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My Little Bit of Heaven
  
Most of you are going through the same or similar trials and tribulations as I am though your stories may be a little different we are all still in the same boat. My prayer is that my little bit of heaven will make your little bit of heaven just a little bit better. May the Lord richly bless you all, cheers.
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The Whisper Feb 25, 2006 6:30 pm
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A child's love is like a whisper,
given in little ways we do not hear.
But if you listen closely it will be very clear. They often do not say
it loud,
but in how they come to you...
Daddy, will you play with me?
Mommy, tie my shoe?
The many ways they tell you, changes as they grow. Dad, I made the team
today!
Mom, I've Got to go!
Pop, I need some money,
You see there's...this girl at school.
Mama, I met a boy today and Wow, he's so cool!
Dad, I've got something to tell you...
I think she is the one!
Mom, he asked me to marry him.
Would you love him as your son?
Dad, I've got some news for you...
It's going to be a boy!
Mom, I'm kind of scared of this,
yet I'm filled with joy!
A child's love is like a whisper,
given in little ways we do not hear.
But if you listen closely,
it will be very clear.
They often do not say it loud,
but in how they come to you...
Grandpa, will you play with me?
Grandma, tie my shoe?
It is never ending.
A blessing from above.
Listen to the whispers of a child's love.
1 comment
God Refines Us Feb 25, 2006 6:16 pm
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"God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world" (Gal. 6:14).

They were living to themselves; self with its hopes, and promises and dreams, still had hold of them; but the Lord began to fulfill their prayers. They had asked for contrition, and had surrendered for it to be given them at any cost, and He sent them sorrow; they had asked for purity, and He sent them thrilling anguish; they had asked to be meek, and He had broken their hearts; they had asked to be dead to the world, and He slew all their living hopes; they had asked to be made like unto Him, and He placed them in the furnace, sitting by "as a refiner and purifier of silver," until they should reflect His image; they had asked to lay hold of His cross, and when He had reached it to them it lacerated their hands.
They had asked they knew not what, nor how, but He had taken them at their word, and granted them all their petitions. They were hardly willing to follow Him so far, or to draw so nigh to Him. They had upon them an awe and fear, as Jacob at Bethel, or Eliphaz in the night visions, or as the apostles when they thought that they had seen a spirit, and knew not that it was Jesus. They could almost pray Him to depart from them, or to hide His awfulness. They found it easier to obey than to suffer, to do than to give up, to bear the cross than to hang upon it. But they cannot go back, for they have come too near the unseen cross, and its virtues have pierced too deeply within them. He is fulfilling to them His promise, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me" (John 12:32).
But now at last their turn has come. Before, they had only heard of the mystery, but now they feel it. He has fastened on them His look of love, as He did on Mary and Peter, and they can but choose to follow.
Little by little, from time to time, by flitting gleams, the mystery of His cross shines out upon them. They behold Him lifted up, they gaze on the glory which rays from the wounds of His holy passion; and as they gaze they advance, and are changed into His likeness, and His name shines out through them, for He dwells in them. They live alone with Him above, in unspeakable fellowship; willing to lack what others own (and what they might have had), and to be unlike all, so that they are only like Him.
Such, are they in all ages, "who follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth."
Had they chosen for themselves, or their friends chosen for them, they would have chosen otherwise. They would have been brighter here, but less glorious in His Kingdom. They would have had Lot's portion, not Abraham's. If they had halted anywhere--if God had taken off His hand and let them stray back--what would they not have lost? What forfeits in the resurrection?
But He stayed them up, even against themselves. Many a time their foot had well nigh slipped; but He in mercy held them up. Now, even in this life, they know that all He did was done well. It was good to suffer here, that they might reign hereafter; to bear the cross below, for they shall wear the crown above; and that not their will but His was done on them and in them.
0 Comments
The Gift That Keeps On Giving Feb 25, 2006 5:55 pm
152 Views
One of the things that I find different then when I was growing up is the bottled water craze. It’s a bit ironic that while drinkable water is free, bottled water, which costs, has become very popular. Whenever I am out at any type of resturant or fast food joint, your request for water to drink has to be very specific. If you just say “water,” a bottle might be put on your tray—and on your bill! Some people do have good reasons for drinking bottled water, but it still seems odd to buy it when water is free.
Isaiah contains very beautiful invitations, ones God gave to His people that also have meaning for us. The call of God, “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters,” is a touching one. God cries out to us. He has water that will quench our thirst, and it is free. Jesus used the water imagery to describe salvation, a free gift that satisfies the deepest thirst of our souls (John 4:14).
Just as people will pay for water, which is free, some will try to pay for salvation, which also is free. There is a major difference though. You can pay and get water. You cannot pay and get salvation. It is free and only free. God offers it, and we receive it.
There is a sense in which salvation is not free. It did cost a high price, which Jesus paid when He died on the cross. But it is always free to us. We can never pay for what God gives.
Have you received the free gift of salvation? If so, thank God for the living water. If not, pray today, asking to receive this gift. It is yours, already paid for, available for the asking.
0 Comments
What Idols Are You Following? Feb 25, 2006 5:39 pm
154 Views
With all the television, videos, movies, sports, etc. we have a lot of chances to follow different idols or heros in this world.
A little closer to home you have have a favorite man or a woman that God has used in your life, pastor, teacher, parent, or friend who has had a dramatic influence on you. Then one day, you discovered they were human, and yes, that they even make mistakes. You were devastated. Maybe you thought, "If a person like that would make a mistake, then I'm not going to be a Christian."
Then the problem gets to be, who are you following? If you are ready to abandon your faith because someone you respected messed up, that would suggest to me that you are not worshiping the Lord, but instead have made a god out of a person. Other people can be a good influence on us, but they will fail now and then, because all of us will fail at one time or another.
We can also make a god out of tradition. When the Israelites were rebelling against God, He judged them by sending venomous serpents into their midst. Then He instructed Moses to make a serpent out of bronze and put it up on a pole. Those who had been bitten by the serpents saw it and were healed. But years later, they ended up worshiping that image of the snake wrapped around the pole, and King Hezekiah had to destroy it (see 2 Kings 18:4). Something that had been legitimately used of God became an idol.
Sometimes we think only bad things can become idols. But idols can be things that are good, but that we put in an improper place in our lives. You can make a good thing into an idol that can eventually get in the way of the Lord. That is why we need to be careful.
May the Lord bless each and everyone of you, cheers.
0 Comments
How Often Do You Get By With False Advertising Feb 24, 2006 6:01 pm
224 Views
John 1:47, "When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false." (NIV)

How many times do you paint a pretty picture for the world to see about you, false advertising yourself so to speak only to have your heart reflecting something entirely different.
I will share some of my false advertising over the years. I am sure that you can provide many examples of your own to share.
When I was married and the ex and I would drive to the church service, most of the times in the later years we would always be fighting about something or the other. The whole point being is that once we pulled into the church parking lot that face left me and one with a big smile would come across my face. Was that fake or not? What kind of picture was I painting for the members at that church?
How many times over the years have I runned into somebody in town and I would ask them how they were doing. When in my own heart I really didn't care and wanted to get on with my day. I would pretend I was a caring friend but deep down in side I just wanted to go.
How many times have I recited scripture, gone to church, done a bible study and do all the right things in front of man as being a good christian only to do non christian behaviors when other weren't looking. I look in the mirror and it mocks me at what I see in there.
God does not desire me to operate this way, so why do I do it? God wants to see a geniune you in the mirror of life. I want Jesus to see me just as He saw Nathanael. I want my outside attitude and walk to match my inside attitude and walk, not sometimes but all the time. I realize that I will never be perfect, not even close however I would like to get rid of the false advertising that I am projecting to the world.

Some things for me to ponder in my life:

Do I hide bitterness, malice or envy on the inside of myself?

In what situations am I most likely to display "false advertising"?

What can I do to help rid myself of undesirable hidden attitudes?
3 Comments
Praising God When He Closes Doors On Us Feb 24, 2006 5:03 pm
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Why don't we praise God when He closes a door in our life as much for the doors that God opens. Many doors are closed by God because He has not prepared anything behind that door that can benefit us at that appointed time. If God didn't close the wrong door we wouldn't find the right door.
God closes and opens doors in our life as a means of helping to direct our paths. A close door forces you to change your path. This may occur several times before you actually find the right door and receive your blessing.
We often forget to praise God when He closes a door on us which almost all of the time would get us in some type of trouble, we tend to get upset and angry at God for not opening certain doors.
God sees all and knows all. God is there to help you in everything that you do and all you have to do is ask for His help and He will give it to you. God walks ahead of you and tries to prepare paths for you to walk through. Yet we lack the wisdom and we try and tear down those roadblocks that God has set up for us. We go through the wrong door and then cry to God as to why God could have allowed this to happen to us.
Why are we not smart enough to realize that according to the word of God He stated that He would not withhold any good thing from those of us that love Him.
If you get terminated from your job, praise God for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves: it might be another job, it might be school, I have had this happen to me several times so far and each time God has brought me through beautifully. I was upset at the time because of my lack of faith but was throughly blessed by the time it was all done.
If that person that is suppose to love you doesn't write or call, just think it may be from God. Why do we trap ourselves in doubt and discouragement when we should be grateful for the close doors.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him - and He will direct your paths. (Prov. 3:5-6)
8 Comments
Run Through The Rain Feb 24, 2006 9:08 am
219 Views
A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Wal-Mart. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout.
We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Wal-Mart. We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.
The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in "Mom, let's run through the rain," she said. "What?" Mom asked. "Let's run through the rain!" She repeated. "No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.
This young child waited about another minute and repeated: "Mom, let's run through the rain,"
"We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.
"No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm. This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet? "Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!"
The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say.
Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith. "Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said.
Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.
And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing. Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories. So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.


I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.
6 Comments
Nothing Better To Do So Let Me Fill You With Some More Wisdom Feb 23, 2006 5:26 pm
240 Views
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

"Wherever you go there you are."

"There are two ways to reach the top of an oak
tree. You can climb it or you can sit on an acorn and wait."

"Nothing changes if nothing changes."

"If you keep doing what you've always done, you'll
keep getting what you've always got and you'll
keep feeling what you've always felt."

"It's not the truth that hurts us but letting go of the lies."

"We are as sick as our secrets."

"Openness is to wholeness as secrets are to sickness."
4 Comments
The Thing I Value Most Feb 23, 2006 4:56 pm
214 Views
It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.
Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday". Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.
"Jack, did you hear me"?
"Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said.
"Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," his Mom told him.
"I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said.
"You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said.
"He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important. Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.
As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown.
Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own and most of his relatives had passed away.
The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time.
Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time.
The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture. Jack stopped suddenly.
"What's wrong, Jack"? his Mom asked.
"The box is gone," he said.
"What box"? Mom asked.
"There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,'" Jack said.
It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.
"Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."
It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one day, Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read.
Early the next day Jack retrieved the package.
The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention.
"Mr. Harold Belser," it read.
Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope.
Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside.
"Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A small key was taped to the letter.
His heart racing, tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch. Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover.
Inside he found these words engraved: "Jack, thanks for your time! Harold Belser."
"The thing he valued most was my time."
Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days.
"Why"? Janet, his assistant asked.
"I need some time to spend with my son," he said.
"Oh, by the way, Janet. Thanks for your time!"
1 comment
How Do We Determine Sin Anyway? Feb 23, 2006 4:46 pm
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"Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." (James 4:17.)

There are sins of commision. A few examples are lying, cheating, stealing, adultery, battery, etc. You get the idea. These sins are obvious for us as christians to recognized. But we also learn in our bible verse today, there are sins of ommision. If you know to do good and you don't do good, then that is a sin as well.
You also have subtle sins. These are also called sins of the spirit. Most of the time they are hidden and only come out at certain times during the day. Some examples of these are envy, pride, greed, jealousy, pride, the desire to control others, etc.
However the most common sin is the sin of denial. Most of us christians practice this sin to some degree. For those of you that are not sure of what denial means it is being out of touch with reality. It is being emotionally and spiritually asleep. We're not aware of it until we wake up. It can be a killer.
For the most partitt usually takes a crisis of some kind to wake us from this dangerous sleep. We deny our true feelings, we deny our motives, we deny many of our sins, we rationalize our behavior and end up believing the lies we tell ourselves. In other words, we hide from the truth. And the more into the denial we are the more we will distort all other truth, including God's truth, to twist it to make it match our misguided perception of reality.
Sin is a cancer of the soul. The reason God is so opposed to it is because it hurts and ultimately destroys those whom God loves and that is us, His creation! Unconfessed and unforgiven it will separate us for all eternity from a holy and loving God.
God gave us an out though and that is through the blood of Jesus. Wont you make that choice today, God bless you.
2 Comments
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