Community Chat

[gloriajean]

Recognize the joy that comes from the simple things in life like a smile, a
hug,
or a good meal. Lord, help me think about the good things in my life and
how my life would change without them.


Scripture for the day:

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to
do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love."
~John 4:18

Meditation for the day:

I can trust God. This lesson has to be learned. My doubts and fears can
continually drive me back into the wilderness. Doubts can lead me astray,
because I am not trusting God. I can trust God's love. It will never fail
me, but I can learn not fail it by my doubts and fears. We all have much to
learn in turning out fear by faith. Our doubts can arrest God's work
through us. I need not doubt. I can believe in God and continually work at
strengthening my faith.

Prayer for the day:

I pray that I may live the way God wants me to live. I pray that I may get
into that stream of goodness and love in the world.

Hello to all you positive pals and grateful gals! Today was a nice day -
weather in the 30's, snow melting again, and Linus got a massage by Lori,
hoping it will help along with Dr. Mike's appts. We both had a nice nap this
afternoon and later he wanted to go out for a fish fry so we did tonight -
fish fry with sweet potato fries with a good glass of wine. I had the
kitchen all cleaned, so it was nice to have a night off of cooking - and
after this is out - we'll play some cards - Canasta. Anyone know that game?
I grew up with it.
Today I'm so grateful for a nice visit with a friend, Linda, who had cancer
surgery, she's on oxygen, but her latest check-up at the Mayo was that she
doesn't need the oxygen at home now, only when she leaves the house. I
think she needs it because they took part of her lung away - so far they got
all the cancer - but said they cannot guarantee it won't come back. That's
so sad but true. We talked on the phone. Told her all about Joe - and
tomorrow night they are having another bar celebrate his life - and Lori
plans on going to it. It's an hour and a half away from here. We can't, we
have cards with our card club at their house. Will have to use the GPS to
find their house!! It's so handy to have!
My blessings today besides my talk with Linda - having a nice, relaxing day
with my hubby - and going out for fish like a date night. And the evening
isn't over yet! Hope I win at cards tonight!! He does beat a lot!


Understand that God is calling you through obedience,
even if he does not call you directly.


from Thirsting for God: Mother Teresa

EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Author Unknown


Emergency numbers may be dialed direct. No operator assistance is
necessary.


EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
When in sorrow, ......................................... call John
14
When men fail you, ..................................... call Psalm
27
If you want to be fruitful, ............................. call John
15
When you have sinned, .................................. call Psalm
51
When you worry, ................................. call Matthew
6:19-34
When you are in danger, ................................ call Psalm
91
When God seems far away, .............................. call Psalm
139
When your faith needs stirring, ...................... call Hebrews
11
When you are lonely and fearful, ....................... call Psalm
23
When you grow bitter and critical, ............. call I Corinthians
13
For Paul's secret to happiness, .............. call Colossians
3:12-17
For understanding of Christianity, ....... call II Corinthians
5:15-19
When you feel down and out, ......................... call Romans
8:31
When you want peace and rest, .................. call Matthew
11:25-30
When the world seems bigger than God, .................. call Psalm
90
When you want Christian assurance, ................ call Romans
8:1-30
When you leave home for labor or travel, .............. call Psalm
121
When your prayers grow narrow or selfish, .............. call Psalm
67
For a great invention/opportunity, .................... call Isaiah
55
When you want courage for a task, ...................... call Joshua
1
For how to get along with fellow men, ................. call Romans
12
When you think of investments and returns, .............. call Mark
10
If you are depressed, .................................. call Psalm
27
If your pocketbook is empty, ........................... call Psalm
37
If you are losing confidence in people, ........ call I Corinthians
13
If people seem unkind, .................................. call John
15
If discouraged about your work, ....................... call Psalm
126
If you find the world growing small and yourself great,..call Psalm
19


Alternate numbers:
For dealing with fear, ............................... call Psalm
34:7
For security, ....................................... call Psalm
121:3
For assurance, ........................................ call Mark
8:35
For reassurance, ................................... call Psalm
145:18


All lines to Heaven are open 24 hours a day! Feed your faith, and
doubt will starve to death!

NUDGE THE BALANCE
Author Unknown

A 91-year-old woman died after living a very long dignified life. When
she met God, she asked Him something that had really bothered her for
a very long time. "If Man was created in God's image, and if all men
are created equal, why do people treat each other so badly?"

God replied that each person who enters our life has a unique lesson
to teach us. It is only through these lessons that we learn about
life, people and our relationships with God. This confused the woman,
so God began to explain:

"When someone lies to you, it teaches you that things are not always
what they seem. The truth is often far beneath the surface. Look
beyond the masks people wear if you want to know what is in their
hearts. Remove your own masks to let people know who you really are.

When someone steals from you it teaches you that nothing is forever.
Always appreciate what you have. You never know when you might lose
it. Never take your friends or family for granted, because today and
sometimes only this very moment is the only guarantee you may have.

When someone inflicts injury upon you, it teaches you that the human
state is a very fragile one. Protect and take care of your body as
best as you can, it's the one thing that you are sure to have
forever.

When someone mocks you, it teaches you that no two people are alike.
When you encounter people who are different from you, do not judge
them by how they look or act, instead base it on the contents of what
is in their hearts.

When someone breaks your heart, it teaches you that loving someone
does not always mean that the person will love you back. But don't
turn your back on love, because when you find the right person, the
joy that one person brings you will make up for all of your past hurts.
Times a thousand fold.

When someone holds a grudge against you, it teaches you that everyone
makes mistakes. When you are wronged, the most virtuous thing you can
do is forgive the offender without pretense. Forgiving those who have
hurt us is often the most difficult and painful of life's experiences,
but it is also the most courageous thing a person can do.

When a loved one is unfaithful to you, it teaches you that resisting
temptation is Man's greatest challenge. Be vigilant in your resistance
against all temptations. By doing so, you will be rewarded with an
enduring sense of satisfaction far greater than the temporary pleasure
by which you were tempted.

When someone cheats you, it teaches you that greed is the root of all
evil. Aspire to make your dreams come true, no matter how lofty they
may be. Do not feel guilty about your success, but never let an
obsession with achieving your goals lead you to engage in malevolent
activities.

When someone ridicules you, it teaches you that nobody is perfect.
Accept people for their merits and be tolerant of their flaws. Do not
ever reject someone for imperfections over which they have no
control."

Upon hearing the Lord's wisdom, the old woman became concerned that
there are no lessons to be learned from man's good deeds. God replied
that Man's capacity to love is the greatest gift He has. At the root
of kindness and love, and each act of love also teaches us a lesson.
The woman's curiosity deepened. God, once again began to explain:

"When someone loves us, it teaches us love, kindness, charity,
honesty, humility, forgiveness, acceptance, and all of these can
counteract all the evil in the world. For every good deed, there is
one evil deed. Man alone has the power to control the balance
between good and evil, but because the lessons of love are not
taught often enough, the power is too often abused.

When you enter someone's life, whether by plan, chance or coincidence,
consider what your lesson will be. Will you teach love or a harsh
lesson of reality? When you die, will your life have resulted in more
loving or more hurting? More comfort or more pain? More joy or more
sadness? Each one of us has the power over the balance of the love
in the world. Use it wisely!"

Don't miss an opportunity to nudge the world's scale in the right
direction!

O Breathe on me, O Breath of God

O breathe on me, O breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love the things you love,
And do what you would do.

O breathe on me, O breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until my will is one with yours,
To do and to endure.

O breathe on me, O breath of God,
My will to yours incline,
Until this earthly part of me,
Glows with your fire divine.

O breathe on me, O breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with you the perfect life,
Of your eternity.

(Edwin Hatch)

- - -
John 20:21-22 - (Jesus said to the disciples) "Peace be with you. As the
Father sent me, so I send you." Then he breathed on them and said, "Receive
the Holy Spirit..."

Enjoy your Saturday and the weekend - hope your weather is good and you have
lots of blessings coming your way! When you can't seem to find God - look
inside of your heart - there He is dwelling within you! Enjoy His presence.