Kahlil Gibran : "They deem me mad because I will not sell my days for gold; and I deem them mad because they think my days have a price."

Benjamin Franklin :"Who is wise? He that learns from everyone. Who is powerful?He that governs his passions.Who is rich?He that is content.Who is that?Nobody."

Jonathan Swift : "There is nothing in this world constant but inconstancy."

Mother Teresa : "It is not what we do, it is how much love we put in the doing."

Mark Twain : "It isn't so astonishing, the number of things that I can remember, as the number of things I can remember that aren't so."

Winston Churchill : "All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom; justice; honor; duty; mercy; hope."

Oliver Wendell Holmes : "The life of the law has not been logic, it has been experience."

Ogden Nash : "One bliss for which there is no match is when you itch to up and scratch."- awesome quote

John F. Kennedy : "Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth." - Rom. 12:2

Marcus Aurelius : "There is no man so blessed that some who stand by his deathbed won't hail the occasion with delight."

John Milton : "The city is not a concrete jungle, it is a human zoo."

Francis Bacon : "Hope is a good breakfast, but it is a bad supper."

Carl Sandburg : "Let the gentle bush dig its root deep and spread upward to split the boulder."

Albert Einstein : "A person, who never made a mistake, never tried anything new."

Ralph Waldo Emerson : "Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not."

Lord Byron : "They never fail who die in a great cause."

Henry Ward Beecher : "The philosophy of one century is the common sense of the next."

Socrates : "The unexamined life is not worth living."

y e r s f a l l ,

y 1 P e t e r 1 : 2 4 - 2 5

F o r , A l l p e o p l e a r e l i k e g r a s s , a n d a l l t h e i r g l o

y r y i s l i k e t h e f l o w e r s o f t h e f i e l d ; t h e g r a s s w i t h e r s a n d t h e f l o w

Mark Twain : "We are chameleons, and our partialities and prejudices change place with an easy and blessed facility."

Carl Sandburg : "To be a good loser is to learn how to win."

George Eliot : "Tis what I love determines how I love."

John F. Kennedy : "Change is the law of life."

Voltaire : "Shun idleness. It is a rust that attaches itself to the most brilliant metals."

Aristotle : "The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal."

rated and appeased." - God is not us.....

Voltaire : "We offer up prayers to God only because we have made Him after our own image. We treat Him like a Pasha, or a Sultan, who is capable of being exaspe

George Santayana : "Before you contradict an old man, my fair friend, you should endeavour to understand him."

Francis Bacon : "Truth emerges more readily from error than from confusion."

John F. Kennedy : "Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable."

James Russell Lowell : "The devil loves nothing better than the intolerance of reformers."

Benjamin Franklin : "How few there are who have courage enough to own their faults, or resolution enough to mend them." - stead we blame others or run from them

George Santayana : "The idea of Christ is much older than Christianity."

Benjamin Franklin : "If time be of all things most precious, wasting time must be the greatest prodigality, since lost time is never found again."

George Bernard Shaw : "The savage bows down to idols of wood and stone, the civilized man to idols of flesh and blood."----- too true.

Haha- today is 10/11/12 - just keeps getting better. :)

Winston Churchill : "We are all worms, but I do believe that I am a glow-worm."----- Churchill, u rock. :) haha

Winston Churchill : "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat."

Theodore Roosevelt : "I wish to preach not the doctrine of ignoble ease, but the doctrine of the strenuous life."

Y e r i t . " b r o u g h t t o y o u b y "

Y C o n f u c i u s : " T o b e w r o n g e d i s n o t h i n g u n l e s s y o u c o n t i n u e t o r e m e m b

Henry Miller : "The ordinary man is involved in action, the hero acts. An immense difference." - which are you? Which will u be?

Benjamin Disraeli : "I am bound to furnish my antagonists with arguments, but not with comprehension."

Calvin Coolidge : "We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once."

Oliver Wendell Holmes : "One unquestioned text we read, All doubt beyond, all fear above; Nor crackling pile nor cursing creed Can burn or blot it: God is Love.

Oliver Goldsmith : "Philosophy is a good horse in the stable, but an errant jade on a journey."

Leonardo da Vinci : "Experience does not err. Only your judgments err by expecting from her what is not in her power."

Baltasar Gracian : "Even knowledge has to be in fashion and where it is not it is wise to affect ignorance."

Henry David Thoreau : "It's only by forgetting yourself that you draw near to God."

Chanakya : "A man is born alone &dies alone;& he experiences the good and bad consequences of his karma alone; &he goes alone to hell or the Supreme abode.

Ambrose Bierce : "Christian: one who believes that the New Testament is a divinely inspired book, admirably suited to the spiritual needs of his neighbour."

Bertrand Russell : "Whenever one finds oneself inclined to bitterness, it is a sign of emotional failure."

Leonardo da Vinci : "I have offended God and mankind because my work didn't reach the quality it should have."- the lament of life

John Milton : "He that studieth revenge keepeth his own wounds green, which otherwise would heal and do well."

Mankind should no longer be called man. Like Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4. They are on their way themselves to be like the animals. Led by feral desires.

Henry Kissinger : "Leaders are responsible not for running public opinion polls but for the consequences of their actions."

Voltaire : "If there were no God, it would be necessary to invent him."

i f o r y o u , w h o d i r e c t s y o u

i n e o f I s r a e l : I a m t h e L O R D y o u r G o d , w h o t e a c h e s y o u w h a t i s b e s t

in the way you should go.

i I s a i a h 4 8 : 1 7

T h i s i s w h a t t h e L O R D s a y s y o u r R e d e e m e r , t h e H o l y O

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow : "Into each life some rain must fall, some days must be dark and dreary."

Leonardo da Vinci : "Experience does not err. Only your judgments err by expecting from her what is not in her power."

Voltaire : "The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us."

Benjamin Franklin : "The proud hate pride - in others."

John F. Kennedy : "It is an unfortunate fact that we can secure peace only by preparing for war."

George Eliot : "The scornful nostril and the high head gather not the odors that lie on the track of truth." - alas for us , words spoken true.

Miguel de Cervantes : "Everyone is as God made him, and often a great deal worse."

George Eliot : "What loneliness is more lonely than distrust?"

Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening 25JUL2012

Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)

³ The Lord appeared to us in the past,^[a] saying:

“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
    I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

Morning
"With lovingkindness have I drawn thee." - Jeremiah 31:3
The thunders of the law and the terrors of judgment are all used to bring us to Christ; but the final victory is effected by lovingkindness. The prodigal set out to his father's house from a sense of need; but his father saw him a great way off, and ran to meet him; so that the last steps he took towards his father's house were with the kiss still warm upon his cheek, and the welcome still musical in his ears.
"Law and terrors do but harden
All the while they work alone;
But a sense of blood-bought pardon
Will dissolve a heart of stone."
The Master came one night to the door, and knocked with the iron hand of the law; the door shook and trembled upon its hinges; but the man piled every piece of furniture which he could find against the door, for he said, "I will not admit the man." The Master turned away, but by-and-bye he came back, and with his own soft hand, using most that part where the nail had penetrated, he knocked again--oh, so softly and tenderly. This time the door did not shake, but, strange to say, it opened, and there upon his knees the once unwilling host was found rejoicing to receive his guest. "Come in, come in; thou hast so knocked that my bowels are moved for thee. I could not think of thy pierced hand leaving its blood-mark on my door, and of thy going away houseless, Thy head filled with dew, and thy locks with the drops of the night.' I yield, I yield, thy love has won my heart." So in every case: lovingkindness wins the day. What Moses with the tablets of stone could never do, Christ does with his pierced hand. Such is the doctrine of effectual calling. Do I understand it experimentally? Can I say, "He drew me, and I followed on, glad to confess the voice divine?" If so, may he continue to draw me, till at last I shall sit down at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

\ a n d i n s p i r e a l l y o u c a n . - W i l l i a m A r t h u r W a r d

\ L e a r n a n d g r o w a l l y o u c a n . S e r v e a n d b e f r i e n d a l l y o u c a n . E n r i c h

Take life as it is , it isn't always serious.....

Sober

Romans 12:3

[Humble Service in the Body of Christ] For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

Hm, what is in accordance with the faith distributed? Sober,

(merriam-webster dictionary)

Definition of SOBER

1

a : sparing in the use of food and drink : abstemious b : not addicted to intoxicating drink c : not drunk

2

: marked by sedate or gravely or earnestly thoughtful character or demeanor

3

: unhurried, calm

4

: marked by temperance, moderation, or seriousness <a sober candlelight vigil>

5

: subdued in tone or color

6

: showing no excessive or extreme qualities of fancy, emotion, or prejudice 

 

This is where pride comes to play, either inwardly (in our mind) or/& outwardly (our actions). Romans 3:23 & 24

²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

 

Sober.....earnestly, not continuous or always using judgment, both to others and ourselves. We get lost in it, deciding how great or how bad we are. Also, how great or bad others are.  

Where is the man who is perfect? Who is without sin? Is it because I'm not a murderer I'm better? Then what about the pride inside one, is that any "bettter" ?  NO.

Live

Leviticus 19:18 “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Psalm 91:1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Mark 8:36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? ----------------------- What good is life if it is meant only for me? If only I look to what I feel good with ? Even the religious places we search for, who will be honest enough to say that mostly it is about how good it feels for me? "I don't like that church, they don't seem to nice." "this place meets my needs." Sorry, Dan, I thought it was that God met all our needs and we lived a life of service to others. Wow. Guess I was off. Who knows, maybe it is needed for your cheerfulness to teach about such? Guess I must no the reading right cause I don't remember it being said to seek first yourself........ Live as if each person has given you all they had and maybe you will find that you have more to give, forgive as if you are the worst of the worse (hm, Paul anyone) and maybe you will find the way of humility, look only to the heavens and maybe you will find that there are some mansions still available. No man is greater then another, each has a role, the seed is nothing without the water, nor either are worth anything without the Maker of seed and water.........

Evening of morning and evening.....

"Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called." 1 Corinthians 7:20 Some persons have the foolish notion that the only way in which they can live for God is by becoming ministers, missionaries, or Bible women. Alas! how many would be shut out from any opportunity of magnifying the Most High if this were the case. Beloved, it is not office, it is earnestness; it is not position, it is grace which will enable us to glorify God. God is most surely glorified in that cobbler's stall, where the godly worker, as he plies the awl, sings of the Saviour's love, aye, glorified far more than in many a prebendal stall where official religiousness performs its scanty duties. The name of Jesus is glorified by the poor unlearned carter as he drives his horse, and blesses his God, or speaks to his fellow labourer by the roadside, as much as by the popular divine who, throughout the country, like Boanerges, is thundering out the gospel. God is glorified by our serving him in our proper vocations. Take care, dear reader, that you do not forsake the path of duty by leaving your occupation, and take care you do not dishonour your profession while in it. Think little of yourselves, but do not think too little of your callings. Every lawful trade may be sanctified by the gospel to noblest ends. Turn to the Bible, and you will find the most menial forms of labour connected either with most daring deeds of faith, or with persons whose lives have been illustrious for holiness. Therefore be not discontented with your calling. Whatever God has made your position, or your work, abide in that, unless you are quite sure that he calls you to something else. Let your first care be to glorify God to the utmost of your power where you are. Fill your present sphere to his praise, and if he needs you in another he will show it you. This evening lay aside vexatious ambition, and embrace peaceful content.

What ? I'm not right ?

In a book you read, Dan, it talks about a man who was imprisoned. This man was royalty but in order to not be killed, he hid in a dungeon in the darkest dirtiest worst part of one. After a time, he was discovered. He and one other, who became his friend,  escaped, almost dying. Upon escaping, other long lost friends found him and helped him regain health, during this time, his country was at war, and another, ambitious, evil, woman took over and did much campaigning on her back to become queen of this small rebellion of people. Upon confrontation, it was decided in order to keep the peace that they marry and thereby not cause a split in this rebellion. The man, was dressing when an old adviser comes in and tries to convince the the man to not go thru with this, for this woman is vile and would destroy the king...... the king replies that he has no choice and he has tried to think of things to get out of it. As such he has come to the conclusion that it is best to just do it and then he will deal with things later. As this adviser talks, he speaks about how the marriage may not be a temptation, but the power is..... Still the king holds to the thought that he has no way out.......

The wise adviser replies. " My king, sometimes the way out of a hole isn't climbing."

The king replies. " Get out." 

Sounds dumb Dan, right? What the heck? This guy needs to save a nation, hold them together and this is the best way right? Power or not, the king can still do good things though it may not be in the best conditions.

Wow, that is what we learn now..... when in doubt or want our way, do what we must to get our way. We are the ones who know the truth and what to do . Unless people agree with us, they are wrong and crazy . Push our morals to the side, then we can go to them later or we can "tweak" them as needed.

We do not submit. We do not believe. We value what we want, and to heck with all else. The wise adviser was not saying that it could not work out, but the right thing was not about what it looked like, it was about what was not seen, power, a control.

Matthew 23:11
The greatest among you will be your servant.

Luke 22:26
But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.

Who is he who is not great, the one who always tries to escape, tries to get what they want. Who is the one that is lead astray? The one who is not looking to serve, but be served. Which way is out? Not always the easiest or most logical to others.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

God, yup messed up again, I didn't wake in time for worship. then it all went downhill, learned some news that brought back memories of a similar event in the past (yeah Ecclesiastes is right, nothing is new under the sun). Then I lost my temper happily not in front of anyone, but it is not right. Gosh, I thought I had a good handle on it, but apparently I'm trying to do it on my own again. Sorry. Thank you though, cause I had to remember that there is not fairness in the world, nor are men righteous. Our leaders don't always mean they earn their position by leading, and I'm but a servant.
Well, be with her, soften the chains of sin, then CRUSH them for her, for our strength is strongest when we are weakest and YOU take over. Be with her and I dunno, something is complacent, not all who say Lord Lord or go to worship are true. Alas, i pray her protection and guidance to truth. Help our families and remember Your promise to those who call on You. Be with my Mom and Dad. Ruth too, gosh has it been so long..... Well thank You for listening, may those who need You find these writings and be spoken from You by them. Speak Holy One, and open their ears to hear YOU. Always.......

2 Thessalonians 3:3

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk

Encourage

Psalm 121:7-8 The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Crud this thing hasn't been putting anything up . Hm so guess do it long way.

out vs in and in vs out

The pharisees minded what God spoke, but not what He intended. They were busy in the outward work of the hand, but incurious of the affections and choice of the heart. So God was served in the letter, they did not much inquire into His purpose; and therefore they were curious to wash their hands, but cared not to purify their hearts.
    Author: Jeremy Taylor

We are all unit in this arena. When all men sin it doesn't mean they all do the same thing. I lust, you lie, he is angry, she doesn't forgive.  the point is nothing is as it seems with us. I can ge outwardly the best "Cristian" in the world. I got to church meetings, I volunteer for everything, I hang out with churchy people, and go do my "get in front if church and lead" by a prayer or something. But that is what Pharisees did. I am not a christian because i do that. Nor am I a Christian because I "take a beating, let people walk over me, sacrifice my energy". that is all nice and moral, but what does it mean?

Jesus once said,  "Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean." (NIV Matt. 23:26)

Looking back at many things, I realize I did it most of the time because it was the moral thing to do. It's "good" to do this. I like work I do beacuse it helps people, makes me feel good. That is a good motivator, but to truly clean the cup it must be washed thoroughly. If I have been bought by God, then as a vessel of His, I must be cleaned as He says and that means to make Him happy and for His purpose. There is too much of that now, you say "Christian" and I say "where?", Dan, because the inside is not cleaned, it is merely being repainted so it looks clean. This is why forgiveness of others, committment, religions, are all jacked up. What my "heart believes and wants" is not parallel to what God says He wants....... The heart of the matter is never me, it is God and trying to have as many people take the invite for a party of an eternity........

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

God in heaven, I don't know what to say. I keep messing up. I keep thinking I can earn some forgiveness if I do something good. I can't, I want to , but I can't . I don't deserve it, but i ask forgiveness for what I do. I ask forgiveness for what others do, her, me, those far and near I know of . Help me not to speak to Sam, instead, that You do the talking. Sam needs your salvation, and al lI can do is direct to what You say to do.  Gosh I shouldn't complain, i have 2 legs, 2 hands, my voice, a job, that in itself is more than soooooo many people can say. Thank you for that.
Oh God, I know she doesn't want anything to do with me, but I want to ask, that one day you soften the heart. God, I don't know what is right because of what I think. Not cause of what my parents think or the preacher  or friends. It has to be based on what YOU say is right. and this is not right. May our hearts be bleached, disinfected to be pure each time it becomes dirty. God why do You put up with us? Why do You love us so much? I can't understand, but Thank YOU.
Be with us all, humble us and break our walls of our own "righteousness " and "religiousness" (dunno if a real word. Thank You for listening.

Change revisited

Henry David Thoreau : "Things do not change; we change."

"WE change... WE change.......So H.D.T. writes. But is it true? DO we change? I would say SOME change. Some change for the worse...like the person who falls into drugs, alcohol, gangs, etc and becomes like those with whom they hang. SOME change for the better, like those who find God and are led by the Holy Spirit into a happier existence serving him and serving others selflessly. But I think that MOST DO NOT CHANGE. At least not their personality or character traits. We resist change. We fundamentally adhere to the core belief that we are ok, we are 'all set'. And as something begins to go wrong, we see the wrong in others but not ourselves. This is especially true in relationships. I speak from experience that usually, it is not until after the relationship has ended that we can begin to see our part in its failure, our shortcomings. And frankly, (again I speak from experience) even after several or many relationships have ended it is difficult for us to see that we have a character flaw that eventually provokes discord in every relationship. And since every relationship is a 50/50 arrangement, it is not difficult to understand why 50% of all marriages end, most within 3 - 5 years. So in conclusion, when we long for a relationship that has ended, it is usually (again from experience) because we are angry at ourselves for our part in its destruction, and we WISH WE COULD HAVE CHANGED before it was too late. But we couldn't. That is because no one can really change without the grace of God's intervention, having learned through the Spirit that our own lives and our own happiness do not matter--that what DOES matter is the life and happiness of the other person--the life and happiness of each person that we meet and enjoy and serve and consider ahead of ourselves. And LO ! !--when we do this...we become happy!! And thus the greatest truth of all is proven true--(because it was taught by He who said "I am the truth and the way and the life") --It is far, far "better to give than to receive". David H"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mr. David H. ,

Said I would reply. Heck i didn't realize it was posted such time ago. I agree..... gosh I thought I was going to write something different. A, shall we say, "counterargument" . But I can't. Thank you for this comment, it has taken many readings and me saying "shut it, Dan."to see the simple truth of your words. I pray God blesses you and guides you always. So, Thank YOU.
Um, I think this cannot be restated enough :
" ...But we couldn't. That is because no one can really change without the grace of God's intervention, having learned through the Spirit that our own lives and our own happiness do not matter--that what DOES matter is the life and happiness of the other person--the life and happiness of each person that we meet and enjoy and serve and consider ahead of ourselves. And LO ! !--when we do this...we become happy!! And thus the greatest truth of all is proven true--(because it was taught by He who said "I am the truth and the way and the life") --It is far, far "better to give than to receive". David H""

May this help another as it has myself. 

Psalm 19:1-2

[Psalm 19] For the director of music. A psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.

- ok, so hope is not hope without a goal. Faith is not faith if it's seen. There has to be more to life than merely waking and working. There must be more than going to a church building, then having a spouse, sex, a pet, travel..... and there is...... In the words of a man I know, for those who believe in heaven and that they are going to heaven...... "#1 has to be about trying to have the biggest party in heaven. :)"


There is more, there has to be. Not a question...... but are we listening to what is being said, day by day......

"Remove far from me vanity and lies."
Proverbs 30:8

Colossians 3:13

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Arthur Schopenhauer : "Every man takes the limits of his own field of vision for the limits of the world."

Alas.....

In honor of days that just don't seem to go well, here's a joke.


The Brake Breakdown

Sherry was exasperated with her younger sister, who bought an unreliable
car and called for a ride every time it broke down.

One day Sherry got yet another one of those calls.

"What happened this time?" she asked.

"My brakes went out," her sister said. "Can you come to get me?"

"Where are you?" Sherry asked.

"I'm in the drugstore," her sister responded.

"And where's the car?"

"It's in here with me."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Matthew 9:13
-"there has to be something more than justice, because we don't always get what we deserve, and if it was all justice it wouldn't be worth it.......hence mercy"

"My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water."

Jeremiah 2:13


  
So.........: 


 I believe there are too many practitioners in the church who are not believers.
    Author: C.S. Lewis

If we have no zeal for the glory of God our mercy must be superficial, man-centered human improvement with no eternal significance. And if our zeal for the glory of God is not a reveling in his mercy, than our so-called zeal, in spite of all its protests, is our of touch with God and hypocritical.
    Author: John Piper

There are two sorts of hypocrites: ones that are deceived with their outward morality and external religion; and the others are those that are deceived with false discoveries and elevation; which often cry down works, and man's own righteousness.
    Author: Jonathan Edwards

Be careful, this one is very sporadic. and personal.

Hm first of all, Thank you David H. for your comment, I almost forgot people read this , and I can honestly say I have been reading over and over the comment and appreciate it and it makes me think, such as every day since I have read it. :) I have to veg on it and I will actually say something on it, thankyou greatly... if you read this that is... :D

=========================================================================

Now back to the sponsored program......

God in heaven, Holy is your name and worthy of , well, worthy of better words than we can make up or think. Crud, how do you put up with me? Like cartoons, why don't you strike me dead? Gosh, I stink at life. No, its not Your fault, feels , seems like I'm a step behind. By now shouldn't I be not doubting You?

amen.......

Well, God, thank You that i heard from her, it made my day. I'm glad she is well, so very glad. I'm asking (yup greedy huh) for her to be strengthened each day and that the church fam she is with is true to what You want and challenges her and encourages her in Love. May Your healing comforting hand always protect her n her family. Gosh I miss her,maybe I'll hear from her again someday. What to do God? Help my mom not go back into hosp. and my dad to shine through to Abuelo, before it's too late. I stink at this God, I'm no good at keeping up with people.

I don't know God, does Your forgiveness ever have a stop point?  Is it ever to late to turn back? My mistakes are like acid, to the soul..... is there a point where the acid eats away and there is no more base? No more to work on? Where Your face must turn away?

Holy One, I'm an nothing without You. No family, no friends, no spouse, no child, nothing is fulfillment like You. Truly the most wealthy, family oriented man is nothing but an empty vessel, may look good and beautiful on the outside, but inside nothing......

Oh God, i don't even know if I'm making sense, one moment I think it does, the next my mind is slamming with so many things: What is nice and moral vs what You would have me do? Or knowing vs doing? dang and everyday i long for her, through the day, randomly or something triggers a mental image or something.

Whoa, God, I'm rambling again. I need to slow down, mind running 50 million miles a sec. breath...... breath..... I should go, and I will. Nothing is as it seems.

I know these words, now make them real! I beg of this......

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

1 John 4:1

Oh God, i end on the note i started, Thank You for it all, and forgive please these failures, protect the family, be with her and perhaps one day gosh I want to believe one day we may start again or something. there has to be a reason for...... anyhow, Oh God, I beg that if my life were better to be ended just so one may be added, then let it be so. Glory, Honor and power is Yours. Thank You til the end. 

Ramble

The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 15:33 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Funny Signs
Outside a Hotel: "Help! We need inn-experienced people."

Music Store: "Bach in a minuet."

Maternity Clothes Shop: "We are open on labor day."

At the Electric Company: "We would be de-lighted if you send in your
bill. However, if you don't, you will be."

In a Restaurant window: "Don't stand there and be hungry, come on in and
get fed up."

In a counselor's office: "Growing old is mandatory, growing wise is
optional.

Podiatrist's Window: "Time wounds all heels."

Computer Store: "Back in 10 minutes - out for a quick byte."

Tiger's Snack:
A tiger was walking through the jungle one day and saw two men relaxing under a tree. One was reading a newspaper, and the other was working feverishly on a manual typewriter.

The tiger leapt on the man with the newspaper, and ate him up. The tiger did not bother the other man at all. That's because any predator knows that readers digest but writers cramp.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

Proverbs 3:7-8

George Eliot : "Opposition may become sweet to a man when he has christened it persecution."

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

% L i f e i s p a r t l y w h a t w e m a k e i t , a n d p a r t l y w h a t i t i s m a d e b y t h e

% f r i e n d s w e c h o o s e . - T e n n e s s e e W i l l i a m s

George Bernard Shaw : "Most people do not pray; they only beg."

A real post? when?oh wait maybe not.....

There was a long long time ago..... ok so three days is not so long. A man goes to the movies with a friend and they banter about life. The movie itself is of aliens and action and men wearing black. It was fun it was saddening..... What is the purpose of cussing?
Opening credits....."cuss" "cuss" ..... all throughout, cussing...... ok for pg-13. Innuendos of sex,, cross dressing, just nonsense. why?

It's easy to laugh along with jokes, some are pretty hilarious. Yet like boiling a frog, turn up the heat little by little, our consciousness' are boiling and dying. Shoot, I'm not old, but even a few years back, the cussing was not as bad. Yet now it's prevalent even in pg movies or innuendo. It's scary Dan, how many things you probably laughed at that were not right. Where are the morals, the ability to be entertaining without adding the trash?

There is a verse : 1 Peter 5: ⁸ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 

or maybe this helps Ephesians 6: ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

What's it mean? It means instead of fighting with guns and knives, beating up our hands and bodies, we are at war with arrows and bombs and illness of the mind. That is the truth which leads to the guns and knives.  It is a discreet and open war at the same time. discreet in that commercials,  supposed family shows, and such are being imbedded with this crud. It's scary, I didn't notice some of it til I spoke to someone and they offhandedly mentioned something of how something had a "double meaning". It's scary because was this double meaning what was meant or what was "added" by the mind of the person. Yet even so, now it has become a part of my memory, the infection has started. 

How to remove it? Oh I hope and pray for that. For man is not the all powerful, all knowing he thinks he is. 
 Be on guard.......
I digress Dan, now bumbling. 

Well, God, protect Momma, may she be getting better and tell em to get her outta the hospital if she isn't already, cause there are people who need what she has to give still. How fragile is our strand of life. As always, protect Andrea, and strengthen and protect her and her family. Este corazon que tengo, tiene dolor, y tengo amor por ella. Quiero hacer una pregunta, Senor poderoso, mandame ella. I'm sorry God, it may be weakness or something but the longing and everyday, I beg of this. I'm nothing, this life is nothing God. There has to be something better. Upon my life, remove it if it means one soul is brought to you. If it is one seed planted then do it. Why do you put up with it?  All praise and power is yours. than You for hearing such rabble.


Peace, Love, Happiness..... til the end 

Henry David Thoreau : "Things do not change; we change."

Elizabeth Barrett Browning : "If thou must love me, let it be for naught except for love's sake only."

Honore de Balzac : "Conscience is our unerring judge until we finally stifle it."

Darn u! Darn u brain! Every day I think of Andrea..... Y? I have no idea .Longing still is there. Y? What the heck drives this, tho I try each day? Heart longs.

It matters not since I don't see how it will do anything, she longs not, though I still do. Please God what do I do ?

Benjamin Franklin : "Work as if you were to live one hundred years; pray as if you were to die tomorrow."

Albert Einstein : "God is clever, but not dishonest."

John Ruskin : "Endurance is nobler than strength, and patience than beauty."

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow : "Let the dead Past bury its dead!"

Winston Churchill : "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat."

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow : "In this world a man must either be anvil or hammer."

Hebrews 7:25
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

% k n o w y o u c a n l o s e . - T o m K r a u s e

% C o u r a g e i s t h e d i s c o v e r y t h a t y o u m a y n o t w i n , a n d t r y i n g w h e n y o u

George Santayana : "It would hardly be possible to exaggerate man's wretchedness if it were not so easy to overestimate his sensibility."

F r i e n d s h i p a l w a y s b e n e f i t s . l o v e s o m e t i m e s i n j u r e s . - S e n e c a

Bertrand Russell : "We have two kinds of morality side by side: one which we preach but do not practice, and the other which we practice but seldom preach."

Y o u c a n t u r n o f f t h e s u n , b u t I ' m s t i l l g o n n a s h i n e . - J a s o n M r a z

A computer is almost human - except that it does not blame its mistakes on another computer.

Jean de la Fontaine : "Man is so made that whenever anything fires his soul, impossibilities vanish."

Thought this went up yesterday (but she won't see it anyways): Happy B-day Andrea. Hope it is/ (now was) amazing. God be with u and keep u safe. Love Always: Me

Arthur Schopenhauer : "The will is the strong blind man who carries on his shoulders the lame man who can see."

Albert Einstein : "A person, who never made a mistake, never tried anything new."

Henri Frederic Amiel : "A man must be able to cut a knot, for everything cannot be untied."

Ralph Waldo Emerson : "Nature is too thin a screen; the glory of the omnipresent God bursts through everywhere."

Thank you David H for your comment. Should you ever see this, I appreciate your words. God be with you.

To burn"

T h e h a r d e s t t h i n g i n l i f e i s t o k n o w w h i c h b r i d g e t o c r o s s a n d w h i c h

Ralph Waldo Emerson : "Proportion is almost impossible to human beings. There is no one who does not exaggerate."

Arthur Schopenhauer : "To overcome difficulties is to experience the full delight of existence."

John F. Kennedy : "Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other."----- may we never stop learning

"Man ... is of few days, and full of trouble."

Job 14:1

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book.
- Irish Proverb

H e ' s m y f r i e n d t h a t s p e a k s w e l l o f m e b e h i n d m y b a c k - T h o m a s F u l l e r

A sense of humor is a major defense against minor troubles.
- Mignon McLaughlin

Life without love is like a tree without blossom and fruit.
- Kahlil Gibran

Confucius : "The superior man is modest in his speech, but excels in his actions."

Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.
- Confucius

f r i e n d . - T i t u s M a c c i u s P l a u t u s

N o t h i n g b u t h e a v e n i t s e l f i s b e t t e r t h a n a f r i e n d w h o i s r e a l l y a

No no

Got a story from Job, talking about when he first started getting um, tested, he had some skin issues. His wife told him to stop holding onto his integrity and curse God and die.........so Job does this.....(NET) Job 2:10 But he replied, "You're talking like one of the godless women would do! Should we receive what is good from God, and not also receive what is evil?" In all this Job did not sin by what he said........

What do we expect in life? Is God any less God because we don't get what we want or something happens to us? Are we less loved because it isn't what we envisioned it would be different? Are we forsaken because of our ideals of what we thought or perhaps we lost faith? My heart says one thing and I want to attribute it to God, but is it so? Or perhaps, getting tired of faith and now I want to see what I believe is an answer? Am I just giving up?......Just some questions ......just to think about.....




(NET) Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp to walk by, and a light to illumine my path.

Proverbs 14:22

Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

If we open a quarrel between past and present, we shall find that we have lost the future.
- Winston Churchill

Some song

Nikleback- if everyone cared



From underneath the trees, we watch the sky
Confusing stars for satellites
I never dreamed that you'd be mine
But here we are, we're here tonight

Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive

[Chorus:]
If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died

And I'm singing

Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive
Amen I, Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive

And in the air the fireflies
Our only light in paradise
We'll show the world they were wrong
And teach them all to sing along

Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
(I'm alive)

[Chorus x2]

And as we lie beneath the stars
We realize how small we are
If they could love like you and me
Imagine what the world could be

If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died
When nobody died...

[Chorus]

We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died
We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died
We'd see the day when nobody died
-------------------------------------------------------

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.- Winston Churchill

----------------

Romans 13:9-10
9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfilment of the law.

Voltaire : "The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease."

W e k n o w o u r f r i e n d s b y t h e i r d e f e c t s r a t h e r t h a n b y t h e i r m e r i t s .

A repeat offender with a long criminal record was brought before the judge. Judge asks "Have you ever stole things?" Thief: Oh, now and then I suppose. Judge: And where have you stolen these things? Thief: Oh, here and there. Judge: Right then! Lock him up, officer. Thief: Hey Judge, when do I get out jail? Judge: Oh, sooner or later.


-------------------------------/-/----//////////////

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world - John 16:33

Who is......

1 John 4:16
16 And we know and have believed the love which God hath in us. God is love; ...

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil; 6 rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth; 7 beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Love never faileth: ..........

Who is God?

In all the  years , all the hours of studying, all the commentaries made, no one has "cornered the market" on who is God.......

If one looks at the old testament, He is jealous and angry yet, merciful and forgiving. From Adam and Eve to Malachi......New Testament, says the same, yet the focus is being turned toward 3 things.....
1. God loves us and gave perfection for us when we were blacker than night in our sin. 
2. This is not a game, God is serious, either you are with or against Him.
3. The choice is ours, in good or bad what we do.

So who is God ? He is whoever He says He is...... 
Do I have some cornered market on who He is?  Yup, cause I didn't create the market.....He did. Just like when Moses asked who to say God was when Moses was going back to Egypt to be the vessel God used in freeing the Israelites. 
Exodus 3:1414 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

That's it. No change since then or before. If God is love then He is.... If he is the avenger, the creator, the one who hands out justice, who hands out rewards, who lets us be tempted, who provides a way out, who gives or takes away, who makes and destroys ..... These be it. Can you accept that you do not understand it all? Who are You, God ? 

Exodus 3:1414 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM:.....

--------------------------------

Well,God, Looks like another day went by. Hm, what good came of it? How was I vessel and not a deterrence? Hm, are You all I want or is this a mask? Can one let go of what one thinks You ought to be...... Or will we try and fit both who You are and what You say into our world of understanding. Is not mans wisdom and righteousness foolishness and impure in Your eyes? Who are You ? As always, please protect her and her family, I always hope, well You know my hope. Protect my those of the family, mom and dad, and siblings. Crud, help this poor vessel be a vessel bringing Your light, not selfs "dark light" . Well, glory and honor and praise always to You. Forgive please my weaknesses. Thank You for listening.

This is a stick-up......I mean setup......

Humility is not about thinking of self - I'm great or other way, I'm trash..... It's about getting rid of oneself in the equation. - not sure the author

"I have convictions, you have opinions....." (making a point)

These are 2 quotes from a study done this past week by one man, thought they were relevant, thought provoking, plus, it's a setup for when I can get the study in order......(scatter brained with note writing)
------------------------

Joseph Addison : "The person who has a firm trust in the Supreme Being is powerful in his power, wise by his wisdom, happy by his happiness."

- where does our happiness base off of ?

"Loving people live in a loving world. Hostile people live in a hostile world. Same world" Wayne Dyer
-what world do you live in? Dang it, tryin to be the former not the latter.

Peace love and blessings.......

Enough

Titus 3:4-7
4 But when the kindness of God our Saviour, and his love toward man, appeared, 5 not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 which he poured out upon us richly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

— there a way that is born of humility. Away where it's not of giving because we earn or pay our way, yet because we were given. The failure comes when we act as if we deserve this or that. Do I deserve to wake up? Do I deserve to have this or that because I did something good?  2 words, mercy and grace...... Nothing more.......
Mercy- Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within ones power to punish or harm (dictionary definition)

Grace- (in Christian belief) the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings

Hm, the question is, if I truly believe in the grace and mercy, then what am I living for? To earn something or to give it all in thanks for what I didn't / don't deserve ? If God said, "hey, from now on, no 'good' will happen, everyone will leave you, betray you, you will lose everything in life, but you have grace and mercy." Is that enough?


Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. - Ps. 51:12

Well, God, another day..... Um, so, hmmmm, it was gorgeous ! Thank you for it. I think, I'm seein some stuff, You gave me some open lanes to throw in some witnessing, hopefully I didn't mess it up that much. It felt great to say something, so much now is "believe what you want, don't step on any toes." "I believe this is REALLY what is meant.....God couldn't possibly mean it like its said. I like my way better......"
Not scared as much to step on toes, but also not arguing with my own personal arguments. In fact, um, its kinda, no it IS so unburdening to just say...."God says this, doesn't matter if i like it, it just is." Ok, I go, but protect and help her, her family. Help the church grow, strengthen the heart in laying it all in front of you. Grace and mercy are enough, thank You for your love. 

We have q...... There is the answer

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Jeremiah 29:11-13
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end. 12 And ye shall call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

I know now, Lord, why you utter no answer. You are yourself the answer. Before your face questions die away. What other answer would suffice? C. S. Lewis 

Jokes

On some air bases the Air Force is on one side of the field and civilian aircraft use the other side of the field, with the control tower in the middle. One day the tower received a call from an aircraft asking, "What time is it?" The tower responded, "Who is calling?" The aircraft replied, "What difference does it make?" The tower replied, "It makes a lot of difference. If it is an American Airlines flight, it is 3 o'clock. If it is an Air Force plane, it is 1500 hours. If it is a Navy aircraft, it is 6 bells. If it is an Army aircraft, the big hand is on the 12 and the little hand is on the 3. If it is a Marine Corps aircraft, it's Thursday afternoon."




A wise old owl sat on an oak,
The more he saw the less he spoke;
The less he spoke the more he heard;
Why aren't we like that wise old bird?
(Edward H. Richards)


God bless and guide

Oliver Wendell Holmes : "Apology - a desperate habit, and one that is rarely cured."

Valentines day

So Dan, today's valentines day. A day to profess love to a person you care  about. Well, that's not happening today. Get it out of the system now, cry it out. 
The woman you love is gone and and it still breaks your heart, mainly cause you think of her every single day, you wish she would want to talk to you, you hate the mistakes you made, and cause you long for her more than breathing. And that confuses you crazily cause you just don't know what to do or what you should do and stuff. Just let it out.  Gosh dang it Andrea, I love you more than I could ever know. Do you not know I have not gone a day without you in my mind, how I miss your laugh, your smile, hugs, just being in the same place as you? That i cry at least once a week and pray always fora you and your family? Arg, I have no idea what to do, if I'm supposed to do something. Dang it, this is not the point, but it helps to get it out even if it amounts to nothing.

For God so loved the world, He gave his only begotten son; that whoever believed in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save it through him.
- John 3:16-17

Romans 5:8
8 But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

This is love, this is love as it should be. To love not because we earned it or deserve it, but because the one to give the love wants to. What has God shown that He loves.......the rebirth after the flood, the watching of the trials and mockery of His son and the death, such horrible scene that followed. The daily putting up with our selfishness, giving us what we want at times, allowing us to mess up and choose, but like the father of  the prodigal son, opening arms when we come back. God must be tired from opening the arms for just me, but heck a whole world. The love to um, grieve for those who deny him daily, or see them mess up and the consequences that follow. The love to discipline us and well, take away things because they become a barrier to loving him. Worse, still, love enough to hurt, just hurt, each time we deny him and live for ourselves or by our own mind.

I don't feel God's spirit all the time, I don't want to always listen, i don't always want to do, that when I was overseas and I first got the dreaded d word spoken to me, I cursed Him out, I went berserk on God and lost my mind in anger at Him and just, don't know how to describe it,  and still God loves me, at my worst, he said, "Hey you don't understand, you don't agree, you may even hate me, but i love you." when i studied scripture and looked further than what "the niv says, Kjv says" I learned hard truth that "those who say "Lord lord",  are not always those who mean it. That love is not a feeling, nor just all gushy, but a choice to do rather than to have. He woke me up, hasn't let me die, I have a place to lay my head, food, health, a brain that works,  some imperfect , lil crazy :), but parents who tried their best, who I hate to admit, but never was on my side, rather tried, Dan, maybe failed at times, to be on God's side even if it broke their heart.  
That's God's love. That is love. That is just my part of a story, I wish others would tell, well, their love story by God, from God. Heck send it to my email.....danielelsmore@gmail.com


Well God, that's a tiny summary of your love at least for me.  Please let people read it and affect them somehow. I don't know how else to say this, um, but there has to be love, cause all the mistakes I know at least I have made, you still let me live and live so well in this world.
Anyways, thanks for that...... Pretty shabby, but I don't speak well or have words enough to express it. Oh God, dang it, she is in my mind, oh God you know how much. What is going on? What am I supposed to do? Am I supposed to continue like this, try and reach out, wait, or see if she will ever say something? Am i on the right path, am i still being too stubborn, an i misunderstanding your words? How do you do it? You love everyone and so many say and show  "forget you, I'm leaving, I know what I want, it was fun while it lasted, I will believe it when I see it, I know You said this.....but I want it to mean this." 
How do you do it? Well God, protect her and her family. Protect my mom and dad and family. May Your will be done. May I be an instrument and not try and be the composer(you) in whatever path I'm now on, especially to those classmates I interact with.  Regarding the rest, increase my faith! Thanks for listening. Just thanks for everything, though there a days I wish the opposite. Glory honor and praise to You only. 

1 Corinthians 13: 6-7
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Albert Einstein : "Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish."

Joke again

Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson went on a camping trip. After a good meal and a bottle of wine they lay down for the night, and went to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his faithful friend awake. "Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see." Watson replied, "I see millions and millions of stars." "What does that tell you?" Holmes questioned. Watson pondered for a minute. "Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, I can see that God is all powerful and that we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you?" Holmes was silent for a minute, then spoke. "Watson, you idiot. Someone has stolen our tent."



When somebody tells you nothing is impossible, ask him to dribble a football.  ~Author Unknown

Clean laugh/ or corny

There was 3 men an englishman, a german and a scotishman they were all stuck on a island. One day they found a lamp they rubbed it and a genie came out. He said "you all get one wish". So the englishman said "I wish I lived in a large stone mansion", and off he went. Then the german said "I want to get in a nice hot jacuzzi", and off he went. Then the scotishman said "I'm lonely I wish mee island friends were back", so they came back.......


The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is. C. S. Lewis 

John Ruskin : "God gives us always strength enough, and sense enough, for everything He wants us to do."

> T h e e s s e n c e o f t r u e f r i e n d s h i p i s t o m a k e a l l o w a n c e f o r a n o t h e r ' s

> l i t t l e l a p s e s . - D a v i d S t o r e y

08feb2012

Psalm 97:10

Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. 

“There are thoughts which are prayers. There are moments when, whatever the posture of the body, the soul is on its knees.” - Victor Hugo

Mark Twain : "Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear." 

Edmund Burke : "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

Who are we ?!

"I'm not my position doesn't define me, high , low, bug, small, no better or worse than the next.  It is what I do that defines me." (paraphrase)

Well, Dan, I just heard that from a guy I just met. 2 hrs with this guy and he has expressed more wisdom than some people I have spent years with. The last words that came out of his mouth why he does what he does was this, "people have told me I won't be promoted because I don't kiss butt. I do what I know is right because men don't have a heaven or hell, the one upstairs can judge me. So I f I do or do not get promoted, there are more important things, when I close my eyes I know I did what was right and where I'm going."

Everyday at least for myself, I remember times I have lived the opposite of that. It eats at me.  What's more important? 
What's Paul say....Galatians 1:10
10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ.

So I made a promise, to not be silent. No more smile and nod, if I don't agree with something and it's valid..... Speak up. Kinda has gotten me in trouble with some people. Plus, i mess up when i speak up since im not right always. It's not so easy either, I hate the feeling when someone fixes me when I mess up and then later I have to fix them. Really, it's not me fixing them. Nor is it them fixing me or trying to (I don't always Listen or do things or right away.....stupid huh?)
Galatians 2:20
20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.
Galatians 5:24-25
24 And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof. 25 If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk.

I have respect for this man I met. He didn't do anything more than just tell about himself Nd his experiences. Yet was more powerful than a lot of things. May God guide him in his ways.

----------------------------------

Well God, it's me again. Been a bad day, made buncha mistakes and been upset to you. I got no excuse, I'm an idiot. I just really hate some junk that happens. I'm weak and stubborn, and everyday I think of her. So be with her. I don't know what to say to people, tons of openings to share gospel, but I'm just too dumb it seems. You know what I mean? I have trouble being faithful, so how can I expect others to do the same or even come this way? 
Well, thanx for a beautiful day and thank you for the conversation on duty tonight. Um, please forgive me. I'm sorry for my failure. Help me be more faithful. Help light to shine through the smog of my sin. Thank you for listening. 

Baltasar Gracian : "Sometimes it proves the highest understanding not to understand." - faith and doing

Fail!

Hm,let's see, this is not today this has happened. No I've been putting this off. Dan, what do you do when you look and trip up? Well, hm, apparently it depends on where your focus is.
Lets see, one Friday long long ago (not as long as to forget), after class our group had a small check up on our fitness. We have a physical training test this next week and one of the leaders wanted to check and see how we were doing (we are supposed to work out and such, keep our physical fitness up.... act like adults). We were doing a 1-1-1 diagnostic test. 1 min push ups, 1 min sit ups, 1 mile run. On our real test we do 2-2-2 and we have a certain number of each we need to do for push ups and sit ups to pass and a certain time for our 2miles. Well, myself and one of the guys we were not really looking forward to it, we are confident we can pass and such. So we had this bright idea to do ½ aka, ½ our allotted sit up and push up minimums, and ½ our 2 mile time.  We do it in groups. Well, hm, guess who goes first? Me!!!!!
Well, I did not do push ups for a minute straight....i did a certain number and I stopped. Apparently I had a good amount of time left for a minute and our leader called me out and basically put me down and a jerk in front of the whole group while we are doing it. Hm, that goes over eral well with me (sarcasm). He basically tells me to keep going and well, I literally say (hm, please no one ever do this, this wrong, a bad example, and SINFUL!) “hell no, I did what I needed to do and I'm done, (leader's name).” I snapped, I spoke without control, without thought, acted without control,  I was embarrassed in front of everyone and I used it to be the key to loss of control, I MADE THE CHOICE to SIN.....we had a 2 sec dialogue in front of the group after my retort, and right after  he pulled me aside and we had an um, heated dialogue. Basically he threw some words I didn't say in there and chewed me out and I had a few words about fitness with him and we basically disagreed and were upset (when sin starts, it likes to latch on and keep going)
I'm stopping there. Anger for me has been/is my thorn, been praying for real on it and had counseling and such heck, for over a year and such. I thought I was doing good with it, people were saying how temperate and relaxed I am. Even after, I thought I did better since I stopped talking back and actually could think in it and stop....Know what? To the abyss with what people say. I got cocky and prideful and I messed up. Where was my reliance on God and all this stopping of  “I”?
What does one do from there? Usually, its a little....I'm gonna let time go and it will die down, maybe a “sorry,buddy, haha lets laugh it off.”
Crud, that might work sometimes. Whether I could have done it then, it would have been a cover up. Wow, how I wanted to do that. After praying and basically arguing with myself as to what is right vs what I could get away with, the decision to apologize was made. Hm, I meant to apologize in person at a study hall, but I didn't , no excuses. Instead I went away and I started rationalizing why I didn't need to apologize ( he has an attitude,  and loud and obnoxious at times-teapot calling kettle black?-). Almost just went away and just gave up. Thank God, THANK GOD, that there is more at play then what I think. I basically texted him an apology. Nope, no blame on him, no “haha sorry buddy” crud, a simple and honest apology.
Ha, wow, you know what, Dan, you know what happened after? He apologized, some guy who can be a prideful non-apologetic guy, apologized. He even actually admitted appreciation of me apologizing to him. Heck, I don't expect this to mean we were “cool buddies” or “best friends forever”. No, but really, it only shows that God allows us ways to let lights shine when we fall on our faces. Also, that each day is a day of it's own, heck what we do well one day was good for that day, what did Jesus say...”Each day has enough trouble of it's own” (Matt. 6:34 in worrying section) and Peter speaking with the Spirit says in 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour.”
Well, this was a pressure off my chest, perhaps, since I'm not good at speaking, maybe this writing will somehow, someway, help someone at least to think about things. Or remind them of something they struggle with or have taken for granted.
 
God in heaven, dang it, what a mess we make. When we get proud You make sure we um, “trip” and remind us how to get on our knees, and it hurts at times, and we still refuse to bow down or want to refuse. Thank You though, cause it could be what we deserve rather than a loving discipline. Well, I have talked a lot already, but um, like always, thanks for being there even when, well, I'm a self centered, ungrateful, idiot. Be with Andrea, protect her and her family. I still , my heart hasn't changed that I care for her and would give my life to reconcile with her, even after this time and such, God, what are You trying to say to me? I'm unworthy of You. BE with my family and those I have called as friends. Up and down goes life and our walk with You, but consistent is Your love and mercy and discipline. Thank You for it all. May I long for You more than life, and may that exude form my pores so that it is seen and shared with others even if I don't realize it, like breathing. Through Jesus' name.

Lalalalalala

Hm, well, God, let's see, man, you created a wonderful earth! The trees aregorgeous! The rain is just so cool, especially whined it's sunny and every drop creates a prism, showing a rainbow.....
Thank you so much for allowing that to be seen.

A smile I hope this brings.....

Zoo Job



One day an out of work mime is visiting the zoo and attempts to earn some money as a street performer. As soon as he starts to draw a crowd, a zoo keeper grabs him and drags him into his office. The zoo keeper explains to the mime that the zoo's most popular attraction, a gorilla, has died suddenly and the keeper fears that attendance at the zoo will fall off.

He offers the mime a job to dress up as the gorilla until they can get another one. The mime accepts.

So the next morning the mime puts on the gorilla suit and enters the cage before the crowd comes. He discovers that it's a great job. He can sleep all he wants, play and make fun of people and he draws bigger crowds than he ever did as a mime. However, eventually the crowds tire of him and he tires of just swinging on tires. He begins to notice that the people are paying more attention to the lion in the cage next to his. Not wanting to lose the attention of his audience, he climbs to the top of his cage, crawls across a partition, and dangles from the top to the lion's cage. Of course, this makes the lion furious, but the crowd loves it.

At the end of the day the zoo keeper comes and gives the mime a raise for being such a good attraction. Well, this goes on for some time, the mime keeps taunting the lion, the crowds grow larger, and his salary keeps going up. Then one terrible day when he is dangling over the furious lion he slips and falls. The mime is terrified.

The lion gathers itself and prepares to pounce. The mime is so scared that he begins to run round and round the cage with the lion close behind. Finally, the mime starts screaming and yelling, "Help me, help me!", but the lion is quick and pounces. The mime soon finds himself flat on his back looking up at the angry lion and the lion says, "Shut up you idiot! Do you want to get us both fired?"

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Not my joke, found it . Well, Dan, hope peace, love, smiles come on you and everyone else. Should someone come upon this crazy series of writings........

Colossians 3:17
17 And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
 

How could you ?!?! - David Nance

Um, well this is from a little email I get every week, um, I serve Him moment by David Nance. Just a thought for the week kinda like a challenge. The title is this weeks "moment" well, hope it helps someone.....Um, here goes.....

“How could you do that?” or “How could you let this happen?” or “How can a Christian can think or act like your have?”

I occasionally get angry with a Christian friend or family member. I find myself thinking things like these questions.

And then, in my anger or hurt, I want to distance myself from them.

But Jesus had similar hurt feelings toward God as he hung on the cross, saying “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”

And, to tell the truth, I too have been very angry at God at times.

But did Jesus, in his hurt, cut God off? No. He ended the crucifixion saying: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

So, when friends and family offend me, I need to follow Jesus’ example of love, rather than my own un-spiritual impulse to cut them off. The spiritual thing for me to do is to stay involved with them, as Jesus did with God.

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I'm glad I'm not the only one who has done this. Aint no lie, ive gotten angry and well, basically stupid in the same way. One feels like an idiot, Dan, when you get out of your selfish "oh my gosh, how can someone do this to me?" or "well, God, I can't believe You would let this happen or do this to me." or even "Wow, they are so wrong they must not be Christians......they are so wrong, I can't do this anymore." 
 No one is perfect, the road to heaven isn't based on me, it's based on a sacrifice I could never fill. Someone else is not the problem and I'm the solution.
I made the problem and God made a solution. Think that he or her or them make one angry so bad? Try looking at oneself and what we do to God.  If you profess being a Christian, running away is wrong. It isn't on the same level as a Christian going away from a non-believer. How the heck are we supposed to help each other is we run away?  Also, who are we to blame God like we are so much smarter? Jesus said to not judge, unless you want to be judge, (Mt.7:1-4) and that we bear with one another, (Rom. 15:1-3, Gal. 6:2&3) 'not cause it feels good, but because it is right. Our anger does not bring righteousness, (James 1:19-20).
Dunno, Dan, that seems the hardest thing to do, especially when people mess up and hurt one over and over. Crud, God have mercy on me and heal those I have hurt. Thank God for His forgiveness, mercy, and love..... All of which I gladly accept, though unworthy of such ..... Praise God!

Smile

The Christian Bear



There was a man who one day didnt feel like going to church so he decided to go hunting instead.

He was out in the bush when he was aproched from behind by a bear. He dropped his gun by accident but didnt bother to pick it up.

He ran for his life. Weaving in and out the trees with the bear on his trail. Curving around a tree he triped over its root.

He looked up and the bear looked down. The bear was about to strike at him. He put his hands together and prayed:

"Dear lord, Please let this bear be a christian."

the bear sat down on its bum and held the mans hands, closed his eyes and said: "Dear Lord, Thank you for the food that i am about to recieve"

--------------------------

(NET) Matthew 28:20 .....And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
That's what Your son said, so, I gotta believe it. Thank you for protecting her, I have to believe it, I pray Lou continue to and someday may there be reconciliation. Also, thank you for your love in protection to my parents, to those around me and for myself. Unworthy of this am I at the least. I'm grateful for Y ou not listening to me or should I say, not doing what I ask all the time, cause I have. No clue what is perfect. Dang it , my mind is in that chaos where all these thoughts go thru it and it's hard to um, put it in order. Well God, thank you for all lessons, patience and love shown to the world. Get the devil off our backs and remind us that the one no hates you is tryin to bring us down with him. Well, um, thank for listening. Please remove this longing or change it to long for you. Through your son, amen!

HALLELUJAH, PRAISE THE LORD ! :D

?????

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say "thank you?"  ~William A. Ward

As each day comes to us refreshed and anew, so does my gratitude renew itself daily.  The breaking of the sun over the horizon is my grateful heart dawning upon a blessed world.  ~Terri Guillemets

If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get.  ~Frank A. Clark

Two kinds of gratitude:  The sudden kind we feel for what we take; the larger kind we feel for what we give.  ~Edwin Arlington Robinson

The grateful person, being still the most severe exacter of himself, not only confesses, but proclaims, his debts.  ~Robert South

Psalm 86:5

You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.

/ o s e t h a t w e r e f o u g h t a n d w o n b e h i n d y o u r f o r e h e a d . - J a m e s J o y c e

/ Y o u r b a t t l e s i n s p i r e d m e - n o t t h e o b v i o u s m a t e r i a l b a t t l e s b u t t h

George Washington : "Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise."

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Um, something

Ephesians 4:2

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest - Joshua 1:9


He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less. C. S. Lewis

Quote

Mark Twain : "You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus."

- we have big imaginations, but we don't have focus?

Stephen Kaggwa : "Try and fail, but don't fail to try"
- even in failure one can find some solace in that we did something......?

James 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

I was scared

Well, make this easy as can be, talk to yourself. 

Well Dan, what's the big deal with that song? Is there something you aren't saying?  
Oh, maybe it's the way you have been both "light and dark" as UFO yu have two lives, one seen and another hidden. At first you seemed light, but inside the walls when no one sees you , you were dark. Behind closed doors, behind the thin veil of your eyes, you. Were dark. Coercive, manipulative, angry and selfish. That's just the tip of the iceberg. But people saw you and they said you were ok.  The woman you love stll, (thogh how the heck do you show it?)you hurt and were an idiot to, pushed and hurt family, just all around ...... Ignorant. Priorities warped by the distorted vision of what you thought. You idiot. That song is the truth, backsliding and back biting, we live this life. To some it is literally a way outside a home and one inside.. To others it is one way outside you self and another inside. We look for the way out the back door rather than dealing and then we rationalize it. I'm ashamed at how pin point that song is . Ashamed that I backslide and have been so.....2sided I guess is the word. It is shameful. 
Day by day I try to work at it, to be as blunt and even inside and out. Yet I will never be able to be such that way. Cause I , that will always be the issue, I is not one who is able. I.....is one who is scared and proud and hiding behind closed doors. I....need help, am not perfect, do not know everything nor does the world revolve around. 
Behind closed doors, seen by Omnipotence, One who wants to help, not condemn. (John 3:17)
The time has come to leave the closed doors, like the song says....:
Open up and reveal what's goin' on in the backroom (Uh oh)......
But the only one's you're cheatin' are just you and the Chief..........
When you gonna come out to play
When you gonna come out to stay
When you gonna come out to say
That you'll never turn the other way

Well, Dan, hope you made sense.....God help me, not to be that what I was, to not hide and be daily outside, transparent as glass. 
Be with her, family, and help me to figure out how the heck to not be so scared, to use whatever gifts and stuff You gave to not try and get by, but bring out others along for the ride!  Nice is not good enough and I'm not strong enough alone without You. No matter who I'm with or such, without You it's not strong enough...... Reconcile please us to You and each other.
--------------------

(NET) Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

(NET) Proverbs 9:10 The beginning of wisdom is to fear the LORD, and acknowledging the Holy One is understanding.

Behind closed doors-Pillar

Hm, there is so much to say......but not today..... Tomorrow. Today,this song suffices. Simple lyrics, but it has deep thoughts, will it mean anything? Hit me hard when I read this. Tomorrow. Today, may these words mean something more and deep. God be with her, with us all. May He reconcile us and bring us to understand His ways, the joy beyond belief.

The song :
"Behind Closed Doors"

Open up and reveal what's goin' on in the backroom (Uh oh)
I see you I never knew what it was you were goin' through
But I can relate I used to wear the same shoes
So quit livin' like a hypocrite and be real
Like an opposite of counterfeit
And you'll feel what it is you're really up against
Stop foolin' yourself not foolin' anyone else
I hope you're getting this

[Chorus]
You're not the same man you were before
Tell me what are you like behind closed doors
I can't take this anymore
To see these people slippin' out through the back door

So what's the point of even trying to hide
Cause everything you do is seen by omnipotent eyes
So come outside and leave behind
Don't be satisfied with the backslide we on the flipside
Sometimes it's so easy to cheat
But the only one's you're cheatin' are just you and the Chief
It ain't just a belief He'll be back like a thief
You better breathe get your things and leave
I know you will eventually

When you gonna come out to play
When you gonna come out to stay
When you gonna come out to say
That you'll never turn the other way
-------------------------------------------

Rambling

Another day, another day. This class stuff is crazy. Another test down, 13-15 more to go....sigh. Very sad, in regards to that..... There are people failing and they are nice people. One is pretty cool classmate, and they might kick him out of class. This happens, but it still makes one sad. I hate to see the sadness in people's eyes. 
Alas, there is nothing but pain in this world. If the goal to life is success here, it is futile; seems success is always one step ahead or always ine tier higher. Which way is up and which way is true? The questions are sometimes as hard as the answers. ...........yeah this is random. Just thoughts in general. Very scatter brained, my mind today is all over. Not in a bad way, just in meditation and wondering and such. God is good all the time, but I sure as heck am not.

Hm, emotion broke deep today, was sent a psalm and it broke me to tears and a deep well of emotion. This was the Psalm and hope it at least brings some deep, dang it , I can't even explain what, hope it brings a deep um, emotion to someone or just refreshing of the heart.
Peace be with all...... 

Psalm 63

1 O God, thou art my God; earnestly will I seek thee: My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee, In a dry and weary land, where no water is.

2 So have I looked upon thee in the sanctuary, To see thy power and thy glory.

3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise thee.

4 So will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; And my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips;

6 When I remember thee upon my bed, And meditate on thee in the night- watches.

7 For thou hast been my help, And in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

8 My soul followeth hard after thee: Thy right hand upholdeth me.

9 But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, Shall go into the lower parts of the earth.

10 They shall be given over to the power of the sword: They shall be a portion for foxes.

11 But the king shall rejoice in God: Every one that sweareth by him shall glory; For the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.

Turn frowns upside down with some lame jokes :) but they're clean

During the Super Bowl, there was another football game of note between the big animals and the little animals. The big animals were crushing little animals and at half-time, the coach made a passionate speech to rally the little animals. At the start of the second half the big animals had the ball. The first play, the elephant got stopped for no gain. The second play, the rhino was stopped for no gain. On third down, the hippo was thrown for a 5 yard loss. The defense huddled around the coach and he asked excitedly, "Who stopped the elephant?" "I did," said the centipede. "Who stopped the rhino?" "Uh, that was me too," said the centipede. "And how about the hippo? Who hit him for a 5 yard loss?" "Well, that was me as well," said the centipede. "So where were you during the first half?" demanded the coach. "Well," said the centipede, "I was having my ankles taped." 
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Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative in the same night.
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On a more serious note :

Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. - Prov. 27:2 

May the peace of God give life, laughter, and strength......



Still in the heart and mind she is God.....what's it mean? May today be great, and for once may I use it fully for You.

Laugh

A blind man with a seeing eye dog at his side walks into a grocery store. The man walks to the middle of the store, picks up the dog by the tail, and starts swinging the dog around in circles over his head. The store manager, who has seen all this, thinks this is quite strange. So, he decides to find out what's going on. The store manager approaches the blind man swinging the dog and says, "Pardon me. May I help you with something." The blind man says, "No thanks. I'm just looking around."
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Everyone has a photographic memory. Some don't have film.--------

Laughter is beautiful.....hope it comes today for everyone

Q. What do you call a cow with no legs?
A. Ground beef.

Z - M y r n a L o y

Z L i f e , i s n o t a h a v i n g a n d a g e t t i n g , b u t a b e i n g a n d a b e c o m i n g .

L i f e m u s t g o o n . I f o r g e t j u s t w h y . - E d n a S t . V i n c e n t M i l l a y

Oooooh ooooh, Pick Me !

​Not sure where to start. Today I learned, that it doesn't matter who you are, you can always do better. Good on the outside doesn't mean good on the inside.
​Only once I can remember ever being so nervous for a class that I actually made myself sick. Ok, almost 2x now.....hehe. Almost.
Huge test, 75 questions, over a whole bunch of information. Thought I took my time, but still after looking back at the test, I realized I could have done better. 2 questions I knew the answer to and thought I had to have jotted down the answers right....nope picked another darn answer. I even remember the questions as I read them....almost 3 points lost. Always room for improvement.
 
​So frustrated with myself. At first it was because I got those questions mixed up and wrong. Sure, academically I can do better. Yet when it comes to doing better, that's not what I mean. I did not thank God I passed the test. In fact, it was only that mercy that passed me..... this is no lie, I have no idea nor did I have one, what the heck all the material was; even now I can't remember it all.
Somehow, I was given a passing score. Ok, so strike one. Not being grateful or giving thanks to whom it was due. (Eph. 5:20, Col. 3:17)
​Strike two, well, got a decent score, and you know what I did....lamented the missed questions enough that one of the classmates around me looked at me and asked,”you really are sad you got that score aren't you?” You doofus Dan! Really? People failed this test, and you are lamenting 2-3 points?! Bad example! Where is a heart to help people to look at their problems aka they are now ultra stressed and double worried of failing out class, or how this can be a tool to help other excel, instead of a “boo hoo me” junk? You know what God did? He took the guy in front of me and covered my sin, with a “nah, he's just being humble about his score.” and he believed it. (Phil. 4:8, Rom. 12:1-3)
​STRIIIIIIIKE three! Pride..... no, it probably wasn't as vivid as my darn lamenting selfish junk, but after seeing some other scores (yup people keep asking “How'd you do? What's your score/” ) I answered ever so slightly, “oh, I did ok.....(drag it out for emphasis) I got a _____. yes, I didn't get 100%  or nothing, but it was not by my own power that I even got  a passing score. It was by some mercy and love. When we start to take pride in ourselves and our supposed smarts, or what we think is our deserved or etc., it starts a path toward death. Death of humility, of mercy, of caring for another. ( 1Pet. 5:5)
By the way, when you think you are something, you find out you are not. One guy, kinda “out there” he says I helped him study, explain material to, and kaboom, he beat my score..... yeah, so how about that.....the student surpasses the teacher.....HAHAHAHAHA ! If that is not humbling and awesome, who knows what is. There is no right in what I did, but others don't need to make the same mistake.
 
When you think you got it, you realize maybe someone else has got you. Always do better. It may not be what one thinks it is.

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Praise to your name, God. You definitely got me passed that test. Yet I still failed You. My selfishness and lack of contentment brings shame to You. Even I that You covered me. If there was a time to fall on my face it is now. Forgive us fo rthis what we do. There is no “I DID THIS” there is only, You did this through me. Why do You put up with us? Why with me? Worthy we are not by our own devices. No, not in the slightest. Thank You for the humbling. As always, care for the family, for her, and her family.  I don't know the right paths, or maybe, more likely not there yet in faith. Dang it, a mustard seed seems so big sometimes. Guide us, to reconciliation with You. Also with each other if there is a way. Through the Way I ask this.