Just sharing.

[beensetfree]

Teach the Children

This is how it happened...I'd just finished the household chores
for the night and was preparing to go to bed when I heard a
noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front
room and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out from behind
the Christmas tree.

He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not cry out.
"What are you doing?" I started to ask. The words choked up in
my throat, and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly
manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all
know.

He then answered me with a simple statement.
"TEACH THE CHILDREN!"

I was puzzled; what did he mean? He anticipated my question,
and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag
from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said,
"Teach the children! Teach them the old meaning of Christmas.
The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten."

Santa then reached into his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and
placed it before the mantle. "Teach the children that the pure
green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year
round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the
needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts
turning toward heaven."

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR.
"Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of
promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the
star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise."

He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. "Teach
the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light
of the world, and when we see this great light, we are reminded
of He who displaces the darkness."

Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WRE ATH and
placed it on the tree. "Teach the children that the wreath
symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases.
Love is one continuous round of affection."

He then pulled from his bag an ornament of himself. "Teach the
children that I, Santa Clause symbolize the generosity and good
will we feel during the month of December."

He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. "Teach the children that the
holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of
thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly represents the blood
shed by Him."

Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children
that God so loved the world that HE gave HIS begotten SON...
Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

"Teach the children that the wise men bowed before the Holy BABE
and presented HIM with gold, frankincense and myrrh. We should
always give gifts in the same spirit of the wi se men."

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and
hung it on the tree. "Teach the children that the candy cane
represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps
to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the
symbol that we are our brother's keeper."

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. "Teach the
children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious
news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang 'Glory to God in
the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men."

Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound and from his bag he
pulled out a BELL. "Teach the children that as the lost sheep
are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to
the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return."

Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I
saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember,
teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put
me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One who
is, and I bow down to worship HIM, our LORD, our GOD."

 

[God my healer]

Several centuries ago, the Pope decreed that all the Jews had to convert or leave Italy.

There was a huge outcry from the Jewish community, so the Pope offered a deal. He would have a religious debate with the leader of the Jewish community. If the Jews won, they could stay in Italy, if the Pope won, they would have to leave.

The Jewish people picked the aged but wise Rabbi Moishe to represent them in the debate. However, as Moishe spoke no Italian, and the Pope no Yiddish, they all agreed that it would be a "silent" debate.

On the chosen day, the Pope and Rabbi Moishe sat opposite each other for a full minute before the Pope raised his hand and showed three fingers.

Rabbi Moishe looked back and raised one finger.

Next, the Pope waved his finger around his head.

Rabbi Moishe pointed to the ground where he sat.

The Pope then brought out a communion wafer and a chalice of wine.

Rabbi Moishe pulled out an apple.

With that, the Pope stood up and declared that he was beaten, that Rabbi Moishe was too clever, and that the Jews could stay.

Later, the Cardinals met with the Pope, asking what had happened.

The Pope said, "First, I held up three fingers to represent the Trinity. He responded by holding up one finger to remind me that there is still only one God common to both our beliefs."

"Then, I waved my finger to show him that God was all around us. He responded by pointing to the ground to show that God was also right here with us."

"Finally, I pulled out the wine and wafer to show that God absolves us of all our sins. He pulled out an apple to remind me of the original sin."

"He had me beaten and I could not continue."

Meanwhile the Jewish community was gathered around Rabbi Moishe. "How did you win the debate?" they asked.

"I haven't a clue," said Rabbi Moishe. "First the Pope said to me that we had three days to get out of Italy, so I gave him the finger."

"Then he tells me that the whole country would be cleared of Jews, and I said to him, we're staying right here."

"And then what?" asked a woman.

"Who knows?" said Rabbi Moishe, "He took out his lunch, so I took out mine."


Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with blessings to all

 

[drifter]

Another Viewpoint


Sometimes, all it takes is to look at things from another point
of view.

When my ex and I had separated for the last time, I just about
had a breakdown.

A friend of mine asked me, "Why did you keep taking him back and
letting your mom take care of your girl?"

I thought I was protecting her from the drinking and cussing and
things that went on in that environment.

She just said, "Did you ever think that if it is not good enough
for your daughter, then it is not good enough for you?"

I had never thought of it in that light.

Once I did, I had no problem giving him up and getting on with
my life.

Another moment was when I was sick and had to have a kidney
transplant. The kidney was damaged when they put it in me and
it almost didn't work. I kept a positive attitude and kept
thinking, "Surely God did not let me go through all of this just
to lose the kidney."

I went back on dialysis for a couple of months, but it kicked in
just when they had given up hope and was going to let me lose
it.

Thank God, I had an optimistic doctor who wouldn't give up on me
and I had a positive attitude.

The doctors by the way, after it was all over with, said that
they would not have given two cents for the kidney they had
given me at the time.

Just goes to show what positive attitude and a different
viewpoint can do for a person.

A lot of people were asking "Why" did that happen to me?

I just said, "Cause I can handle it."

You don't need god to have positive thinking .

 

[drifter]

The SIX Times The Devil Is Most Likely To Attack

1. When you are physically tired.

2. Whenever you face a major decision regarding your assignment
in life.

3. Whenever you are birthing a child that is destined to become
a spiritual leader.

4. When a specific miracle is on its way to you.

5. When you make an effort to launch a new ministry for God.

6. When you are next in line for a promotion from God.

Six ways of becoming delusion

1) when u are weak
2) when you feel sad
3) negative thoughts
4) you take life too seriously
5) you can't think straight
6) on drugs

 

[septuagint]

[video=youtube_share;-V2D1vzhuOM]http://youtu.be/-V2D1vzhuOM[/video]

 

[beensetfree]

Half Gone?

I was talking with a good friend who will turn 50 soon.

"Over half the year is gone," he said, referring to the late
month of the year.

"Over half of life is gone," I replied, referring to both of us
transitioning middle age.

I caught myself after I made the statement.

"That's not true," I said.

"What I meant was half of THIS life in THIS body is gone."

Too often this life is all we think about.

I look forward to eternal life.
I have great treasure stored in heaven.

...and it will take me much more than 50 years to spend it all.

 

[beensetfree]

Making Everyday Life Joyous and Extraordinary

Take time to smell the roses.
Take a nap on Sunday afternoon.
Trust in God
but lock your car.
Never deprive anyone of hope.
It may be all they have.
If you see someone without a smile,
give them one of yours.
Eat inspiring food.
Be thankful for every meal.
Don't take good health for granted.
Wear outrageous underwear
under the most formal business attire.
Enjoy your job and
you'll never work another day in your life.
Turn to the person next to you and say
"YOU'RE GREAT!"
Make it a habit to do nice things
for people who will never find out.
T.G.I.T
Thank God It's Today!
Judge your success by the degree to which you are enjoying
peace, health and love.
When you lose
don't lose the lesson.
Be generous.
Be honest.
Be romantic.
Live so that when your children think of
fairness, caring and integrity,
they think of you.
Be gentle with the earth,
with others,
with yourself.
Never interrupt when someone is complimenting you.
Just take a deep breath and say
"Thanks - please tell me more"
Don't be an A-DULL-T.
Allow your child to come out and play.
Take your dog to obedience school.
You'll both learn a lot.
Don't nag.
Don't gossip.
Don't tailgate.
Say thank you a lot.
Say please a lot.
Think of the most difficult people you know and
learn to love them.
Don't postpone joy.
There's no time like the present to be
JOYOUS.
Stop blaming others.
Take responsibility for every part of your life.
Never give up on anyone.
Miracles happen everyday.
Remember the two things that people cannot take away from you:
Your dignity.
Your birthdate.
Do more than is expected and
do it cheerfully.
Live life with passion and
give others the permission to do the same.
Wake up every morning and say
"I am so happy to be alive!"
(even on Mondays)
Learn to put love into everything you do.
Take care of your soul.
Breathe - deeply and often.
Life is short.
Play hard. Pray hard.
Remember that no one can make you feel bad without your permission.
Embrace all your feelings.
And choose what to do with them.
Be a friend to money.
Not a slave.
Attitudes are contagious.
Is yours worth catching?
You will at times forget these suggestions.
You can remember anytime you wish.
Remember to Remember.
Notice and Adjust.
Enjoy the Journey.
The Choice is Yours.

 

[drifter]

Half Gone?

I was talking with a good friend who will turn 50 soon.

"Over half the year is gone," he said, referring to the late
month of the year.

"Over half of life is gone," I replied, referring to both of us
transitioning middle age.

I caught myself after I made the statement.

"That's not true," I said.

"What I meant was half of THIS life in THIS body is gone."

Too often this life is all we think about.

I look forward to eternal life.
I have great treasure stored in heaven.

...and it will take me much more than 50 years to spend it all.

Eternal life ? Whahahahah ... Delusion at work again

 

[beensetfree]

WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND...


One day a man saw an old lady stranded on the side of the road. Even in the dim light of day he could see she needed help so he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her.
In spite of the smile on his face she looked worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe; he looked poor and hungry.

He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you.

He said, “I'm here to help you, ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson.”

Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire but he was dirty and his hands hurt.

As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid.

Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. The lady asked how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She had already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Bryan never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way and it never occurred to him to act any other way.

He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back the next time she saw someone who needed help she could give that person the assistance they needed. “And,” Bryan added, “think of me.”

He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.

A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her.

The waitress came over and brought her a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed the waitress was obviously pregnant, likely not far from her due date. But she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan .

After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a hundred dollar bill. The waitress quickly went to get change for her but the old lady slipped out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin.

There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady had written: “You don't owe me anything. I have been there, too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you.”

Under the napkin were four more $100 bills.

Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day.

That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard....

She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, “Everything's going to be all right. I love you, Bryan Anderson.”

There is an old saying... 'What goes around comes around.' Today I send you this story, and I'm asking you to pass it on. Let this light shine. God works in mysterious ways and sometimes puts people in our lives for a reason.

 

[drifter]

WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND...


One day a man saw an old lady stranded on the side of the road. Even in the dim light of day he could see she needed help so he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her.
In spite of the smile on his face she looked worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe; he looked poor and hungry.

He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you.

He said, “I'm here to help you, ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson.”

Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire but he was dirty and his hands hurt.

As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid.

Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. The lady asked how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She had already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Bryan never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way and it never occurred to him to act any other way.

He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back the next time she saw someone who needed help she could give that person the assistance they needed. “And,” Bryan added, “think of me.”

He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.

A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her.

The waitress came over and brought her a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed the waitress was obviously pregnant, likely not far from her due date. But she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan .

After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a hundred dollar bill. The waitress quickly went to get change for her but the old lady slipped out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin.

There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady had written: “You don't owe me anything. I have been there, too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you.”

Under the napkin were four more $100 bills.

Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day.

That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard....

She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, “Everything's going to be all right. I love you, Bryan Anderson.”

There is an old saying... 'What goes around comes around.' Today I send you this story, and I'm asking you to pass it on. Let this light shine. God works in mysterious ways and sometimes puts people in our lives for a reason.

Moral of the story ....
1) always look under the napkin for money if u are in a restaurant .
2) don't expect god to help u with $$$ problem .. it's human who help u
3) don't praise god because god never do anything

 

[drifter]

WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND...


One day a man saw an old lady stranded on the side of the road. Even in the dim light of day he could see she needed help so he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her.
In spite of the smile on his face she looked worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe; he looked poor and hungry.

He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you.

He said, “I'm here to help you, ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson.”

Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire but he was dirty and his hands hurt.

As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid.

Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. The lady asked how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She had already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Bryan never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way and it never occurred to him to act any other way.

He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back the next time she saw someone who needed help she could give that person the assistance they needed. “And,” Bryan added, “think of me.”

He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.

A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her.

The waitress came over and brought her a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed the waitress was obviously pregnant, likely not far from her due date. But she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan .

After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a hundred dollar bill. The waitress quickly went to get change for her but the old lady slipped out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin.

There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady had written: “You don't owe me anything. I have been there, too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you.”

Under the napkin were four more $100 bills.

Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day.

That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard....

She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, “Everything's going to be all right. I love you, Bryan Anderson.”

There is an old saying... 'What goes around comes around.' Today I send you this story, and I'm asking you to pass it on. Let this light shine. God works in mysterious ways and sometimes puts people in our lives for a reason.

Moral of the story ....
1) always look under the napkin for money if u are in a restaurant .
2) don't expect god to help u with $$$ problem .. it's human who help u
3) don't praise god because god never do anything

 

[drifter]

Double post

 

[septuagint]

[video=youtube_share;wbdvo019mgM]http://youtu.be/wbdvo019mgM[/video]

 

[beensetfree]

A King May Move A Man

A king may move a man.
A father may claim a son.

But remember that even when those who move you be kings
or men of power...

your soul is in your keeping alone.

When you stand before God, you cannot say,
"But I was told by others to do thus, or that virtue was not
convenient at the time."

This will not suffice.
Remember that.

 

[drifter]

A King May Move A Man

A king may move a man.
A father may claim a son.

But remember that even when those who move you be kings
or men of power...

your soul is in your keeping alone.

When you stand before God, you cannot say,
"But I was told by others to do thus, or that virtue was not
convenient at the time."

This will not suffice.
Remember that.

In the first place there's no god

 

[septuagint]

[video=youtube_share;wIOe-el04PI]http://youtu.be/wIOe-el04PI[/video]

 

[beensetfree]

Stuck Between Two Worlds

Our walk of faith involves being stuck between two worlds:
the natural and the spiritual.

God doesn't want us to deny our natural circumstances,
that there are things going on.

Some say, "Nothing bothers me."
Some things do bother you.

Some say, "I never get mad."
You do get mad.

Some say, "I don't hold grudges."
You do hold grudges.

Some say, "I've forgiven everyone."
We could push a button and you can bring up everything they've
done.

There are things going on but what we should say is, "I use the
Word of God to help me treat people and circumstances the right
way."

 

[fishbuff]

faith = belief something without evidence = delusion

 

[drifter]

faith = belief something without evidence = delusion

They can talk and talk without showing god exists .. Truly amazing

 

[Conqueror]

Atheists Are In Denial

In the first place there's no god

The problem for atheists is that they CANNOT face the defeat of their own Battle of Waterloo. :p

You fellas thought that science = atheism. Well, nice try. But, the reality sux for the atheists but a sweet revenge for the Christians.

The atheists are in the stage of denial. We can understand.

Maybe, you should change your stance to JUST an agnostic like what Richard Dawkins did. :*: