Allah Or The Lord Jesus Christ?

The Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion in Australia.

Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Muslim faiths, who explained each of their beliefs.

I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. The Imam gave a gret presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with video.

After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers.

When it was my turn, I directed my questions to the Imam and asked: "Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad(Holy War)against the infidel(which is a command to all Muslims)they are assured of a place in Heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?'

There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitaton, he replied, 'Non-believers!'

I responded, 'So, let us make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can have a place in heaven. Is that correct?'

The expresssion on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of 'a little boy who had just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.'

He sheepishly replied, 'yes.'

I then stated, 'Well sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope Benedict XVI commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or the Archbishop of Canterbury ordering all Anglicans to do the same in order to guarantee them a place in heaven!'

The Imam was speechless!

I continued, 'I also have a problem with being your 'friend' when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me! Let me ask you a question. Would you rather have your Allah, who tells you to kill me in order for you to go to heaven, or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to heaven and He wants you to be there with me?'

You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame. Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of the 'diversification' training seminar were not happy with this way of dealing with the Islamic Imam and exposing the truth about Muslim beliefs.

In twenty years time there will be enough Muslim voters in Australia(and many other countries) to elect a government of their choice, complete with Shari Law.

These are facts which the liberal media will not tell you so I just did.

Written by Anon.

The Challenge

Let others lead small lives,

but not you.

Let others argue over small things,

but not you.

Let others cry over small hurts,

but not you.

Let others leave their future

in someone else's hands,

but not you.

Jim Rohn.

Best Songs of All Time

He aint heavy he's my brother-The Hollies

This is one of the best songs of all time. What do YOU think?

Obama-Abortion & The Nazification of America

"On Friday President Barack Obama struck down the Bush administration's ban on giving federal money to international groups that perform abortions or provide abortion information. Bill Burton, said Obama signed the executive order, without coverage by the media, late on Friday afternoon."

I am just surprised that President Obama didn't sign it at midnight while most Americans lay sleeping. Isn't the President for 'open Government?' Doesn't he love the photo opportunity yet where is the openness and the photo's as he signed this piece of legislation, after all it is YOUR money that will be paying for the deaths of millions of unborn babies.

Remember it is YOUR money.

Some people wonder at the connection between what President Obama represents and the Nazi Party in Fascist Germany led by Adolf Hitler. Let me clue you on.

"They may use contraceptives or practice abortion-the more the better. In veiw of the large families of the native population it could only suit us if girls and women there had as many abortions as possible. Active trade in contraceptives out to be actually encouraged in the Eastern territories, as we could not possibly have the slightest interest in increasing the non-Germanic population." Adolf Hitler

Preventing Unintended Pregnancy: President Obama was an original co-sponsor of legislation to expand access to contraception, health information, and preventive services to help reduce unintended pregnancies. Introduced in January 2007, the Prevention First Act will increase funding for family planning and comprehensive sex education that teaches both abstinence and safe sex methods. The Act will also end insurance discrimination against contraception, improve awareness about emergency contraception, and provide compassionate assistance to rape victims.

Where is the difference between what Hitler propogated and Obama?

"When girls and women in the Occupied Territories of the East have abortions, we can only be in favor of it; in any case we should not oppose it. The Fuhrer belives that we should authorize the development in a thriving trade in contraceptives. We are not interested in seeing the non-German population multiply." Martin Bormann

Supports a Woman's Right to Choose: President Obama understands that abortion is a divisive issue, and respects those who disagree with him. However, he has been a consistent champion of reproductive choice and will make preserving women's rights under Roe v. Wade a priority in his Adminstration. He opposes any constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's decision in that case.

Once again tell me the difference between Nazi philosophy of death and Obama's embracing of the culture of death?

"I think it's very hard to know what that means, when life begins. Is it when a cell separates? Is it when the soul stirs? So I don't presume to know the answer to that question."The then Senator Barack Obama.

President Obama claims to believe in fundamental Christians Principles and values and yet The Word of God is very clear when it comes to when life begins.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you came to birth I consecrated you." Jeremiah 1:5

You must banish all shedding of innocent blood from among you if you mean to do what is right in the eyes of Yahweh. Deuteronomy: 21:9

The ancient inhabitants of your holy land you hated for their loathsome practices, their deeds of sorcery and unholy rites, hated as ruthless murderers of children, as eaters of entrails at feasts of human flesh, initiated while the bloody orgy goes on, as murderous parents of defenseless beings. Wisdom: 12:3-6

Does President Obama not read the Bible or is it to fundamental for him? After all who is God to tell him how he should legislate policies.

And for those 'christians' who voted for Barack Obama you are the new 'Pontius Pilates' and just like him you cannot wash away what you have done! For SHAME!

President Bush sent money overseas to save lives. President Obama sends money overseas to take lives. That is the difference.

Just how different is President Obama's policies on abortion differ from Hitler. YOU tell me? Can YOU see a difference?

Blessed Mother Teresa

"The greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion, which is war against the child. The mother doesn't learn to love, but kills to solve her own problems. Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want."

Blessed Mother Teresa

Hope Endures-A book Review

During my blogging break I read a very challenging book written by a former Nun who joined the Missionaries of Charity. Not only did this Nun leave Mother Teresa's Order she also lost her faith, which is incredibly sad.

The book is titled 'Hope Endures' by Colette Livermore but it should be re-titled 'Hopeless and Lost'.

The great tragedy of Colette is her lack of calling and the fact that her Superiors including Blessed Mother Teresa failed to pick up on this integral part of any religious journey. Every Sister when asked why they joined a particular Religous Order nearly always state they felt an 'inner calling' this did not happen to Colette, instead she saw a documentary on the television called 'Something Beautiful for God' and decided then that she wanted to help the poor.

Colette Livermore failed to understand that a Religous life has nothing to do with social work and everything to do with Vocation and the most serious of Vows, Obedience.

There is only one area where I agreed with the authors perspective and that is in the area of humiliation. To me humiliation has nothing to do with humility.

Where in our Lords Ministry did Jesus humiliate and demean his disciples and those he met on his journey? Where did Our Lady humiliate and demean others? It never happened.

We are all in need of correction but this should always be done in a spirit of gentleness, compassion and love in the full knowledge that we are ourselves, imperfect.

I do not agree with the theory that humiliating and degrading another person somehow makes them more humble, if anything it creates resentment and can lead to severe psychological abuse on both sides.

It is a challenging book but I came away from it feeling depressed and frustrated that noone picked up on this young girls lack of calling. This young woman would have served mankind better if she had pursued her medical career or taken a course to become a social worker.

I pray that she will return to her faith and once again embrace her Catholic heritage and the Sacraments.

But I would like to know what you think about this need to humiliate others in an attempt to engender humility? I feel it does the opposite. What are YOUR thoughts?

Written by Marie

The Lovey Award

Thank you Tracy for giving Ginny and I this lovely Award and now we shall pass it forward.

So this is the info about the Lovey Award:

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

Esther has a new blog for pets and their owners. I was touched when watching the Golden Globes when Mickey Roarke thanked his dogs for seeing him through some very tough times. In many families pets become a part of our family but for those who are alone, at times pets are their only family. Let us keep our furry family in our prayers. This is a great site started by Esther and I thank her.

1: Prayer for our Pets

I love stained glass windows and think them magnificent. Take a peek at this lovely blog.

2: Stained Glass Splendor

Now to give out the Awards to six more deserving blogs which I enjoy reading.

3: Soul Pockets

4: Tears of A Clown

(and if you can figure out what is in that pic however spooky please TELL me! lol)

5: Awesome God

(Welcome back Kimberly-You were missed!)

6: Are We There Yet

(Lisa I just love your take on life. Love your blog)

There are so many wonderful blogs that it is always difficult to stop at only a few. So I also award All those on our blog roll.

Peace and love to you all.

Marie and Ginny xooxoox

Something Amazing About Grace

Are we hypocrites?

Do we willingly dish out advice without taking a dose of it ourselves?

It is very easy to opine and tell the people of Israel to make peace with a terrorist organization like Hamas even though Hamas makes no secret that it wishes to destroy Israel.

Yet when have we Christians lived and embraced real peace?

Sure we may not throw rockets at each other or strap bombs to our bodies because someone is from a different denomination. We instead throw words around with never a thought that we will be held accountable for what comes out of our mouths or face the fact that we too can hate with a smile.

How can we preach peace and yet in our hearts we may detest our Seperated Brethren? Whatever denomination they may be?

Whenever the song Amazing Grace is sung there are many Catholics who cringe away from singing this particular hymn as it is simply 'too protestant' for them. This word is spoken as if it were a disease with a 'oh you mustn't say this prayer or sing that hymn lest you be thought Protestant.'

I can remember attending a seminar where a Baptist Minister stated that the Catholic Church is a cult and that Catholics were the real heretics. He went on in a most hateful manner, I stood up and spoke up and asked where in the Bible is it correct to hate another merely for their difference of religious belief? The Minister thought I was a Catholic. No! I was a Lutheran at that time, but after speaking my mind and telling him that I would not sit and listen to him insulting our brothers and sisters in Christ I then left the auditorium.

A few followed me. The majority stayed.

How can we talk peace if it is not in our own hearts? If a Catholic dislikes a person because they may be a Lutheran, or a Baptist hates a person because they are Catholic. Then where are we different?

We slay each other with words and wound the Heart of Christ.

The Reformation tore the Heart of the Church asunder but did not destroy it therefore we must show some responsibility in reaching out to each other in mutual respect, where love is essential.

Is the Catholic Church perfect? No but it is the Church that Christ handed down to the Apostle Peter and now to Pope Benedict XVI. The first Christian Church was the Catholic Church, the Universal Church meant for All and not for the elite.

We cannot speak peace until we are at peace with one another, lest we be considered hypocrites who hate with a smile.

In many Christian hearts there is a great winter. I pray the Son will be able to shatter the icy shards and turn what was once an immovable obstacle into a still lake of Divine Grace and inner peace.

Written by Marie

The Comfort Zone

I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I wouldn't fail.

The same four walls and busywork were really more like jail.

I longed so much to do the things I'd never done before,

But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.

I said it didn't matter that I wasn't doing much.

I said I didn't care for things like commission checks and such.

I claimed to be so busy with things inside my zone,

But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.

I couldn't let my life go by just watching others win.

I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin.

I took a step and with new strength I'd never felt before,

I kissed my comfort zone goodbye and closed and locked the door.

If you're in a comfort zone, afraid to venture out,

Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.

A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true.

Reach for your future with a smile; Success is there for you!

Anon

Something to Sing About

Streets of London

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

I love music. When it comes to music I am eclectic in that I like all types, yes! Even some country music lol.

So this year I will be sharing what I think are some of the greatest songs ever sung and hope that you will let me know what you think about my choices.

I also love to sing even though my dogs howl in protest(they're my choir really lol) and birds fall from the tree's(they're just dizzy at the stunning resonance of my er vocal talents)and cats whine(they're just trying to be my background singers).

Now here is one song that really is a classic.

What do YOU think?

President Bush--A little Respect

As President Bush prepares to leave office many in America & around the world are contemplating his legacy and not all in a spirit of fairness. I hope this piece is written in a fair minded manner.

Under the guidance of President Bush America has faced only one terrorist attack and none of us will forget September 11th 2001. It is the defining moment of recent history and the world will now remain before and after 9/11.

Imagine getting up in the morning and reading reports where this or that terrorist group is planning to strike your country. Can any of us imagine the enmormity and responsibility of protecting millions of their fellow country men from harm? President Bush has faced this task every day for eight years.

There are those who criticize the war in Iraq but this faces us with a conundrum(I face this too). We often hear of atrocities and in hindsight we wonder how did Pol Pot manage to murder millions of his own people? How did the Hutu's in Rwanda slaughter millions of their own country men? How did Idi Amin brutalize his own people? How did Saddam Hussein gas and murder the Kurds even little babies?

Because we chose to look the other way. It wasn't happening to us.

You see we speak about peace in the safe confines of our own living rooms as we see these atrocities take place. We say things like, 'this shouldn't happen,' and those 'poor people. Lord look after them.' And then we turn the TV over to watch American Idol or Greys Anatomy.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."

We read the above quote by Edmund Burke and most agree with it but do we understand his meaning? We are the ones doing nothing.

We wept over Cambodia but we did nothing. We prayed for the people in Rwanda while we ran away. We cried as we saw the horror of the Kurdish people and then turned away.

In the end it wasn't happening to us and we didn't care enough to really care about them.

You see, Freedom costs but most of us dont want to know the price.

Every intelligence agency told President Bush that Iraq had weapons of Mass Destruction. What was the President supposed to do, cross his fingers and toes and hope they got it wrong?

Whether you agree with the Presidents decision or not, he acted. He stopped a brutal mass murderer and tyrant and I for one am not going to weep over the loss of Saddam Hussein and his murderous sons.

This time the American President for good or worse did not look the other way. He stopped a mass murderer and he freed a country with the help of his Allies.

Many call the President himself a mass murderer, those who do this then please show us his mass graves? Show the world his hidden rape rooms. Oh that's right, wrong country that was happening in Iraq. President Bush and his Allies helped stop it.

Has President Bush made mistakes ofcourse. The economy for one, he took his eyes off the ball and many Americans and people the world over will be paying a price for his lack of oversight. The buck really does stop at the Presidents desk.

But there are also successes. President Bush banned Post Partial Abortion. Praise God there was a President ready to take on the feminist nazification philosophy of sheer evil, the murder of half born babies.

Who knows how many children that President Bush has saved by banning this evil act, but rest assured God knows.

The President also appointed two Pro-Life Supreme Court Judges once again facing down the Feminazi brigade and those liberal, heretical 'catholic' politicians who don't have the backbone to stand on their beliefs!

As for the Iraqi reporter who threw his shoes at President Bush, he is still alive. Under Saddam Hussein he would now be dead and that is the difference.

Now you may not agree with all of President Bush's policies, but at least give the President some credit where credit is due.

In Africa the President has a popularity level of over 80%. Why? Because once again he is not just standing by. His policies has saved lives, African lives.

In America his popularity is at an all time low at below 30%. Why? Because many 'talk' peace with no teeth. We want to weep for the suffering people without it costing us anything.

So the next time you feel like insulting the President ask yourself this. What have you done today to make the world a safer place and how have you helped the poor?

Written by Marie

Anything is Possible....

If there was a time to dare,

to make a difference,

to embark on something worth doing,

IT IS NOW.

Not for any grand cause, necessarily...

but for something that tugs at your heart,

something that's your inspiration,

something that's your dream.

You owe it to yourself to make your days here count.

HAVE FUN.

DIG DEEP.

STRETCH.

HAVE COURAGE

DREAM BIG.

Know, though, that things worth doing seldom come easy.

there will be good days.

And there will be bad days.

There will be times whe you want to turn around,

pack it up, and call it quits.

Those times tell you

that you are pushing yoruself, that you are not afraid

to learn by trying.

PERSIST.

Because with an idea,

determination, and the right tools,

you can do great things.

Let your instincts, your intellect,

and your heart, guide you.

TRUST.

Believe n the incredible power of the human mind.

Of doing something that makes a difference.

Of working hard.

Of laughing and hoping.

Of lazy afternoons.

Of lasting friends.

Of all the things that will cross your path this year.

THE START OF SOMETHING NEW BRINGS THE HOPE OF SOMETHING GREAT-ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

I Hate Nigella! Meow!

There is nothing more venomous than a woman at a keyboard with malice in her heart and envy at her fingertips.

What is it about Nigella Lawson that brings out the Meow in many women?

It totally baffles me especially after reading a rather nasty piece on her written by Jan Moir. Who is Jan Moir? I don't think anybody knows and perhaps that is her main angst.

To quote from her vitriolic piece, "There is also the patronizing assumption that we are too thick or lazy to make something as simple as butterscotch,"*raises my hand* I haven't got a clue how to make butterscotch.

There is an entire generation out there who have no idea how to cook, including myself. Many were raised in households where both parents worked and so teaching your daughter how to cook went out the door along with the stove.

Now I agree with the author in that Nigella's pout does tend to weary one, but hate her? Why? Unless ofcourse you spy your husband drooling over her and not the actual food.

Let's face it, cooking shows these days are pure entertainment. Do we really believe that Jeffrey is going to forget his and Ina's (Garten) wedding anniversary? Not likely when he has a camera crew following his every step. Is it 'real' ofcourse not but it is entertaining.

I would prefer to watch Nigella or Ina Garten(Barefoot Contessa) anyday over the likes of the mother of all bullies Gordon *bleeping* Ramsay. A man who takes great delight in humiliating his staff and cheating on his wife!

Trust me if I had to work alongside Gordon Ramsay he'd be wearing a frying pan for a hat by the end of the day!

So sheath your claws ladies, end your pain and turn the channel. It is that easy.

Who would you prefer to watch Nigella or Gordon?

Written by Marie

Change Your World

You cannot change the world, but you can present the

world with one improved person, yourself.

You can go to work on yourself to make yourself into

the kind of person you admire and respect.

You can become the role model and set the standard for others.

You can control and discipline yourself to resist acting or

speaking in a negative way toward anyone for any reason.

You can insist upon always doing things the loving way,

rather than the hurtful way.

By doing these things each day, you can continue on your journey toward becoming an exceptional human being.

Brian Tracy.

What Mary Did Not Say

I was reading a book over Christmas about how Our Lady responded to Gods call and the meaning of the few words she spoke recorded in the Gospels. After contemplating different elements of the book I wondered what would have happened if Our Lady had responded to Gods invitation in a totally human, selfish way. And how do we respond to Gods Will.

So this is what Mary did not say.

"Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you." ..."Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

Mary: "But ArchAngel Gabriel, I am still not married so if I were to suddenly appear pregnant this would ruin my reputation in the eyes of my neighbours and my betrothed, Joseph. And if I say I have seen an Angel the people will scoff at me and think me mad. In the end what others think of me is more important than to follow God's Will."

Do you follow God's Will or are you more concerned with 'what will the neighbours think?'

"The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God."

Mary: "you know this and I know it but my family, my friends and my neighbours will not know this. Once again what will people think of me? They will think me disgraced how could I bear such a burden. It is all too much for one so young."

If you are accused of something you did not do, can you persevere through misunderstanding and remain at peace because God knows you are innocent? Or do you rail against the injustice of it all?

"And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God."

Mary: "This is great news for Elizabeth and her husband and I know that nothing is impossible for God except controlling human opinion or gossiping tongues. Elizabeth is married so when she gives birth there will be great rejoicing and noone will accuse her of anything. With me it will be different for I am unmarried and many people will think ill of me. And there is Joseph to consider, he will never understand and I do not wish to hurt him...So thank you but no thank you Archangel Gabriel."

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

When reading the fake discourse above can we truly appreciate Mary's Fiat, for indeed she would have faced questions from the community where she lived. There would have been raised eye brows, hushed whispers and much finger pointing.

Thankfully Mary put Gods Will first. Do you?

Written by Marie.

Back From Break

I have to say it feels good to be back and I have missed so many of you but due to ill health and a few other factors I had to take this break. Many thanks to my good friend Ginny who held the fort while I spent some time alone with God.

This year I will continue to write about our Faith in all its beauty and variety but will also tackle different aspects of society from how we treat each other to how we view ourselves and best of all how to grow and be better people to each other, in my own opinionated style lol.

God's peace and blessings to you all.

Marie xoxoxoxo

On The Lighter Side...

Do You Love Me

One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah... the beauty of God's creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work. As I sat there, I felt the Lord's presence with me.

He asked me, "Do you love me?"

I answered, "Of course, God! You are my Lord and Saviour!"

Then He asked, "If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?"

I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my body and wondered how many things I wouldn't be able to do and thought about the things that I take for granted. I answered, "It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You."

Then the Lord said, "If you were blind, would you still love my creation?"

How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation. So I answered, "It's hard to think of it, but I would still love you."

The Lord then asked me, "If you were deaf, would you still listen to my word?"

How could I listen to anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to God's Word is not merely using our ears, but our hearts. I answered, "It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your word."

The Lord then asked, "If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?"

How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me, God wants us to sing from our very hearts and souls. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, we give God praise with our words of thanks. So I answered, "Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name."

And the Lord asked, "Do you really love Me?"

With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, "Yes Lord! I love You because You are the one and true God!"

I thought I had answered well, but God asked, "Then why do you sin?"

I answered, "Because I am only human. I am not perfect."

"Then why in times of peace do you stray the furthest? Why only in times of trouble do you pray the earnest?"

I had no answers, only tears.

The Lord continued. "Why only sing at fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me only in times of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so unfaithfully?" The tears continued to roll down my cheeks. "Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading the good news? Why in times of persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry on? Why make excuses when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?"

"You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to you but your ears were closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have sent you servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all. Do you truly love me?

I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse. What could I say to this? When my heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I said, "Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child."

The Lord answered, "That is My Grace, My child."

I asked, "Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do You love me so?"

The Lord answered, " Because you are My creation. You are my child. I will never abandon you. When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you. When you shout with joy, I will laugh with you. When you are down, I will encourage you. When you fall, I will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry you. I will be with you until the end of days, and I will love you forever."

Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I have hurt God as I had done? I asked God, "How much do You love me?"

The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Saviour. And for the first time, I truly prayed.

Anon

The World At My Doorstep

I peered out my window. I could see it waiting for me; watching me. I just couldn’t go out. For there, outside, was the world at my doorstep.

How could I venture out? It was so dark. The faces that I could make out in the darkness were angry and hostile. I just couldn’t go out there.

My master saw my struggle and He said to me, “You won’t go out because you can’t see through my eyes.” He took my eyes and gave me His. Then He said, “Look now”. I looked out the window. For the first time I no longer saw anger, but rather the pain and the suffering on the faces outside my door.

My master said, “You won’t help them because you don’t have my hands.” He took my hands and gave me His. Then He said, “Go.” For the first time, I opened my door and greeted the world at my doorstep.

I saw the pain and suffering. I reached out with newfound desire to help this darkened and needy world, but I was soon discouraged. I just couldn’t go on.

I returned to my door and went inside. It was light and felt safe and warm. My master said, “There is one more thing I must give you…my heart. Now go and meet the world at your doorstep. See them through my eyes, touch them with my hands, but most of all…love them with my heart.”

I opened the door and boldly went out to the world at my doorstep.

Anon

Courage

The Comforter

Lord, will you take the pieces of my life and make them into something beautiful. I can't always see the design you have in mind for me, and that's okay, even though sometimes it doesn't feel okay.

In my heart I know the pattern you make will be just right for my life. Lord, some of the pieces of my life are wonderful and bright and I love those pieces. I wish every square of my life-quilt could be like that.

But some of my squares are ragged, faded and tear stained, and some speak of dark days when I wondered if there was any pattern at all to my life.

As I look back I see that you took those pieces and stitched them into place with stitches that were brighter and lovelier than the rest.

Lord, I want my life-quilt to be useful as well as beautiful. Not just something for people to admire but something to wrap the cold world up snug and cozy. I want my life-quilt to be called by one of Your most precious names, "The Comforter."

So Lord, will you take the pieces of my life and make them into something beautiful for You.

Anon

God is There...

God, give me Grace to find my way
and help me see the truth...
that all I've ever needed
is to trust and lean on You.

Forgive me when I fail to live
by Faith in You alone...
at times I try to carry
my burdens on my own.

But God, I know I'm nothing,
without Your Guiding Light...
to direct the path before me
every day and every night.

I give you all my burdens
each heavy load I bear...
I can climb the highest mountain,
because Your Love is waiting there.

Think About It

Don't attempt to run from the past, it is always behind you.

Don't be afraid of opposition; Remember a kite rises against, not with the wind.

Don't be afraid of tomorrow, for God has already been there.

Don't be afraid to learn. Knowledge is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily.

Don't be angry at a friend who told your secret, for neither could you keep it to yourself.

Don't be concerned others not appreciating you. Be concerned about your not appreciating others.

Don't be irreplaceable -- if you can't be replaced, you won't be promoted.

Don't be so Heavenly minded that you do no earthly good.

Don't control, be in control.

Don't count the days, make the days count.

Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.

Don't ever slam a door- you may want to go back.

Don't fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things.

The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have.

Don't get good at doing something if you don't like doing it.

Don't get married only because of the money. You can borrow it cheaper.

Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.

Don't just get something out of church, put something into it.

Don't kill the dream - execute it!

Don't learn the tricks of the trade, learn the trade.

Don't let anybody walk through your mind with dirty feet.

Don't let people drive you crazy when it is within walking distance.

Don't let time take control of your destiny.Let your destiny take control of your time.

Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.

Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future.

Don't limit your challenges - challenge your limits.

Don't listen to what I say; listen to what I mean.

Don't love the things you own, lest they own you.

Don't measure your life by how many breaths you take, measure it by how many times you get your breath taken away.

Don't pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger people

Requests For The New Year

What shall I ask for the coming year?
What shall my watchword be?
What should thou do for m, dear Lord?
What can I do for thee?

Lord, I would ask for a holy year,
Spent in thy perfect will.
Help me to walk in thy very steps;
Help me to please thee still.

Lord, I would ask for a trustful year,
Give me thy faith divine,
Taking my full inheritance,
Making thy fullness mine!

Lord, I would ask for a year of love;
O let me love thee best!
Give me the love that faileth not
Beneath the hardest test.

Lord, I would ask for a year of prayer,
Teach me to walk with thee;
Breathe in my heart the Spirit's prayer;
Pray thou thy prayer in me!

Lord, I would ask for the dying world,
Stretch forth thy mighty hand;
Thy truth proclaim, thy power display
This year in every land.

Lord, I would ask for a year of joy;
Thy peace, thy joy divine,
Springing undimmed through all the days
Be thy days of shade or shine.