Pssst, Ms Clinton, Wake Up!

Try as I may... to remain silent during these fire-hot weeks and months...I just can't...and it's not that I'm driven by an inbred devotion to a certain political party.  I'm not.  I've had to make a choice according to biblical principles.  You see, I have to take a stand for the things God stands for (make sense?) -  and in doing so it sometimes calls for speaking up...in a time when folks are weary of  those who "speak up" .... 

They say, "I'm tired hearing about it."  I am, too.  But, it won't go away just because I'd rather not face it or deal with it.  I can't put my head in the sand and pretend life is a bowl of cherries.  Truthfully, I'd love to put my feet in the sand and stare at the ocean all day.

Yesterday I was troubled.  There was a nagging sense of "that's so wrong" after hearing Hillary Clinton's speech in response to the murders of Americans in Libya.  Late last night I finally found portions of the speech on my phone...searching and searching...I filled in the blanks of my earlier notes.  This is the part of her speech that troubled me:

"The US had absolutely nothing to do with this video.  We absolutely reject its content and message.  To us, to me personally, this video is disgusting and reprehensible.  It appears to have a deeply cynical purpose to denigrate a great religion and to provoke rage."

Denigrate a great religion?  Denigrate a great religion?!?   Let me get this straight.  "A great religion!"  I'm still trying to digest this.  I wonder, would she make the same statement about Christianity?

Where is her head?  Who brainwashed her?  Could it be her top aide who is muslim?  I saw clips of the video early on - and it was the most pitiful production ever!  How could this incite so many countries to commit indescribable violence across the span of miles...at the same time?  And it happens to be countries around Israel.  Countries dominated by muslims.   Nah....it takes something stronger.  Like Hate.  Pure Hate.  Hate for Israel and America.

Fox News Online posted an article today by Christian Whiton.  Read portions below:

 

Madam secretary, it is time for you and your boss to wake up and smell the global jihad.  Hillary also said that the attack was the result of a “small and savage group.”  Wrong again. 

 

Viewed correctly, the attack was perpetrated by a very large group. Terrorism as we have known it since 9/11 is but the violent vanguard of the Islamist political ideology. This ideology unifies diverse terrorists from Jemmah Islamiyah in Indonesia to Al-Shabaab in Somalia to Boko Haram in Nigeria to the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt to the Haqqani network in Afghanistan and Pakistan.  

President Obama has thumped his chest about killing Al Qaeda’s founder and implied that Al Qaeda is our only real enemy.   On Obama’s watch, the Islamists have done very well.  They have taken over Egypt and are set to take over Syria and its chemical weapons arsenal without a change in US policy. They look ahead to the day U.S. forces leave Afghanistan—which Obama has conveniently announced to them.

Hillary ought to park the plane and understand that diplomacy—or more accurately statecraft—ought to be about recognizing and fighting these problems. Pageantry, apologies and photo ops are obviously not getting it done.

Bad grammar, here...but:  ANSWER ME ONE QUESTION.  Why on this green earth, can't Hillary and Obama understand Islam intent?  Sadly, I believe they do understand. 

Their platform and preaching amounts to tolerance of religion, namely the muslim religion.  I heard one person explain it this way:  You attack Christianity and nothing happens.  You make muslims mad and they kill.  To them, there is no religion but Islam.  All others must convert or be killed. 

Yep, tribulation period, here we come.  For those who are left here, anyway.  But for the redeemed, it's a good day.  Rapture is the key word.  The catching away of the church.  Those blood-bought saints, whose sins have been washed in the blood of the Lamb.  That Lamb is Jesus Christ. 

I'm studying to learn even more about Islam.  You should, too.  It is upon us.  No matter  how weary you are of hearing about it - it just won't go away.  The best thing you can do is to be informed.....the Word of God tells us to "Watch....watch and pray"....

Islam is a peaceful religion. Sure it is.  When it is not possible to overtake a country by war, they enter that area on the pretense of peace...while they grow in numbers.  Then they take over.

Hillary and Obama need to wake up - but then, they may already be awake...and they are simply attempting to rock the baby to keep him (muslims) from crying on their watch.

Sadly, there will probably be more days ahead of us that may bring unrest.  And, there will always be watchmen on the wall.  You will continue to hear about events - even though it robs you of life as usual.  Folks, life will never again be as usual.  None of us want to be uncomfortable, but that all changed on 9/11.

I can't think of a snappy ending here.......'cept I'm still trying to grasp Hillary's statement about Islam being a "great religion"....I'm still chewing on that one!
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YOU ...matter

Danny Kaye supposedly said,
"Life is a great big canvas,  and you should throw
all the paint on it you can."

I agree with Danny Kaye.  I also believe life is the most valuable asset we have.  Yet, life painstakingly and relentlessly pokes and prodes at our self-worth with  intent to destroy.  It starts when we are young and  continues throughout our existence on this earth.   

Our struggle is this: to 'rise' from where we are.  Inside every human lie hopes and dreams, peppered with with oodles of emotions. Unfortunately, most of those desires go unfulfilled.  Wasted.  Canvases never painted.  Words never published. Songs never composed.  Poems never written.  Yet, it's in you.  Waiting.

If we are valuable, then why doesn't life contribute to our worth?  Why does it seem that life's only assignment is to hinder us from living while alive? 

There is an adversary to God's creation.  And that adversary came to steal, kill, and destroy.  But that is not the end of the story. 

Jesus placed immense value on humanity when he came to earth as a baby and lived with the cross in view... in order to redeem us, to buy us back...to His Father.  Every person is important.  You have value.  You have worth.  

One author wrote:  "Everything that happens to you is a reflection of what you believe about yourself.  We cannot outperform our level of self-esteem.  We cannot draw to ourselves more than we think we are worth."
 

The purpose of this blog is simply to tell you that you matter.  Your life is important. There is part of you that is unseen by others.  The real you.  That part  knows you are created  special.   Each life is a story that should be written.  

But the battle remains down here.  The battle of those moments when we feel as though we don't matter or make a difference. 

Mark Twain said, "The worst loneliness is not to be comfortable with yourself." I might add, "The worst loneliness is  thinking you don't matter...allowing bondages to hold you back from fulfilling your dream -  living free."

I pray that you will begin to love living.  Because if you cannot value yourself and life, you will not be able to value anything else.

No, this is not a blog to build your self-esteem, while I hope it does just that, it's nothing more than a blog to tell you that you are important.  You have a huge part to play in this world. 

You and you alone can deny yourself the life God intended for you to enjoy.  Go ahead, break loose from the chains that bind - give yourself permission to live.   Sure, we are not perfect.  No one is!  We've all made mistakes.  But, our goofs did not abolished the grace of God.  God wants to give us a future...a hope...a reason for living.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"  (Jeremiah 29;11) . 

The Message Bible makes this verse very clear: I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

There is a tract called: His One Mistake.

"A man is standing with a briefcase in his hand, and his suit on, and he's going to work, obviously.  He always made it to the office on time.  He kept up with the news.  The doctors examined him twice a year.  He knew a few jokes.  He ate lots of fresh fruit.  He played football on Sunday mornings.  He slept at least eight hours every night.  He never smoked.  He never drank or lost his temper.  He took healthy walks when he could in clean air.  He kept himself clean.  He exercised daily.  He was set to live to be hundred...the funeral will be held on Thursday.  His one mistake:  he forgot God."

Forgetting God is the biggest mistake any person can make in this life.  All other mistakes can be forgiven.

Remember, you cannot outperform your level of self-esteem.  Be encouraged.  You matter.

Here,  throw some paint on your canvas!  I've even provided the paint!  Is the color red alright?

Don't forget, you can post a comment by simply clicking on the "no comments" link below.  It will provide a blank box, you can write whatever you want in that box...but be nice.  :)
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Eastwooding Isn't New

Using the chair was a last minute decision by Clint Eastwood (at the RNC convention).  That last minute decision produced an unforgettable performance.  I can't remember all of the speakers or what they said - but I do remember the 'chair'.  

"There was a stool there, and some fella kept asking me if I wanted to sit down," Eastwood told the newspaper, which published the article Friday. "When I saw the stool sitting there, it gave me the idea. I'll just put the stool out there and I'll talk to Mr. Obama and ask him why he didn't keep all of the promises he made to everybody."

While Eastwood said his presentation was "very unorthodox," that was his intent from the outset and he had plenty of people giving him advice on what to say. "Everybody had advice for me, except the janitor," Eastwood said.

Using the empty chair was a bit unorthodox.  But, unorthodox isn't always a bad thing.  For a clearer understanding, let's get a bit unorthodox here and define unorthodox:

Unorthodox: not conforming to rules, traditions, or modes of conduct, as of a doctrine, religion, or philosophy.   

I rather tire of constantly conforming to man-made rules and traditions.   Nothing changes.  No variety. And before I know it, my enthusiam is gone...and I'm in a rut.  We know that a rut is a grave with both ends knocked out. 

Because of his unorthodox feat that night, a new term was birthed: Eastwooding. 

But talking to an empty chair isn't new. 

I have a precious friend whom I love with all my heart.  She is often unorthodox and that's why I enjoy talking to her.  She is real.  Her expressions are not according to the rules of spiritual jargon.  As to mode of conduct?  She is her own person.  I recall her saying that when she prays, she talks to an empty chair - but to her, it's not empty.  She places Jesus in that chair while they have a very real conversation.

Unorthodox?  Yes.   She unquestionably breaks traditions and modes of conduct when she talks to God.  I've heard her use terms of endearment...that you and I wouldn't use.  Or, "Golly, gee, Lord" ...

Do you want to know why this lady is so special to me?  Because she is truly genuine.  She is so stinkin' real.  I can trust her.  I prefer her unorthodox prayers over the prayers of one following religious tradition and worn out jargon any old time!  The Lord might well share my opinion.

Eastwooding isn't new.  Try it.  You may discover that Eastwooding can add a little spice to your life.
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Churches Fiddle While Rome Burns?

Is there a turn of the tide in our country? 
Is it time to awake out of sleep?
Is there a voice sounding the alarm?
Is it safe to have church as usual?
Is it time to call it like it is?
Is there a pastor who will rise to the day?
Is there a church body that will listen?





Personal experience always makes a good testimony.
I have those years of memories to draw on as I type this blog.  Growing up in church - pastoring - sitting in the pew - joining in worship - loving the church family - counting on those that were supportive - recovering from those who were not.  I understand.


The phrase "Nero fiddled while Rome burned" is used to express both these meanings of the word fiddle.  First it presents the picture of an individual playing a musical instrument as he took a sadistic pleasure in the terrible misfortunes of others. Secondly it represents ineffectual effort. That is, Nero, who should have made himself useful, was fiddling.

It is the second picture of which I am concerned...and most believers share this concern.  As a church, we have a great commission.  Therefore, Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.   -Matthew 28:19

Is our Rome burning while we fiddle?  What is happening to our America? 

I've watched dear saints sit in services with folded arms and a plastered look of disapproval on their faces - making a statement of resistance to a powerful move of God.  I hate that.  I really loved their potato salad.  I heard of members complaining about the young people who were brought in by van loads - kids who didn't know how to act in church - these same kids who were slain in the spirit in a revival, yet knew absolutely nothing about such things - but the paint on the wall becoming scuffed up by these 'kids' took priority in the minds of believers over the spiritual transformation happening in their young lives!

Is it just our four and no more?  Are we far too comfortable and secure within our walls?

Are we fiddling while Rome burns?  What is wrong with us, Church?  Are we going to awake from slumber?  We are sleeping Giants!!  We have the anointing and the power to Turn Things Around!

Is it easier to turn our heads while radical Islam infiltrates our government - our society?  I watched a video this week: Democrat Maxine Waters clip from February 19, 2012 at the Islamic Society of Orange County Town Hall - about how Republicans are trying to fearmonger hatred against all Muslims by ensuring that Shariah is never practiced in America’s borders.

Church!  Awake!  It's time!  Shariah law means you will lose your head!  Come on, church....God is depending on you!  Forget the potato salad, the color of carpet.  Forget whether we sing hymns out of the book or just worship choruses.  Forget the small stuff and get about the business of saving the lost!  Get out of the walls!  Rise up as the giant that you are!  With love and compassion greet the lost and dying world with the precious gospel of Jesus Christ.  The saving gospel. 

We can do it!

Research:  It is uncertain who or what actually caused the fire — whether accident or arson. According to Tacitus, some in the population held Nero responsible, as soon after he built himself a huge house in the center of Rome called the "Golden House".  To diffuse blame, Nero targeted the Christians. There were Christians who confessed to the crime, but it became known that Christians were forced to confess by means of torture,  and the passage is unclear as to what the Christians confessed to — being arsonists or Christians. According to Tacitus, Nero ordered Christians to be thrown to dogs, while others were crucified or burned to serve as lights.

If we don't speak up - stand up - wake up....we could be thrown to the dogs, or burned to serve as lights.  Jesus said that we are already the light of the world.  Shine, church.  Shine. 

I wrote earlier in this blog:  Personal experience always makes a good testimony.  You and I know what the church should be doing.  And what we are not doing.  And, what we are doing. 

We are a special breed of folks with a high calling.  There's none out there quite like us.  We are church folks.  We've fiddled long enough.  Time to get serious, here. 

Lay the fiddle down.  .   .  .  .  .  .  .  .


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GOD'S FACEBOOK PAGE

Taken in Florida at sunset...

If God had a facebook page,
I think the profile section would read something like this:

ABOUT:
I Am that I Am. 
I am Spirit.
I am the self-existent One.  
I am the Lord thy God. 
I am God and there is none other.
I  am eternal and unchangeable.
I have all knowledge.
I am everywhere at once.
I am all powerful.
I am Creator.
I am love. 
I am holy.
I am without measure and I know no boundaries.

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.   I am also known as : Elohim, strength or power.  I am:   God of the Beginning.  God of Justice.  God of forgiveness. God of Heights.  God who is near.  God of your strength.  God of  your praise.  God of your salvation.  God of forgiveness.

I am God Who is near.  I am the Living and Holy God.  There is none like Me.

BASIC INFO:
   Birthday:  None.  I have always been. I am from everlasting to everlasting. I do not have it in me to not exist.  I was in the beginning.  I will always be.

   Religious Views:   Believe in Me, the Great I Am, God your creator.  Believe in My Son, Jesus, who shed His sinless blood on the cross to redeem you from sin.  Believe in the Holy Spirit who draws you to Me.  Believe that Jesus is coming again to gather His church unto Himself. 

   Political Views:  My Son, Jesus, is King of kings and Lord of lords.  All authority under heaven and earth is given to Him. 

WORK:
I speak and it becomes. I created the heavens and the earth.  I rule all of my creation.  I am reigning over all the nations.  I am causing the words proceeding from my mouth to accomplish that which I please, and to prosper in the thing for which I sent it.   Without ceasing I am calling and drawing humanity unto me.  I appear in the praises of My people.  I bring all things forth in fulness of time with a plan and a purpose...orchestrating the last days of the book of Revelation. 

EDUCATION:
I am omniscient.  I have complete and unlimited knowledge. I perceive all things.   I have no need of learning.  I am the source of all knowledge. 

LIVING:
   City:  I fill both the heaven and earth - I cannot be contained withn the universe.  My Throne sits in heaven, not within the physical universe.   My throne is in the heavens; and My kingdom rules over all.  My throne has never been vacant and never will be.  Heaven is My throne, and the earth is my footstool.  Revelation 22:1 Then he showed me the river whose water give life, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.

    Future home:  The Holy City, the New Jerusalem. I will dwell with My people, I will be with them, and be their God. 

That city will have My Glory.  Her light will be like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And there will be a wall great and high, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:  On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

The wall of the city will have twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.  The city is foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth...The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.  And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.  The foundations of the wall will be garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation is jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The  fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

The twelve gates will be twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city  pure gold, as transparent glass. And  the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 


CONTACT INFO:
You shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart...and I will be found of you.  My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer.   Come into My presence with thanksgiving; make joyful noise with songs of praise!  Cry to me, and I will hear you; and I will show you great things, and sure things which you know not. 

PHOTOS:
The heavens declare my handiwork.  If you've seen my Son, Jesus, you have also seen Me. 

FAMILY:
The Godhead:  For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily...I am the Father...My Son is, Jesus, and also my precious Holy Spirit.  We are three in One.  My extended family includes all those who are adopted by a new birth through faith in my Son.  They are heirs and joint-heirs with my Son, Jesus Christ.  I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 


FAVORITE QUOTATIONS:
This is my beloved Son, hear ye him.
Ye must be born again.
Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
If God be for you, then who can be against you.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.


POST:
Glorify the Lord as much as ever you can, for he will yet far exceed, and his magnificence is wonderful. Blessing the Lord, exalt him as much as you can: for he is above all praise. When you exalt him, put forth all your strength, and be not weary: for you can never go far enough.

(If you post...in prayer...He will comment) 

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and thanks...
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Zoe, age 11 - This is her story

11-year-old Zoe Griffin


Zoe is 11 years old and she  has a story to tell.  I hope you will take the time to read it.

by Bryan Kemper , LifeSiteNews.com

She joined her mother and friends to lay thousands of roses outside the site of the Democratic convention and pray for the babies, the politicians and this generation.

While Zoe was praying, pro-abortion activists who claim to stand up for women began to belittle and scream at Zoe for her stand for life. What is so sad is that one of the women who did this to Zoe, Sunsara Taylor, is a well know anti-porn activist who claims to be against the degradation of women. I guess just not 11-year-olds who believe that women should not be dehumanized by the abortion industry.

Here is Zoe’s account:

“Hi, I’m Zoe. Something happened Friday night that a friend wanted me to blog about. I don’t have Facebook or Twitter or anything like that so I’m borrowing my mom’s page for now.

“What happened was a pro-life rally. We had showed up when only 4 people were there. I guess we were supposed to get there early. As more and more people came, a car arrived. A woman came out and opened the trunk. There were 3,300 carnations in the back of that car. We started to unload and unwrap the flowers. Lily, Bella, and I started to write pro-life statements with chalk on the sidewalks when some pro-abortionists came. They were holding signs and chanting: “A baby’s not a baby till it comes out, that’s what birthdays are all about!” They were blowing whistles and jumping around acting like 5-year-old children. I was so sad that these people were so blinded I started crying. Then we started laying down the flowers all across the sidewalk. When we finished, the line of carnations was probably a mile long. A pro-life woman let me hold a crucifix that she had. I started clutching it close to my heart. My knees were shaking, so were my hands.

“The pro-abortionists turned to us and started pointing at different people, saying, “You’re a person! You’re a person! Fetuses are not!” Then the woman saw me crying and said,” You are making this girl cry with your bull____”. I couldn’t stand any more of those lies. They pushed it too far. In the highest-pitched voice I have ever spoken in, I screamed, “THEY ARE NOT THE ONES MAKING ME CRY! YOU ARE! WITH YOUR DARK HEARTS, YOUR DARK MINDS TURNED AGAINST GOD!” My mom ran over to me, put her hand on my shoulder, and calmed me down. Then she went up to them and said, “HOW DARE YOU ATTACK A CHILD LIKE THAT!” While she was yelling, pro-lifers came over to me to calm me down. My whole body was shaking. Our friend, Mrs. McKinney, took me, Jack, and Bella to a CVS that was nearby. We got water and chips and went back. I sat down on a bench when a man from the Charlotte Observer came over to me and started interviewing me. Once he was done, a man came over and gave us ice cream. While I was eating, the pro-abortionists left. Then we started to clean up.

“On the way home I felt sorry that I yelled at those people. I told my mom, and she said, “Do you know why you feel that way? It’s because you have a heart. You have a conscience, and you know what’s right and what’s wrong. Those people attacked you like that because they don’t have a heart.”

I will never, ever forget what happened last night. I had a dream that night that they all converted to pro-life activists. I hope that dream becomes a reality.”
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I FOUND A WAY TO BLESS PEOPLE OF ISRAEL

Shmuel Bowman

There was a burden on my heart to do something to help the people of Israel. 

After an online search for ways to bless Israel, I recalled a service I attended at Free Life Chapel in Lakeland, Fl. .... They had raised funds to purchase a bomb shelter in Israel.  I called the office of Free Life Chapel and learned that they gave through an organization called Christians United for Israel.  I contacted CUFI and was directed to the web site for Operation Life Shield. 

February 2 of this year....I received an email reply from the director of Operation Life Shield, Shmuel Bowman.  He provided information which led me to the conclusion:  this is what I am looking for. 

One small bomb shelter may cost around $15,000...and no, I can't provide the entire amount for one shelter.  My contribution is as the widow's mite....but it doesn't stop me from blessing Israel.  Their web site is constructed to receive any amount of donation / any day of the week. 

I will admit, I felt very good in my soul after my first offering.  I knew I had done something pleasing to the Lord.  I must stand before God one day - and I've done so little for the nation of Israel. 

Maybe you have wished you could bless Israel, too, but didn't know where to start - or you didn't know of a reputable ministry.  It doesn't matter if your amount is very small.  At least, I'm finally doing something....just something...to assist the people of Israel.  When we combine our meager resources, it adds up!  God can and will bless my small amount...He is keeping score. 

You can learn more by going to this web site - and you can hit the donate button if you want to help the people of Israel.   http://operationlifeshield.org/

To learn more, please click on the link below and watch a video by Shmuel Bowman, Executive Director, Operation Lifeshield.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=-RXTor25TYo&NR=1

Or call:
USA 404-909-8890 | Canada 647-728-7889

I'm sharing the email I received from the director this past February:

Here are 10 points about Operation Lifeshield. Please know that our donor recognition program is second-to-none, as we honour every single donation of any amount with a thank you note and receipt. Each Lifeshield shelter deployed is affixed with a large, elegant dedication plaque with the name of the donor or donors. Gifting an entire shelter (or co-sponsoring) is a tremendous act of giving, and a replica dedication plaque is presented to each major donor. Whenever possible, a dedication ceremony at the donated shelter is arranged with the donor or donors meeting community and security leaders and the recipients of the Lifeshield shelter. Operation Lifeshield is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation in the USA, and provides charitable tax receipts in Canada.
And now...the "top 10"...
 
1) Operation Lifeshield was founded as a grassroots response to the Second Lebanon War of 2006, as a practical way to save lives as Israelis carried-on with day-to-day life. The above-ground, quickly deployable protective shelters were recommended by the Home Front Command of the IDF as a needed solution that was sorely lacking in public spaces and schools;
 
2) Operation Lifeshield is the only NGO (non-governmental organization) fully-dedicated to providing protective shelters to Israeli citizens. Lifeshield receives no financial assistance from the Israeli Government;
 
3) Operation Lifeshield provides a tangible, concrete way to show support and love for the Israeli people. All donations go to a single program only - getting protective shelters to Israeli schools, kindergartens, community centers, parks and bus stop areas;
 
4) Stats: nearly 100 shelters deployed since 2007, 13 shelters deployed in 2011; 50 person shelter capacity, 70 tons, cost $40,000; 15 person bus stop shelter capacity, 30 tons, cost $20,000; 10 person bell-dome capacity, 10 ton shelter, cost $15,000;
 
5) Operation Lifeshield is a humanitarian non-profit organization, that provides life-saving protective shelters to all Israelis - Jews and Arabs;
 
6) Lifeshield shelters provide essential peace-of-mind, comfort and sense of security on a day-to-day basis - especially to children where shelters are placed nearby classrooms and playgrounds;
 
7) Lifeshield shelters can be picked up and moved to meet the changing security situation (ie, as Hamas continues to launch more sophisticated rockets, the location of shelters requires adjusting);
 
8) Lifeshield shelters are multi-purpose spaces, and are often used as small group classrooms, counselling rooms, play areas and art studios. At a seniors day center in Sderot, a Lifeshield shelter doubles as a fully-functioning library and reading room. All Lifeshield shelters are accessible for wheelchair, walker and baby stroller entry;
 
9) Lifeshield shelters are manufactured using steel-reinforced concrete, "trauma cement", and a product called "Flexdeck" - a thin metal fiber weave added to the already thick ceiling, that catches concrete debris that might be loosened by a direct hit. Lifeshield shelters protect against shrapnel spray and percussion blasts;
 
10) The request for Lifeshield shelters from municipal and regional leaders is overwhelming. The need for more shelters is greater than ever. Every single shelter saves many lives. The Talmud (the ancient code of rabbinic laws and wisdom) cites in Sanhedrin 37a: "Whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world."
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Luke 21: 2,3
And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.   And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
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FRIDAY, the end...

It's Here!   Freedom...I mean...Friday has arrived.
The day of the week you have anticipated.
 
You made it.  The Monday - Friday work week is coming to a close.  School children and teachers are excited.  The weekend has finally arrived!  That ought to make you shout! 

The age we are now living in is coming to a close, also. And that should make you shout!  It's called the Church Age.  Between the 69th and 70th week of  Daniel is the church age, which has been going on for 2000 years. It is in this space of God’s timeline that He is building His church from people all over the world through faith in Jesus Christ. The 70 weeks of Daniel is another subject. There's not time or space to explain - just know that it is time now for the return of Jesus Christ.

The church is the body of Christ and it is made up of born again believers from all over the world. We assemble in local congregations for the purpose of worship, the preaching and teaching of God’s word, and fellowship.  

God’s timeline of events was put on hold during the church age; just think of it as He hit the pause button.  God said, "Timeout. There's a work to be done.  I have a mission for my people, those that are called by My Name.  I want them to go into all the world and preach the gospel and build the Kingdom of God."

God is about to hit the play button and end this age.  And when He does... The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ will rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  (I Thessalonians 4:16-17)

 

Raptureready.com says: There has never been a time in history when the return of the Lord has been so near. It is undeniable that we are seeing prophecy fulfilled at an astonishing rate. It is important to live as though we will not have another chance to get our hearts right with God. We need to act as though there never will be another opportunity to witness to our loved ones.

 

Believers will be removed from all distress..persecution and oppression.  It's called the "blessed hope of the redeemed."

 

If you are not saved, it isn't too late.  You can pray today, on this Friday, to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  

 

I John 5:13  These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

 

Paul the apostle tells us:
“…if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Rom. 10: 9).

 

Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou bidst me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
 

Just as I am, though tossed about
with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

 

 Psalm 51:1-2

Have mercy upon me, O God,
According to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
Blot out my transgressions.
² Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin.

 

vs. 10-13

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
¹¹ Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

¹² Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
¹³ Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You.

 

Happy Friday!

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THURSDAY, say...thank you

You're on a downhill slide...
tomorrow is Friday!  Wonderful Friday.

Thursday isn't known so much for being the
day after Wednesday as it is for being the eve of
Friday! 

In the Japanese language, the days of the week are named after elements of nature e.g. Sun, Water. Thursday is called mokuyoubi (木曜日), with its representative element being wood or tree.  I know...it means nothing to me, either.  I just thought it would be interesting to throw that tidbit of info in the blog!  :)

Each November, Thursday plays hosts to Thanksgiving Day, or, what we lovingly call Turkey Day.  On a weekly basis, Thursday should be declared as a day to be thankful...why wait till November? 

I'm reminded of this old chorus:

Thank you Lord, for saving my soul
Thank you Lord, for making me whole
Thank you Lord, for giving to me
So great a salvation, so rich and so free.

Thankfulness seems to be a lost art today. Warren Wiersby illustrated this problem in his commentary on Colossians. He told about a ministerial student in Evanston, Illinois, who was part of a life-saving squad. In 1860, a ship went aground on the shore of Lake Michigan near Evanston, and Edward Spencer waded again and again into the frigid waters to rescue 17 passengers. In the process, his health was permanently damaged. Some years later at his funeral, it was noted that not one of the people he rescued ever thanked him.

Jesus spent His earthly life ministering to the hurting, the oppressed, and possessed.  Why did only one cleansed leper return to thank Jesus? The following are nine suggested reasons why the nine did not return:

One waited to see if the cure was real.

One waited to see if it would last.
One said he would see Jesus later.
One decided that he had never had leprosy.
One said he would have gotten well anyway.
One gave the glory to the priests.
One said, "O, well, Jesus didn't really do anything."
One said, "Any rabbi could have done it."
One said, "I was already much improved."

Personally, I am thankful for God the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the precious Holy Spirit.  One evening on Mt. Nebo (my study/prayer mountain) I wrote in my notebook:

I need to write this a hundred times:
The more I communicate/connect in prayer,
The greater the Holy Spirit involvement = BIG FAITH
The more I connect in prayer, the more the Holy Spirit reveals.
The more I connect in prayer, the more the Holy Spirit speaks.
The more I connect in prayer, the more the Holy Spirit is present.
The more I connect in prayer, the more the Holy Spirit acts.
The more I connect in prayer, the more the Holy Spirit anoints.

Tis' good to be thankful.  Especially if you are excited about Friday.

In his book FOLK PSALMS OF FAITH, Ray Stedman tells of an experience H.A. Ironside had in a crowded restaurant. Just as Ironside was about to begin his meal, a man approached and asked if he could join him. Ironside invited his to have a seat. Then, as was his custom, Ironside bowed his head in prayer. When he opened his eyes, the other man asked, "Do you have a headache?" Ironside replied, "No, I don't." The other man asked, "Well, is there something wrong with your food?" Ironside replied, "No, I was simply thanking God as I always do before I eat."

The man said, "Oh, you're one of those, are you? Well, I want you to know I never give thanks. I earn my money by the sweat of my brow and I don't have to give thanks to anybody when I eat. I just start right in!"

Ironside said, "Yes, you're just like my dog. That's what he does too!"

So, Unless you are a dog or a cat...give thanks today. 

It's Thursday.
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Footprints in the Sand (to Carol, my friend)

I wrote her name in the sand...

Today is Carol Cox's birthday.  She entered heaven about 3 months ago.  We were good friends.

After moving to Florida for a season...Carol and I  kept in touch via cell phone...talking often about the things of the Lord. 

We usually talked while I was out walking or riding my bike - waiting for the sunset to paint the most incredible pictures in the sky...and when I drove alone to Vero Beach, we talked while I watched the ocean waves or walked the beach.  I remember Carol listening to the roar of the waves via my cell phone.  She loved it.  She always wished she could be there, too.

Every person has someone who believes in them.  Someone who will treasure the insignificant things that matter only to you.  Carol did that for me.

One day, while on the beach, I wrote her name in the sand and snapped a picture of it.  I sent it to her.  This photo is now the cover picture for her fb memorial page. 

I went to her fb page today in remembrance of her birthday.  When I saw the photo...I noticed the footprints underneath her name.  Mine.    I didn't notice them before because my focus was on her name. 

Seeing the footprints in the sand made me realize that the small things we do for another person makes a much larger impact than we can imagine.

That day at the beach - I would have never, in my wildest dreams, thought or expected that picture to be where it is ... for this day...her memorial day.

Small things really are big things.   Life is short. 

Don't wait until you can do Big things for someone...do the small things...for that is what will remain, even after they are gone.

You are leaving footprints, evidence you were there...touching a life.

Watch your step...
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