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Monday, August 29, 2005
To a Beautiful Person
If GOD had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If HE had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
HE sends you flowers every spring.
HE sends you a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, HE listens.
HE can live anywhere in the universe, but HE chose your heart.
Face it friend, HE is totally in love with you!
GOD didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but HE did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.
Put your trust in HIM, let HIM guide you, HE is the ONE who really loves you. Seek HIM with your whole heart, mind, soul, and strength. You won't be disappointed.
~~~~~~~~~~Pamela~~~~~~~~~~~
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Friday, August 19, 2005
The MAKER of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured. Regardless of make or year, due to the serious defect of the primary and central component of the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units. Code named: Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.
This defect has been technically termed, "Subsequential Internal Non-morality, or commonly known as "SIN". Some symptoms include, but are not limited to: Loss of direction. Lack of peace and joy, depression, or confusion in the mental component. Also, foul vocal emissions, selfish, and/or violent, behavior. Amnesia of origin, fearfulness, or rebellion.
To correct this "sin defect", the MANUFACTURER, (who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect), is providing factory authorized repair and service -- free of charge.
The REPAIR TECHNICIAN, (JESUS), has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is: (simply), P-R-A-Y-E-R.
Once connected. Please upload your burden of sin through the REPENTANCE procedure.
Next, download ATONEMENT from the REPAIR TECHNICIAN, (JESUS), into the heart component.
No matter how big or small the "sin defect" is, JESUS will replace it with:
* Love * Joy * Peace * Kindness * Goodness * Faithfulness * Gentleness * Patience * Self Control.
Please see the operating manual, (Holy Bible), for further details on the use of this upgrade.
As an added upgrade, the Manufacturer has made available to (all repaired units), direct monitoring and assistance from the resident Maintenance technician, (the HOLY SPIRIT).
Repaired units need only make HIM welcome and HE will take up residence on the premises.
WARNING:
Continuing to operate the human being unit without making these corrections voids the MANUFACTURER'S warranty, exposing the unit to many dangers and problems -- and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded in a place called, "Hell".
*For Free emergency service, call on JESUS.
Thank you for your attention.
Please notify everyone you can of this important recall notice. Amen.
~~~~~~~~~~Pamela~~~~~~~~~~~
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Tuesday, August 16, 2005
NOW THAT'S GOD
It was one of the hottest days of the dry season. We had not seen rain in almost a month. The crops were dying. Cows had stopped giving milk. The creeks and streams were long gone back into the earth. It was a dry season that would bankrupt several farmers before it was through.
Every day, my husband and his brothers would go about the arduous process of trying to get water to the fields. Lately this process had involved taking a truck to the local water rendering plant and filling it up with water.
But severe rationing had cut everyone off.If we didn’t see some rain soon... we would lose everything. It was on this day that I learned the true lesson of sharing and witnessed the only miracle I have seen with my own eyes. I was in the kitchen making lunch for my husband and his brothers when I saw my six-year-old son, Billy, walking toward the woods.
He wasn't walking with the usual carefree abandon of a youth but with a serious purpose. I could only see his back. He was obviously walking with a great effort ... trying to be as still as possible.
Minutes after he disappeared into the woods, he came running out again, toward the house. I went back to making sandwiches; thinking that whatever task he had been doing was completed. Moments later, owever, he was once again walking in that slow purposeful stride toward the woods.
This activity went on for an hour: walking carefully to the woods, running back to the house. Finally I couldn't take it any longer and I crept out of the house and followed him on his journey (being very careful not to be seen... as he was obviously doing important work and didn't need his Mommy checking up on him).
He was cupping both hands in front of him as he walked, being very careful not to spill the water he held in them ... maybe two or three tablespoons were held in his tiny hands. I sneaked close as he went into the woods. Branches and thorns slapped his little face, but he did not try to avoid them. He had a much higher purpose.
As I leaned in to spy on him, I saw the most amazing site. Several large deer loomed in front of him. Billy walked right up to them. I almost screamed for him to get away. A huge buck with elaborate antlers was dangerously close. But the buck did not threaten him... he didn't even move as Billy knelt down.
And I saw a tiny fawn lying on the ground; obviously suffering from dehydration and heat exhaustion, lift its head with great effort to lap up the water cupped in my beautiful boy's hand. When the water was gone, Billy jumped up to run back to the house and I hid behind a tree. I followed him back to the house to a spigot to which we had shut off the water.
Billy opened it all the way up and a small trickle began to creep out. He knelt there, letting the drip, drip slowly fill up his makeshift "cup," as the sun beat down on his little back. And it came clear to me: The trouble he had gotten into for playing with the hose the week before. The lecture he had received about the importance of not wasting water. The reason he didn't ask me to help him.
It took almost twenty minutes for the drops to fill his hands. When he stood up and began the trek back, I was there in front of him. His little eyes just filled with tears. "I'm not wasting," was all he said. As he began his walk, I joined him... with a small pot of water from the kitchen. I let him tend to the fawn. I stayed away.
It was his job. I stood on the edge of the woods watching the most beautiful heart I have ever known working so hard to save another life. As the tears that rolled down my face began to hit the ground, other drops...and more drops... and more suddenly joined them. I looked up at the sky.
It was as if GOD, himself, was weeping with pride. Some will probably say that this was all just a huge coincidence. Those miracles don't really exist. That it was bound to rain sometime. And I can't argue with that... I'm not going to try.
All I can say is that the rain that came that day saved our farm... just like the actions of one little boy saved another. I don't know if anyone will read this... but I had to send it out. To honor the memory of my beautiful Billy, who was taken from me much too soon...
But not before showing me the true face of GOD, in a little, sunburned body.
*~THAT'S GOD ~*
Have you ever been just sitting there and all of a sudden you feel like doing something nice for someone you care for?
THAT'S GOD!
HE speaks to you through the HOLY SPIRIT. Have you ever been down and out and nobody seems to be around for you to talk to?
THAT'S GOD!
HE wants you to speak to HIM. Have you ever been thinking about somebody that you haven't seen in a long time and then next thing you know you see them or receive a phone call from them?
THAT'S GOD!
There's no such thing as coincidence. Have you ever received something wonderful that you didn't even ask for, like money in the mail, a debt that had mysteriously been cleared, or a coupon to a department store where you had just seen something you wanted, but couldn't afford.
THAT'S GOD. .
HE knows the desires of your heart. . Have you ever been in a situation and you had no clue how it is going to get better, but now you look back on it?
THAT'S GOD!
HE passes us through tribulation to see a brighter day.
DO YOU THINK THAT THIS CARD WAS ACCIDENTALLY SENT TO YOU? NOPE!
Please pass this along and share the Power of GOD. In all that we do, we need to totally give HIM Thanks and our blessings will continue to multiply.
NOW THAT'S GOD!!!!!!!!
Don't tell GOD how Big your storm is. Tell the storm how Big your GOD is!
HAVE A BLESSED DAY.
GOD LOVES YOU.
~~~~~~~~~~Pamela~~~~~~~~~~~
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Sunday, August 14, 2005
Me and my grandchildren taken in August of this year 2005, Kiara, standing next to me is now 15 1/2, and in the 11th grade. (Down in front) Garth Jr., is nine, Samantha Johanna is now six, Samuel, being her twin, is six also, and Jack, who is Garth Jrs' younger twin, is also nine, but they will be 10 in October. Cherokee took this picture of us, the kids offered these interesting mugshots with out any prompting from their aunt, and I didn't know how they were posing until I saw the photo later on Cherokee's computer. You'll never know how they are going to look from one photo to the next, they have such strong personalities, and don't mind showing them full force at any time. We had been visiting them all up at their place in the High desert.
~~~~~~~~~~Pamela~~~~~~~~~~~
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The devil's beatitudes Whew...talk about the hot seat!!!!
This one will make you stop and shudder! If the devil were to write his beatitudes,they would probably go something like this:
Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians -- they are my best work.
Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked -- I can use them.
Blessed are the touchy who stop going to church -- they are my missionaries. Blessed are the trouble makers -- they shall be called my children.
Blessed are the complainers -- I'm all ears to them.
Blessed are those who are bored with the minister's mannerisms and mistakes -- for they get nothing out of his sermons.
Blessed is the church member who expects to be invited to his own church -- for he is a part of the problem instead of the solution.
Blessed are those who gossip -- for they shall cause strife and divisions that please me.
Blessed are those who are easily offended -- for they will soon get angry and quit.
Blessed are those who do not give their offering to carry on GOD'S work --for they are my helpers.
Blessed is he who professes to love GOD but hates his brother and sister --for he shall be with me forever.
Blessed are you who, when you read this, think it is about other people and not yourself -- I've got you too!
PASS THIS ON, WE ALL NEED TO BE REMINDED THAT THIS CAN HAPPEN TO ANY GOD BELIEVING PERSON, INCLUDING YOU AND ME.
HAVE A GREAT DAY WITH THE LORD BY YOUR SIDE!
~~~~~~~~~~Pamela~~~~~~~~~~~
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Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Father John Powell, a professor at Loyola University in Chicago writes about a student in his Theology of Faith class named Tommy:
"Some twelve years ago, I stood watching my university students file into the classroom for our first session in the Theology of Faith. That was the day I first saw Tommy. My eyes and my mind both blinked. He was combing his long flaxen hair, which hung six inches below his shoulders.
It was the first time I had ever seen a boy with hair that long. I guess it was just coming into fashion then. I know in my mind that it isn't what's on your head but what's in it that counts; but on that day I was unprepared and my emotions flipped. I immediately filed Tommy under "S" for strange (verystrange).
Tommy turned out to be the "atheist in residence" in my Theology of Faithcourse. He constantly objected to, smirked at, or whined about thepossibility of an unconditionally loving Father/God. We lived with eachother in relative peace for one semester, although I admit he was for me at times a serious pain in the back pew.
When he came up at the end of the course to turn in his final exam, heasked in a cynical tone, "Do you think I'll ever find God?"I decided instantly on a little shock therapy. "No!" I said veryemphatically. "Why not"? he responded, "I thought that was the product you were pushing."
I let him get five steps from the classroom door and then called out,
Tommy! I don't think you'll ever find Him, but I am absolutely certain that He will find you!" He shrugged a little and left my class and my life.I felt slightly disappointed at the thought that he had missed my clever line "He will find you!"
At least I thought it was clever.
Later I heard that Tommy had graduated and I was duly grateful.
Then a sad report came. I heard that Tommy had terminal cancer. Before I could search him out, he came to see me. When he walked into my office,his body was very badly wasted and the long hair had all fallen out as a result of chemotherapy. But his eyes were bright and his voice was firm, for the first time, I believe.
"Tommy, I've thought about you so often. I hear you are sick," I blurted out.
"Oh, yes, very sick! I have cancer in both lungs. It's a matter of weeks."
"Can you talk about it, Tom?" I asked.
"Sure, what would you like to know?" he replied.
"What's it like to be only twenty-four and dying?"
"Well, it could be worse."
"Like what?"
"Well, like being fifty and having no values or ideals, like being fifty and thinking that booze, seducing women, and making money are the realbiggies' in life."
I began to look through my mental file cabinet under 'S' where I had filed Tommy as strange. (It seems as though everybody I try to reject byclassification, God sends back into my life to educate me.)
"But what I really came to see you about," Tom said, "is something you said to me on the last day of class." (He remembered!) He continued, "I asked you if you thought I would ever find God and you said, 'No!' which surprised me. Then you said, 'But He will find you.'
I thought about that a lot, even though my search for God was hardly intense at that time.
"But when the doctors removed a lump from my groin and told me that it was malignant, that's when I got serious about locating God. And when themalignancy spread into my vital organs, I really began banging bloodyfists against the bronze doors of heaven.
But God did not come out. In fact, nothing happened. Did you ever try anything for a long time with greateffort and with no success? You get psychologically glutted, fed up withtrying and then you quit.
"Well, one day I woke up, and instead of throwing a few more futileappeals over that high brick wall to a God who may be or may not be there, I just quit. I decided that I didn't really care about God, about an after life, or anything like that.
I decided to spend what time I had left doingsomething more profitable. I thought about you and your class and I remembered something else you had said: "The essential sadness is to go through life without loving." But it would be almost equally sad to go through life and leave this world without ever telling those you loved that you had loved them.
"So, I began with the hardest one, my Dad. He was reading the newspaper when I approached him.
"Dad"
"Yes, what?" he asked without lowering the newspaper.
"Dad, I would like to talk with you."
"Well, talk."
"I mean it's really important."
The newspaper came down three slow inches. "What is it?"
"Dad, I love you I just wanted you to know that."
Tom smiled at me and said it with obvious satisfaction, as though he felt a warm and secret joy flowing inside of him.
"The newspaper fluttered to the floor. Then my father did two things I could never remember him ever doing before. He cried and he hugged me. We talked all night, even though he had to go to work the next morning. It felt so good to be close to my father, to see his tears, to feel his hug, to hear him say that he loved me."
"It was easier with my mother and little brother. They cried with me, too, and we hugged each other, and started saying real nice things to each other.
We shared the things we had been keeping secret for so many years."
"I was only sorry about one thing --- that I had waited so long Here I was, just beginning to open up to all the people I had actually been close to."
"Then, one day I turned around and God was there. He didn't come to me when I pleaded with Him. I guess I was like an animal trainer holding out a hoop, 'C'mon, jump through. C'mon, I'll give you three days, three weeks.'
"Apparently God does things in His own way and at His own hour. But theimportant thing is that He was there. He found me! You were right. Hefound me even after I stopped looking for Him."
"Tommy," I practically gasped, "I think you are saying something veryimportant and much more universal than you realize.
To me, at least, you are saying that the surest way to find God is not to make Him a privatepossession, a problem solver, or an instant consolation in time of need, but rather by opening to love. You know, the Apostle John said that. He said: 'God is love, and anyone who lives in love is living with God and God is living in him.'
Tom, could I ask you a favor? You know, when I had you inclass you were a real pain. But (laughingly) you can make it all up to me now. Would you come into my present Theology of Faith course and tell them what you have just told me?
If I told them the same thing it wouldn't be half as effective as if you were to tell it."
"Ooh I was ready for you, but I don't know if I'm ready for your class."
"Tom, think about it. If and when you are ready, give me a call. "In a few days Tom called, said he was ready for the class, that he wanted to do that for God and for me. So we scheduled a date.
However, he never made it He had another appointment, far more important than the one with me and my class. Of course, his life was not really ended by his death, only changed. He made the great step from faith into vision.
He found a life far more beautiful than the eye of man has ever seen or the ear of man has ever heard or the mind of man has ever imagined. Before he died, we talked one last time.
"I'm not going to make it to your class," he said.
"Will you tell them for me? Will you tell the whole world for me?"
"I will, Tom. I'll tell them. I'll do my best"
So, to all of you who have been kind enough to read this simple story about God's love, thank you for listening. And to you, Tommy, somewhere in the sunlit, verdant hills of heaven --- I told them, Tommy as best I could.
If this story means anything to you, please pass it on to a friend or two. It is a true story and is not enhanced for publicity purposes.
With thanks,"Rev. John Powell, Professor, Loyola University,Chicago
"I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord." Psalm. 118:17.
~~~~~~~~~~Pamela~~~~~~~~~~~
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Tuesday, August 09, 2005
SCHOOL ANSWERING MACHINE (This is hilarious - no wonder some people were offended!)
This is the message that the PacificPalisades High School (California) staff votedunanimously to record on their school telephoneanswering machine. This came about because they implemented a policy requiring students and parents to be responsible for their children's absences and missing homework.
The school and teachers are being sued by parents who want their children's failing grades changed to passing grades - even though those children were absent 15-30 times during the semester and did not complete enough schoolwork to pass their classes.
This is the actual answering machine messagefor the school:
"Hello! You have reached the automated answering service of your school. In order to assist you in connecting to the right staff member, please listen to all the options before making a selection:
* To lie about why your child is absent - Press 1
* To make excuses for why your child did not do hiswork- Press 2
* To complain about what we do - Press 3
* To swear at staff members - Press 4
* To ask why you didn't get information that was already enclosed in your newsletter and several flyers mailed to you - Press 5
* If you want us to raise your child - Press 6
* If you want to reach out and touch, slap or hit someone - Press 7
* To request another teacher, for the third time this year - Press 8
* To complain about bus transportation - Press 9
* To complain about school lunches - Press 0
* If you realize this is the real world and your child must be accountable and responsible for his/her own behavior, classwork, homework and that it's not the teachers' fault for your child's lack of effort:
Hang up and have a nice day!
If you can read this - thank a teacher!
If you are reading it in English - thank a veteran!
***********************************************************************************
THE TELEMARKETER
The phone rang as I was sitting down to my anticipated evening meal, and as I answered it I was greeted with,
"Is this Wilhiam Wagenhoss?"
This didn't sound anything like my name, so I asked,
"Who is calling?"
The telemarketer said he was with TheRubberband-Powered Freezer Company or something like that.
I asked him if he knew Wilhiam personally and why was he was calling this number. I then said off to the side,
"Get really good pictures of the body and all the blood."
I then turned back to the phone and advised the caller that he had entered a murder scene and must stay on the line because we had already traced this call and he would be receiving a summons to appear in the local courthouseto testify in this murder case.
I then questioned the caller at great length as to his name, address, phone number at home, at work, who he worked for, how he knew the dead guy and could he prove where he had been about one hour before he made this call.
The tele-marketer was getting very concerned and his answers were given in a shaky voice. I proceeded to tell him we had located his position at his work place and the police were entering the building to take him into custody.
At that point, I heard the phone fall and the scurrying of his running away.
My wife asked me as I returned to our table, why I had tears streaming down my face and so help me, I couldn't tell her for about fifteen minutes.
My meal was cold, but oh-so-very enjoyable.
~~~~~~~~~~Pamela~~~~~~~~~~~
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Monday, August 08, 2005
August third was the anniversary of our brother's death in VietNam, I forgot to mention last time that he played little league baseball with Bobby Bonds and Dusty Baker. Robbie was a better ball player than either of these two gentlemen, and I wasn't the only one to think so, my sister, Anna reminded me one time when Robbie won a game singlehandedly, and that it was the first time a little league game had been played on the air (radio) in our town. We do still feel it every year around this time, the emptiness, and missing him. He was our personal hero.
ROBBIN ADAIR GOODWIN
Photo courtesy of of his sister Anna Goodwin-Akers
PFC - E3 - Army - Selective Service 25th Infantry Division 21 year old Single, Negro, Male.
Born on Oct 04, 1944 From RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
His tour of duty began on Apr 08, 1966 Casualty was on Aug 03, 1966.
SOUTH VIETNAM HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY MULTIPLE FRAGMENTATION WOUNDS.
Body was recovered
Religion BAPTIST
Panel 09E - - Line 103
More information on August 3, 1966
If you have anything to add to Robbin's tribute please email it to Randy@Bobcat.ws*
http://www.bobcat.ws/goodwintrib.htm
~~~~~~~~~~Pamela~~~~~~~~~~~
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Thursday, August 04, 2005
THE WHIPPING.
There was a school with a class of students that no teacher had been able to handle. Two or three teachers had been run off from this school in one year by the unruly students. A young man, just out of college, heard about the class and applied to the school.
The principal asked the young man, "Do you know what you are asking for? No one else has been able to handle these students. You are just asking for a terrible beating. After a few moments of silent prayer, the young man looked at the principal and said, "Sir, with your consent I accept the challenge. Just give me a trial basis."
The next morning the young man stood before the class. He said to the class, "Young people, I came here today to conduct school. But I realize I can't do it by myself. I must have your help.
"One big boy, they called Big Tom, in the back of the room whispered to his buddies, "I won't need any help. I can lick that little bird all by myself."
The young teacher told the class that if they were to have school, there would have to be some rules to go by. But he also added that he would allow the students to make up the rules and that he would list them on the blackboard.
This was certainly different, the students thought!
One young man suggested "NO STEALING." Another one shouted "BE ON TIME FOR CLASS." Pretty soon they had 10 rules listed on the board. The teacher then asked the class what the punishment should be for breaking these rules.
"Rules are no good unless they are enforced", he said. Someone in the class suggested that if the rules were broken, they should receive 10 licks with a rod across their back with their coat off The teacher thought that this was pretty harsh, so he asked the class if they would stand by this punishment. The class agreed.
Everything went along pretty good for two or three days. Then Big Tom came in one day very upset. He declared that someone had stolen his lunch. After talking with the students, they came to the conclusion that little Timmy had stolen Big Tom's lunch. Someone had seen little Timmy with Big Tom's lunch!
The teacher called little Timmy up to the front of the room. Little Timmy admitted he had taken Big Tom's lunch. So the teacher asked him, "Do you know the punishment? Little Timmy nodded that he did. "You must remove your coat," the teacher instructed. The little fellow had come with a great big coat on.
Little Timmy said to the teacher,"I am guilty and I am willing to take my punishment, but please don't make me take off my coat. The teacher reminded little Timmy of the rules and punishments and again told him he must remove his coat and take his punishment like a man.
The little fellow started to unbutton that old coat. As he did so, the teacher saw he did not have a shirt on under the coat. And even worse, he saw a frail and bony frame hidden beneath that coat. The teacher asked little Timmy why he had come to school without a shirt on.
Little Timmy replied, "My daddy's dead and my mother is very poor. I don't have but one shirt, and my mother is washing it today. I wore my big brother's coat so that I could keep warm."
That young teacher stood and looked at the frail back with the spine protruding against the skin, and his ribs sticking out. He wondered how he could lay a rod on that little back and without even a shirt on. Still, he knew he must enforce the punishment or the children would not obey the rules. So he drew back to strike little Timmy.
Just then Big Tom stood up and came down the aisle.
He asked, "Is there anything that says that I can't take little Timmy's whipping for him?" The teacher thought about it and agreed. With that Big Tom ripped his coat off and stooped and stood over little Timmy at the desk.
Hesitatingly the teacher began to lay the rod on that big back. But for some strange reason after only five licks that old rod just broke in half.
The young teacher buried his face in his hands and began to sob. He heard a commotion and looked up to find not even one dry eye in the room. Little Timmy had turned and grabbed Big Tom around the neck apologizing to him for stealing his lunch.
Little Timmy begged Big Tom to forgive him. He told Big Tom that he would love him till the day he died for taking his whipping for him.
Aren't you glad that Jesus took our whipping for us. That He shed His precious blood on Calvary so that you and I can have eternal life in Glory with Him? We are unworthy of the price He paid for us, but aren't you glad He loves us that much?
This is a story everyone needs to know. So if you know anyone else who may be blessed by this story, please pass it on. God bless you, and keep you safe. Most people's troubles come from too much time on their hands and not enough on their knees.
For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity "In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is, tell the problem how Great the Lord is!
Sent to me by a friend.......
~Treasure Today...Tomorrow May Be Too Late ~
~~~~~~~~~~Pamela~~~~~~~~~~~
To a Beautiful Person
If GOD had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If HE had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
HE sends you flowers every spring.
HE sends you a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, HE listens.
HE can live anywhere in the universe, but HE chose your heart.
Face it friend, HE is totally in love with you!
GOD didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but HE did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.
Put your trust in HIM, let HIM guide you, HE is the ONE who really loves you. Seek HIM with your whole heart, mind, soul, and strength. You won't be disappointed.
<
The MAKER of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured. Regardless of make or year, due to the serious defect of the primary and central component of the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units. Code named: Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.
This defect has been technically termed, "Subsequential Internal Non-morality, or commonly known as "SIN". Some symptoms include, but are not limited to: Loss of direction. Lack of peace and joy, depression, or confusion in the mental component. Also, foul vocal emissions, selfish, and/or violent, behavior. Amnesia of origin, fearfulness, or rebellion.
To correct this "sin defect", the MANUFACTURER, (who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect), is providing factory authorized repair and service -- free of charge.
The REPAIR TECHNICIAN, (JESUS), has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is: (simply), P-R-A-Y-E-R.
Once connected. Please upload your burden of sin through the REPENTANCE procedure.
Next, download ATONEMENT from the REPAIR TECHNICIAN, (JESUS), into the heart component.
No matter how big or small the "sin defect" is, JESUS will replace it with:
* Love * Joy * Peace * Kindness * Goodness * Faithfulness * Gentleness * Patience * Self Control.
Please see the operating manual, (Holy Bible), for further details on the use of this upgrade.
As an added upgrade, the Manufacturer has made available to (all repaired units), direct monitoring and assistance from the resident Maintenance technician, (the HOLY SPIRIT).
Repaired units need only make HIM welcome and HE will take up residence on the premises.
WARNING:
Continuing to operate the human being unit without making these corrections voids the MANUFACTURER'S warranty, exposing the unit to many dangers and problems -- and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded in a place called, "Hell".
*For Free emergency service, call on JESUS.
Thank you for your attention.
Please notify everyone you can of this important recall notice. Amen.
<
NOW THAT'S GOD
It was one of the hottest days of the dry season. We had not seen rain in almost a month. The crops were dying. Cows had stopped giving milk. The creeks and streams were long gone back into the earth. It was a dry season that would bankrupt several farmers before it was through.
Every day, my husband and his brothers would go about the arduous process of trying to get water to the fields. Lately this process had involved taking a truck to the local water rendering plant and filling it up with water.
But severe rationing had cut everyone off.If we didn’t see some rain soon... we would lose everything. It was on this day that I learned the true lesson of sharing and witnessed the only miracle I have seen with my own eyes. I was in the kitchen making lunch for my husband and his brothers when I saw my six-year-old son, Billy, walking toward the woods.
He wasn't walking with the usual carefree abandon of a youth but with a serious purpose. I could only see his back. He was obviously walking with a great effort ... trying to be as still as possible.
Minutes after he disappeared into the woods, he came running out again, toward the house. I went back to making sandwiches; thinking that whatever task he had been doing was completed. Moments later, owever, he was once again walking in that slow purposeful stride toward the woods.
This activity went on for an hour: walking carefully to the woods, running back to the house. Finally I couldn't take it any longer and I crept out of the house and followed him on his journey (being very careful not to be seen... as he was obviously doing important work and didn't need his Mommy checking up on him).
He was cupping both hands in front of him as he walked, being very careful not to spill the water he held in them ... maybe two or three tablespoons were held in his tiny hands. I sneaked close as he went into the woods. Branches and thorns slapped his little face, but he did not try to avoid them. He had a much higher purpose.
As I leaned in to spy on him, I saw the most amazing site. Several large deer loomed in front of him. Billy walked right up to them. I almost screamed for him to get away. A huge buck with elaborate antlers was dangerously close. But the buck did not threaten him... he didn't even move as Billy knelt down.
And I saw a tiny fawn lying on the ground; obviously suffering from dehydration and heat exhaustion, lift its head with great effort to lap up the water cupped in my beautiful boy's hand. When the water was gone, Billy jumped up to run back to the house and I hid behind a tree. I followed him back to the house to a spigot to which we had shut off the water.
Billy opened it all the way up and a small trickle began to creep out. He knelt there, letting the drip, drip slowly fill up his makeshift "cup," as the sun beat down on his little back. And it came clear to me: The trouble he had gotten into for playing with the hose the week before. The lecture he had received about the importance of not wasting water. The reason he didn't ask me to help him.
It took almost twenty minutes for the drops to fill his hands. When he stood up and began the trek back, I was there in front of him. His little eyes just filled with tears. "I'm not wasting," was all he said. As he began his walk, I joined him... with a small pot of water from the kitchen. I let him tend to the fawn. I stayed away.
It was his job. I stood on the edge of the woods watching the most beautiful heart I have ever known working so hard to save another life. As the tears that rolled down my face began to hit the ground, other drops...and more drops... and more suddenly joined them. I looked up at the sky.
It was as if GOD, himself, was weeping with pride. Some will probably say that this was all just a huge coincidence. Those miracles don't really exist. That it was bound to rain sometime. And I can't argue with that... I'm not going to try.
All I can say is that the rain that came that day saved our farm... just like the actions of one little boy saved another. I don't know if anyone will read this... but I had to send it out. To honor the memory of my beautiful Billy, who was taken from me much too soon...
But not before showing me the true face of GOD, in a little, sunburned body.
*~THAT'S GOD ~*
Have you ever been just sitting there and all of a sudden you feel like doing something nice for someone you care for?
THAT'S GOD!
HE speaks to you through the HOLY SPIRIT. Have you ever been down and out and nobody seems to be around for you to talk to?
THAT'S GOD!
HE wants you to speak to HIM. Have you ever been thinking about somebody that you haven't seen in a long time and then next thing you know you see them or receive a phone call from them?
THAT'S GOD!
There's no such thing as coincidence. Have you ever received something wonderful that you didn't even ask for, like money in the mail, a debt that had mysteriously been cleared, or a coupon to a department store where you had just seen something you wanted, but couldn't afford.
THAT'S GOD. .
HE knows the desires of your heart. . Have you ever been in a situation and you had no clue how it is going to get better, but now you look back on it?
THAT'S GOD!
HE passes us through tribulation to see a brighter day.
DO YOU THINK THAT THIS CARD WAS ACCIDENTALLY SENT TO YOU? NOPE!
Please pass this along and share the Power of GOD. In all that we do, we need to totally give HIM Thanks and our blessings will continue to multiply.
NOW THAT'S GOD!!!!!!!!
Don't tell GOD how Big your storm is. Tell the storm how Big your GOD is!
HAVE A BLESSED DAY.
GOD LOVES YOU.
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Me and my grandchildren taken in August of this year 2005, Kiara, standing next to me is now 15 1/2, and in the 11th grade. (Down in front) Garth Jr., is nine, Samantha Johanna is now six, Samuel, being her twin, is six also, and Jack, who is Garth Jrs' younger twin, is also nine, but they will be 10 in October. Cherokee took this picture of us, the kids offered these interesting mugshots with out any prompting from their aunt, and I didn't know how they were posing until I saw the photo later on Cherokee's computer. You'll never know how they are going to look from one photo to the next, they have such strong personalities, and don't mind showing them full force at any time. We had been visiting them all up at their place in the High desert.
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The devil's beatitudes Whew...talk about the hot seat!!!!
This one will make you stop and shudder! If the devil were to write his beatitudes,they would probably go something like this:
Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians -- they are my best work.
Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked -- I can use them.
Blessed are the touchy who stop going to church -- they are my missionaries. Blessed are the trouble makers -- they shall be called my children.
Blessed are the complainers -- I'm all ears to them.
Blessed are those who are bored with the minister's mannerisms and mistakes -- for they get nothing out of his sermons.
Blessed is the church member who expects to be invited to his own church -- for he is a part of the problem instead of the solution.
Blessed are those who gossip -- for they shall cause strife and divisions that please me.
Blessed are those who are easily offended -- for they will soon get angry and quit.
Blessed are those who do not give their offering to carry on GOD'S work --for they are my helpers.
Blessed is he who professes to love GOD but hates his brother and sister --for he shall be with me forever.
Blessed are you who, when you read this, think it is about other people and not yourself -- I've got you too!
PASS THIS ON, WE ALL NEED TO BE REMINDED THAT THIS CAN HAPPEN TO ANY GOD BELIEVING PERSON, INCLUDING YOU AND ME.
HAVE A GREAT DAY WITH THE LORD BY YOUR SIDE!
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Father John Powell, a professor at Loyola University in Chicago writes about a student in his Theology of Faith class named Tommy:
"Some twelve years ago, I stood watching my university students file into the classroom for our first session in the Theology of Faith. That was the day I first saw Tommy. My eyes and my mind both blinked. He was combing his long flaxen hair, which hung six inches below his shoulders.
It was the first time I had ever seen a boy with hair that long. I guess it was just coming into fashion then. I know in my mind that it isn't what's on your head but what's in it that counts; but on that day I was unprepared and my emotions flipped. I immediately filed Tommy under "S" for strange (verystrange).
Tommy turned out to be the "atheist in residence" in my Theology of Faithcourse. He constantly objected to, smirked at, or whined about thepossibility of an unconditionally loving Father/God. We lived with eachother in relative peace for one semester, although I admit he was for me at times a serious pain in the back pew.
When he came up at the end of the course to turn in his final exam, heasked in a cynical tone, "Do you think I'll ever find God?"I decided instantly on a little shock therapy. "No!" I said veryemphatically. "Why not"? he responded, "I thought that was the product you were pushing."
I let him get five steps from the classroom door and then called out,
Tommy! I don't think you'll ever find Him, but I am absolutely certain that He will find you!" He shrugged a little and left my class and my life.I felt slightly disappointed at the thought that he had missed my clever line "He will find you!"
At least I thought it was clever.
Later I heard that Tommy had graduated and I was duly grateful.
Then a sad report came. I heard that Tommy had terminal cancer. Before I could search him out, he came to see me. When he walked into my office,his body was very badly wasted and the long hair had all fallen out as a result of chemotherapy. But his eyes were bright and his voice was firm, for the first time, I believe.
"Tommy, I've thought about you so often. I hear you are sick," I blurted out.
"Oh, yes, very sick! I have cancer in both lungs. It's a matter of weeks."
"Can you talk about it, Tom?" I asked.
"Sure, what would you like to know?" he replied.
"What's it like to be only twenty-four and dying?"
"Well, it could be worse."
"Like what?"
"Well, like being fifty and having no values or ideals, like being fifty and thinking that booze, seducing women, and making money are the realbiggies' in life."
I began to look through my mental file cabinet under 'S' where I had filed Tommy as strange. (It seems as though everybody I try to reject byclassification, God sends back into my life to educate me.)
"But what I really came to see you about," Tom said, "is something you said to me on the last day of class." (He remembered!) He continued, "I asked you if you thought I would ever find God and you said, 'No!' which surprised me. Then you said, 'But He will find you.'
I thought about that a lot, even though my search for God was hardly intense at that time.
"But when the doctors removed a lump from my groin and told me that it was malignant, that's when I got serious about locating God. And when themalignancy spread into my vital organs, I really began banging bloodyfists against the bronze doors of heaven.
But God did not come out. In fact, nothing happened. Did you ever try anything for a long time with greateffort and with no success? You get psychologically glutted, fed up withtrying and then you quit.
"Well, one day I woke up, and instead of throwing a few more futileappeals over that high brick wall to a God who may be or may not be there, I just quit. I decided that I didn't really care about God, about an after life, or anything like that.
I decided to spend what time I had left doingsomething more profitable. I thought about you and your class and I remembered something else you had said: "The essential sadness is to go through life without loving." But it would be almost equally sad to go through life and leave this world without ever telling those you loved that you had loved them.
"So, I began with the hardest one, my Dad. He was reading the newspaper when I approached him.
"Dad"
"Yes, what?" he asked without lowering the newspaper.
"Dad, I would like to talk with you."
"Well, talk."
"I mean it's really important."
The newspaper came down three slow inches. "What is it?"
"Dad, I love you I just wanted you to know that."
Tom smiled at me and said it with obvious satisfaction, as though he felt a warm and secret joy flowing inside of him.
"The newspaper fluttered to the floor. Then my father did two things I could never remember him ever doing before. He cried and he hugged me. We talked all night, even though he had to go to work the next morning. It felt so good to be close to my father, to see his tears, to feel his hug, to hear him say that he loved me."
"It was easier with my mother and little brother. They cried with me, too, and we hugged each other, and started saying real nice things to each other.
We shared the things we had been keeping secret for so many years."
"I was only sorry about one thing --- that I had waited so long Here I was, just beginning to open up to all the people I had actually been close to."
"Then, one day I turned around and God was there. He didn't come to me when I pleaded with Him. I guess I was like an animal trainer holding out a hoop, 'C'mon, jump through. C'mon, I'll give you three days, three weeks.'
"Apparently God does things in His own way and at His own hour. But theimportant thing is that He was there. He found me! You were right. Hefound me even after I stopped looking for Him."
"Tommy," I practically gasped, "I think you are saying something veryimportant and much more universal than you realize.
To me, at least, you are saying that the surest way to find God is not to make Him a privatepossession, a problem solver, or an instant consolation in time of need, but rather by opening to love. You know, the Apostle John said that. He said: 'God is love, and anyone who lives in love is living with God and God is living in him.'
Tom, could I ask you a favor? You know, when I had you inclass you were a real pain. But (laughingly) you can make it all up to me now. Would you come into my present Theology of Faith course and tell them what you have just told me?
If I told them the same thing it wouldn't be half as effective as if you were to tell it."
"Ooh I was ready for you, but I don't know if I'm ready for your class."
"Tom, think about it. If and when you are ready, give me a call. "In a few days Tom called, said he was ready for the class, that he wanted to do that for God and for me. So we scheduled a date.
However, he never made it He had another appointment, far more important than the one with me and my class. Of course, his life was not really ended by his death, only changed. He made the great step from faith into vision.
He found a life far more beautiful than the eye of man has ever seen or the ear of man has ever heard or the mind of man has ever imagined. Before he died, we talked one last time.
"I'm not going to make it to your class," he said.
"Will you tell them for me? Will you tell the whole world for me?"
"I will, Tom. I'll tell them. I'll do my best"
So, to all of you who have been kind enough to read this simple story about God's love, thank you for listening. And to you, Tommy, somewhere in the sunlit, verdant hills of heaven --- I told them, Tommy as best I could.
If this story means anything to you, please pass it on to a friend or two. It is a true story and is not enhanced for publicity purposes.
With thanks,"Rev. John Powell, Professor, Loyola University,Chicago
"I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord." Psalm. 118:17.
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SCHOOL ANSWERING MACHINE (This is hilarious - no wonder some people were offended!)
This is the message that the PacificPalisades High School (California) staff votedunanimously to record on their school telephoneanswering machine. This came about because they implemented a policy requiring students and parents to be responsible for their children's absences and missing homework.
The school and teachers are being sued by parents who want their children's failing grades changed to passing grades - even though those children were absent 15-30 times during the semester and did not complete enough schoolwork to pass their classes.
This is the actual answering machine messagefor the school:
"Hello! You have reached the automated answering service of your school. In order to assist you in connecting to the right staff member, please listen to all the options before making a selection:
* To lie about why your child is absent - Press 1
* To make excuses for why your child did not do hiswork- Press 2
* To complain about what we do - Press 3
* To swear at staff members - Press 4
* To ask why you didn't get information that was already enclosed in your newsletter and several flyers mailed to you - Press 5
* If you want us to raise your child - Press 6
* If you want to reach out and touch, slap or hit someone - Press 7
* To request another teacher, for the third time this year - Press 8
* To complain about bus transportation - Press 9
* To complain about school lunches - Press 0
* If you realize this is the real world and your child must be accountable and responsible for his/her own behavior, classwork, homework and that it's not the teachers' fault for your child's lack of effort:
Hang up and have a nice day!
If you can read this - thank a teacher!
If you are reading it in English - thank a veteran!
***********************************************************************************
THE TELEMARKETER
The phone rang as I was sitting down to my anticipated evening meal, and as I answered it I was greeted with,
"Is this Wilhiam Wagenhoss?"
This didn't sound anything like my name, so I asked,
"Who is calling?"
The telemarketer said he was with TheRubberband-Powered Freezer Company or something like that.
I asked him if he knew Wilhiam personally and why was he was calling this number. I then said off to the side,
"Get really good pictures of the body and all the blood."
I then turned back to the phone and advised the caller that he had entered a murder scene and must stay on the line because we had already traced this call and he would be receiving a summons to appear in the local courthouseto testify in this murder case.
I then questioned the caller at great length as to his name, address, phone number at home, at work, who he worked for, how he knew the dead guy and could he prove where he had been about one hour before he made this call.
The tele-marketer was getting very concerned and his answers were given in a shaky voice. I proceeded to tell him we had located his position at his work place and the police were entering the building to take him into custody.
At that point, I heard the phone fall and the scurrying of his running away.
My wife asked me as I returned to our table, why I had tears streaming down my face and so help me, I couldn't tell her for about fifteen minutes.
My meal was cold, but oh-so-very enjoyable.
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August third was the anniversary of our brother's death in VietNam, I forgot to mention last time that he played little league baseball with Bobby Bonds and Dusty Baker. Robbie was a better ball player than either of these two gentlemen, and I wasn't the only one to think so, my sister, Anna reminded me one time when Robbie won a game singlehandedly, and that it was the first time a little league game had been played on the air (radio) in our town. We do still feel it every year around this time, the emptiness, and missing him. He was our personal hero.
ROBBIN ADAIR GOODWIN
Photo courtesy of of his sister Anna Goodwin-Akers
PFC - E3 - Army - Selective Service 25th Infantry Division 21 year old Single, Negro, Male.
Born on Oct 04, 1944 From RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
His tour of duty began on Apr 08, 1966 Casualty was on Aug 03, 1966.
SOUTH VIETNAM HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY MULTIPLE FRAGMENTATION WOUNDS.
Body was recovered
Religion BAPTIST
Panel 09E - - Line 103
More information on August 3, 1966
If you have anything to add to Robbin's tribute please email it to Randy@Bobcat.ws*
http://www.bobcat.ws/goodwintrib.htm
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THE WHIPPING.
There was a school with a class of students that no teacher had been able to handle. Two or three teachers had been run off from this school in one year by the unruly students. A young man, just out of college, heard about the class and applied to the school.
The principal asked the young man, "Do you know what you are asking for? No one else has been able to handle these students. You are just asking for a terrible beating. After a few moments of silent prayer, the young man looked at the principal and said, "Sir, with your consent I accept the challenge. Just give me a trial basis."
The next morning the young man stood before the class. He said to the class, "Young people, I came here today to conduct school. But I realize I can't do it by myself. I must have your help.
"One big boy, they called Big Tom, in the back of the room whispered to his buddies, "I won't need any help. I can lick that little bird all by myself."
The young teacher told the class that if they were to have school, there would have to be some rules to go by. But he also added that he would allow the students to make up the rules and that he would list them on the blackboard.
This was certainly different, the students thought!
One young man suggested "NO STEALING." Another one shouted "BE ON TIME FOR CLASS." Pretty soon they had 10 rules listed on the board. The teacher then asked the class what the punishment should be for breaking these rules.
"Rules are no good unless they are enforced", he said. Someone in the class suggested that if the rules were broken, they should receive 10 licks with a rod across their back with their coat off The teacher thought that this was pretty harsh, so he asked the class if they would stand by this punishment. The class agreed.
Everything went along pretty good for two or three days. Then Big Tom came in one day very upset. He declared that someone had stolen his lunch. After talking with the students, they came to the conclusion that little Timmy had stolen Big Tom's lunch. Someone had seen little Timmy with Big Tom's lunch!
The teacher called little Timmy up to the front of the room. Little Timmy admitted he had taken Big Tom's lunch. So the teacher asked him, "Do you know the punishment? Little Timmy nodded that he did. "You must remove your coat," the teacher instructed. The little fellow had come with a great big coat on.
Little Timmy said to the teacher,"I am guilty and I am willing to take my punishment, but please don't make me take off my coat. The teacher reminded little Timmy of the rules and punishments and again told him he must remove his coat and take his punishment like a man.
The little fellow started to unbutton that old coat. As he did so, the teacher saw he did not have a shirt on under the coat. And even worse, he saw a frail and bony frame hidden beneath that coat. The teacher asked little Timmy why he had come to school without a shirt on.
Little Timmy replied, "My daddy's dead and my mother is very poor. I don't have but one shirt, and my mother is washing it today. I wore my big brother's coat so that I could keep warm."
That young teacher stood and looked at the frail back with the spine protruding against the skin, and his ribs sticking out. He wondered how he could lay a rod on that little back and without even a shirt on. Still, he knew he must enforce the punishment or the children would not obey the rules. So he drew back to strike little Timmy.
Just then Big Tom stood up and came down the aisle.
He asked, "Is there anything that says that I can't take little Timmy's whipping for him?" The teacher thought about it and agreed. With that Big Tom ripped his coat off and stooped and stood over little Timmy at the desk.
Hesitatingly the teacher began to lay the rod on that big back. But for some strange reason after only five licks that old rod just broke in half.
The young teacher buried his face in his hands and began to sob. He heard a commotion and looked up to find not even one dry eye in the room. Little Timmy had turned and grabbed Big Tom around the neck apologizing to him for stealing his lunch.
Little Timmy begged Big Tom to forgive him. He told Big Tom that he would love him till the day he died for taking his whipping for him.
Aren't you glad that Jesus took our whipping for us. That He shed His precious blood on Calvary so that you and I can have eternal life in Glory with Him? We are unworthy of the price He paid for us, but aren't you glad He loves us that much?
This is a story everyone needs to know. So if you know anyone else who may be blessed by this story, please pass it on. God bless you, and keep you safe. Most people's troubles come from too much time on their hands and not enough on their knees.
For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity "In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat." Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is, tell the problem how Great the Lord is!
Sent to me by a friend.......
~Treasure Today...Tomorrow May Be Too Late ~
