Fat Rant

BRAVO !!!

All About CHOCOLATE !!!!!

Man cannot live on chocolate alone; but woman sure can.

The 12-step chocoholics program: NEVER BE MORE THAN 12 STEPS AWAY FROM CHOCOLATE!

Nobody knows the truffles I've seen!

Chocolate is nature's way of making up for Mondays.

Will work for chocolate.

Other things are just food. But chocolate's chocolate.

Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands - and then eat just one of the pieces.

There are four basic food groups: milk chocolate, dark chocolate,white chocolate, and chocolate truffles.

If it ain't chocolate, it ain't breakfast!

A little too much chocolate is just about right.

There's more to life than chocolate, but not right now.

Nothing chocolate.... nothing gained.

There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with CHOCOLATE.

It's not that chocolates are a substitute for love. Love is a substitute for chocolate.

Chocolate is, let's face it, far more reliable than a man.

Nine out of ten people like chocolate. The tenth person always lies..

Life is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're going to get.

Put "eat chocolate" at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, at least you'll get one thing done.

Simply put... everyone has a price, mine is chocolate!

Chocolate: Here today .... Gone today!

I have this theory that chocolate slows down the aging process.... It may not be true, but do I dare take the chance?

If not for chocolate, there would be no need for control top pantyhose. An entire garment industry would be devastated.

Forget love -- I'd rather fall in chocolate!!!




Among life's mysteries is how a two pound box of chocolate can make a woman gain five pounds.

Stress wouldn't be so hard to take if it were chocolate covered.

What you see before you, my friend, is the result of a lifetime of chocolate.

Eat a square meal a day - a box of chocolate.

Chocolate causes certain endocrine glands to secrete hormones that affect your feelings and behavior by making you happy. Therefore, it counteracts depression, in turn reducing the stress of depression.Your stress-free life helps you maintain a youthful disposition, both physically and mentally. So, eat lots of chocolate.

Seen recently on a tee shirt ~ EMERGENCY ALERT: If wearer of this shirt is found vacant, listless, or depressed, ADMINISTER CHOCOLATE IMMEDIATELY.

In the cookies of life, friends are the chocolate chips.

Chocolate is cheaper than therapy and you don't need an appointment.

All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!

Nuts just take up space where chocolate ought to be.

Put the chocolate in the bag and nobody gets hurt.

This guy found a bottle on the ocean, and he opened it and out popped a genie, and he gave him three wishes. The guy wished for a million dollars, and poof there was a million dollars. Then he wished for a convertible, and poof there was a convertible. And then, he wished he could be irresistible to all women... poof he turned into a box of chocolates.

When the going gets tough, the tough eats chocolate.

The three best pleasures in life are scratching, sneezing and eating chocolate.

Exercise is a dirty word... Every time I hear it, I wash my mouth out with chocolate.

I don't understand why so many "so called" chocolate lovers complain about the calories in chocolate, when all true chocoholics know that it is a vegetable. It comes from the cocoa bean, beans are veggies,'nuff said.

I could give up chocolate but I'm not a quitter.

LEARNING OUR ABC'S

A - Adult: A person who has stopped growing at both ends and is now growing in the middle.

B - BATHROOM: A room used by the entire family, believed by all except Mom to be self-cleaning.

C - COMMITTEE: A body that keeps minutes and wastes hours.

D - DATE: Infrequent outings with Dad where Mom can enjoy worrying about the kids in a different setting.

E - EMPTY NEST: See "WISHFUL THINKING."

F - FABLE: A story told by a teenager arriving home after curfew.

G - GUM: Adhesive for the hair.

H - HINDSIGHT: What Mom experiences from changing too many diapers.

I - INFLATION: Cutting money in half without damaging the paper.

J - JUNK: Dad's stuff.

K - KISS: Mom's medicine.

L - LEMONADE STAND: Complicated business venture where Mom buys powdered mix, sugar, lemons, and paper cups, and sets up a table, chairs, pitchers and ice for kids who sit there for three to six minutes and net a profit of 15 cents.

M - MAYBE - No.

N - Nail Polish - part of an assortment of make-up items such as lipstick, eyeliner, blush etc. which ironically make Mom look better while making her young daughter look older.

O - OVERSTUFFED RECLINER: Mom's nickname for Dad.

P - PANIC What a mother goes through when the darn wind-up swing stops.

Q - QUIET - A state of household serenity which occurs before the birth of the first child and occurs again after the last child has left for college.

R - REFRIGERATOR: Combination art gallery and air-conditioner for the kitchen.

S - SPOILED ROTTEN: What the kids become after as little as 15 minutes with Grandma.

T - TOWELS: See "FLOOR COVERINGS".

U - UNDERWEAR: An article of clothing, the cleanliness of which ensures the wearer will never have an accident.

V - VACATION: Where you take the family to get away from it all, only to find it there, too.

W - WALLS: Complete set of drawing paper for kids that comes with every room.

X - XOXOXOXOXO: Mom salutation guaranteed to make the already embarrassing note in a kid's lunch box even more mortifying.

Y - "YIPPEE!": What mother's shout the first day of school.

Z - ZUCCHINI: Vegetable which can be baked, boiled, fried or steamed before kids refuse to eat it.

It's All In The Name

Lawyer's daughter: Sue

Thief's son: Rob

Lawyer's son: Will

Doctor's son: Bill

Meteorologist's daughter: Haley

Steam shovel operator's son: Doug

Hair Stylist's son: Bob

Homeopathic doctor's son: Herb

Sound stage technician's son: Mike

Hot-dog vendor's son: Frank

Exercise guru's son: Jim

Cattle Thief's son: Russell

Painter's son: Art

Iron worker's son: Rusty

TV show star's daughter: Emmy

Movie star's son: Oscar

Barber's son: Harry

Stupidly Skinny- Women Obsessed With Weight

How can a country be "weight obsessed" while having hunger and millions and millions of under nourished citizens, and at the same time produce so much agriculture for exports? That is not ONE but TWO contradictions!! There is so much food yet there are so many hungry people for lack of being able to feed themselves then there are those who choose to be hungry. There is so much agricultural surplus yet there are so many really and truly hungry people out there for lack of not being able to feed themselves?!?! Makes a person think!


The pressures to be a "super-girl" begin at a very young age nowadays. Whether inflicted by demanding parents, the media, coaches or teachers, the result is a serious lack of self-confidence. There are very high expectations for girls to achieve and be this ‘perfect woman”. They often equate achievement with love. They become people-pleasers, more so “women-pleasers”, in search of the love and acceptance they so desperately crave. This epidemic is so bad that there are websites that teach you how to become anorexic or bulimic and how to conceal it! You read what these sites say about food being the enemy and we must overcome the enemy. We have to take notice of this and save our kids, family and friends before it’s too late.

We read the magazines displaying perfectly proportioned, underweight models who are the "Beauty Ideal." There are always low-fat cookbooks and diet books on the bestseller lists. Now, even Barbie has made a huge comeback! We watch TV shows featuring perfect families consisting of perfectly beautiful, thin members with not an ounce of fat on them. What kind of message would you expect a kid (or anyone) to form from this barrage of media influx? We see stars like Hillary Duff, Mary-Kate Olsen, Paris Hilton and the latest Beyonce Knowles and it’s like they had nothing to lose and now that they have lost so much weight its like why are they doing this to themselves? They don’t look healthy nor do they look happy, so many of them battle with drugs and alcohol. Is it really worth it? Hollywood has gone STUPIDLY SKINNY!

These cases of self-inflicted starvation that sadly affects so many women in particular is as a result of the media abusing us by attacking and manipulating us. I mean who really came up with what the “perfect” woman looks like? Don’t go based on any pictures because even the stars will admit that they don’t look like that. So then why deceive us by bombarding us with these airbrushed illusions? Well face is skinny sells and skinny always beats out the average sized woman who embraces her curves. Why? Cause of this false mentality.

I wonder if women themselves realize that they are being manipulated by the media and end up competing amongst themselves. Is it really a battle of the bulges or a fight to see who best matches up the deceptive illusion of the ideal woman? Take television advertisements, first you see these skinny models advertising the swimwear then you see the Jenny Craig or one of those lose the weight pills then you see the ice cream advertisements, the pizza the cakes from TCBY and Baskin Robbins. The same is seen in the magazines. Talk about a slap in the face!

Why do women torture themselves by denying the most basic human need: food? Moderation is the key, over-eating isn’t good either but to become so obsessed with ones weight so as not to be able to enjoy the simple pleasures of this life is just sad to say the least. We become so brainwashed that even the thought of having a slice of cake makes us feel so dirty and guilty. Something is definitely wrong. We obsess, get irritable, and make those around us miserable by our obsession either by trying to make them feel guilty for our hang-up or push them away. So the depression drugs are popped like popcorn into our systems, the psychiatrists take our money for our countless hours spent on the couch trying to figure out why and the divorce lawyers make their bundles of money cause of broken homes.


Hollywood mama’s take a severe beating. When you get pregnant it was abnormal for starters ( but now being pregnant is the in thing ), kids just get in the way of their blossoming careers. So it takes nine months to gain all the pregnancy pounds and these women are expected to lose the pregnancy pounds overnight. How stupid is this. These women buckle under the pressure and get depressed and obsessed to lose the weight even before the birth. So then you wonder if they even stop for a moment to appreciate and welcome the bundle of joy. You don’t hear about the parents being so happy about being blessed with the precious gift of a child, its I have to lose this weight. Not even a couple weeks after and these mamas are depressed because they can’t get off the weight. What in the world!! It took nine months to put it on and they expect to lose it overnight?! Lunatics are what they are!


Competitive by nature, women set rigid standards to make themselves the best according to the standards imposed by society. The lack of self-confidence aids in the development of this distorted lifestyle. Why cant women be comfortable in their own skin, we always want the other woman’s skin, eyes, teeth, nose, breasts etc. What is really important is what is on the inside, WHO you are not what you look like. Yes taking care of our physical bodies is important but our bodies and outward appearance DOES not define who we are. We need to learn to love ourselves just the way we are, big nose, small nose, spaced teeth, big eyes, blue, brown or green, the love handles, wrinkles and all.


Remember one, absolute perfection is impossible. Two, in working towards that perfection, which can never be obtained, its ourselves and those nearest and dearest to us that we are ultimately hurting. Only through learning and re-learning to love and appreciate ourselves as the women God made us to be can we overcome this raging war within.

Little Things

A little drop of rain that falls,
A little ray of sun,
A little flower that soon grows,
And we've only just begun...
The little things we see in life
Can mean the very most,
Much more than big accomplishments
Of which we often boast.
A little leaf breaks loose and falls
In such a gentle way;
A little smile can warm the heart
And brighten up our day.
A little garden means so much,
That little seed just needs God's touch;
A little faith, a little prayer...
What a big God we meet there!

Prayer of St. Francis by Sarah Mclachlan

This is very beautiful and Sarah Mclachlan has a wonderful voice. I hope it spiritually uplifts all who hear it.

Dymphna is on YouTube-Check Out Aimees Blog

Over at Dymphna's Well on YouTube, 4HisChurch has been able to produce some of her poetry. It is very beautiful & uplifting. Check out her blog by CLICKING HERE.

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On Aimee's blog is an excellent piece titled We are Epiphanies of God. It is so important for others to see The Holy Spirit at work within us and to convey our Joy to all those who do not know our Lord. Check out her piece by CLICKING HERE.

Akiane On Tete a Tete

Arkiane is a young girl who does amazing paintings. If memory serves me correctly she began painting at a very early age and on Oprah she said her parents were athiests. Her work must be Divinely inspired.

Take a peek at her Art work by CLICKING HERE.

Surviving Siberia's Frost--on Faith

This is a long piece, I know. But please it is well worth the read. Have patience and read the true story below. Thankyou.

Back story: Father Arseny, a Russian Orthodox priest imprisoned in a Soviet work camp, intervenes in a fight to help a young prisoner named Alexei. For "troublemaking," he and Alexei are sentenced to 48 hours in an unheated cell.

Punishment cell No. 1 was a tiny house that stood by the entrance of the camp. In this house was a room for two people where the floor and walls were covered with sheets of metal. The whole room was not wider than three quarters of a yard and two yards long. Outside it was -22ºF and windy, so that it was hard to breathe. You had only to step outside to become immediately numb.

The occupants of the barracks understood what this meant: certain death. Father Arseny and Alexei would be frozen within two hours. Occasionally, someone was sent to it when the temperature reached -21º or -22ºF, but this only for 24 hours. The only ones who stayed alive were those who could jump up and down the whole 24 hours to keep their blood from freezing. If you stopped jumping, you froze. And here it was -22ºF, Father Arseny was an old man, Alexei had just been beaten up, and both men were exhausted.

Father Arseny and Alexei were dragged to the punishment cell and shoved inside. They both fell, cracking their heads against the wall. Father Arseny stood up and said, "So, here we are. God has brought us together.

"We are going to freeze, Father Arseny," moaned Alexei. "We are both going to die. We need to keep moving, to jump up and down, but it is impossible to keep that up for 48 hours. Why don't you say anything, Father Arseny?"

As if from somewhere very far away Father Arseny's voice answered, "I am praying to God, Alexei!" "What's there to pray about when we are going to freeze?" Alexei muttered.

"We are here all alone, Alexei; for two days no one will come. We will pray. For the first time God has allowed us to pray aloud in this camp, with our full voice. We will pray and the rest is God's will!"

The cold was gradually conquering Alexei and he was sure that Father Arseny was losing his mind. Making the sign of the cross and quietly pronouncing some words, Father Arseny stood in the ray of moonlight. Alexei's hands and feet were numbed by the cold; he had no strength in his limbs. He was freezing and no longer cared.

Suddenly Alexei heard Father Arseny's words clearly, and understood that this was a prayer. Alexei had been in church only once, out of curiosity. Although his grandmother had baptized him when he was a child, his family did not believe in God.

But Alexei could clearly hear the words that Father Arseny was saying: "O Lord God, have mercy on us sinners! Through Thine unspeakable mercy save us, have mercy on us and lead us away from this cruel death, because we do believe in Thee, Thou our God." And so the words of prayer poured forth. "O, Lord our God, Jesus Christ! Thou didst say with Thy purest lips that if two or three agree to ask for the same thing, then Thy Heavenly Father will grant their prayer because, as Thou didst say, 'When two or three are gathered in my name, I am among them.'" Alexei was repeating these words after Father Arseny.

The cold had taken Alexei completely; his entire body was numb. But suddenly the cell, the cold, the numbness of his whole body, his pain, and his fear had disappeared. Father Arseny's voice filled the cell, but was it a cell? Alexei turned to Father Arseny and was stunned. Everything around had been transformed. An awful thought came: "I am losing my mind, this is the end, I am dying."

There was a bright light and Father Arseny, dressed in brilliant white vestments, his hands lifted up, was praying aloud. The clothing on Father Arseny was the same as on the priest Alexei had once seen in church.

Alexei saw with surprise that there were two men assisting Father Arseny. Both were dressed in the same bright vestments and both shone with an indefinable white light. Alexei did not see their faces, but sensed that they were beautiful. Father Arseny turned to him and said, "Go, Alyosha! Lie down, you are tired. I will keep praying, you will hear me." Alexei lay down on the metal-covered floor, closed his eyes, and kept on praying.

The words of prayer filled his whole being. All was peaceful and warm. It was important not to forget these words, to remember them all his life. Father Arseny prayed, and the two others in bright garments prayed with him and served him.The only things that remained in Alexei's memory were the words of the prayer, a warming and joyful light, Father Arseny praying...

"Get up, Alexei! They have come for us," said Father Arseny.

In the cell stood an old man in a patched-up vest and a young one in torn clothes with a bruised face. Their faces were calm and their clothing was covered with a thick layer of frost.

"They're alive?" the Major asked in amazement. "How did they survive here for two days?" "We are alive, sir," said Father Arseny. All looked at each other in amazement. "Search them."

"Come out!" shouted one of the supervisors. Father Arseny and Alexei walked out of the cell. The supervisors removed their gloves and started frisking them. The doctor also removed a glove, put it under Father Arseny's and then Alexei's clothing and, to nobody in particular, said, "Amazing! How could they have survived? It's true, though; they're warm." The doctor walked into the cell, looked around it, and asked, "What kept you warm?"

"Our faith in God, and prayer," Father Arseny answered.

"They are simply fanatics. Send them back to the barracks right away," said one of the supervisors in an irritated voice. As he was walking away, Alexei heard somebody say, "It's amazing. In this cold they should have lived no more than four or five hours. It's unbelievable, considering that it's -22ºF out. You supervisors sure got lucky. There could have been some unpleasantness in store for you."

The barracks met them as if they had risen from the dead.

Everyone asked, "What saved you?"

They both answered, "God saved us."

Armchair Soldiers-Revisionist Historians

I am getting really tired of arm chair soldiers, who write large tomes describing Allied soldiers as 'war criminals'.

Let us get things straight. War is evil, it is a dreadful thing to wage war on another nation in order to rule it by force. It is an evil thing to bomb cities and other area's without warning them. It is also a great evil to invade other Nations by bombing them in massive bombing raids, including countries deemed 'neutral', such as Holland.

All these evil actions were done by the German Government of 1939, against innocent populace. They didnt waste time worrying about the 'feelings' of the oppressed. The National Socialists also paid little heed to their own 'Peace Pacts' which they had signed with another Nation. If other countries were foolish enough to trust the German Chancellor of the time, well more fool them! In order to honour an agreement you have to possess that quality, Adolf Hitler was not an 'honourable man', lest historions forget!

America during these tumultuous years were not at war with any other Nation. War was thrust upon them when another Empire decided that they also wanted a slice of the global cake which Germany was bingeing on and bombed Pearl Harbour in 1941, without warning. We must also remember that America did NOT declar war on Germany. Germany declared war on America!

War is brutal, it is unforgiving and it is waged unto death. There is nothing 'pretty' about war. Innocent people die, others are tortured and once the dogs of war are loosed there are NO winners! Bombs rain down on the oppressors and the oppressed in equal measure.

Can anyone not imagine the blood drenched beaches of Normandy with the slaughter of British and America's youth being spent in the sea and think that is victory? Can we look at the carnage of the Kokoda trail and the bloody warfare waged there and think there is victory? Can we say after the death of millions of people in death camps, that there was a victory? The Nazi mass murder machine was stopped but is the loss of over 6 million Jewish people and millions more from various countries called a victory?

Is it realistic to say that the British and American soldiers who were freed from Japanese concentration camps, starved almost unto death, tortured, beaten and brutalised, were victors? Were the women prisoners who had been raped for years by Japanese soldiers victorious upon their release from such a hell?

Is it a victory when upon defeating the Nazi German 'War Machine' half of Europe was given to yet another evil despot, Stalin?

British, American, Australian and European Mothers and Fathers wept for their dead sons. Can holding a flag take the place of their beloved sons?

Do not correct the soldiers who fought a war which was thrust upon them. Also do not condemn those who sacrificed their lives in a war they did not wage, lest their death be in vain.

War is war who on earth though it fair?

And in the end is it correct to write about such events when the 'arm chair soldiers' were NOT involved, did NOT fight and did NOT suffer?

I Cannot Pray

I cannot say OUR if my religion has no room for others and their needs.

I cannot say FATHER if I do not demonstrate this relationship in my daily life.

I cannot say WHO ART IN HEAVEN if all my interests and pursuits are in earthly things.

I cannot say HALLOWED BE THY NAME if I, who am called by His name am not holy.

I cannot say THY KINGDOM COME if I am unwilling to give up my own sovereignty and accept the righteous reign of God.

I cannot say THY WILL BE DONE if I am unwilling or resentful of having it in my life.

I cannot say ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN unless I am truly ready to give myself to his service here and now.

I cannot say GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD without expending honest effort for it or by ignoring the genuine needs of my fellow men.

I cannot say FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US if I continue to harbor a grudge against anyone.

I cannot say LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.

I cannot say DELIVER US FROM EVIL if I am not prepared to fight in the spiritual realm with the weapon of prayer.

I cannot say THINE IS THE KINGDOM if I do not give the King the disciplined obedience of a loyal subject.

I cannot say THINE IS THE POWER if I fear what my neighbors and friends may say or do.

I cannot say THINE IS THE GLORY if I am seeking my own glory first.

I cannot say FOREVER if I am too anxious about each day's affairs.

I cannot say AMEN unless I honestly say, "Cost what it may, this is my prayer."

Dare

Dare to be different in all walks of your life.

Dare to stand alone.

Dare to stand up for your convictions even if the crowd around you may move in another way.

Dare to be fools for the sake of Christ.

With the Word of God & power of the spirit, dare to be a Crusader for Christ.

Dare to follow the footsteps of our heavenly Father.

Dare to take up the cross & follow him wherever He leads you.

Dare to be a real Christian with a strong backbone.

Dare to say "no" to momentary pleasures that the world has to offer.

Dare to tell others about your Heavenly Dad.

Dare to stand for holiness, purity, & sanctity as a dove, no matter what it takes.

Be Still

I've not only seen the Light,

I have reached into Him.

His brightness shone upon me,

And touched the depths of my soul.

I've struggled

And fought

Angry and frustrated,

And to me He taught:

Be still and

Know that I AM God.

But my Lord, I frantically raged on,

I desire to follow Thee.

O Lord,

I am so forlorn and tired.

He turned to me

The Light shone brightly

I tried to cover my eyes

And yet I felt His warmth surrounding me.

"Why do you struggle?

Why do you fight against me?

Be still

And know that I AM God."

The Lovliness of Silence

No one's ever heard a butterfly,
It cannot speak nor sing,
It just hovers quietly around,
And shows off its pretty wings.

Each tiny wing - a masterpiece,
Of intricate design,
With hues that blend and complement,
So tranquil and refined.

And no one's ever heard a firefly,
Turn on its tiny light,
Without a click, it flips its switch,
And makes no noise in the night.

And there it is, in all its glory,
Its wee light flashing off and on,
Until it disappears in silence,
Along with moths across the lawn.

And what about white fleecy clouds,
That aimlessly drift by?
They help us dream of things unseen,
Though we can't hear them in the sky.

Like soft meringue, they peak and hang,
Soundlessly above the ground,
They tantalize our seeking eyes,
We watch in awe; they make no sound.

Puffs of smoke from chimney tops,
Come skipping through the air,
Gentle breezes make them dance,
What lovely visions there.

But we can't hear a puff of smoke,
Nor can we hold it in our hands,
But we can watch it float away,
Silently across the land.

First snow of Winter on the ground,
Untouched, unmarked, pristine,
Lace-like frost on window panes,
Crystal icicles that gleam.

Impressive beauties, everyone,
That inspire men to whisper,
To not disturb the reverie,
Of such a wondrous mixture.

A white, full moon on a still, black night,
With a host of silver stars,
Free to see and wish upon,
And spend lovely, quiet hours.

In splendid stillness, lies that night,
With peaceful beauty there,
Which forces one to bended knee,
In grateful, silent prayer.

A baby's smile, a sleeping child,
A napping cat upon a lap,
Pleasurable and treasurable,
All silent joys that entrap.

True, a picture's worth a thousand words,
Though it never makes a sound,
It communicates in ways unheard,
And lasts forever and beyond.

It's the lovely, silent things we see.
That our ears will never hear,
That speak loudly to our listening hearts,
Distinct, succinct, and clear.

We're grateful that God gave us ears,
To hear His awesome sounds,
Yet the loveliness of silence,
Is wondrous, too, when it is found.

Remembering Yesteryear- Classic Sesame Street

I don’t know if anyone is as big a fan of vintage Sesame Street and the Muppets as I am. I loved it as a kid growing up and I proud to say that I know all the songs and dances. The new Sesame Street is so lacking in comparison to those of yesteryear. No show can touch the fun, humor, creativity and sheer ingenuity brought to us by Jim Henson. I have been gathering these videos and looking for DVD’s for my Goddaughter. I mean come on you can’t grow up without these classics. Hope you enjoy em.



And this one is especially for sis

Women- What’s wrong with some of us?

Open up any woman’s magazine, and you’ll see advertisements that unabashedly appeal to self-entitlement. Everything from hand soap to resort vacations is peddled with tag lines such as, “Take time for yourself,” “You deserve it,” and “It’s all about you.” Don't get me wrong, we all need a little pampering but let's face it, alot of women are selfish and are only looking out for themselves.

I see far too much of that as I look around today's world. Modern women demand all the privileges traditionally afforded us during years of the past, but also want the new freedoms of a “liberated” era. When women were placed on a pedestal they were also protected, cherished, and honored. Doors were held for them and rough language was restrained in their presence as befitted their delicate sensibilities. We don't seem to understand that those privileges were granted in recognition of a woman's special role in society.

I think the women's lib movement got it all wrong. They are making women into miniature cardboard cutouts of men instead of freeing women to be ourselves. Unfortunately, this would include letting us make choices that include staying home with our children, or even subliminating what we want at times to the needs of our loved ones, because that is what women do. It would include giving women permission to be...women, in all the variations from tomboys who never wear makeup to girly-girls who don't feel dressed without fake eyelashes, dangly earrings, and nails. There is a harshness, a stridency that grates on the nerves. They want to have their cake and eat it too!

Feminism starts in the mind. Many women feel 'ugly', so they don't even try to be feminine. Other women have been ridiculed for trying to be feminine and are afraid of being labeled. The motivation to dress and act feminine for a woman should radiate from a heart that loves God and wants to please God. If we only live right because some religion told us to, then we will be miserable. A woman should dress modestly to please God.

We were all created to PLEASE GOD. Most people strive only to please themselves. A feminine woman is a blessing to all around her especially her husband. A woman doesn't have to be ‘thin’ to be feminine, weight, height, skin and eye colour have nothing to with femininity. Femininity is a state of mind more than anything else. A feminine woman doesn't mind a man holding the door open for her, she welcomes it. A feminine woman doesn't even try to lift something bulky or heavy, she asks a strong man to lift it. A feminine woman makes a man feel like a real man because she requires his masculinity, strength, and courage. A feminist on the other hand doesn't need anything from a man, she has the mental disposition of a man already. She is a mental homosexual at a minimum. She thinks like a man. This is why so many women wear men's clothing and business suits.

Why is it so hard for women to embrace the role and purpose given to us by God? Why is femininity looked down upon? Why is the woman with a soft and gentle spirit seen as a weak subservient? Mention the word children and they break out in hives. There is a big difference between being a woman and being feminine.

Let’s dig deeper and see what we can come up with.

Pointers for Life

Give God what’s right- not left.

Man’s way leads to a hopeless end! – God’s way leads to an endless hope.

A lot of kneeling will help keep you in good standing.

He who kneels before God can stand before anyone.

In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma – but never let him be the period.

Don’t put a question mark where God puts a period.

Are you wrinkled with burden? Come to the church for a face-lift.

When praying, don’t give God instructions – just report for duty.

Don’t wait for six strong men to take you to church.

We don’t change God’s message- His message changes us!

The church is prayer- conditioned.

When God ordains, He sustains.

WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning.

Plan ahead – it was not raining when Noah built the ark.

Most people want to serve God but only in an advisory position.

Suffering from truth decay? Brush up on your Bible.

Exercise daily- walk with the Lord.

Never give the devil a ride- he will always want to drive!

Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it.

Compassion is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.

He who angers you controls you.

If you give the devil an inch, he’ll be a ruler.

God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.

Pride & Prudery A Question of Modesty?

In these days of almost anything goes where do we draw the line between modesty and prudery?

I remembered once attending a bible study where the topic of nudity came up. A young woman insisted that such Art as the statue of David should be covered up, in fact she suggested that someone put a pair of shorts on this piece of Art, the lady in question was NOT joking. She also went on to say that any painting which depicted the nude form should be painted over showing women dressed, this included the Art work of Rubens. What began this topic was that this lady had drawn over her illustrated Bible where the naked form of Adam and Eve were displayed.

This is not modesty but prudery, there is NO shame in the naked form so long as it is not used for a lascivious purposes.

The same can be said of movies such as the two versions of Pride and Prejudice. One being the movie version starring Keira Knightley and the other BBC version starring Jennifer Ehle. I see nothing wrong in dressing the actresses in the dress period of the day. In the case of Keira Knightley who has now become incredibly thin and Jennifer Ehle who has a more fulsome figure both women wore the same period outfits, yet because of Jennifer Ehle's fuller figure the outfit bares more flesh than the Keira Knightley movie.

The story in itself is not pornographic if anything it is a romantic story, which in typical Austen fashion is also a subtle social commentary of the hypocrisies of the day.

We need to understand that if one starts squirming because they are viewing such Great Art works as the Statue of David or admiring the works of Rubens, then that is NOT modesty but prudery.

The same goes for watching different versions of Pride and Prejudice, the story is not pornographic and neither version portrayed it as such, therefore both should be admired for staying true to the story as written by Jane Austen.

It is a good thing to dress modestly and appropriately but it is never a good thing to be ashamed of our bodies as if God had created something loathesome.

We need to keep things in perspective, while not falling into scrupulosity.

The Surrended Wife-Does It Work?

I read an extract in a magazine about a new book called 'The Surrended Wife..'. The book is how one woman transformed her unhappy marriage into a blissfully happy one by becoming agreeable to her husband at all times.

I read the article and can see the benefits in that over the years and due to the feminist movement(which is Anti-woman) the roles between men and women which were once clearly defined have now become so blurred that men feel confused and frustrated that nothing they do seems right.

The basis of the book is that wives become totally submissive to their husbands, they no longer quarrel even if the husband is wrong, the wife simply stays silent, rather than correct her husband. The book also suggests that a wife be always agreeable to her husband when he is in the mood for sex, the wife is never to say no, irrespective of her mood.

Even though this sounds good in theory I wonder just how practical it is in real life? Even though the author of the book Laura Doyle says she practices what she is writing about, I have to wonder how feasible this idea is in this modern world we all inhabit?

For instance I have Christian friends who also lead traditional 'the male is the sole provider' philosophy. Larry worked in a factory on a minimum wage, his wife, Sally was a stay at home Mum of 4 children all under 12 years. Three of their children were in private school, which was very costly. I saw over the years how Larry grew more and more tired, while Sally made do with what she could on such a low income. At the end of the week their children would have cereal for their evening meal, simply because they had run out of food and had to wait for Larry's pay day. This placed a terrible burden on Larry's shoulders, and though Sally was a very good & thrifty housewife, still life was difficult. Then oneday Sally bought a large bag of dried apricots in order to make jams, tarts etc. When Larry found out that the cost was $20 he lost his temper and reminded Sally that ' it is MY money, you're spending' did this make Larry a horrible person? No! He was simply exhausted, being the sole provider for a large family was becoming too much.

Not long after Larry's statement Sally got a part time job as a cleaner from 6PM to 9PM. I saw with my own eyes how much this helped their particular family unit, Larry's furrowed brow was now gone replaced by a non worried loving husband and father. Their family roles did not change in that Larry remained as Head of the Home while Sally was his helpmate in life both as wife and also in sharing the financial burden.

I wondered what different generations would think of this book, and its message? Should ALL wives be stay at home Mum's? Or should they share the financial burden of supporting their families?

Should wives be so totally submissive to their husbands, never being able to express an opinion that differs from their husbands? Or would the husband find this boring?

Let me know what you think of this particular lifestyle? Is it viable? Or too stifling? And do men really want stepford wives?

Penance of the Lamb-From Catholic Ponderer

Joakim has written a beautiful and depthful reflection about remorse, repentance and humility. Please check it out by clicking HERE.

Pell slams "stalinist" parliamentary contempt probe

It is high time that the Catholic Church takes a risk and actually stands by its beliefs. There are enough 'cafeteria catholics' in this world to fill a country. We dont need our Clergy to follow 'govermental lines' when the government of the day is proposing legislature that is against the Commandments of God.

Cardinal Pell has been taking a strong stand against Embryonic stem cell research since it was first proposed, he also takes the same stance towards Pro-Choice abortion and activist homosexuals. It is right to refuse a woman The Eucharist when she is unapologetic about her abortion & refuses to Confess such a sin. It is equally right to refuse politicians who vote FOR Abortions to receive The Eucharist, any other stance makes the Church appear hypocritical.

It is time that our Priests, Bishops and Cardinals refuse to give Communion to those who particpate and also legislate for Pro-Abortion and embryonic stem cell research.

The Catholic Church should not be timid when dealing with such integral issues as abortion, the propogation of embryonic stem cell research and activist homosexuals but instead stand firm against the tide, even if it means they may stand alone.

Below is a piece about Cardinal Pell, and the attempts by certain politicians and elements of the press who are trying to intimidate this great man of the Church into silence. I hope and pray that the Cardinal will stand firm against laws which are an abomination to God.

*******************

"Reacting to a Greens-initiated investigation by the NSW parliamentary privileges committee into his comments on stem cell cloning, Sydney Cardinal George Pell has described the inquiry as a "clumsy attempt" to curb free speech with a "whiff of stalinism". To read further CLICK HERE.

Computer Trouble

I want to hurt my computer!

I want to buy a software program that, when it runs, it causes my computer to suffer grievously, though not permanently.

When my screen freezes or turns blue, I want a special button I can push to make the CPU start squealing like a mouse caught in a trap.


I want a device that stores an electrical charge in my telephone. For every minute I spend on hold waiting for technical support to answer, the charge would increase in intensity. When the guy from tech support finally answers, the electrical bolt of energy would be discharged into him.


This should not affect my ability to hear what's going on at the other end of the line, of course. And a special function would allow the volts to double every time a tape-recorded message urges me to continue holding. "Your call is important to us," the featureless voice always claims. I want my phone to be outfitted with a translation program which will reconstitute this irritating reminder into the truth: "Actually, we already have your money, so we couldn't care less about you. Our technical support department consists of two college kids, both of whom are busy playing Doom. Eventually, one of them will come on the line."


I want my modem to sense when my PC has committed an "illegal function" and issue a warrant to arrest Bill Gates. When my system crashes and I lose a file that has taken me more than an hour to create, I want someone from the computer company to come out and retype it for me.


I don't understand why new, "upgraded" software creates files that cannot be read by old, reliable software with the same name. Is there no one in the computer industry who has noticed that word processor files all look alike once they are open? Why can't 6.0 recognize a 7.0 file? It's all just words, isn't it? There should be a rule that when software engineers buy a new car, their old cars should cease to function. If they don't understand why this is happening, they should call me and I will explain it to them.


How come when my computer catches a virus, I'm the one who misses work? I want to know why my printer always jams on the last piece of paper or the last sheet of checks. When this happens, it makes me want to put sandpaper into the manual feed and print the Emancipation Proclamation.


I was really tired of hearing about all the horrible things that would happen with the Y2K problem: sewers will regurgitate, all of my fillings will return to the dentist, etc.


Why doesn't anybody ever ask these computer programmers how in the world they didn't know the year 2000 would follow the year 1999? Software engineers are supposed to be pretty bright people - what did they need a memo or something? When I bought a program that was suppose to tell me if my computer files were Y2K-compliant the program wouldn't work because -get this - my CD-ROM player was too old. The manufacturer didn't sell an "updated driver." Thus, to find out if my computer was Y2K-compliant, I needed to buy another computer.


I want to know what good is a Web search engine that returns 324,909,188 "matches" to my keyword. That's like saying, "Good news, we've located the product you're looking for. It's on Earth."


I want to know why, when I had a tiny hard drive, my operating system was virtually crash-proof and took up so little space. My new operating system is five times the size of my original hard drive. With every "upgrade," it seems to grow 75 percent.


Now I've found out that my PC no longer "recognizes" my floppy drive. How could they not recognize each other? They live together!


Please understand: I don't hate my computer. I just want to hurt it every once in a while.

LET IT GO!

If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to.....LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to past hurts and pains....LET IT GO!!!

If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth....LET IT GO!!!

If someone has angered you.....LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge....LET IT GO!!!

If you are involved in a wrong relationship or
addiction.....LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents.....LET IT GO!!!

If you have a bad attitude......LET IT GO!!!

If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better.....LET IT GO !!!

If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him...... LET IT GO!!!

If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship....LET IT GO!!!

If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves.....LET IT GO!!!

If you're feeling stressed......LET IT GO!!!

If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying "take your hands off of it", then you need to......LET IT GO!!!

Let the past be the past. Forget the former things. GOD is doing a new thing!

LET IT GO!!!

When God Made Fathers

When the good Lord was creating Fathers he started with a tall frame, and a female angel nearby said, "What kind of Father is that? If you're going to make children so close to the ground, why have you put Fathers up so high? He won't be able to shoot a marble without kneeling, tuck a child in bed without bending,or even kiss a child without a lot of stooping."

And God smiled and said...."Yes, but if I make him child size,who would children have to look up to?"

And when God made a Father's hands, they were large and sinewy. And the angel shook her head sadly and said,"Do you know what you are doing? Large hands are clumsy. They can't manage diaper pins, small buttons,rubber bands on pony tails or even remove splinters caused by baseball bats."

And God smiled and said..."I know, but they're large enough to hold everything a small boy empties from his pockets at the end of a day.. yet small enough to cup a child's face in his hands."

And then God molded long, slim legs and broad shoulders. And the angel nearly fell over."Boy this is the end of the week, all right," she clucked. "Do you realize you just made a Father without a lap? How is he going to pull a child close to him without the kid falling between his legs?"

And God smiled and said..."A Mother needs a lap. A Father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, balance a boy on a bicycle, or hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus."

God was in the middle of creating two of the largest feet anyone had ever seen when the angel could contain herself no longer. "That's not fair. Do you honestly think those large boats are going to dig out of bed early in the morning when the baby cries? Or walk through a small birthday party without crunching at least three of the guests?"

And God smiled and said..."They'll work. You'll see.They'll support a small child who wants to ride a horse, or scare off mice at the summer cabin,or display shoes that will be a challenge to fill."

God worked throughout the night, giving the Father few words, but a firm, authoritative voice; eyes that saw everything, but remained calm and tolerant. Finally, almost as an after-thought, he added ~ tears. Then he turned to the angel and said, "Now are you satisfied that he can love as much as a Mother?"

And the angel was quiet.

For the Fathers

Musical tribute for the dad's, the second one is so very true of my dad.

Happy Father's Day

Fathers

Are

Trustees of

Humble

Enduring

Reassuring

Strength

A Father who is truly "there" for his children is a "Tower of Strength" for his little ones. The storms of life will blow against the family unit, and no one can stand them as calmly as a dad who is sure of his place in the universe. Taking his place and seeing his role to his children as our Heavenly Father is to his people, causes a strength that leads to security, rest, and discovery.

F- Faithful - Living for others....
A- Always - loving his family....
T- Talks - to God about everything....
H- Heart- set on things that will last....
E- Earnest- he seeks wisdom from above....
R- Reflects - God's love and light....


Happy Father's Day to all Fathers.

Things you wouldn't know if it weren't for movies

All telephone numbers in America begin with the digits 555.

If being chased through town, you can usually take cover in a passing St. Patrick's Day parade - at any time of the year.

All beds have special L-shaped cover sheets which reach up to the armpit level on a woman but only to waist level on the man lying beside her.

All grocery shopping bags contain at least one stick of French Bread.

It's easy for anyone to land a plane providing there is someone in the control tower to talk you down.

Once applied, lipstick will never rub off - even while scuba diving.

The ventilation system of any building is the perfect hiding place. No one will ever think of looking for you in there and you can travel to any other part of the building you want without difficulty.

If you need to reload your gun, you will always have more ammunition -even if you haven't been carrying any before now.

You're very likely to survive any battle in any war unless you make the mistake of showing someone a picture of your sweetheart back home.

Should you wish to pass yourself off as a German officer, it will not be necessary to speak the language. A German accent will do.

The Eiffel Tower can be seen from any window in Paris.

A man will show no pain while taking the most ferocious beating but will wince when a woman tries to clean his wounds.

If staying in a haunted house, women should investigate any strange noises in their most revealing underwear.

Mothers routinely cook eggs, bacon and waffles for their family every morning even though their husband and children never have time to eat it.

The Chief of Police will always suspend his star detective - or give him 48 hours to finish the job.

It is not necessary to say hello or goodbye when beginning or ending phone conversations.

Even when driving down a perfectly straight road it is necessary to turn the steering wheel vigorously from left to right every few moments.

It is always possible to park directly outside the building you are visiting.

A detective can only solve a case once he has been suspended from duty.

It does not matter if you are heavily outnumbered in a fight involving martial arts - your enemies will wait patiently to attack you one by one by dancing around in a threatening manner until you have knocked out their predecessors.

When a person is knocked unconscious by a blow to the head, they will never suffer a concussion or brain damage.

Police departments give their officers personality tests to make sure they are deliberately assigned a partner who is their total opposite.

When they are alone, all foreigners prefer to speak English to each other.

You can always find a chainsaw when you need one.

Any lock can be picked by a credit card or a paper clip in seconds - unless it's the door to a burning building with a child trapped inside.

Television news bulletins usually contain a story that affects you personally at that precise moment.

Beauty Fades.... stupid is forever....

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

I think your whole life shows in your face, and you should be proud of that.

"Beauty fades," my father would tell me, "but dumb? Dumb is forever.

So much has been said and sung of beautiful young girls, why doesn’t somebody wake up to the beauty of old women?

People who are confident without a scrap of make-up and look healthy, happy and glowing, seem like natural beauties to me.

Beauty is revealed when we learn to see with our hearts. The more educated our hearts the greater beauty we can see. Therefore, beauty is revealed with age.

Beauty is not beauty without love.

Beauty is not in the face; Beauty is a light in the heart.

Beauty is not caused. It is.

The ideal of beauty is simplicity and tranquility.

Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical.

Taking joy in life is a woman's best cosmetic.

Beauty without grace is the hook without the bait.

Beauty is the gift of God.

A person is only beautiful, when their own beauty, is reflecting on to others.

Beauty comes in all sizes — not just size 5.

For every beauty there is an eye somewhere to see it. For every truth there is an ear somewhere to hear it. For every love there is a heart somewhere to receive it.

It's beauty that captures your attention; personality which captures your heart.

People are like stained glass windows: they sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light within.

Beauty is one of the rare things that do not lead to doubt of God.

Man makes holy what he believes, as he makes beautiful what he loves.

It is not sufficient to see and to know the beauty of a work. We must feel and be affected by it.

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, nor touched ... but are felt in the heart.

I've never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful.

Some people, no matter how old they get, never lose their beauty - they merely move it from their faces into their hearts.

Beauty... when you look into a woman's eyes and see what is in her heart.

Beauty is indeed a good gift of God; but that the good may not think it a great good, God dispenses it even to the wicked.

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.

On A Lighter Note

As far as ham sandwiches go, it was perfection. A thick slab of ham, a fresh bun, crisp lettuce and plenty of expensive, light brown, gourmet mustard.

The corners of my jaw aching in anticipation, I carried it to the picnic table in our backyard, picked it up with both hands but was stopped by my wife suddenly at my side.

"Hold Johnny (our six-week-old son) while I get my sandwich," she said.

I had him balanced between my left elbow and shoulder and was reaching again for the ham sandwich when I noticed a streak of mustard on my fingers.

I love mustard.

I had no napkin.

I licked it off.

It was not mustard!

No man ever put a baby down faster. It was the first and only time I have sprinted with my tongue protruding.

With a washcloth in each hand I did the sort of routine shoeshine boys do, only I did it on my tongue.

Later (after she stopped crying from laughing so hard) my wife said, "Now you know why they call that mustard 'Poupon.'"

Men: the Primary Victims of Pornography

Aimee over at Historical Christian has done an excellent piece, Men: the Primary Victims of Pornography.

" I submit that men are not only victimized by pornography, but that they are the primary victims of pornography. Men are the targeted audience for pornography. If you’re a man reading this, your must realize that pornography is aimed at you, at your mind, your soul, and your pocketbook – to the tune of billions of dollars a year.

There seems to be an underlying assumption that because men enjoy pornography, then it’s not really bad for them. It’s taken for granted that men are just doing what comes naturally, what they’re hardwired for, being the visual, testosterone-driven creatures that they are.

A man hooked on pornography not only becomes a slave of hell himself, he becomes a pimp for hell, feeding the demand for men, women and children to be used in porn, and victimizing them directly when, driven by porn, he acts on his porn-fed fantasies. And then everyone, men, women, children, and society, is victimized by porn."

Do stop by and read the entire piece. BRAVO Aimee!!!

Pre-marital Sex

We are all concerned with the physical environment, oil spills, acid rain, depletion of the ozone layer etc. Yet how may of us are concerned with Spiritual Pollution??? Low Morals??? Is not disrespect for our bodies, Spiritual Pollution??? Premarital sex is dangerous because it robs your Spirituality!


Most of us would become very annoyed if we were called a thief or a liar. If we are accused of premarital sex, we say, "We're not hurting anyone." or "We're taking precautions. So its O.K." Well, neither your parents, teachers or priests can be with you at all times and at all places. But they trust you. Even so, Our Lord is with you at all times... at all places.. and loves you. Remember it is GOD THAT YOU ARE ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE TO.


It is a mistake to think like this: If we engage in premarital sex and don't contract a disease or we don't become pregnant, then it’s OK. As far as sex is concerned the physical and the emotional are most closely linked. How many have said, "I only did it because I loved him." or "If I didn't do it, he wouldn't see me anymore." We must understand that there is a physical and emotional aspect to life. The difference between boys and girls as far as sex is concerned is this, a boy wants to have Sex and then ... get to know you. A girl wants to know a boy first and then perhaps have sex.


A physical relationship is a privileged aspect of love. We are all aware of its importance. It is part of God’s plan to bless the union of man and woman (Genesis 1:2). It is a very special part of the relationship in which the spouses give themselves joyfully to one another and through which they may have a child.


We often hear that having sexual relations before marriage is a way of "getting to know each other better." This is a misconception! Very often, sex takes away from real affection and deep communication. Body language ends up replacing dialogue. Moreover, the sexual harmony of a couple depends on the quality of their love for one another, and not on how they get along physically.

The world today trivializes sexual relations as if they were merely a physical act. We need to understand that a sexual act involves the whole person. Civil law, for instance, considers rape to be not only a physical attack, but an attack against human dignity and against the integrity of the person. Indeed, a man and a woman become deeply involved when they unite in a sexual act.

To give one’s body is to give one’s self. That means something! And a gift is not a loan. If what we live is at odds with our deepest choices, then we are not living in the truth. Is it right to give my body when I have not given myself? The truth is that a physical union can only have true meaning if it reflects a personal gift of oneself, a gift that is lasting and definite. This gift is marriage.


Even if it does not conform to today’s fashion, we can make the decision to remain chaste, to keep ourselves whole for the one whom we will marry one day. Don't rob your spirit of the graces and the blessings that our Lord bestows upon us. Sins against chastity are against the spirit and the soul. This is the truly dangerous aspect, not only of premarital sex, but of all the actions that we take. Chastity is synonymous with a love that wants to give itself totally and respectfully to the other. It is a decision that we can make at whatever stage we are at in our lives. If we have had sexual relations in the past, this should not prevent us from making that choice. Chastity is a road to freedom.

Let us remember to pray each day and ask Our Lord and His Mother to strengthen us against ALL temptation.

My Gift to ALL-On My Way Home

This is my way of saying thankyou to ALL who prayed. God bless you ALL.

My Father is Home Safe

My heart is full at the moment, my father is home. Only a few days ago his life was in the balance now he is home with his family.

The doctors did not find the reason of what caused such a huge blood loss and he still needs to undergo a few more tests, but he is so relieved to be home.

I will say that my father's blood loss STOPPED when I requested prayers for him on this blog.

I thankyou each and every one of you who prayed for my fathers wellbeing. I can only say that PRAYER is POWERFUL....I especially thank my co-blogger, best friend and sis, Ginny THANKYOU sis. And another THANKYOU to Paula for her loving care and concern, it meant SO much to me thankyou sis.

Once again...THANKYOU to ALL.

Your sister in Christ,

Marie

Food For Thought

"It may be true that you know the Word of God, but do you really know the God of the Word?"

"Our peace is destroyed by focusing on what is wrong around us, rather than HE who is right within us."

"Prayer pulls the rope below and the great bell rings above in the ears of God. Some scarcely stir the bell, for they pray so languidly; others give but an occasional pluck at the rope; but he who wins with heaven is the man who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continuously, with all his might."

"Morality will keep you out of jail, but only the blood of Jesus will keep you out of hell."

"Sometimes when we ask God our "Why?" questions, instead of giving us answers He gives us Himself."

"We have been created to love and to be loved."

"If you can see, what others can't find; then either you are mad, or they are blind."

"True friendship is a knot which Angel hands have tied."

"Respect yourself most of all."

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

"The only way to have a friend is to be one."

"All progress has resulted from people who took unpopular positions."

"Freedom is the emancipation from the arbitrary rule of other men."

"Our own heart, and not other men's opinion, form our true honor."

"There are some defeats more triumphant than victories."

Forgiving Is Living

Forgiveness means letting go,

forgetting grudges that you hold.

Turning over all your cares...

releasing them through heartfelt prayer.

Praying for a softened heart,

longing for a brand new start.

Reaching out in Christ-like love,

will bring you healing from above.

Bitterness consumes a heart

and tears relationships apart.

Love can make it right again...

but only God can make amends.

Ask yourself, when Jesus comes,

will you be praised for what you've done?

Or will He weep at how you've lived...

because your heart would not forgive.

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”

Prayer For The Sick

Merciful Jesus, during Your life on earth You showed great concern for the sick and the infirmed. Have compassion now on all those who are sick or in pain. Grant them a healing of mind and body and restore their strength and spirit.

Comfort them with the knowledge that we are praying for them, and give them peace with a sense of Your Presence. May they know that in a special way they are united with You. May they contribute to the welfare of the whole People of God by associating themselves freely with Your Passion and Death for the salvation of the world. Bless, too, those who take care of the sick. In their own time of need, bestow on them a hundredfold the blessings they have given to others.

Amen.

Letter From A Friend

I just had to write to tell you how much I love you and care for you. Yesterday, I saw you walking and laughing with your friends; I hoped that soon you'd want Me to walk along with you, too. So, I painted you a sunset to close your day and whispered a cool breeze to refresh you. I waited - you never called - I just kept on loving you.


As I watched you fall asleep last night, I wanted so much to touch you. I spilled moonlight onto your face - trickling down your cheeks as so many tears have. You didn't even think of Me; I wanted so much to comfort you.


The next day I exploded a brilliant sunrise into glorious morning for you. But you woke up late and rushed off to work - you didn't even notice. My sky became cloudy and My tears were the rain.


I love you. Oh, if you'd only listen. I really love you. I try to say it in the quiet of the green meadow and in the blue sky. The wind whispers My love throughout the treetops and spills it into the vibrant colors of all the flowers. I shout it to you in the thunder of the great waterfalls and compose love songs for birds to sing for you. I warm you with the clothing of My sunshine and perfume the air with nature's sweet scent. My love for you is deeper than any ocean and greater than any need in your heart. If you'd only realize how I care.


My Dad sends His love. I want you to meet Him - He cares, too. Fathers are just that way. So, please call on Me soon. No matter how long it takes, I'll wait - because I love you.


Your Friend,
Jesus