Take Care and God Bless

My Wishes For Your Amazing 2012

Maggie — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:13:32 GMT

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 Time for Prayer

Maggie — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 20:15:22 GMT

From A Time For Prayer
by Lance Wubbels

"In times of war and not before,
God and the soldier we adore.
But in times of peace and all things righted,
God is forgotten and the soldier slighted."

-Rudyard Kipling

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!

Many times throughout the Bible we are reminded that God is looking for a small remnant of faithful prayer warriors, even one person to stand in the gap for the sins of the people (Psalm 106:23; Ezekiel 22:30). Join the remnant of Christians standing in the gap for our nation!

Being Thankful

Maggie — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:23:42 GMT

"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
" Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.

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

__________________________________________________________________________

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

Maggie — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:47:10 GMT

A drunk man in an Oldsmobile
They said had run the light
That caused the six-car pileup
On 109 that night.

When broken bodies lay about
And blood was everywhere,
The sirens screamed out eulogies,
For death was in the air.

A mother, trapped inside her car,
Was heard above the noise;
Her plaintive plea near split the air:
Oh, God, please spare my boys!

She fought to lose her pinned hands;
She struggled to get free,
But mangled metal held her fast
In grim captivity.

Her frightened eyes then focused
On where the back seat once had been,
But all she saw was broken glass and
Two children's seats crushed in.

Her twins were nowhere to be seen;
She did not hear them cry,
And then she prayed they'd been thrown free,
Oh, God, don't let them die!

Then firemen came and cut her loose,
But when they searched the back,
They found therein no little boys,
But the seat belts were intact.

They thought the woman had gone mad
And was travelling alone,
But when they turned to question her,
They discovered she was gone.

Policemen saw her running wild
And screaming above the noise
In beseeching supplication,
Please help me find my boys!

They're four years old and wear blue shirts;
Their jeans are blue to match.
One cop spoke up, They're in my car,
And they don't have a scratch.

They said their daddy put them there
And gave them each a cone,
Then told them both to wait for Mom
To come and take them home.

I've searched the area high and low,
But I can't find their dad.
He must have fled the scene,
I guess, and that is very bad...

The mother hugged the twins and said,
While wiping at a tear,
He could not flee the scene, you see,
For he's been dead a year.

The cop just looked confused and asked,
Now, how can that be true?
The boys said, Mommy, Daddy came
And left a kiss for you.

He told us not to worry
And that you would be all right,
And then he put us in this car with
The pretty, flashing light.

We wanted him to stay with us,
Because we miss him so,
But Mommy, he just hugged us tight
And said he had to go.

He said someday we'd understand
And told us not to fuss,
And he said to tell you, Mommy,
He's watching over us.

The mother knew without a doubt
That what they spoke was true,
For she recalled their dad's last words,
I will watch over you.

The firemen's notes could not explain
The twisted, mangled car,
And how the three of them escaped
Without a single scar.

But on the cop's report was scribed,
In print so very fine,
An angel walked the beat tonight on Highway 109.
He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare.
****************
This morning when the Lord opened a window to Heaven,
He saw me, and he asked: 'My child, what is your greatest wish for today?'
I responded: 'Lord please, take care of the person who is reading this message, their family and their special friends.
They deserve it and I love them very much. '

Is it true that ANGELS EXIST ???
Yes. And some times, since they don't all have wings, we call them FRIENDS.

A French Cat

Maggie — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 04:13:24 GMT

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

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

Maggie — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:40:47 GMT

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.

Dear God

Maggie — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:53:04 GMT

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

Maggie — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:45:18 GMT

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

Maggie — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 18:34:34 GMT

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!

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
__________________________________________________________________

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"

__________________________________________________________________

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,

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,

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.

Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, prayer is the very best one.

__________________________________________________________________

Stay Alert

Maggie — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:59:25 GMT

(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. Isn't it just common sense—
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. Strategic planning is the key to warfare; to win, you need a lot of good counsel."

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

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

__________________________________________________________________

Put First the Word

"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)

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.

~~~~Gloria Copeland

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Maggie — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 22:37:43 GMT

HOPE YOU HAVE A HAPPY, JOYOUS, AND BLESSED NEW YEAR. MAGGIE

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Maggie — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 22:35:48 GMT

Merry Christmas and our wishes for your peaceful and happy new year. Maggie & Ronnie

A Memorial Meal

Maggie — Mon, 30 May 2011 16:56:35 GMT

A Memorial Meal

By Dianne Neal Matthews
Guest Writer

CBN.com - Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, was instituted to honor Civil War dead. Local observances were held as early as 1866, many of them in the South where most of the war dead were buried. The first official and large observance took place on May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery, which held the remains of twenty thousand Union soldiers and several Confederate dead. Five thousand people attended the ceremony.

New York was the first state to declare the holiday, in 1873; other states quickly followed. After World War I, citizens expanded the observances to honor those who died in all American wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday and changed the date to the last Monday in May. In recent years, many use the occasion to decorate the graves of loved ones.

Under God's direction, the Israelites had "Memorial Day" celebrations to help them remember major events in their history. They celebrated Passover each year to commemorate their miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt. When Jesus ate His last Passover meal, He instituted a new memorial to commemorate the deliverance from slavery to sin that He would accomplish for all believers through His death. As He shared the bread and wine with His disciples, He instructed them to eat and drink in remembrance of Him.

The speaker at the first official Memorial Day service urged the audience to tend the graves of the dead soldiers to testify that our country had not forgotten the cost of a free, undivided republic. When we take part in the Lord's Supper we are testifying that we remember the cost of our salvation. We are celebrating a "Memorial Meal" in honor of the One who won the war against death and sin.

[Jesus told his disciples,] "Do this to remember me." (Luke 22:19)

Hope you all have a great Memorial Day weekend and remember to remember those in the military, past and present, and those particularly who are in the Middle East, for their safety, protection, good health, and 'feeling' our undying gratitude and our prayers. The following is a 'daily thought' from MountainWings, and it says it all.

Have a blessed day.. Take care & keep praying.

Maggie

_________________________________________________________

Scott got to church early to get a good seat for the Christmas
service. He found a seat up against the aisle, and settled in.
People were starting to file in wearing their Sunday finery when
he remembered his cell phone was on. Just as he started to cut
it off, John walked up with a big smile and a handshake.
A typical Sunday morning conversation ensued, and as it was
ending John questioned Scott about turning off his cell phone.

"You never know," he said. "Some desperate soul just might need
you," he smiled.

Scott grimaced, reconsidered, and turned the phone onto vibrate.
Scott ran a one-man towing business, and the last thing he
wanted this morning was to have to miss the service to haul
someone out of a ditch, or worse, drag the shredded remains of
someone's car off of the highway.

Not five minutes passed before his cell phone vibrated. As he
walked toward the lobby to answer the call he could only think,
"Full retail for this one."

It was old Mrs. Wingate, a widow whose dilapidated jalopy was
headed for the Guinness Book of World records for running long
past the natural life span of any car. Her car had broken down
on her way to church, and she was stranded on the side of the
road, freezing. She was perhaps the kindliest little old lady
anyone could ever hope to meet, and he could scarcely ask her to
call anyone else. After all, she and his Mom were good friends.

When he arrived, Scott could see the steam still rising from her
hood. She smiled gracefully as only a true Southern lady could,
and they commiserated for a moment over her ailing car. As he
slipped a pair of coveralls over his Sunday pants and shirt, he
asked her to step in front of his truck for safety's sake.

"Why, whatever for?" she asked. He explained how when the steel
cable pulled her car up onto the flat bed of his truck there was
always the possibility that it could snap, and either hurt or
maybe even kill someone.

She gave a little gasp, and moved in front of the truck. In
just a few minutes her ailing car was secured, and the pair took
off towards her mechanic's shop. Since her church was almost on
the way, he asked if he could drop her off there. She turned to
him and said, "Yes, thank you."

As he pulled up to the side door of her church to let her out,
she asked, "How much do I owe you." He smiled, knowing that she
was as poor as a church mouse. He pointed to the church
building and said, "This one's on the House." She smiled that
smile that only the truly thankful and relieved could smile, put
her time-worn hand on his forearm and said, "I will always pray
for your safety."

As she walked towards the church she joined some friends. As he
pulled away, he could see them clustered in that tight huddle
ladies form when some news needs to be shared. He knew he did
not need to ask if she could get a ride home. That was as given
as tomorrow's sunrise.

A year later, Scott's Reserve Unit got called up for combat
duty. He had all the training he needed, and now it was the
time to pony up. He went through the usual tearful goodbyes
with his parents and friends, and took the long grueling flight
overseas.

Shortly after arriving, his unit was assigned to clear a town of
"insurgents." With his mechanical skills, it was no surprise
that he was assigned to a support group helping to maintain
other vehicles in their unit.

It was not a peaceful day. Occasionally, the distinctive
clatter of AK-47s would be heard along with the blast of rocket
propelled grenades. This was usually followed by M-16 and 50
caliber machine gun fire. It wasn't long before his team got
the call to assist a wounded humvee towards the center of town.

They quickly descended on the shot-up vehicle, and began
repairs. As they worked away it became obvious what parts and
tools were needed, so Scott returned to the truck to get them.
As he rounded the back of the truck he ran face-first into a
enemy soldier that had slipped up quietly. Instantly an AK-47
was shoved into his face, and he heard the hammer of the rifle
drop as the trigger was pulled. It was the loudest sound he had
ever heard in his life. For whatever reason, the gun had not
discharged, but he had heard that gun's hammer hit steel like a
blacksmith's hammer striking an anvil.

Immediately he reacted. With his left hand he swept the gun
aside, and with his right hand slammed the heavy wrench he was
carrying into the head of the enemy soldier. The grungy, AK-
carrying guerilla went down like a pile of rags. Calling for
help, he turned his unconscious would-be killer over to the
combat troops.

He was shaken so hard he couldn't stand up. He sat down on the
truck's tailgate. He could only think, "The gun should have
gone off. It should have blown my brains across the street. I
should be dead." But he wasn't.

By evening, his nerves had finally settled down as much as they
were going to that day. His team had been called back to work
on a downed vehicle in a well-secured area so they moved away
from the fighting. After chow the mail caught up with them. He
got two letters, and a post card. He flipped the post card over
and found that it was from that dear old soul, Mrs. Wingate.

It had only one sentence,

"I will always pray for your safety."

He bowed his head, and quietly cried.

~ by Jack Holton Cowart~

http://www.mountainwings.com

If You Have Two Shirts

Maggie — Tue, 24 May 2011 17:50:21 GMT

Yes, there's more to this 'daily' than just asking for you to donate to help the tornadoes victims. Read on.......

Luke 3:11

"John replied, 'If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry'.”

Galatians 6:2

"Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ."

The devastations left by tornadoes and floods are nothing short of horrible. There are thousands of people whose homes were flattened, destroyed, or left completely uninhabitable, not to mention they are now jobless because where they worked was also left completely destroyed. Situations like this are when we, as Christians, need to step up, and fly to aid these people, whether you can donate small or large, clothes which are perfectly good but you don't wear anymore, non-perishables, baby needs, pet needs, etc. Then, there's a need for NEW underwear.

I've always been taught that where there's a physical need, we Christians need to step up and meet those needs before we try 'spreading the Word'..... When we help others, we're doing exactly what God expects us to do. I've so often said that we are God's hands and feet here on earth, and we need to be a blessing as ambassadors for God, shining with our love for Jesus.

Isaiah 58:7
    "Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless.
   Give clothes to those who need them,
      and do not hide from relatives who need your help."

If you live too far away to deliver your donations, just send a check - small
or large. If you donate to the Red Cross, be sure to write check to the AMERICAN RED CROSS, and write on the check: for Alabama, Mississippi,
or Missouri tornado relief - or whichever state you want to the money to go to. If you don't do this, there's really no telling where your donation will end up. Also, Samaritans Purse (P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, (828) 262-1980 to ask how to donate the exact state you want). Then, there's Operation Blessings through CBN.com. Phone (800) 759-0700 for more information.

Job 31:17 - "Have I been stingy with my food and refused to share it with orphans?"

Revelation 3:20 - “'Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends'."

Galatians 6:2 - "Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ."

Just today, the following article was on the 'front page' of our local Fox Network.

As you know, we live in Alabama, and I'm so proud of our Governor and our state.

Governor Bentley reaches out to Missouri

MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC)

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley is reaching out to Joplin, Missouri. He called Missouri's governor Monday morning to offer condolences and help.

Bentley says he knows what Governor Jay Nixon is going through. He also says Alabama officials have learned many lessons that might help speed Missouri's recovery.

"We are very saddened by the pictures we see there, because if you take Joplin, Missouri and you put it in Tuscaloosa or Pratt City or Marion County, they're all the same," said Bentley. "God help them, provide them help like we've had here. It's been awesome how God has poured out its blessings"

FEMA is mobilizing workers to send to Joplin, Missouri. Officials say this will not affect the relief effort in Alabama. A spokesperson says FEMA representatives will remain in Alabama as long as needed.

If you are a storm victim, you have until June 27th to apply for help with FEMA. The number is 1-800-621-3362. People who are hearing impaired can call 1-800-462-7585. You can also apply online at fema.gov.

Acts 2:46
" They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper,

and shared their meals with great joy and generosity. "

I hope that these thoughts are well received with you, that you pray about it, and that you realize that 'doing' for others is blessing our Heavenly Father. HE'd be so proud. Maggie

__________________________________________________________________

READERS - PLEASE !!!!

Maggie — Sun, 22 May 2011 22:18:52 GMT

I ATTEMPTED TO EMAIL A READER TO REPLY TO THEIR COMMENT, AND THE EMAIL WAS RETURNED AS 'NOT ABLE TO BE DELIVERED'. I AM IN SUCH HOPES THAT WHEN ONE MAKES A 'COMMENT', THEY ARE HONEST AND TRUSTWORTHY ENOUGH TO PUT THEIR CORRECT EMAIL ADDRES...... MAGGIE

Tornadoes

Maggie — Wed, 11 May 2011 16:22:00 GMT

PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL THOSE AFFECTED BY TORNADOES IN ALABAMA, AND IF POSSIBLE, DONATE TO THE SALVATION ARMY OR THE RED CROSS OR THROUGH CBN. THANK YOU. MAGGIE

HAPPY EASTER

Maggie — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 13:37:00 GMT

John 3:16

“For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son,

so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."

In my humble opinion, that's the most important Scripture I could quote today - and every day. If we remember all the time, and literally every day, to ask ourselves "What would Jesus do?" and, along with that, remind ourselves that He expects us to live our lives serving Him and others in His name. We need to spend our lives as our Heavenly Father wants us to do, not only on holy Easter Sunday, but on every day.

I'm sending you my very best wishes for not only a wonderful Easter day, but for us all to live our lives being HIS ambassador every day.

Maggie
__________________________________________________________________

The Man Who Defeated Adolf Hitler

By Eric Metaxas

Published April 20, 2011 | FoxNews.com

This week, billions of Christians around the world will celebrate Easter. But today is a special day too.

Today -- April 20th -- is Hitler's birthday! Have you forgotten? The Fuehrer would have been 122 years young today! Aren't you celebrating? As I explain in my book "Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy," during Hitler's 12-year reign, people across Germany twisted themselves into veritable pretzels to praise the Fuhrer on his birthday! It was a day of national celebration.

How things change! Today Hitler's name is synonymous with evil. What a spectacular reversal of fortune.

Hitler's last birthday -- his 56th -- was already a harbinger of things to come. Ten days later he would commit suicide, so the mood in the bunker on his last "Geburtstag" was not exactly festive. He was a shattered man, hiding like a rat beneath the shattered city that was to have been the capital of his new Germany. His die-hard bunker-mates held a small celebration for him, but Herr Hitler had to be sedated before he could make an appearance. Can anyone dream up a more depressing birthday party? What's the German word for "bummer"?

Contrast Hitler's bleak ending with that of another German of that era, Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Bonhoeffer was a brilliant young pastor and a theologian, whose deep faith in God led him to get involved in the plot to kill Hitler. When Hitler learned of Bonhoeffer's involvement he flew into a typically violent rage. As one of his final acts of revenge -- just three weeks before he committed suicide -- Hitler condemned the young pastor to death. Bonhoeffer was hanged on April 9, 1945 at Flossenburg Concentration camp.

But by all accounts, Bonhoeffer went to his death with the peace of God, with no regrets. How can that be?

He was 39 years old, widely reckoned a theological genius. He had already written two of the classic books of the 20th century, "The Cost of Discipleship" and "Life Together." He was engaged to be married to a wonderful young woman. He had such a terrifically bright future! Bonhoeffer even had an opportunity to escape his fate.

In my book I tell the story of how he had fled to America, but then decided to return to Germany, to face the horrors that lay ahead with his people. Why did he return when he didn't have to? And why didn't he have any regrets for doing so, even after he knew he would pay the ultimate price? Just before he died, Bonhoeffer told a fellow prisoner, "This is the end. But for me, the beginning of life."

How is it that one man slunk to his death defeated and is today despised by the whole world, while another man went to his death with God's peace, and is today everywhere hailed as a hero, as one of the few Germans with the courage to see what was happening and to speak against it and act against it, even at the cost of his own life?

There's much to say by way of an answer, but since the Easter season is upon us, let's start there.

Bonhoeffer believed the Easter story. He actually believed the unbelievable story of God's coming to earth and dying and then rising from the dead to defeat death forever. He believed that because this was true, he need never fear death. All he needed to worry about was doing the right thing and trusting God with the results. And that he did.

Because Bonhoeffer believed these things he had the courage to do what almost no one else around him could do. He stood up for the Jews of Europe and today he is celebrated and cherished, while Hitler, who condemned him to death and who only believed in himself, is reviled as a monster.

That day in the bunker 66 years ago today, as the drugged-up Fuhrer celebrated his last birthday, he was alive and Bonhoeffer had been dead for eleven days.

But on that day -- April 20, 1945 -- who was happy and who was at peace, Hitler or Bonhoeffer? For that matter, which of them is happy and at peace today? It's something chilling to think about, the contrast between these two Germans, between these two lives and these two deaths. But at this time of year especially, it's appropriate that perhaps we do think about it.

Eric Metaxas is the author of "Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy"and"Everything You Always Wanted to Know About God (But Were Afraid to Ask): THE JESUS EDITION" published by Regal Books. For more information, visit www.ericmetaxas.com. On April 20, you can watch Eric Metaxas, Fr. Jonathan Morris and Tim Keller on the premier of the History Channel's "Jesus: The Lost 40 Days" at 9 p.m. ET.

Dear Lord

Maggie — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:35:00 GMT

Dear Lord,

I know you're watching over me
And I'm feeling truly blessed
For no matter what I pray for
You always know what's best!

I have this circle of E-mail friends,
Who mean the world to me;
Some days I 'send' and 'send,'
At other times, I let them be.

I am so blessed to have these friends,
With whom I've grown so close;
So this little poem I dedicate to them,
Because to me they are the 'Most'!

When I see each name download,
And view the message they've sent;
I know they've thought of me that day,
And 'well wishes' were their intent.

So to you, my friends, I would like to say,
Thank you for being a part;
Of all my daily contacts,
This comes right from my heart..

God bless you is my prayer today,
I'm honored to call you 'friend';
I pray the Lord will keep you safe,
Until we write again.

The Global Weather

Maggie — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:33:00 GMT

The weather around the globe seems to have been particularly harrowing.
All of you who are being affected by it are in my thoughts and prayers.
Take care and God bless. Maggie

The Healing Power of Laughter

Maggie — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 23:39:00 GMT

The Healing Power of Laughter
- from Jordan Rubin

The Bible tells us, "A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones" (Proverbs 17:22).

In his book What You Don't Know May Be Killing You, Dr. Don Colbert noted that research conducted by the Department of Behavioral Medicine at the UCLA Medical School into the physical benefits of happiness proved conclusively that "laughter, happiness, and joy are perfect antidotes for stress." Colbert added, "A noted doctor once said that the diaphragm, thorax, abdomen, heart, lungs — and even the liver — are given a massage during a hearty laugh."
Look for ways to laugh more! It could be just what the doctor ordered.…

Always be the person who laughs first. Laughter is the social glue that holds our society together. Laughter creates a ripple effect of good vibrations and positive feelings. People who are able to laugh at themselves or the world around them often put others at ease. Whether at work or in a social situation, be the person who laughs first. It's good for your (and everyone else's) health!

Take Care and God Bless

My Wishes For Your Amazing 2012

A Time for Prayer

Being Thankful

Angels in our Midst

A French Cat

Corinthians 13

Dear God

Things I've Learned

Happy Fourth of July

Stay Alert

HAPPY NEW YEAR

MERRY CHRISTMAS

A Memorial Meal

By Dianne Neal Matthews Guest Writer

If You Have Two Shirts

Yes, there's more to this 'daily' than just asking for you to donate to help the tornadoes victims. Read on.......

Luke 3:11

"John replied, 'If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry'.”

Just today, the following article was on the 'front page' of our local Fox Network.

As you know, we live in Alabama, and I'm so proud of our Governor and our state.

READERS - PLEASE !!!!

Tornadoes

HAPPY EASTER

John 3:16

“For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son,

so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."

The Man Who Defeated Adolf Hitler

Dear Lord

The Global Weather

The Healing Power of Laughter

By Dianne Neal Matthews
Guest Writer