remembering when

I have many fond memories. I remember where I was when 9-11 happened. I remember when I heard that Reagan had died. I remember when faith! meant something! It meant sharing the gosple with boldness and without fear. It meant standing up for Jesus and not stepping down. It meant pray pray and pray till something happens. However now faith seems to be fading some what. fewer and fewer believers are taking stands for what is right. they say "christians shouldn't get involved with..." christians now are slimming in mumbers when prayer is needed. unless it is personal then it is issue. this causes me to wonder why? and where did it all take place. I realize that laws are tougher now then they were then but why in this time of darkness are christians so quiet. there some who are bold but the majority seem to be quiet. and forget it asking some christians to share their testimony of what God is doing. they shy from it and say it is not my calling. my dear readers as a believer it is our duty to share our testimony of what God has done and is continuing to do in our lives. what am i saying here? WAKE UP CHURCH!!!! the enemy is doing what he can to silence us but lets not take it sitting down by the way side. lets Speak! up!! I pray that true revival comes to this nation.

where do I go?

There was a song that came out years ago that asked this very question. It asked: "where do I go when I need some loving, where do I go when i need a friend where do I go?" The answer is then given back on my knees in prayer. It has coe to my understanding I think that any believers are not using unless absolutely have to prayer. They are quick to promise to pray about a given situation but often empty promise. They walk away and probably don't give the matter a second thaught. This my friend shouldn't be. We need to pray continously. Scripture tells us to pray with out ceasing. This means always be in prayer. I ask you what is prayer? Some of you will probably answer talking to God about stuff. I respond NO! It is talking with God. You may ask talking with God he doesn't say anything. My friend you are wrong there to. His Holy Spirit speaks to us but we often tune him out because we're not liking what he is telling us. so we look to other sources for the answer. My pastor gave a principle that has stuck with me. it is the push principle. Pray Until Something Happens. Just because you don't see immediate results doesn't mean stop or he isn't hearing. God hears all our prayers and answers them all. not always in the manner we expect but His way is best so he answers accordingly. I will admit myself there have been times when I haven't taken prayer seriously. but over the past few years or so I have since changed my mind set. Prayer is a mighty weapon and it is one that if used more then it is now we could see some big time results. so my dear reader don't promise to pray about a given issue unless you intend to follow through. then watch for the results. if needs be get back with the person whom you promised to pray for and check how the issue is going. when you are going on you may say I want to help this person but I can't I have nothing available. my friend you always have something available to do. you got it pray pray pray. God answers prayer sometimes yes sometimes no and sometimes simplely wait. But he answers. Keep praying earnestly about it and watch for the results. Prayer in my oppinion is our mightiest weapon we have to use that followed up with the Word of God. God does speak to us it is up to us to open our ears and listen and truly listen. when you pray though mean it. don't just do it just because. have a purpose in your prayer and stick with it. so e a christian who knows scripture forwards and backwards but doesn't pray and I'll show you a believer who struggles. Scriptures tells us to pray so what good is it to know scripture if you don't do what it teaches. you may say i don't know how to pray. there is no formal way to pray. just share what is on your mind and heart no need to us formalities. come as you are to the throne and leg the Lord take of it. you can pray standing up, sitting in a chair, laying in bed on your knees while driving. just pray until something happens then find something else to pray for but keep praying.

sticks and stones

There is a saying that is often taught to children that is so full of lies it amazes me it is taught with any confidence. SSticks and stones may break my bones but your names will never hurt me! This is wrong! Names can hurt. In fact often times they cut deep and leave mental scars. The Bible tells us that we should be selective of our words. We are not speak in manner that hurts. I realize we teach this saying to help kids have a come back that will hopefully stop the teasing and harmful words. But covering it over with a banade only will bring more hurt to others later. Because after a while a person is fed up with being picked on and eventually they will start picking back and often in more hurtfull ways then they received. If we could only see the effect of our words on people I bet we'd change the way we word things and be selective to the utmost with what we say. The way we sometimes talk about others is just as bad. We are quick to gossip or tell stories about someone else just because we enjoy talking. This doesn't belong in the mouth of a believer. A believer has no business gossipping even a little. it is sin. even if we talk of someone and it is true we shouldn't be talking about someone because usually when it is done it only leads to hurtful speaking and causes trouble. So be careful of what you say and of how you say what you say. I've often said it isn't what you say it is how you say it that gets results. You may not of intended to cause anger with your statement but think about how you said it. the hearer probably was angered. i am sure it wasn't intended but think befor you speak. We have two ears and one mouth we should listen more then we speak. We often tell kids not to speak bad of this person or that but we often times do what we tell them not do. So think befor you speak and when you speak be sure you realy it in a manner that conveys your intent. In closing stop teaching that statement and start teach kids just to suck it up and roll with it. There are times someone may say something to me that isn't appealing I have learned to respond with "thank you I didn't realize you thaught of me so highly." it is said in scarism to a degree but often curtails it and i can move forward. Words can hurt and they can heal. it is in your power. I hope you to use healing words more. as a believer you owe it to yourself to reflect Christ in word and action. let them match up. don't let gossip be named about you. may it be said of you "they were a man or woman of God they spoke truth freely and were a pleasure.

whose hands is it in

It is said in an emial that I received a while back, that a basketball in my hands is worht nothing. A basketball in the hands of someone like Michael Jordan that ball is worth millions. A paint brush in my hands is worthless, but a brush in the hands of the like like Pacaso is worht millions. My life in my hands is worthless to a degree but if I put my lyfe in the hands of Jesus Christ it is worth a great deal. So I am asking you my dear readers where have you placed your life. You may say "I am a christian." While i won't deny that, I still whose hands is your life in. Haveyou placed in His hands and let Him take control. I have and there have been times where I've taken it back in my hands only to mess up yet again. I'm mindful of the song by t Underwood "Jesus take the wheel. Me driving my life I get lost. I make wrong turns and head in ditches and end up in a dead end road. I need to Let Jesus take the wheel. He knows whats best. I'm also mindful of the disciple Peter. Had he not taken his eyes off of Jesus he would have walked right to him and not sunk. But he took his eyes off and began to sink. Jesus saved him of course. If we keep our eyes on the storm and not on Christ we will feel like we are sinking and going to be remembered no more. I am not saying that by placing your life in hands that all will be good right away. But things will improve and get betterr. Scripture tells us in Romans 8 28 "all things workt togather for good to those love God and are called according to His purpose. We will still face trials and temptations but we have been given power through Jesus to weather the storm. 1 John tells us greater is he that is in us then he who is in the world. Satan walk likes a roaring lion seeking who get. I am not by any means saying I am perfect. He's still working on me to make me what He wants me to be. But I know I need to lean on the ever lasting arms of Jesus. He will protect me and guide me. but bottom line is for me to trust Him. Proverbs 3 5-6 tells us "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Put your entire being in His hands and trust him and watch and see what will happen. Give it time and you will begin to see results. God is not slack with fullfilling His promises. He loves you far to much to. For those of you who may be reading this and don't know Him. Accept Him today and you'll not regret it. When you've accept him just pray something like "Jesus I know I am a sinner and am in need of you please forgive me and come in my heart. He will do it right away. Then get hooked up with a church and fellowship with other believers and continue in reading the Bible and prayer. So I will close by saying: "Let go and Let God take control. He will fullfill His promise and will never leave your side. No matter what you do or have done. Just ask Him to guide you and willfully give up your life control and Let Jesus take the wheel.

do as i say not as i do

We've all heard it said before and unless I miss my guess we've all said it ourselves. "Do as I say and not as I do." While it is not usually said right up front, it does eventually come out. For example we might say to our kids or friend "you shouldn't be drinking so much or smoke its bad for your health." But wait are you doing just drink excessively or smoking? chances are you probably are doing the opposite you are asking them to do. they may not know you do but you'll eventually get caught. The person won't say anything at first. but the next time you tell them not to... they are mostly likely to say "but you do it!" your kids will say that or if mom catches them, "but daddy does it." Daddy will often times then retort "do as I say and not as I do." my friends this shouldn't be. we should do exactly what we are asking others to do. This way your walk matches your talk. it's one thing to expect your children or family or friends to act a given way. but it is entirely a different thing for you to follow through with what you are requesting. you may say "I don't want them to fall into the same trap as I have!" this is no excuse. scripture tells us first to cast out the plank in our eye then we can see clearly to clear the speck out of another's eye. So the next time you are tempted to tell your child or friend not to... think of yourself and ask yourself "am i doing what i don't want to see them do?" if the answer is that you are not doing it then go ahead. if you are then stop doing it. that way they can see your example and follow it willingly and not out of fear. above all be careful as to how you tell this. I've always said "it is not what you say it is how you say what you say that is going to convey the message." tone is key. if you use a tone that is relaxed and laid back then you won't be taken serious. if you use an extreme tone one that boarders on anger then you'll strike fear and that isn't always. but if you use a tone that is gentle but serious and a little stern then the reaction in that situation denotes you do mean it and really want to see thing change. always always think before you speak. listen more then you speak and you'll be surprised what might happen. till next time my friends know i love you and am praying for you and if i can help don't hesitate to call on me.

memory lane

Let's take a trip down memory lane shall we? Come along with me you won't regret it. I have many fascinating memories I could share but am going to write about two of them now and maybe more later.

I remember while I was growing up my mom bab sitting. The memory I treasure most about that time took place when I was about a softmore or junior in high school. Mom bab sat many kids of varying ages. Each of us had a special child that seemed to attach themselves to us more then others. I am mindful of a young boy names Joey. I don't remember his last name. Anyway he was cool. I would play with him and if I was home and he knew it he only wanted me to put him to bed for his nap and get him from said nap. In the mornings while I waited for my bus he helped me watch for my bus. The first time caught me off guard. Mom shouted, "he's trying to telling you your bus is here" I thanked him gave a quick hug and was off. When I got home if he was up from his nap he would come running to me. During the summer prior to him doing this I went to the Michigan School for the Blind for their summer enrichment program. It was a two week program. We had gym, home economics, art and a few other classes. In my art class I made a small teddy bar. Wasn't anything fansy. He was dropped off one morning and I made sure I was up to see him come in. I gave him the bear. He hugged it big time and wouldn't let it go. Mom tells me that he wouldn't go to bed for his nap unless he had his special bear. In fact one afternoon when he got picked up to go home he took off running down the hill in to the field next to our house. He would come back up. Mom tried and his mom tried. the next thing I know mom comes in and requests me to come out and explains to me what happened. I walked down the hill. knelt down and called for him. he came right to me and ask me "what?" I picked him up in my arms and said your mommy needs you its time to go home. it was amazing. not sure what i did any different then his mom or my mom did. I just know he came right to me no problem.

Now for my next memory. it concerns me and loosing my sight. I was born withgloucoma. had my first eye surgery shortly after birht. had many surgeries over the first 10 years of my life. when I was 7 and in the second grade that is when things when down hill. no longer was it possible for me to attend my home school. had to go where i could get the help i needed. while i wasn't totally blind yet it was certain to happen. prior to that I had surgery. to help lessen the pressure in my eye. well after surgery when it was about time to go home the nurse was insisting i get up and use the rest room. I was insistant i didn't need to go. they got me out of bed and was about half way to the rest room when i was sick to my stomach. blood vessles broke in the eye that was operated on. when i returned home during the night they broke again and i couldn't see anything at all for 6 weeks. was homebound for school. things started looking better. was transfered to a new school. well some how some way vessles broke again nd it was all down hill from there. when i was in the fourth grade lost my sight totally. i remember experiencing a range of emotions. which is to be expected. but thankfully my family has never ever allowed me to use my lack of eye sight as an excuse to not do something. in fact i have tried and was given a kick in the pants many times. for this am thankful but then didn't understand. i moved on since then and have achieved a variety of successes and received honors and awards. have always been a leader and seems destin to always to be the first blind person to... but it is my lot in life and I just ask the Lord for strength to bare it and move on forward. till next time. be blessed and stay tuned for more stuff.

my relationship!

As many of you my dear readers know or have figured out from an earlier post. I am in a relationship. I am involved with a wonderful lady who is genuine, sweet, totally awesome. She treats me with respect and helps me out and is not trying to change me to her image. Yes we've had some rough spots. But who of you can say that you've never ever have had some with any relationship either past or current. it is part of life. we are getting to know each other and it is awesome. my single days are definetly numbered. i know this for certain. my parents have met her and RuthAnn has met her and all like her. She has 3 kids 2 girls and one boy and i've met them and it appears we are off to a good start. I know this for sure I have not been this happy in a long time. TYes I've been happy here and there but nothing like this. We met via a local telephone dating service. chatted back and forth and then decided to meet. when i met her it was an instant connect. and we chat on a regular basis keeping lines of communication open and remembering to keep it in prayer. she asks me about things concerning me so she can know how she can help and is willing to be patient. to me she is a God sent. she's an angel in my eyes. i keep telling her that heaven is real sad. i know sadness doesn't exist in heaven but it is sad because of of their sweetest and most beautiful angels is missing. praise God I have a lady in my life that I can love and treat like a queen. i do my utmost best. sometimes i admit i mess up but she forgives me and loves me for me.

approval

We live in a day and age where approval is consistently saught. We seek approval for many things: things like, our clotheing, loans, where we live, food, what we say and or do. While some of these things are necessary not are really absolutely necessary. Esspecially when it pertains to chasing ones dream or the ministry they desire to do. While pertaining to ministry one sometimes needs approval from the board at church if it is going to be done at the church. That is understandable. But this should stop one from going forth. When the rubber meets the road only one approval is truly needed and His approval is best. If the Lord approves of what you desire to do, then do it. If He has given you a calling or has prompted you via the Holy Spirit to do something, don't worry about what anyone else thinks. It is nice to have approval of friends and family, however, it can be a stiffle in us moving ahead. You may say but... I am not equipt to do... What if brother so and so doesn't like it? If he doesn't then oh well who cares. If the Lord has placed on your heart then do it. because He and He alone will provide what is neccary to get it done. Sometimes we need to step out in faith and go. I am mindful of Abraham. He left his family and headed for a land he didn't know and a people he didn't know.He left on faith because God said to. and looked what happend. He was prosperous and a huge success. So the next time you are about to step out in faith. Don't worry about approval. if it comes great. if not then move forward. above all else pray pray pray about it and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. When you do you can't go wrong.

coming togather

We as Christians really need to come togather and unite as one. Far to often I hear and see Christians each other over stuff that needs not be argued. In fact, it is safe to say Christians today spend more time fighting each other then time in prayer or in the word of God. We meet someone who is a different denomination then us and we do our best to cover that lable and put our lable on them. If we just spend more time in prayer and in the word, we might just send old ugly running. These arguments need to stop. Arguments over things like dress, translations, spiritual gifts, when to worship. just to name a few. All that matters in my book is that one believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior. Believe He is the only to God the Father. Believe that He came, died on the cross and rose again. Other then that when you get down to it the rest is minor and really is mute. Granit there are things in Scripture that are 100% clear as to if they are right or wrong. Yet there are others that are more difficult. We are commanded in Scripture to love one another as Christ loves. We are to love others the same way. So instead of trying to change someone, how about just loving them and praying with them. How about showing Christs love and let Him take care of the details and opening their eyes to the truth if needs be. Gossip has no business in the church and it is rampit. Back biting shouldn't be a part of a believers life in anyway shape or form. If someone comes to you and says "did you hear about brother or sister so and so?" we should nip it there. We should say "I have not nor do i need to hear." If i need to hear it I am sure they'll let me know. I have no problem sharing prayer requests on someones behalf or updating prayer requests. but one should be careful to stick to the facts and not imbelish. Nor should one give their commentary. As i've wrote in previous posts we should always keep in mind "what would Jesus do?" and move according. I know no one is perfect but I do know people often speak before they think and act before as well and this is not excusable. so lets come togather and unite as the family of God and start taring down strong holds of the enemy and send him running for a change.

getting back to basics

We need to really get ourselves back to the basics of life. you may ask "what are they?" the basics of life are a heart that is pure and a love that is right and a faith firmly grounded in Christ. These truly the basics.
A faith firmly ground in Christ. How? the way this is achieved is by being consistant in studying the word of God. not just on Sundays or Wednesdays. making sure you have a daily personal time in Scripture and sticking up with it. what shoud I study? Scripture and choose passages you wish. a good idea would be to use a devotional of some type. there are many out there each focuses on a given area. also spend much time in prayer. prayer is talking with Jesus and asking for him to guide you and show you what He wants to see from Scripture. doing this consistantly will give you a firm foundation.
A love that is right. What is a right kind of love? a right kind of love is simplely put love others as God loves them. Don't think for a moment that you cant for... because they are unlovable! there is no such person. God loves all people and we should do like wise. Sure some people may be difficult to love some may even be more difficult then others but do it anyway. This can be done a number of ways. some ways don't even cost a cent. the only cost for many things is your effert and willingness to do it.
Heart that is pure. they one obtains this is by keeping their mind focused on Christ and their mind on scripture. by not allowing their thaughts to sawy into filth. Take ever thaught captive and make it subject to Christ. easier said then done I realize this. it is a practice I do my best to do. I really think if we as believers in Christ return to the basics and stop the finger pointing name calling arguing about this point or that. if we stop this behavior i'll bet you a dollar to a dog biscuit we would see a revival happen in our country. we also need to stop worrying about what this or that person will think of what we say. if the Lord puts on your to speak a given word do it. don't say then apologize for saying it. I admit some things are best left unsaid and sometimes better to be seen then heard. but some people have a sick adiction to being offended. we ourselves need to be gentle but also need to be able take what people say and not be easily offened and become bitter. bottom line "Let go and leg God! afterall if God is on our side how can we loose?

wwjd

There was a common saying that was popularized during the early to mid 90's. What would Jesus do? wwjd That has since kind of died out. but we as believers should have that question at the forfront of our minds anytime we are faced with temptation or choices of any type. we should ask ourselves what would Jesus do? if the answer no then our answer should be no. the way one knows this is how? by staying in the word of God on a regular basis. the more you are in the word the more you'll be able to know what to do. I realize that there are some issues that are not mentioned exact in scripture. however a good rule of thumb if it evens has a slight hint of being wrong, don't do it. I realize that some choices are simple and really don't need to ask that question. but many choices are not. to many times i've observe fellow christians ignor all warning lights signals and prompting from the Holy Spirit and plunged into sin without a second thaught then come up with excuses as to why they did it. ridiculious excuses and excuses sad to say are baught hook line and sinker. example of decision "should I go out whering a short skirt and a blouse leaving nothing to guess" or "should i where super tight jeans excenuating my attrigbutes and head for the bar? of course not you may say i go there to witness. let me tell you you aren't going to win souls dressed like that. the men who see you dress like that are only thinking of one thing and it is not Jesus. nor are the ladies thinking Jesus guys when you where tight jeans. so your dress should be modest and not showy. keep all that revealing clothing for at home when you are with your mate. sorry for being blunt here but lets get basics of life. living a life that is pure and demostrating a love that is right. i am not perfect and i sometimes even stumble and ignor warnings i admit it. but we all need to stay on target. they say good things come to those that wait. while the waiting is often long and not fun it is worth it I guarentee it. as a man or women thinks in they're heart so they are. it may seem good at first but gets boring and leads to worse. so stay in the word all the time if possible memorize scripture so that when stuff comes you can resist it if needs be. we are already forgiven for all sins past present and future that doesn't give us license to sin just because. forgiveness is always given and is abundantly destowed on us with out conditions. but lets keep that old phrase in mind and use as a guide to our behavior. wwjd

amist the storm

When is it easiest for us to praise God? When no struggles are happening? When we are on top of the mountain? Yes! that is when it is easiest to praise Him. It is often when we are in the valley and storms are raging around us we panic and freeze up. We get side tracked by the issues and loose focus on Jesus. It is in this time we should sing aloud praises to our Lord! I can prove this from Scripture. Paul and Silas when they were in jail what did they do? They prayed and sang praises to the Lord. What happened? The earth shook chains came off doors were opened and they obtained freedom. What could they hvae done? They could of cried and winced in pain because of their beatings they had received. They could have played the pity poor me game. Did they? No! they did not! They kept on task and prayed and counted it glorious to suffer for Christ. We as believers today should follow their example. Storms will come and some will be intense. Stay focused on Jesus. He will bring peace amist the storm. In fact when He was here on earth He caused peace amist storms. The disciples quaked and were afraid they were going to drown. They awoke Jesus and he rebuked the winds and waves and peace came. So the next time storms rage around and it seems no way out look to Jesus. Ask him to grant you peace during the torm and give you direction. Will he? Yes he will. Remember Peter, he started walking on the water during a storm and was making good head way. But he took his off Jesus and focused on circumstances and began to sink. He cried out to Jesus to rescue him and Jesus did. There to keep your eyes locked on Jesus. If you take focus off Him you may start to sink. In fact some of you reading this now I know are going through storms and it feels like your sinking fast. Kind of like your in quick sand. Call out to Jesus and he will rescue you give you peace and protection. Does this mean then storms will then be forever gone? I am afraid to say it, no! They assuredly will come again. maybe not as fierce everytime but rest assure they will come. But know this Jesus is with in your boat and with Jesus on board you'll make through any and all storms no matter how fierce. it is easy to loose sight. I know that I have often and have often times felt like there was no hope and no way out. But as soon as I made the correction in focus that is when things began to start to look clearer. So always be praising the Lord Jesus on the mountain while going down and especially in the valley. That is the most important. If Satan hates anything he hates when a blood baught saint of God praises God for their circumstances. you may not have a lot of money at the moment and wonder how things will get better. They will. you may be in need of food and don't know how or where. God will provide and from an unexpected source for sure. Satan will try as he might to steel your joy and cause you to play the pity poor me. Trust God count every and all blessings. He blesses us everyday sometimes with huge blessings and some blessings are small. But count every blessing and be thankful. you may say "Ihave nothing to be thankful for" I say yes you do. Some blessings we take for granit. So when you go through your next storm Praise! God! and watch what happens.

if He goes before me

I have been a Christian now for about 22 years. Has it all been a bed of roses? certainly not! there have been many times on my journey I have fallen and thaught God has forsaken me and doesn't love me anymore. I knew He did but it just didn't feel true. many times in our Christian walk we may not feel saved, looked smelled act saved, but we are. Scripture tells that He will never leave us nor forsake us. I think the foot prints poem says it best where it says "the times only one set of foot prints that is when I carried." then back a few years or so ago I heard a song by White that states "if He goes before me I am sure to win." The Bible confirms this. read the end of Revelation "we win" that is the key! as long as we keep Christ in front of us and follow him we can't fail. we may drop the ball, Lord knows I've done it many times. He is right there with the ball ready to help dust us off and hand it to us and move forward. many times I've felt like no direction and that I didn't understand His will for my life. but my friends it was my own fault. I didn't make a big habbit to stay in the word and allowed to fellowship with unbelievers so as a result didn't not have a brighty testimony. but I am realizing now that consistent time in prayer and in the word of God changes things. not for the worse, to the contrary, for the better. do i know his plan for me? no! I think I see glimpse of it. but I am not sure how, where or when. it is my desire to be a public speaker. always looking for opportunity to speak, motivationaly, inspirational Biblical or otherwise. Customer Service is my field of expertise and am ready to serve the Lord with all I have in any compacity. so you might be struggling now, chin up and look the Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Keep your eyes steadfast on him. like Peter in scripture he could have walked on the water all the way to Jesus. but he took his eyes off and paid attention to the storm and that is when he began to sink. we still will have trials in life. the key is keep your eyes on Jesus and look to him for your source of strength. you might be some what surprised what happens.

true love binds

As I sit here and view the land; I can't help gaze on my broken wings and heart that is in pieces on the floor like a jig saw puzzle awaiting to be pieced togather. Alas? What can mend these my wings and heart? Here is the cure! True love! I have found it it is mending my heart gentely piecing it togather and causing it to beat with a new source of energy and look here! my wings are mending and strengthening. I gaze on my wings and see that their color is bright and new and awesome. I take flight and flight with a new energy. Flying acrossed the sky and gazing down and seeing beauty like i've never seen before. I have found this true love and her name is Teresa. She has restored my heart and wings and has caused me to love once more. A feeling I'd forgotten and thought was long abandoned for me. Sure I had love of friends and family, but this is different. I will treasure this love for as long as I live. I am flying higher and farther then ever befor. as I glidedown I spot my true love and slide next to her and sing a song for her. a beautiful song that I didn't think existed in my heart till now. With a smile on my lips I tell you she is beautiful and I am glad she is mine.

in case you didn't figure it out my dear readers. I have found a lady and she is indeed special to me my life has changed this year and things are looking good.

reachingme off site

there have been someof you my readers who've inqured how to contact me. it is simple if you wish to send me email: daniel7047@yahoo.com and is you wish to call me either call 616 805-1879 or my cell 616 560-1074. if you wish tocontact me for any reason. whether it be because you need a friend, more information on something you may have read here or a job offer or maybe just because. call anytime and if you get my voice mail then leave me a message and be sure I will return your call as soon as I am available. it is my hope that everyone of you are staying warm, having fun and doing well. do your best in all you do and let the Lord God take care of the rest. all He asks that you give your best. that is easier said then done at times I realize. but do it anyway.

praise Him in the storm

I have found it so easy to praise the Lord when I am on the top of the mountain. It is some what easy to praise Him as I descend to the valley. It is when I am in the valley I find it amazingly difficult. When the storms rage and I seem to have lost my direction it is difficult. It must be done. James tells us to count is joy when the trials come. It is for our good. God prosmies us that He'll never leave us. That should be enough in of itself there to shout the praises of God. Psalms 100 tells us to make a joyful nose. When tribulations are on us it is noisy and scary. But Praise Him anyway. Paul and Sials when in jail priased God. They sang aloud. God delivered them and believers were added. Awesome things really begin to take place when we praise the Lord. It is difficult but once you start you'll find it easier and easier. Befor you know it it is natural. No one can steel your joy. Unless you permit them to do so. The joy of the Lord is my strength. I feel weak many times in my life but am learning to rely on the strength of the Lord. You may say I can't! I say yes you can. All things are possible. If God is calling you to step up, then do it. Don't say I can not because I not equipt. God does not call the equipt, he equipts the called.

good samaritan

I was sitting here this morning and thinking of the parable of the Good Samaritan. I was thinking of the part where the Samaritan poured oil on the wounds and banadaged them and took care of the man despite their differences. How often today we fall short of this. How many times do we mistakingly pour salt on wounds in stead of try and help heal them. Jesus tells us to go and hlep and proclaim the good news. It may take us where we would not usually go. It may take us to people we don't like particularly. but we are to try and help anyway. think bebor you pour and reserve salt for flavoring food not for woujnds. salt hurts wounds. oil salve heals wounds. so pay close attention today and see that you are mindful of how you speak and the words you use. are they healing and helpful. or are then hurtful and cause further trouble. .

ding a ling

As many of you my dear readers know I am once again ringing the bells for the Salvation Army. You got it I am a ding a ling. Some would say I've always been so so what's the difference. The difference is I get paid now to be such. It seems to be going well so far. Six days a week for about 5 maybe six hours. We don't get the normal breaks. We get a five minute break on the hour. we can't however add them up and take them at one sitting. That is the big difference between now and the last two years. Also this year I am doing something different. Yesterday I started with it. I am handing out candy canes while I ring. as money goes in I pull one out and hand it to the person. if a child is doing I not always but usually hand over two. one for the child and one for their parent. it was awesome. I caught many off guard for sure. not everone took one but those who did seemed to smile and say thank you. I got the idea from someone last year and didn't do anything about it. but now that we are under way have decided to do something unusual. so keep us bell ringers in your prayers please. we have to model the Love of Christ and smile and refuse to react to those who choose to be unkind. I don't run into that usually but some do. it feels good to be working. just wish I had a full time permanent job. but this is alright. it is better then nothing and I am thankful for the opportunity to help raise money for a worthy cause the Salvation Army. So if you pass by a kettle drop in some change or bucks. or a check. but if you can't do any of that just stop by and say hi and encourage them. if the store you are at has coffee available for free to customers. ask if they'd like a cup. they'll probably say YES!!! but above all pray the the season goes well. we've completed the first two days and things seem to be going well. take care and God bless each one of you.

Christmas for Sale!

I am sitting here tonight mindful of a Christmas play that I was in. About 15 years ago. Not only was I in it and the star, I helped write it. It was the title of this post. Here is how it went. The first scene, sales person comes out yelling Christmas for sale get your Christmas. in comes a family. He first shows them a Las Vegas Christmas. It came complete with a lounge act, gaming tables and the such. The lounge act sang a dity. They asked the price. The sales person said100,000 dollars. The family says "no thanks to rich." Then they are drawn to a country style Christmas. A country man and his wife. The daughter of the family sits down only to stand up and say "ooo what's this." the wife of the country couple says sorry those are grandpa's teeth. then some friendly banter and grandma sings a dity. they inquire the price and are told 50,000. then they notice something strange a bright light acrossed the the salesperson says thats noghint just the light of the used Christmas lot. in walks a Shepherd played by me. The mother of the family approaches me and demands to know who I was and what I had to offer. I said "I am just a lowly shepherd and I don't have much to offer. I do have a story that has been handed down to me by family. I then told the story of shepherds the angel and how they went to see Jesus. I then sang Away in a Manger. It was the highlight of the play. Lisa our recreation director's sister was video taping this thing and I was told by Lisa that I made her sister cry with my performance. Unfortantely I no longer have said video sad to say. but it was enjoyable. oh by the way the sales person tried a high price for my Christmas then came down to say its free. The family said we'll take it and thus the play came to an end. My wish for all of you this season is simple that the Lord blesses you and that you cherish those you love and hold them close. My wish for me high on my list is 2 things 1 a permanent job. 2 and equally important. A special lady in my life that I can treasure, share my love and spend a life time with. I am not picky with looks because they'll fade. all I ask is that she loves Jesus and wants to serve Him with all she has. One who'll look past my blindness and accept me for who I am and will help me grow. someone who loves children because I am a single dad. but other then that not really any other requirements.

praise God!!!

As many of you my readers know I've been searching for a job. Some of you know that around this time of year I've done bell ringing for the Salvation Army. This year is no exception. It' offical I will be ringing again. It is for sure I will be at the same location permanently. But the only difference this year I will be working 6 days a week. Hours will be from about 9:45 or ten until 3. Six days a week. Totaling about 30 may be 32 hours a week. minium wage. but it is better then nothing. it looked like I would have to be out of a different center. but today at orientation I was advised I could go out of my original center. I gladly said I'd like to and headed over and made it offical. so please pray we meet our goal and pray that all goes well. Praise the Lord. I am a working man again. tempoary but working nonetheless.