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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 9/30/2008 11:11:40 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13499
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
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I have posted this before but received it again today in an email. Such a good story. Enjoy:
While watching a little TV on Sunday instead of going to
church, I watched a Church in Atlanta, GA honoring one of
its senior pastors who had been retired many years. He was
82 at that time and I wondered why the Church even bothered
to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age.
After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as
the applause quieted down he rose from his high back chair
and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gate to
the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind he
placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then
quietly and slowly he began to speak....
'When I was asked to come here today and talk to you,
your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest
lesson ever learned in my 50 odd years of preaching. I
thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just
one thing that made the most difference in my life and
sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I
could always rely on when tears and heart break and pain and
fear and sorrow paralyzed me.. the only thing that would
comfort was this verse........
'Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
we are weak but He is strong....
Yes, Jesus loves me...
The Bible tells me so.'
When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could
hear his foot-steps as he shuffled back to his chair. I
don't believe I will ever forget it.
A pastor once stated, 'I always noticed that it was the
adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves
Me' (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and
it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see
they knew it the best.'
Here is a new version just for us who have white/grey hair
or no hair at all. For us over middle age (or even those
almost there) and all you others, check out this newest
version of Jesus Loves Me.
Now here's the Senior version of Jesus Loves Me:
JESUS LOVES ME (Senior Version)
Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.
(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
YES, JESUS LOVES ME, THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.
Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.
(CHORUS)
When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song.
Telling me in words so clear,
'Have no fear, for I am near.'
(CHORUS)
When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love
(CHORUS)
I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.
(CHORUS)
_____________________________
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CHRISTmas time's a comin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 9/30/2008 1:23:15 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13499
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
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I received this in an email today. Thought I would post it here:
Today someone sent me a forwarded prayer request for people to ask God to intervene regarding the financial crisis this country is in.
My reply was to ask her to send the following wake-up call I wrote to the writer of the request and to everyone who received it. It is below:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The answer to this crisis is not only in prayer. We as a people must understand our culpability regarding this financial mess we're in.
Here's how I got there.
For many, many years most Americans have been spending money they do not have. People have to have the latest gagets and "toys" and live in houses they cannot afford. They have to have expensive vacations and eat out at least once a week.
It is up to each one of us to STOP! We have to discipline ourselves and cut our spending. We must get out of debt and live according to our means.
If we think God alone should fix this crisis, we are wrong! We must use some common sense here. God is not the big Santa Claus in the sky who should be expected to get us out of this mess without cooperation on our part.
Get busy, America.
Get busy, Christians and people of all faiths.
It is up to us to act wisely in these times. If you are living in a house you can't afford (i.e., you've got debt because you're using credit cards to pay for living expenses), sell your house and pay off those cards! Start now. No one needs 27 credit cards (as I saw on a daytime talkshow with guest Suze Orman, personal finance expert http://www.suzeorman.com/). Her site provided the link to the only site you should use to get your truly free credit reports: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp
Prayer is great but prayer without action is stupid. Get tough and get going. God needs our cooperation here.
Sandra Pinkoski, Editor
Insight Publishing
_____________________________
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CHRISTmas time's a comin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 9/30/2008 1:37:48 PM
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cinwood
Posts: 243
Joined: 9/4/2007
From: Alabama
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In my very humble opinion, that last post is absolutely correct, Santa. The people who applied and were approved for so many of these failed loans are also at fault, since they knew when they got the loans and credit cards that they most likely could not afford the payments. I realize that some people have financial problems that could not be forseen, but that's not what's happening here. I learned the hard way many years ago that credit is not the way to purchase everything. We struggled for years to pay what we owed and now only have loans for our family car and our home. Other than those two things, if we can't pay cash we don't buy it. All those nice things we used to buy on credit didn't mean anything to us when we couldn't make the payments...we couldn't enjoy them when we were completely stressed out about losing everything we had.
Sorry to go on and on, but having lived thru it...I sort of feel like it needs to be preached...
_____________________________
<---- Grandmommy's Angel
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 9/30/2008 2:19:21 PM
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Qtman
Posts: 10089
Joined: 3/21/2006
From: Crimson Tide Country
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And a big AMEN Cinwood.
_____________________________
Remember: God loves you and I'm trying!
~rogasinger4Him
Body Piercings
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/1/2008 12:56:11 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13499
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
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“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” - James 3:9-10
One of the hardest things to do as a Christian is to control our tongues. Our words can really affect others. With our words we can encourage someone or bring incredible discouragement. As Christians, we need to remember that every person is created in God’s image. With our tongues we can build someone up or tear someone down. God would have us love people and seek to be an encouragement to them, Christian or otherwise. I realize that as a Christian I have the joy and privilege of praising God and the responsibility to encourage folks I come in contact with. Take time today to brighten the day of those you will encounter with a smile or an encouraging word.
Glenn Metts
Associate Pastor, College & Outreach
First Baptist, Sevierville, Tn.
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CHRISTmas time's a comin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/1/2008 1:02:41 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13499
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
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I have most likely posted this before but received it again today. Let's put a "Hanky Alert" on this one:
A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups. And set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of little boy.
'Mister,' he said, 'I want to buy one of your puppies.'
'Well,' said the farmer,
As he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck, 'These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money.'
The boy dropped his head for a moment.
Then reaching deep into his pocket,
He pulled out a handful of change
And held it up to the farmer.
'I've got thirty-nine cents.
Is that enough to take a look?'
'Sure,' said the farmer.
And with that he let out a whistle.
'Here, Dolly!' he called.
Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran
Dolly followed by four little balls of fur.
The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight.
As the dogs made their way to the fence,
The little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse.
Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up....
'I want that one,' the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, 'Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would.'
With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers.
In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe.
Looking back up at the farmer, he said,
'You see sir, I don't run too well myself,
And he will need someone who understands.'
With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little pup.
Holding it carefully handed it to the little boy.
'How much?' asked the little boy. 'No charge,' answered the farmer, 'There's no charge for love.'
The world is full of people who need someone who understands ..
_____________________________
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CHRISTmas time's a comin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/1/2008 8:10:18 PM
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GVfan
Posts: 17313
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: The Peach State
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You had posted that one before and I loved it the first time, too!!!!! Thanks, Santa!!!!
_____________________________
Donna Hefner
Acworth, Ga.
<--- Gerald introduces Jacob to Georgia, Aug. 2008
Come visit at http://www.myspace.com/donnashappenings
And my BLOG, Keepin' An Eye on Greater
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/2/2008 12:55:41 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13499
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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Caution, they walk amoung us
> > We had to have the garage door repaired. The Sears repairman told us
> > that one of our problems was that we did not have a 'large' enough motor
> > on the opener. I thought for a minute, and said that we had the largest
> > one Sears made at that time, a 1/2 horsepower. He shook his head and
> > said, 'Lady, you need a 1/4 horsepower.' I responded that 1/2 was larger
> > than 1/4. He said, 'NO, it's not.' Four is larger than two...'
> > We haven't used Sears repair since.
> >
> > My daughter and I went through the McDonald's take-out window and I
> > gave the clerk a $5 bill. Our total was $4.25, so I also handed her a
> > quarter. She said, 'You gave me too much money.' I said, 'Yes, I know,
> > but this way you can just give me a dollar bill back.' She sighed and
> > went to get the manager who asked me to repeat my request. I did so, and
> > he handed me back the quarter, and said, 'We're sorry but we cannot do
> > that kind of thing.' The clerk then proceeded to give me $1.75 in change!
> > Do not confuse the workers at McD's
> >
> >
> > I live in a semi-rural area. We recently had a new neighbor call the
> > local township administrative office to request the removal of the DEER
> > CROSSING sign on our road. The reason: 'Too many deer are being hit by
> > cars out here! I don't think this is a good place for them to be
> > crossing anymore.'
> > From Kingman , KS
> >
> >
> > My daughter went to a local Taco Bell and ordered a taco. She asked the
> > person behind the counter for 'minimal lettuce.' He said he was sorry,
> > but they only had iceburg lettuce.
> > From Kansas City
> >
> > I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when an airport employee
> > asked, 'Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?'
> > To which I replied, 'If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?'
> > He smiled knowingly and nodded, 'That's why we ask.'
> > Happened in Birmingham , Ala.
> >
> >
> > The stoplight on the corner buzzes when it's safe to cross the street I
> > was crossing with an intellectually challenged coworker of mine. She
> > asked if I knew what the buzzer was for. I explained that it signals
> > blind people when the light is green. Appalled, she responded, 'What on
> > earth are blind people doing driving?!'
> > She is a probation officer in Wichita , KS
> >
> >
> > At a good-bye luncheon for an old and dear coworker. She was leaving the
> > company due to 'downsizing.' Our manager commented cheerfully, 'This is
> > fun. We should do this more often.' Not another word was spoken. We all
> > just looked at each other with that deer-in-the-headlights stare.
> > This was at Texas Instruments.
> >
> >
> > I work with an individual who plugged her power strip back into itself
> > and for the sake of her life, couldn't understand why her system would
> > not turn on.
> > She's a deputy with the Dallas County Sheriff's office, no less.
> >
> > When my husband and I arrived at an automobile dealership to pick up our
> > car, we were told the keys had been locked in it. We went to the service
> > department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the
> > driver's side door. As I watched from the passenger side, I
> > instinctively tried the door handle and discovered that it was unlocked.
> > 'Hey,' I announced to the technician, 'it's open!' His reply, 'I know. I
> > already got that side.'
> > This was at the Ford dealership in Canton, Mississippi*
> >
> > STAY ALERT! They walk among us.*
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
Cookie Recipes: http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/cat0001.html
The place to be in the Smokies: www.hiddenmountain.com
CHRISTmas time's a comin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/2/2008 12:14:54 PM
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hopperfan
Posts: 579
Joined: 11/30/2007
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These are great Santa!! Thanks for sharing! My favorite is the one about the Deer Crossing.
_____________________________
Blame it on love, unconditional love. Men held the nails, when that hammer fell, but as stong as hate was, He climbed up that hill, by HIS own will. Blame it on love!
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/3/2008 11:37:48 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13499
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
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From Heartwarmers:
THE WAGER
by Rusty Fischer
I once had lunch duty with an older teacher who would never let
any of the students borrow a single, thin dime.
Her name was Anathema Honeycutt and she had a simple philosophy
about lending money out to kids: "Don't do it."
Although it was just the two of us standing there and a
cafeteria full of hungry, swarming, pre-teen hooligans, somehow, some
way, they knew to avoid Mrs. Honeycutt like the plague and instead
cut a bee-line straight to me.
I'd listen to their sob stories just like the still-nurturing,
second year teacher that I was, and as soon as I made that inevitable
reach for my ever-thinning wallet, I'd hear Mrs. Honeycutt "whisper"
her well-worn philosophy: "Don't do it, DON'T do it."
The kid, of course, who was standing close enough to me to take
my money, was certainly standing close enough to HER to hear every
word.
"If Dante can afford those new hundred dollar sneakers he's so
fond of," she'd say, "then he can certainly afford $1.50 for lunch!"
I watched Dante's face spasm with the insult, then had to hide
my own guilty smile as he similarly "whispered" a reply of his own as
he left.
One day I lent Hugh Philbert the last dollar out of my flimsy
wallet. I sort of needed it for a soda later on for that all
important, last half of the day energy spurt, but I knew Hugh from
last semester and, trust me, he needed it a lot more than I did!
"I'm trying to cut down on caffeine anyway," I lied by way of an
excuse. As if I needed one.
"You could have bought the Coke Company by now with all the
money I've watched you lend out," Mrs. Honeycutt observed critically.
"By the way, how much have they paid you back?"
"Not much," I fibbed, afraid to admit that not a single kid had
EVER paid me back. Yet.
"Let's make a wager," she suggested, as hungry kids swarmed and
then parted around us like a herd of cattle around two stubby but
professionally dressed trees. "You don't lend any money out until
one of those kids pays you back. Then if you ever get paid back,
I'll lend the next kid the money."
"Wow," I said, trying not to sound too sarcastic, "That's a
pretty generous bet."
"Don't worry," she assured me. "I'm certain I won't be reaching
for my pocketbook any time soon."
And she was right. Sort of...
Because it was one whole week before Hugh Philbert walked
proudly up to the two of us in the bustling cafeteria, a smile on his
dirty face and a skinny, clutched fist full of sweaty change, mostly
nickels.
"Man, Mr. Fischer, you don't know how many trips down the candy
aisle I skipped after school last week to save this up," he told me
-- loud enough, I hoped, for my betting partner to hear.
Of course, in the grandest of all junior high traditions, Hugh
needed to borrow the dollar right back, then and there, the very same
day, so that he could eat some lunch.
But since I had won the bet, I gladly let my "partner" foot the bill!
-- Rusty Fischer <rfischer at propubltd.com>
____________________________________________
A former junior high school English teacher, Rusty is the author of
several books for teens, including The Empress of Popcorn, Dear Mouse
and Merry Christmas, Mrs. President! His work has also appeared in
Seventeen Magazine and Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul.
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
Cookie Recipes: http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/cat0001.html
The place to be in the Smokies: www.hiddenmountain.com
CHRISTmas time's a comin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/3/2008 11:49:43 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13499
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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A Story to live by (HANKY ALERT)
There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see the world, I will marry you.'
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend. He asked her,'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him. Her boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine.'
This is how the human brain often works when our status changes.
Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who
was always by their side in the most painful situations.
Life Is a Gift
Today before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion.
Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who died too early on this earth.
Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.
Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance you drive Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another - Remember that not one of us is without sin.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and think: you're alive and still around.
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
Cookie Recipes: http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/cat0001.html
The place to be in the Smokies: www.hiddenmountain.com
CHRISTmas time's a comin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/4/2008 9:05:29 AM
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GVfan
Posts: 17313
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: The Peach State
Status: offline
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Good ones, Santa!!
_____________________________
Donna Hefner
Acworth, Ga.
<--- Gerald introduces Jacob to Georgia, Aug. 2008
Come visit at http://www.myspace.com/donnashappenings
And my BLOG, Keepin' An Eye on Greater
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/6/2008 2:29:34 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13499
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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"Phrases Of Wisdom"
1. If you're too open minded, your brains will fall out.
2. Age is a very high price to pay for maturity.
3. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you a mechanic.
4. Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
5. If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.
6. My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.
7. Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.
8. It is easier to get forgiveness than permission.
_____________________________
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The place to be in the Smokies: www.hiddenmountain.com
CHRISTmas time's a comin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/6/2008 10:19:56 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13499
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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I think me or someone has posted this before but worth taking a look at again:
Why go to Church? (This is good)
If you're spiritually alive, you're going to love this! If you're spiritually dead, you won't want to read it. If you're spiritually curious, there is still hope!
Why Go To Church?
A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."
This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:
"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this.. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" When you are DOWN to nothing... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!
All right, now that you're done reading, send it on! I think everyone should read this! "When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say, "Jesus, could you get that for me?"
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
Cookie Recipes: http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/cat0001.html
The place to be in the Smokies: www.hiddenmountain.com
CHRISTmas time's a comin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/7/2008 7:51:55 AM
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GVfan
Posts: 17313
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: The Peach State
Status: offline
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Yes, well worth reading again!!!
_____________________________
Donna Hefner
Acworth, Ga.
<--- Gerald introduces Jacob to Georgia, Aug. 2008
Come visit at http://www.myspace.com/donnashappenings
And my BLOG, Keepin' An Eye on Greater
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/9/2008 12:53:20 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13499
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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Who Matters?
There comes a point in your life when you realize
who matters,
who never did,
who won't anymore...
and who always will.
So, don't worry about people from your past,
there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future.
'Be kinder than necessary
because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.'
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
Cookie Recipes: http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/cat0001.html
The place to be in the Smokies: www.hiddenmountain.com
CHRISTmas time's a comin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/10/2008 12:35:07 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13499
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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This next post is long but I hope you will read it all. Very loving, very touching note received via email from our former Interim Pastor in Sugar Hill, Ga. Written by Dr. Howard Ramsey as a tribute to his wife LaWanda who passed away a few days ago. Mrs. C. and I will attend visitation tomorrow night at a funeral home in Lawrenceville, Ga for LaWanda. Please be in prayer for the family. Thank you and God Bless:
A Tribute To My Wife Lawanda
I first met Lawanda the fall of 1947. I had just returned from the occupation of Japan and saw her with several other girls. I asked the friend with me who she was and he told me she was the daughter of the pastor for 1st Baptist church. I replied that I was going to ask her for a date; he told me good luck, but she won’t go out with you. A few days later I saw when her again, I told her who I was and that I would like to take her out on Saturday night. She immediately told me she knew who I was and that she had heard all about me and she didn’t date anyone except Christian boys. Since I had joined 1st Baptist church my senior year, I lied and told her I was a Christian. She asked me what church I belonged to and, I told her 1st Baptist. She smiled and told me she thought I was making that up, but she would ask her dad. The date of my baptism was recorded in the membership book, even though I never attended any church after I was baptized. The next time I saw her she apologized for doubting me and said she go out with me. Neither of us dated anyone else for the next two years. I did my best to live like a Christian in her presence until our marriage on October 14, 1949. Even though I was not a Christian when we married, both of us often discussed how our All knowing God choose us for one another.
Lawanda was many things to me. She was my wife, my lover, the mother of my children, my partner in ministry and my very best friend on this earth We have had a wonderful marriage for 59 years. This was only possible because Jesus Christ enabled her to love me in spite of my not knowing Him the first 6 years of our marriage. Since I became a Christian, God has been at the center of our marriage. It was God’s love, and our love for each other that made our marriage what it was. We have both verbalized that to others and continually reminded one another you are a personal blessing from God.
One of many spiritual gifts God gave her was the spirit of discernment. In the spring of 1957 I was having an inter struggle concerning what God’s perfect will was for my life. She continued to pray for me and with me that God reveal it to me. One day on the way to work, God revealed to me I was to be a preacher of the Gospel. I turned my pickup around and started home and was gripped with fear concerning breaking the news to Lawanda. When I arrived at home, she had just finished feeding our three small children and was washing dishes. With my voice breaking I said, Honey I have something to tell you that may upset you, so you had better sit down. She immediately said, “God has called you to be a preacher, hasn’t He? I have known this for some time and I am ready to serve with you. I replied, you realize that means resigning my job, selling our new home, spending several years in school, and never again having some of the things we now have don’t you? She smiled and said, ”Don’t you think God will take care of us?” From that day forward she exemplified the role of being a faithful minister’s wife, while also being a loving mother and a wonderful home maker. Just this week I received an email from a pastor’s wife telling me how Lawanda had made the difference in her by being a role model and counseling with her. Last night a lady and godly husband sat in our living room and told us how Lawanda had taught her to pray for and witness to her lost husband.
I think that most people will remember two things about Lawanda. First, they will remember her deep love for God, her family, the church, and others. For She faithfully served our Heavenly Father from the time of her conversion at eight years old, Until God called her to heaven on October 4, 2008. Lawanda was a faithful prayer warrior. She prayed Scripture for those she loved. those in need, the sick and the lost. For example, every day she prayed for her grandchildren and great grandchildren, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 [NIV] She was also a faithful witness for Jesus. She led many people to Christ and trained a multitude of others how to share their faith.
Secondly, They will remember her beautiful smile. Even while she was in hospice, she had a smile for her family, each of the hospice workers, and those who visited her. Her smile remained until she lost consciousness. There are two smiles that I will always remember. When the Internist at Mayo Clinic told her that he wished he could give her some hope, but he agreed with the gastroenterologist that there was no treatment for her type of cancer and she had only two months to live. [Actually she had only 32 days left] She smiled at him and said, ”That’s alright Dr, because Jesus is my savior and I know where I am going.” She then looked at me and saw tears in my eyes; she smiled and said, “It’s alright Sweetheart, we can still go to the mountains on our anniversary.
”It has been so wonderful to have her as my wife during these 59 years, When God calls me home or when Jesus returns for His church I dream of asking Jesus if instead of each of having a mansion we can have one together.
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Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
Cookie Recipes: http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/cat0001.html
The place to be in the Smokies: www.hiddenmountain.com
CHRISTmas time's a comin'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 10/10/2008 12:46:01 AM
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awed
Posts: 9459
Joined: 4/8/2005
From: Wisconsin
Status: offline
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That was very beautiful Santa.
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<--- Can you find your way to the basket of the hot air balloon?
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