Among Friends

[gloriajean]

Hello my friends!  It is great joy to receive a plant special delivery from Lori, plus a nice gift delivered here from her,  a twin hamper set, wicker, that matches our bathroom well!!   Then it got dampered when my husband took Sammy to the Vet and found out that he has heart failure, stones in his bladder, somewhat dehydrated although he drinks alot of water, and other things.  He can get antibiotics for the stones, but nothing will help his heart condition.  So with tears in my eyes I write this, I didn't expect this.  We love him so much!!  Already asked if he can be buried in a place at Lori's and she accepted.  

The dishwasher came this morning that I was so excited for, but this dampens everything.  Sammy is still so happy, but coughs alot, nothing was said about his partially collapsed traechea this time, just that his heart has enlarged and has fluid around it, and the rest.  I feel brokenhearted, but God has a plan.  He knows what's best and we accept His Will.  We've had Sammy with us and he gave us much joy for over 11 years.  His time will be short, I'm afraid, but we want to hang on to him as long as we can so we will get the antibiotics for the stones. 

Love and trust are the solutions for the worries and frets of life. 

Lord, I pray for Your gift of Faith which is all that I need for Your

power to work within me.

S C R I P T U R E   F O R   T H E   D A Y 

"It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words
that I have spoken to you are spirit and life."  ~John 6:63

M E D I T A T I O N   F O R   T H E   D A Y 

I can discipline myself.  I can do this disciplining now.  I can turn
out all useless thoughts.  I know that the goodness of my life is a
necessary foundation for its usefulness.  I can welcome this training,
for it opens me to receive the power God wants to give me.  I can
believe that this power is a mighty power when it is used in the right
way.

P R A Y E R   F O R   T H E   D A Y  

I pray that I may face and accept whatever discipline is necessary.  I
pray that I may open myself to receive God's power in my life.

Old Testament  New Testament

God used an important divine inspiration to prove to us that our Holy Scriptures contains truth... God used prophecy; this is the ability predict the future.  Nobody else can do this, because only God is the creator of time and only God is above time to know what will happen in the future.

The Old Testament was written hundreds, even thousands, of years before the time of Jesus.

Arguably, the most important prophecy given to us was the prediction that Jesus will come to earth to save us.  There are hundreds of biblical predictions concerning the birth, life, and death of Jesus in the Old Testament and which have been realised and confirmed in the New Testament.  Below are just a few of them which you may find familiar...

In the Old Testament, we read about
a virgin who will become pregnant and it will be a sign that God is with us.  (Isaiah 7:14)
In the New Testament, we are told that
the Virgin Mary, will give birth to Jesus, the Son of the Most High God.  (Luke 1:31-32)

In the Old Testament, we read about
a star that will annouce the birth of a king.  (Numbers 24:17)
In the New Testament, we are told that
wise men followed the star that led them to baby Jesus.  (Matthew 2:2)

In the Old Testament, we read about
a ruler that will be born in Bethlehem.  (Micah 5:2)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus was born in Bethlehem.  (Luke 2:4-6)

In the Old Testament, we read about
a King who will be known as the Son of God.  (Psalms 2:7)
In the New Testament, we are told that
heaven announces Jesus as the Son of God.  (Matthew 3:17)

In the Old Testament, we read about
one being betrayed by a close friend for 30 silver coins.  (Psalms 41:9 and Zechariah 11:9,12)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus was betrayed by one of His apostles, Judas, for 30 silver coins.  (Matthew 26:14-15 and Matthew 27:4)

In the Old Testament, we read about
a servant who is treated harshly and yet remaining silent.  (Isaiah 53:7)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus kept quiet during harsh accusations.  (Matthew 26:63)

In the Old Testament, we read about
one being rejected by one's own people.  (Isaiah 53:3)
In the New Testament, we are told that
the crowds chanted for the death of Jesus.  (Luke 23:18)

In the Old Testament, we read about
the cry and anguish of a man and the pains of his hands and feet.  (Psalms 22:16)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus had his hands pierced by nails.  (John 20:25)

In the Old Testament, we read about
a man calling out for God and being humiliated by other people who shook their heads at him.  (Psalms 22:7)
In the New Testament, we are told that
people hurled insults, shook their heads at Jesus, and humiliated him.  (Matthew 27:39 and Luke 23:35)

In the Old Testament, we read about
God's servant who is numbered amongst the criminals.  (Isaiah 53:12)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus was crucified with bandits.  (Mark 15:27)

In the Old Testament, we read about
God's servant who is being harshly treated and yet still praying that they might be forgiven.  (Isaiah 53:12)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus prays for forgiveness to those who are killing Him.  (Luke 23:34)

In the Old Testament, we read about
a victim whose clothes were gambled for and divided up amongst evil men.  (Psalms 22:18)
In the New Testament, we are told that
the soldiers who killed Jesus threw dice and gambled for Jesus' clothes.  (Luke 23:34)

In the Old Testament, we read about
a suffering man who is felt forsaken by his father.  (Psalms 22:1)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus felt abandoned by God.  (Matthew 27:46)

In the Old Testament, we read about
the good man whom the Lord preserves completely and none of his bones will be broken.  (Psalms 34:20)
In the New Testament, we are told that
the soldiers did not break the legs of Jesus, as they did to the others who were crucified.  (John 19:33)

In the Old Testament, we read about
the one who was stabbed to death and they mourn for him like those who mourn for an only child.  (Zechariah 12:10)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus, the only Son of God,  had his side pierced by a soldier's spear.  (1 John 4:9 and John19:34)

In the Old Testament, we read about
a devoted servant who would bear the punishment of many.  (Isaiah 53:11)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus died for our sins.  (1 Corinthians 15:3)

In the Old Testament, we read about
an innocent man who was buried with the rich.  (Isaiah 53:9)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus was taken by a rich man to be buried in the rich man's tomb.  (Matthew 27:59-60)

In the Old Testament, we read about
a wise man who is  saved from the power of death.  (Psalms 49:15)
In the New Testament, we are told that
Jesus rises from the dead.  (Luke 24:34)

Prophecy is God's signature on the scriptures.  So christians can rejoice, because God came to earth to save us.  And we knew He would... We knew a thousand years before it happened.

No other book in the history of the world can approach the impact of the Bible.  It has transformed countless lives.  It has inspired great works of art, music and literature.  The very wealthy have drawn success secrets from its pages; the most poor have found comfort and challenge in its words.  And it is the basis for much of "civil" society in many parts of the globe.

A STORY TO MAKE US THINK
Author Unknown


Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man
was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help
drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only
window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men
talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their
homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where
they had been on vacation. And every afternoon when the man in the bed
by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to
his room-mate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods
where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity
and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a
lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed
their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of
every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and
a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the
man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the
picturesque scene. One warm afternoon the man by the window described
a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band -
he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window
portrayed it with descriptive words.

Then unexpectedly, a sinister thought entered his mind. Why should the
other man alone experience all the pleasures of seeing everything
while he himself never got to see anything? It didn't seem fair.

At first thought the man felt ashamed. But as the days passed and he
missed seeing more sights, his envy eroded into resentment and soon
turned him sour. He began to brood and he found himself unable to
sleep. He should be by that window - that thought, and only that
thought, now controlled his life.

Late one night as he lay staring at the ceiling, the man by the window
began to cough. He was choking on the fluid in his lungs. The other
man watched in the dimly lit room as the struggling man by the window
groped for the button to call for help. Listening from across the room
he never moved, never pushed his own button which would have brought
the nurse running in. In less than five minutes the coughing and
choking stopped, along with that the sound of breathing. Now there was
only silence-deathly silence.

The following morning the day nurse arrived to bring water for their
baths. When she found the lifeless body of the man by the window, she
was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take it away. As
soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be
moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and
after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly,
painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look
at the world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it all
himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the
bed. It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased
roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the
wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."

Epilogue. . . .

You can interpret the story in any way you like. But one moral stands
out: There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our
own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when
shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all of the
things you have that money can't buy.

Holy Are Your Ways

Help me to understand, Lord, 
that what counts is not the road traveled, 
but simply putting my hand in yours 
and journeying side by side with you, Lord Jesus -- 
O you who are the joy of my journey 
and also the repose in the Father's home! 
Holy, holy is the Lord, for eternal is His love.

Thank You Lord

Heavenly Father,

Thank you Lord for your mercy, grace and Love, and especially your forgiveness.

Lord, thank you for forgiving my sins, for sending your son to free us from sins bondage, and allowing me to find freedom in you.

Lord, show me the way to love others. To let go of my judgements and preconceptions and accept others just as they are, just as you have accepted me. Lord, you knew me before I was conceived, you have special plans for me. Lord, show me the way to fulfill your destiny for me.

Lord, thank you for loving me just as I am. Help me to be a servant unto others. But first Lord, I ask that you help me to understand my self and find wholeness. In understanding myself, help me to understand others and love them wholeheartedly.

Lord, thank you for the gift of love you gave us. Show us the way to return that gift to others. And help us to obey your most important command:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul and all your strength, and love your brother as you love yourself.

I pray in Jesus name,

Amen.

- - -
Matthew 22:37-39 - Jesus answered, " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'  This is the greatest and the most important commandment.  The second most important commandment is like it: 'Love your neighbour as you love yourself...' "

PSALM FOR STUDENTS

Recite this prayer in deep faith before and after study. Jesus will bless you abundantly.

1. The Lord is my teacher. I shall want for nothing.

2. He will teach me all subjects. He leads me to his ocean of knowledge.

3. He answers all my doubts. He fills me with His wisdom and leads me through the path

    of His knowledge.

4. I shall not fear even the most difficult exams, because the Lord is with me. His words and promises

    strengthen me always.

5. He makes easy for me even the most difficult subjects. He is anointing my head with His wisdom.

    My answer sheets are filled with the right answers.

6. He gives me blessings to study well during my study time. I will be always a faithful student to Jesus who is my teacher.

Nadine Mansour	3:20 AM (1 hour ago)
to bcc: me

JESUS MISSED ME

When life is good and I'm ok,
my prayers go down to few .
But if I'm in need or having trouble,
I stop, I turn, and then I seek You.

Why can't I remember to pray,
during life's normal daily race.
Why must I suffer some misery,
before I turn and seek Your face?

I know I owe you everything,
you've taken special care of me.
I'm the one that is neglecting
the love you give so free.

When I forget the time to pray,
the guilt spreads over me.
I really feel You miss me too,
my time on bended knee.

But how can it be possible,
You miss our relationship?
With so many that worship you,
what value am I to Your Lordship?

Jesus, I know not what I am to you,
or why You value me.
I just know You paid the price,
when You hung upon that tree.

My faith restored, You take me in
Your arms of strength and grace.
Forgiveness is what You do,
When I ask for Your embrace.

I'll not forget again, O Lord,
Because now I know, I see
That every time that I forget,
You really do miss me.

Chester Smidt

Prayer To Bring Christ's Peace to the World

God, our Father, Your Word, Jesus Christ, spoke peace to a sinful world and brought mankind the gift of reconciliation by the suffering and death He endured. Teach us, the people who bear His name, to follow the example He gave us: may our faith, hope, and charity turn hatred to love, conflict to peace, and death to eternal life. Amen.

Verse of the Day

"Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God."

1 Corinthians 4:5

April 20 - Jesus Calling

Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Hear Me saying Peace, be still to your restless heart. No matter what happens, I will never leave you or forsake you. Let this assurance soak into your mind and heart, until you overflow with Joy. Though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, you need not fear!

The media relentlessly proclaim bad news: for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A steady diet of their fare will sicken you. Instead of focusing on fickle, everchanging news broadcasts, tune in to the living Word—the One who is always the same. Let Scripture saturate your mind and heart, and you will walk steadily along the path of Life. Even though you don’t know what will happen tomorrow, you can be absolutely sure of your ultimate destination. I hold you by your right hand, and afterward I will take you into Glory.

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
—Mark 4:39 nkjv

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
—Deuteronomy 31:6

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.
—Psalm 46:2

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
—Psalm 73:23–24

[luvswesties]

Hi Gloriajean, I am saddened to hear the news about Sammy.  I will keep Sammy and your family in my prayers.

God bless

[NAES1]

For my caring friend, @PamfromCT~

 I am sending prayers for your very loved sister-in-law, exactly at this time. May God hold her in the palms of His Healing Hands.

H devoted you are for all of your family, but those whom you have never met, personally.

I resume with prayers for your cherished friend, N~.

 I hope that you had seen my What? SM's, along with

    " I have no idea where this 'D' space is coming from, but it certainly was not me". Not Me.

I always go with my innate feelings, so as you mentioned before-

When it happens to them, now you.

I did try to explain, but to no avail. 

I will not be here for most of the day, on the 21st. Birthday.

  God Bless you, Pam for loving so deeply.

I have always been blessed with you supporting me when others tried to have me vindicated, and never asked!

    Even SM had a doubt, but maybe my imagination.... Really have reservations where I am to be well received.

God Bless Pam and her entire family and many immediate friends.

from

                           NAES

4.20. 2016

[HeresLucy]

I'm sorry to hear the news about Sammy. Maybe he will get better and have a few more years. I hope so. 

I'm up very early this morning, can't go back to sleep. Don't you hate when that happens?  

I've read, A story that makes us think, before. It's been awhile so I enjoyed reading again. And it's true. If you want to feel rich. Count all the things that money can't buy.  I feel like a millionaire!  

Have a wonderful day. God bless. 

[marmot24]

Oh Gloria, So sorry to read about your sweet Sammy. I'm sure he had a wonderful life with you and can live out his remaining time in comfort. Out dear puppy turned 9 in Dec. and I see him starting to get that "old dog" look. 

So glad to hear the baby shower was a success. Only a few more months and they'll be here.  So exciting!  

Happy birthday to you on this beautiful spring day and many more.  You are a true blessing to many here on this board and in your daily life. Marmot

[lovestopaint]

Gloria, so sorry to hear about Sammy.

I hope they can find something for his heart.

Our Britinny Spanual  and our cat both have heart problems.

The dog has a heart murmer and our cat has a hole in his heart.

They are both on mdication and seem to be doing well.

Our vet had a heart specialist take a ultra sound of both of them

a couple of months ago $800.00 now he wants to get them checked again.

We said we will just just keep up with the medicine, thank you.

Unbelievable what they want to charge you.

Blessings

Harlene(lovestopaint)

[Bobbi sue]

Gloria, so sorry to hear about Sammy.  I know you and Linus love him.  It is hard to lose some one you love even if it is a fur baby. 

Blessings to all who read and post here.  May you all have a good day.  Happy Passover to those who observe.

[Puzzle Piece]

Hello to All

Gloria, with sadness in my heart for your situatiuon.  I know you have many memories of Sammy and his ways to be thankful about. 

[gloriajean]

Thanks everyone for your posts about our Sammy - he still has a lot of life in him, so we will wait until we see he's in pain, but right now he doesn't seem to be in pain at  all.  I'm praying for him, and we will get the antibiotics for his stones in the bladder - and hope he'll be with us a long time yet, God willing.  He is a gem.