Community Chat

[gloriajean]

Hello my friends! It was a successful weekend - We did sell some CD's for the Month Club, and had a good trip - But coming home to snow wasn't that much appreciated already, but we are grateful for no accidents - it half snowed and half rained all the way home. 11 years ago today we had our car accident - our car hydroplaned into another car - it was sleeting. The car was totaled - the air bag hit Darla - and she's had back trouble ever since. The freeze method didn't take, so last Friday or so she got an injection, so far so good, it's only supposed to be temporary but we hope and pray she won't need many of them. I had forgotten it was 11 years ago today as we were on our way to Deil's 80th birthday party! I saw her mention of it on Facebook tonight and remembered that day. It was a year before we moved here. I'd like to ask you all for prayers for Lori - she has something going on in her throat area, she cannot wear necklaces, it makes her gag, she will be getting an ultra sound done Wednesday morning, she will have to take some pills to slightly sedate her so she can let them touch that area so she won't gag. Please pray it isn't something serious and that it can soon be remedied. I'm thanking you all in advance. May you all have a good Monday!!! Peace of Jesus to you all! I'm trying not to worry and leave God do His work!

Worry gets in the way of getting what you really want. Lord, help
me use my time in ways to enrich my life rather than focusing on
things I can do nothing about anyway.


Scripture for the day:

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you
will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it
will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together,
running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will
be the measure you get back." ~Luke 6:37-38

Meditation for the day:

We can try not to give way to criticism, blame, scorn or judgment of
others, when we are trying to help them. Effectiveness in helping
others depends on controlling ourselves. We may be swept away by a
temporary natural urge to criticize or blame, unless we keep a tight
rein on our emotions. We can have a firm foundation of spiritual
living which makes us truly humble, if we are going to really help
other people. We can go easy on them and be hard on ourselves. That
is the way we can be used most to uplift a despairing spirit. We need
not seek personal recognition for what we are used by God to
accomplish.

Prayer for the day:

I pray that I may try to avoid judgment and criticism. I pray that I
may always try to build up others instead of tearing them down.

Act of Petition
Give me yourself, O my God, give yourself to me. Behold I love you, and if
my love is too weak a thing, grant me to love you more strongly. I cannot
measure my love to know how much it falls short of being sufficient, but let
my soul hasten to your embrace and never be turned away until it is hidden
in the secret shelter of your presence. This only do I know, that it is not
good for me when you are not with me, when you are only outside me. I want
you in my very self. All the plenty in the world which is not my God is
utter want. Amen.

Saint Augustine of Hippo

Brighten Your Corner

We cannot all be famous
Or be listed in "Who's Who",
But every person, great or small,
Has important work to do.

For seldom do we realize
The importance of small deeds,
Or to what degree of greatness
Unnoticed kindness leads.

For it's not the big celebrity
In a world of fame and praise,
But it's doing unpretentiously
In an undistinguished way.

The work that God assigned to us,
Unimportant as it seems,
That makes our task outstanding,
And brings reality to dreams.

So do not sit and idly wish
for wider, new dimensions
Where you can put into practice,
Your many good intentions.

But at the spot God placed you
Begin at once to do,
Little things to brighten up
The lives surrounding you.

If everybody brightened up
The spot where their standing,
By being more considerate,
And a little less demanding.

This dark old world would very soon
Eclipse the evening star,
If everybody brightened up
The corner where they are!

- Author Unknown

I read a story about a young son of a missionary, in Zaire. The boy was
playing in the yard when suddenly he heard his father yell to him from the
porch, "Philip, obey me instantly! Drop to your stomach!"

Without hesitation, the boy did as his father commanded. His father, then,
commanded,
"Now, crawl to me as fast as you can!"

Again, the boy immediately obeyed.


"Now stand up and run to me!" Philip responded, without questioning, and
ran into his fathers arms.

When Philip turned around and looked back at the tree, where he was
standing, he saw a huge poisonous snake hanging from one of the branches.

The boy could have hesitated and asked, "Why?" or "In just a minute." But,
he instantly obeyed. That simple act of obedience saved his life!

Could it save your life, if you let go of your free will and followed what
the Lord has told you to do with your life.

A Prayer for Loved Ones

Lord, be their Shepherd,
Keep them with the flock,
Watch them and tend him,
Be their solid rock.

Don't let them falter,
Don't let them fall,
Wait with them, Father,
Be there for their call.

Hold their hand firmly,
The path grows so steep,
Wipe their tears gently,
Should they start to weep.

Teach them to follow,
In Your humble way,
Help them to walk,
In Your shadow each day.

Strengthen their body,
Weaken their will,
Should they deny You,
Stay with them still.

Give them Your shoulder,
On which they may rest,
Embrace them warmly,
Next to Your breast.

Please place Your hand,
Upon their dear head,
And give them Your blessing,
As their spirit is fed.

Quiet their mind,
Comfort their soul,
Put peace in their heart,
Make their life whole.

Give them a vision,
Of Your tender smile,
Let them feel loved,
All of the while.