A father took his five-year-old son to several baseball games where
The Star-Spangled Banner was sung before the start of each game.
Then the father and son attended a church on a Sunday shortly
before Independence Day.
The congregation sang The Star-Spangled Banner, and after everyone sat
down, the little boy suddenly yelled out,
"PLAY BALL"
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I watched the flag pass by one day, It fluttered in the breeze. A young Marine saluted it, And then he stood at ease...
I looked at him in uniform so young, so tall, so proud, with hair cut square and eyes alert; he'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him had fallen through the years,
I thought how many men like him had fallen through the years,
how many died on foreign soil. How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down? How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves? No, freedom
isn't free.
I heard the sound of Taps one night, when everything was still.
I listened to the bugler play and felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times that Taps had meant 'Amen,'
when a flag had draped a coffin of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children, of the mothers and the wives,
I thought of all the children, of the mothers and the wives,
of fathers, sons and husbands with interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard at the bottom of the sea
of unmarked graves in Arlington. No, freedom isn't free.
Enjoy Your Freedom And God Bless Our Troops.
When you read this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our servicemen.
Enjoy Your Freedom And God Bless Our Troops.
When you read this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our servicemen.
Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, prayer is the very best one.
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Stay Alert
(My words are in BLUE; the rest are from THE WORD and in black.)
Luke 10:33-35 - "But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. `Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have'."
Last night, we watched 'DATELINE' about internet scams..... Amazing that so many folks, in the name of being a Good Samaritan, fall for these schemes. I personally know two people who fell victim. The first 'red light' should be by someone you've never heard contacting you online, has a 'sad story', and needs cash for the doctor, hospital, etc. As Christians, the very first thing we should feel for another is love and/or charity. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that.
1 Corinthians 13:13 - "Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love."
However, there are times when the devil uses that against us.
1 Peter 5:8 - "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."
'STAY ALERT'
Use the good common sense - wisdom - that God gives us.
Colossians 3:16 - "Instruct and direct one another using good common sense..........."
Job 34:1-4 - "Elihu continued: 'So, my fine friends—listen to me, and see what you think of this.
as common as the sense of taste— to put our heads together and figure out what's going on here?"
Ephesians 1:8 - "He has showered His kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding."
The second 'red light' is they usually live overseas, i.e. Nigeria (the very worse origin), seem totally 'official', and prey on one's greed - exchanging a little for a lot.
as common as the sense of taste— to put our heads together and figure out what's going on here?"
Ephesians 1:8 - "He has showered His kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding."
The second 'red light' is they usually live overseas, i.e. Nigeria (the very worse origin), seem totally 'official', and prey on one's greed - exchanging a little for a lot.
Psalm 57:4 - "I am surrounded by fierce lions who greedily devour human prey — whose teeth pierce like spears and arrows, and whose tongues cut like swords."
Luke 12:15 - "Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own .”
Proverbs 24:5 - "It's better to be wise than strong; intelligence outranks muscle any day.
Proverbs 24:5 - "It's better to be wise than strong; intelligence outranks muscle any day.
And, what is that 'good counsel'? I would say God, the Bible, and the true wisdom of others.
Psalm 37:30 - "The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong."
Proverbs 20:18 - "Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice."
Colossians 3:16 - "Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all
Proverbs 20:18 - "Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice."
Colossians 3:16 - "Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all
the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts."
Hope you have a protected and safe day. Maggie
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Put First the Word
"For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.... Prize Wisdom highly and exalt her,
"For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.... Prize Wisdom highly and exalt her,
and she will exalt and promote you; she will bring you to honor when you embrace her."
(Proverbs 4:7-8)
(Proverbs 4:7-8)
I want to tell you the only real secret to getting ahead in this world. It's simple. Put the Word of God first place in your daily life.
"Well," you may be saying, "I've heard that before. It's no secret." But when you understand what I mean, it could be a revelation to you.
You see, the Bible is not just a textbook, a storybook, or a history book. It's a handbook for living. It's the wisdom of Almighty God written down so that you can apply it to your everyday circumstances.
God says that wisdom is the "principal thing." Principal means "first in importance." That means the Word of God needs to occupy the place of highest importance in all of your activities. I know from experience what an impact that can have on your life.
Twenty years ago I decided to read the gospels and the book of Acts three times in 30 days. It seemed an impossible task at the time. With two small children and my house turned upside down from a recent move, I couldn't see how I could possibly spend that much time reading the Word and still get everything done. But I set myself to put other things aside and do it anyway.
Surprisingly enough, at the end of the first day I had accomplished more than I would have under normal circumstances. And by the end of that 30 days, I'd not only read the gospels and Acts three times, I'd kept all my housework done, taken care of my children, and refinished several pieces of furniture to boot! I was amazed.
You'll be amazed at what happens in your life too, if you give God's Word priority. But let me warn you, don't wait until you think you have the time. Satan will see to it that you never do.
Just do like I did and set other things aside. Invest your time in the Word first and that investment will soon be paying off in every area of your life.
"Well," you may be saying, "I've heard that before. It's no secret." But when you understand what I mean, it could be a revelation to you.
You see, the Bible is not just a textbook, a storybook, or a history book. It's a handbook for living. It's the wisdom of Almighty God written down so that you can apply it to your everyday circumstances.
God says that wisdom is the "principal thing." Principal means "first in importance." That means the Word of God needs to occupy the place of highest importance in all of your activities. I know from experience what an impact that can have on your life.
Twenty years ago I decided to read the gospels and the book of Acts three times in 30 days. It seemed an impossible task at the time. With two small children and my house turned upside down from a recent move, I couldn't see how I could possibly spend that much time reading the Word and still get everything done. But I set myself to put other things aside and do it anyway.
Surprisingly enough, at the end of the first day I had accomplished more than I would have under normal circumstances. And by the end of that 30 days, I'd not only read the gospels and Acts three times, I'd kept all my housework done, taken care of my children, and refinished several pieces of furniture to boot! I was amazed.
You'll be amazed at what happens in your life too, if you give God's Word priority. But let me warn you, don't wait until you think you have the time. Satan will see to it that you never do.
Just do like I did and set other things aside. Invest your time in the Word first and that investment will soon be paying off in every area of your life.
~~~~Gloria Copeland