Sunday, April 20, 2008

Virtuous Women (aren't they amazing)!

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Please, read what Proverbs 31:10-31 states about a virtuous woman, one who fears the Lord.

Women have strengths that amaze men.
They carry children, they carry hardships, they carry burdens…but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous…



Women wait by the phone for a “safe at home call” from a friend after a snowy drive home.
Woman friends keep secrets you told them years ago and never bring it up again.
Women have special qualities about them.



They volunteer for good causes.
They are pink ladies in hospitals, they bring food to shut ins.
They are childcare workers, executives, attorneys, stay-at-home moms, biker babes and your neighbors.
They wear suits, they wear jeans, they wear uniforms.



Women fight for what they believe in.



They stand up for injustice.
They are in the front row at PTA meetings.
They vote for the person that will do the best job for family issues.
They walk and talk the extra mile to get their children in the right schools and for getting their family the right health care.



They write to the editor, their congressmen and to “the powers that be” for things that make for a better life.
They don’t take “no” for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.
They can wipe a tear, cover a cut and pat you on the back at the same time.
They eat a little so their family can have more.



They rush to school to pick up a sick child.
They stick a love note in their husband’s lunch box.
They do without new shoes so that their children can have them.
They go to scout meetings and are chaperones on class trips.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.



Women don’t make excuses for defending their family or friends.



They give a friend some money in times of trouble.
They love unconditionally.
They are loyal, honest and forgiving.
They are smart, knowing that knowledge IS power.
They still know how to use their softer side to make a point.
Their world consists of goodness, love and caring.



Women want to be the best for their family, their friends and themselves.



They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.
They get teary eyed when others do great things.
They save their anger for the unjust and the insincere.
They tell people that need to be told to straighten up their act.
They lend a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen and a voice to make suggestions…



They are happy when they hear about a birth or a new marriage.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They have so much sorrow at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They can control situations that seem uncontrollable.



They can round up energy when they are tired.
They can stay up a little longer to talk to someone that needs a friend.
They will rush to be by your side when you are lonely.
They will give up their favorite TV show to help with homework or read a bedtime story.



A woman’s touch can cure any ailment.



They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
She can make a romantic evening unforgettable.
She can bring out the best in her husband, children and friends.
They don’t mind standing in the shadows.
They are not there to push, but to gently encourage.



They are cheerleaders, teachers, lovers and important in many peoples daily lives.
They can whisper a kind word, scream a loud cheer and laugh away a fear.
They can mend your broken spirit and give you back your self-esteem.
They can knit a family back together after a break or a loss.



Women come in all sizes, in all colors and shapes.



They live in homes, apartments, cabins and trailers.
They drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.
They have hearts that forgive and forget an injustice.
They have hearts that remember a kindness.



They have hearts that beat with loyalty and love.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world spin.
They can cry and laugh at the same time.
They can be sad and hopeful at the same time.



Women do more than just give birth.



They bring joy and hope.
They teach us to dream and make goals.
They give compassion and ideals.
They climb into a person’s life and make everything better again.
They give moral support to their family and friends.



And all they want back is a hug, a smile and for you to do the same to the people you come in contact with.



Women are leaders, but don’t want followers.



They want people to grow into the best person they can be.
They want to touch you in a way that will make you share your goodness with others.



One touch can turn a bad day into a better one.
One extra minute of her time will make a child feel special.
One more kiss will make her husband feel loved.



Women have a lot to say and a lot to give.



A GREAT unknown Author



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Sunday, April 13, 2008

A little bit won't hurt?

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Just a Little Sin... great story to apply in our modern day world.

Some years ago, I walked into my office after a Sunday morning service to find a sandwich bag on my desk containing three chocolate brownies. Some thoughtful and anonymous person who knew my love for chocolate had placed them there, along with a piece of paper that had a short story written on it. I immediately sat down and began eating the first brownie as I read the following story:

Two teenagers asked their father if they could go to the theater to watch a movie that all their friends had seen. After reading some reviews about the movie on the Internet, he denied their request.

"Aw dad, why not?" they complained. "It's rated PG-13, and we're both older than thirteen!"

Dad replied, "Because that movie contains nudity and portrays immorality as being normal and acceptable behavior."

"But dad, those are just very small parts of the movie! That's what our friends who've seen it have told us. The movie is two hours long and those scenes are just a few minutes of the total film! It's based on a true story, and good triumphs over evil, and there are other redeeming themes like courage and self-sacrifice. Even the movie review websites say that!"

"My answer is 'no,' and that is my final answer. You are welcome to stay home tonight, invite some of your friends over, and watch one of the good videos we have in our home collection. But you will not go and watch that film. End of discussion."

The two teenagers walked dejectedly into the family room and slumped down on the couch. As they sulked, they were surprised to hear the sounds of their father preparing something in the kitchen. They soon recognized the wonderful aroma of brownies baking in the oven, and one of the teenagers said to the other, "Dad must be feeling guilty, and now he's going to try to make it up to us with some fresh brownies. Maybe we can soften him with lots of praise when he brings them out to us and persuade him to let us go to that movie after all."

About that time I began eating the second brownie from the sandwich bag and wondered if there was some connection to the brownies I was eating and the brownies in the story. I kept reading...

The teens were not disappointed. Soon their father appeared with a plate of warm brownies which he offered to his kids. They each took one. Then, their father said, "Before you eat, I want to tell you something: I love you both so much."

The teenagers smiled at each other with knowing glances. Dad was softening.
"That is why I've made these brownies with the very best ingredients. I've made them from scratch. Most of the ingredients are even organic. The best organic flour. The best free-range eggs. The best organic sugar. Premium vanilla and chocolate." The brownies looked mouth watering, and the teens began to become a little impatient with their dad's long speech. "But I want to be perfectly honest with you. There is one ingredient I added that is not usually found in brownies. I got that ingredient from our own back yard. But you needn't worry, because I only added the tiniest bit of that ingredient to your brownies. The amount of the portion is practically insignificant. So go ahead, take a bite and let me know what you think."

"Dad, would you mind telling us what that mystery ingredient is before we eat?"

"Why? The portion I added was so small. Just a teaspoonful. You won't even taste it."

"Come on, Dad! Just tell us what that ingredient is." "Don't worry! It is organic, just like the other ingredients." "Dad!"

"Well, OK, if you insist. That secret ingredient is organic... dog poop."

I immediately stopped chewing that second brownie and I spit it out into the waste basket by my desk. I continued reading, now fearful of the paragraphs that still remained.

Both teens instantly dropped their brownies back on the plate and began inspecting their fingers with horror. "DAD! Why did you do that? You've tortured us by making us smell those brownies cooking for the last half hour, and now you tell us that you added dog poop! We can't eat these brownies!"

"Why not? The amount of dog poop is very small compared to the rest of the ingredients. It won't hurt you. It's been cooked right along with the other ingredients. You won't even taste it. It has the same consistency as the brownies. Go ahead and eat!"

"No, Dad...NEVER!"

"And that is the same reason I won't allow you to go watch that movie. You won't tolerate a little dog poop in your brownies, so why should you tolerate a little immorality in your movies? We pray that God will not lead us unto temptation, so how can we in good conscience entertain ourselves with something that will imprint a sinful image in our minds that will lead us into temptation long after we first see it?"

I discarded what remained of the second brownie as well as the entire untouched third brownie. What had been irresistible a minute ago had become detestable. And only because of the very slim chance that what I was eating was slightly polluted. (Surely it wasn't... but I couldn't convince myself) What a good lesson about purity! Why do we tolerate any sin?



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Author unknown.
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In the service of the King.
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Saturday, April 12, 2008

ESCAPE THE TUBE!

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Dear Friend,

I'm just wondering why so many Christians are hooked to the Tube, taking in the things which this world has to offer. They who are against violence, alcohol, indicency, war, drugs, women lib, sexual deviations may not actually be involved in such sins, but will be defiled by it and be part of it by watching. When you are watching you are also agreeing with it, or you would have turned the TV off.

How many are watching TV programs which show a little bit of this sin and a bit of that sin, besides all such advertisements, and feed their souls with it?


Galatians 5:8 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

1 Cor 5:6,7 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:1,2

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

"Abiding in Him" takes more than being saved, following denominational strings, church orders or doctrines of past men or saints, it takes denying of the "OLD" flesh; the carnal mind. It takes a personal steady walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

That ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God. Acts 14:15

James 4:4
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Below is an article from: Stealth Health, Reader's Digest Canada, which is better than preached from the pulpit, since I have NEVER heard any warnings against TV coming from Christian churches or organizations.

Luke 16:8b... for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.


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Are you tired of watching your evening go down the tube, as you sit spellbound infront of the television set? If you no longer want to spend your days hypnotized by cathode rays try these tips.

Only turn on the TV to watch a particular show.
In other words, don’t just turn it on and go surfing for something worthwhile. Hours are quickly wasted, switching from one show to the next, watching all and none at the same time. Then, when you sit down to watch a particular show, set a timer or an alarm clock in another room for the length of the show. When it beeps, you’ll have to get out of your chair to turn it off, a signal to also turn off the tube.

Throw out the remote control.
It’s amazing how much less television you’ll watch if you have to get up every time you want to change channels or adjust the volume. Plus, it eliminates all those hours you spend channel surfing.

Rearrange the furniture.
Design your family room so that the television becomes not the focal point of the room, but an afterthought that requires twisting around or rearranging the furniture to view.

Hide the television.
Put it behind an armoire, hang a blanket over it, or stick it inside a cabinet. Do whatever you can to ensure it fades into the background and can’t be seen for what it is—a dangerous time sucker.

Eat meals, especially dinner, with the television OFF.
Set a rule that you can’t watch TV if the sun is shining.
Instead, you have to go for a walk, ride a bike, or get some other kind of healthy physical activity for at least an hour before you can turn on the tube. This rule also works great for your kids or grandkids.

Make a TV-watching plan each week.
Sit down with the viewing guide and pick out the shows you want to watch that week. Watch only those shows, and when they’re over, turn the TV off.

Switch to games.
Relearn the fun of Scrabble, backgammon, or even chess with your family. Get out the playing cards and have a hearts or gin rummy battle. Play Ping-Pong, pool, or darts in the basement. Go outside and practice your golf swing with practice balls. All of these are more fun, healthy, and life-affirming than sitting in front of the television.

Say no to Jaws for the 15th time.
Often we can be strangely drawn into watching things we’ve seen many times before. There’s something comforting in the repetition. Well, resist it. Watching the same James Bond movie or Trading Spaces episode again and again is unhealthy for your body and your brain.

Change your TV-viewing chairs.
Make them somewhat hard and upright—chairs you don’t want to lounge in for hours. Move your most comfy chairs to the living room, and use them for listening to music and reading.


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If you're trapped, the best thing you could do for yourself and your family is to "THROW IT OUT ALL TOGETHER".

Biblical advise:

http://achristiancounselor.com/clear.html KEEPING CLEAR OF THIS WORLD

In God's service,

Minister Dr. Trudy Veerman



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