tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74614510088071171172024-03-13T14:19:33.865-04:00Oldman's Inspirational Thoughts™I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. John 8:12Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.comBlogger264125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-21519182627594032742012-02-20T18:54:00.001-05:002012-02-20T18:54:00.100-05:00Inspiration is just a spark<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpkw2F9YhiRWeGOXOb43_r4q_0svz9s5LNDYCA6-So0EeJ3pNXP3Fq0BYKaga3x8SWWCSLSUrWM_SKOVzhub_pFodzQnoHWdIFhTCa37ZoxDYYhdMg8jNZEQeQJs5DQbVl5pTYjACR_Yj/s1600/about_sparks.gif"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 228px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711189356120615858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpkw2F9YhiRWeGOXOb43_r4q_0svz9s5LNDYCA6-So0EeJ3pNXP3Fq0BYKaga3x8SWWCSLSUrWM_SKOVzhub_pFodzQnoHWdIFhTCa37ZoxDYYhdMg8jNZEQeQJs5DQbVl5pTYjACR_Yj/s320/about_sparks.gif" /></a><br /><div>I appreciate all of you who stopped by to wish me well. I’m feeling much better now after a little rest and relaxation. I spent the time getting a little extra sleep on some days and actually getting some writing on my novel accomplished. I will be posting here just not as often as I had been because I am getting to a point in my novel which is consuming my time.<br /><br />On one of my other blogs I had hung up the “Gone Fishing” sign, but I didn’t catch anything. Of course, I guess you’d actually have to go to somewhere there are fish in some body of water and cast a line or a net to succeed. My fishing trip was more of fishing for some peace of mind.<br /><br />The idea that one could go fishing and never go to a body of water brings to mind the idea of inspiration. This past week someone told me I inspired them. I am happy I am able to give inspiration to someone as I am sure I have inspired many with the successes I have experienced. Coming from being bed ridden and unable to walk or work and then losing over 150 pounds and regaining my life and now being among the employed after being out of work for over four years is a story which is inspiring. And, if you have been reading my story for awhile now you know there have been many bumps to overcome along the way. However, inspiration is just a spark. You actually have to go to the water and cast the line or net if you are ever going to succeed. Success requires action.<br /><br />I have been inspired by many people, places and things in my life. My mother and sister are going to participate in the <a href="http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2012/General?px=6392388&pg=personal&fr_id=1761&s_subsrc=bfgetwordout&s_src=boundlessfundraising">Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk</a>. When my mother does this walk she will have been a cancer survivor for 25 years. This is very inspiring to me, however, I am not at a point in my life which I can act on that inspiration and participate myself.<br /><br />There have been so many people in my life, teachers, friends, family and even strangers have inspired me in one way or another to act. Many of you have given me great inspiration. There are literally thousands of success stories here on WW which are inspiring. I found Scott Rigsby’s book “Unthinkable” extremely inspiring where he tells his story of how he was the first double amputee to complete the world famous Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon. I was also inspired by Sue Augustine’s book “When Your Past is Hurting Your Present” in which she describes getting beyond the fears which hold you back. She had been an abused and battered wife and overcame her fears and succeeded turning her life around and has helped thousands do the same.<br /><br />There have been many places and things which have inspired me in many directions. When I have seen the glory of God in nature I have been inspired to write many poems and stories. I have been inspired by a work of art or a photograph. There have been many moving experiences in my life which have been inspiring.<br /><br />However, when it comes down to it, you can be inspired and have wonderful and great feelings about all sorts of things you may want to do or change. But, if you don’t act, nothing will be accomplished. Inspiration is just a spark and it is up to us to light the flame and keep it going.<br /><br />I wish each of you much success in achieving all of your goals and dreams.</div>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-14263295206859764532011-10-15T09:39:00.001-04:002011-10-15T09:41:57.735-04:00Amy Grant - Better Than A HallelujahFrom the album "Somewhere down the road" by Amy Grant.<br />Better than a hallelujah is a powerful song about life's frailty & God's unconditional love for us in every situation...more so in times of sorrow than praise.<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qmtBYmHDeAA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-269025718207190342011-07-29T08:44:00.000-04:002011-07-29T08:45:41.922-04:00PLEASE Read. Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Your Help is Needed!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47O5V9pUJFqg48FBZh1q7p-knw8CX0CZN07JAJZm3qru507qBUIEOdq7vebnishTJjd9B8oq9TS1AEP5_sSkk-e8551NpbhDT61dnpazranrYSXrQE7eKtXGtxXPAdNDCeLnhVnvjuN4/s1600/Alexis+Harding+Julies+granddaughter1.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634752200437724642" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47O5V9pUJFqg48FBZh1q7p-knw8CX0CZN07JAJZm3qru507qBUIEOdq7vebnishTJjd9B8oq9TS1AEP5_sSkk-e8551NpbhDT61dnpazranrYSXrQE7eKtXGtxXPAdNDCeLnhVnvjuN4/s320/Alexis+Harding+Julies+granddaughter1.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>My friend's 19 month old granddaughter needs your help. Her name is Alexis Harding. Here is her story.<br /><br /><em>I am 19 months old and I have a seizure disorder which has not yet been diagnosed. I started having seizures at 24hrs old, I am hypotonic, developmentaly delayed and also failure to thrive. My seizures are a variety of different ones. My head and eyes deviate to the right or left and I have clusters which last sometimes for hours. I also have staring and drop seizures. After I have a seizure I cannnot use my right arm sometimes for minutes, sometimes for days. I have been on 8 meds that have not worked and the ketogenic diet. The meds that failed to work are phenobarb, lamictal, topimax, kepra ,clonopin, clobazam, acth and trileptal. I am currently taking 3 of these meds all at once to try and get some control on the seizures without any success. Because of my size and age the doctors are limited on what they can give me. My seizures used to come once in a while but the older I get the worse they get. I am having anywhere from 5 to 30 seizures a day for periods of 4 to 5 days in a row. Sometimes they will stop for a few days for whatever reason and then they will start again. I have been hospitalized once a month since I was born, this month being the worst I have been in the hospital 16 out of 24 days so far. I have had 6 MRI's, a spect scan, pet scan, spinal tap and tons of genetic testing all of which has come back normal. I have been through weeks of video EEG's which have showed spikes coming from the left side of my brain and they have captured 3 of the 5 types of seizures I have. If anyone has any information that might help us find out what is wrong with me please comment or email us. Please help my Mommy and Daddy help me.<br /></em><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">How You Can Help<br /><br /></span></strong>First, if you do have an answer or any helpful information her email address is <a href="mailto:alexisharding01@yahoo.com">alexisharding01@yahoo.com</a><br /><br />Second, leave your supportive and encouraging comments and prayers in the comment section below. Her parents and grandparents will appreciate it.<br /><br />Finally, share this story with others. Everyone knows someone who knows someone who knows someone who knows someone... You can click on the share button and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter, etc. Also, you could post her story in a blog post of your own.<br /><br /><br /><strong><em>Thank you so much for taking the time to help this child.<br /></em></strong></div>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-65936044340446393752010-12-25T08:00:00.001-05:002010-12-25T08:00:04.231-05:00Merry Christmas!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__rEsNTMngnhI0wsFKmw6-dJHUOPEEYtTHIKH1JIaOabmRlfjbtFs_HFbiJcpnJQI-oAp60ciS1AvC3J59OTN9C9nowOIV7NTiUMybbIN7oi49qAQ-aTkcE-fjGZAAJu1eArO5UOQm-2Y/s1600/christian_christmas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554421456275826402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 177px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__rEsNTMngnhI0wsFKmw6-dJHUOPEEYtTHIKH1JIaOabmRlfjbtFs_HFbiJcpnJQI-oAp60ciS1AvC3J59OTN9C9nowOIV7NTiUMybbIN7oi49qAQ-aTkcE-fjGZAAJu1eArO5UOQm-2Y/s400/christian_christmas.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>The Birth of Jesus<br /><br /></strong>1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.<br /></div><br /><div>4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.<br /><br />8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”<br /><br />13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,<br /><br />14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,<br />and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”<br /><br />15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”<br /><br />16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. </div>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-81087497779675398242010-12-18T06:34:00.003-05:002010-12-18T06:52:58.694-05:00Save a Forgotten Equine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7T6UPFqOwB_kywaJsqPuIWDuiVgcU8Tp9sWLvN_lwSjsatcIiZgZcWuq7HQec8D5rlQXDDq60JtMd5Wdib2m7moxd7ncdUHR-IZ4Ro63UT_HAcgHegnKUaUrUeBy2uL75PKCttNAKfYd/s1600/0af0227fefe043349d98ea9e7592bd1b_2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551988092730837938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 237px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7T6UPFqOwB_kywaJsqPuIWDuiVgcU8Tp9sWLvN_lwSjsatcIiZgZcWuq7HQec8D5rlQXDDq60JtMd5Wdib2m7moxd7ncdUHR-IZ4Ro63UT_HAcgHegnKUaUrUeBy2uL75PKCttNAKfYd/s400/0af0227fefe043349d98ea9e7592bd1b_2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><em>This story is from a friend of mine, N Lynn Mazer, and desribes why she is a volunteer with horse rescue. After reading the article please take the time to visit the website to learn more about this awesome cause. The story is reprinted with her permission.<br /></em><br />Meet Whisper, a now 4 year old mare. When Animal Control siezed her from the person who starved her and allowed her wounds to fester Whisper was so close to death she couldn't even stand on her own. She was brought to our rescue farm, Save a Forgotten Equine (SAFE <a href="http://www.safehorses.org/">http://www.safehorses.org/</a> ) December 14, 2008 and volunteers immediately began 24/7 care.<br /><br />Within a short period of time she had to be transported to an equine hospital when we could not keep her warm enough nor standing easily. The contraption you see in the upper photo was devised to hook her to a winch and help her to her feet. The face mask was to protect her from banging her head into things as she struggled to stay on her feet.<br /><br />Horses are not made to lay down for too long periods or their internal organs can be seriously damaged - so she had to be not only lifted, but suspended for long periods of time.<br /><br />She was finally able to stand on her own January 2, 2009 and within a few months she had gained weight and looked nothing like the horse brought to us. The biggest thing to note...no matter how cruelly most of these animals are treated, they always seem to be able to forgive, if not completely forget, and become incredibly loving and devoted partners.<br /><br />The other thing to note is that it takes a lot to house and care for a horse but they can go from starving to healthy in 2 months given the proper nutrition. For them to starve...how anyone could do that to such amazing creatures is beyond me.<br /><br />Whisper was adopted by a wonderful family mid-June of that year and continues to thrive (yes, we do check up every year on every horse that comes through the rescue). </div>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-68613464975683272482010-11-25T07:19:00.002-05:002010-11-25T07:23:39.794-05:00Happy Thanksgiving!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6V655vYQi3wLQ4fbmjB0VaDnENlXeR4BF5HXBu8lDdQRcUGtY2hUxmK6KjwwnRsDvBtmwZL5iN0ybdHGE9w02E_bfGJQonBVAlMcEAcvk_icEf2_b93YISky51q_zCvSvEYlIJ2TCoFM3/s1600/file1511252029174morguefile.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543461702733159634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6V655vYQi3wLQ4fbmjB0VaDnENlXeR4BF5HXBu8lDdQRcUGtY2hUxmK6KjwwnRsDvBtmwZL5iN0ybdHGE9w02E_bfGJQonBVAlMcEAcvk_icEf2_b93YISky51q_zCvSvEYlIJ2TCoFM3/s400/file1511252029174morguefile.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:180%;">Whatever you do in word or deed,<br />do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,<br />giving thanks through Him to God the Father.<br /><br />Colossians 3:17</span></em></div>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-20998964129057240012010-11-19T05:15:00.002-05:002010-11-19T06:17:52.092-05:00Thanksgiving Reflection<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2edDMo5CtSFCZ6czveyZW_Ud5FMDj00fpcCVlWBJILhK9_5m4k9i5JHHUZNsaF-rW_eies6wgaQFCWqGRzYLQs3M6DuOklWKo51o_mBrLBDyHx8Uxf9F00vw9jbdaDM9NPEow3ykN-Qig/s1600/thanksgiving-reflection2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541202877860678626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 322px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 397px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2edDMo5CtSFCZ6czveyZW_Ud5FMDj00fpcCVlWBJILhK9_5m4k9i5JHHUZNsaF-rW_eies6wgaQFCWqGRzYLQs3M6DuOklWKo51o_mBrLBDyHx8Uxf9F00vw9jbdaDM9NPEow3ykN-Qig/s400/thanksgiving-reflection2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">Once upon a time<br />Is how this story starts.<br />When I was just a babe<br />You touched my parents hearts.<br /><br />They brought me to the water<br />And made a vow to You<br />To raise me to know Jesus,<br />His teachings through and through.<br /><br />When I reached my teen years<br />The heart You touched was mine.<br />I knew Your Son had come for me,<br />Would love me for all time.<br /><br />As I went out in the world,<br />A young adult you see,<br />I tried to do it on my own<br />But You still carried me.<br /><br />As I tried to win the race<br />Of fame and fortune true,<br />I must confess my sin right now<br />I had forgotten You.<br /><br />Though troubles were many You stayed right there<br />Through all my pain and strife.<br />My parents and You had taken a vow<br />To guide me through my life.<br /><br />Looking back now I know You were there<br />Through all of those dark years.<br />You offered me unconditional love<br />And dried up all my tears.<br /><br />You blessed me with a baby boy<br />Who fills my heart with pride,<br />A baby girl as sweet as can be<br />My love I cannot hide.<br /><br />My parents and siblings have always been there<br />To show me how Christ cares.<br />Nieces and nephews have shown me Your love<br />Which helps me with what life bears.<br /><br />You blessed me with friends all of my days<br />To brighten my life with joy.<br />Your church with traditions, love and support<br />Has made me one happy boy.<br /><br />So today I am thankful for all of Your love<br />As we celebrate this Thanksgiving.<br />Please help me to shine my light on the world<br />And teach others Your Son is still living.<br /><br />~ Brian Russell ~<br />Copyright © 2010<br /><a href="http://oldmanspoetrycorner.blogspot.com/">Oldman's Poetry Corner<br /></a>All Rights Reserved </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieF9-oYqfRU1PaU38r4UE5a7QVvhhu9ipboUcK8wsuX6YlrWq8UP8vXO_myY6ULjGG7DCuQf9CX1uhahFojK0qB1B8qSlPb9KP7pxKjo0I-NYGkKWSQRO6Ir_X_PzEBSJoakat2S4bjXGL/s1600/TTButton.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541218172617674498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieF9-oYqfRU1PaU38r4UE5a7QVvhhu9ipboUcK8wsuX6YlrWq8UP8vXO_myY6ULjGG7DCuQf9CX1uhahFojK0qB1B8qSlPb9KP7pxKjo0I-NYGkKWSQRO6Ir_X_PzEBSJoakat2S4bjXGL/s200/TTButton.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Todays Thankful Thursday is being hosted by <a href="http://womentakingastand.blogspot.com/2010/11/thankful-thursdayare-you-having-cain-or.html">Laurie at Women Taking a Stand</a>. Please drop by and join us. Happy Thanksgiving!Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-80497271742384445762010-11-17T06:41:00.006-05:002010-11-17T07:05:13.092-05:00Praise to the Lord! ~ WFW<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgIDSasoefGqcEJM3p6kQ19SOCASmlWTFaTVTQRZsqOGOY-xXPbJOWc2nYCmTNwdXmKAOrsmyvqThqqIdrDr_8F3zRnc9kDFd13bWJ4UtZupndf6jpLOz9upMMmmTVmdY5w-M9uRMZZWW/s1600/praise+to+the+lord.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540487099204360162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 340px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgIDSasoefGqcEJM3p6kQ19SOCASmlWTFaTVTQRZsqOGOY-xXPbJOWc2nYCmTNwdXmKAOrsmyvqThqqIdrDr_8F3zRnc9kDFd13bWJ4UtZupndf6jpLOz9upMMmmTVmdY5w-M9uRMZZWW/s400/praise+to+the+lord.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD:<br /><br />“He is good;<br />his love toward Israel endures forever.”<br /><br />And all the people gave a great shout of </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>praise to the LORD, </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>because the foundation of the </em></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>house of the </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>LORD was laid.<br /></em><br />Ezra 3:11</span><br /><br /><a href="http://internetcafedevotions.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540483347215936338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vx_A9ZxTn5ifz4LeCHfAh7TuwZTKxDsXG3r6n564P8SW1_P5ycsgK1cWBMMsaa1DEZcMqUpqEt-WatAEToyNSX2uWqejMf91iBshJkdzV2BMOq84kNE58KBfQ5pO4gUqM-MVcNbsak-I/s200/WFWlogo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>Since it’s inception, the purpose of Word-Filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo, or graphic image combined with a verse from the Bible.<br /><br />Word-Filled Wednesday is now being hosted at <a href="http://internetcafedevotions.com/">Internet Cafe Devotions</a>. Please take the time to to visit and link to others participating in today's Word-Filled Wednesday. God bless you, may your day be filled with peace and joy. </div>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-41480828669550557482010-11-10T04:40:00.006-05:002010-11-10T05:11:17.690-05:00Be Still My Heart ~ WFW<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwZk6ROpdFC4PIWhTZgMTV2dF383fNn4Osp2GSzK62-EJeRiOxw926XcfwwANsHKd7CRxHUAL6YmMgSH9wy03PmvsYv_OjBA2AXBlKzA7p3bPRactz_sukKvRLQakJoqnwUrVxaZpJIYq/s1600/cvr_1288966485.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537858448498800418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 382px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwZk6ROpdFC4PIWhTZgMTV2dF383fNn4Osp2GSzK62-EJeRiOxw926XcfwwANsHKd7CRxHUAL6YmMgSH9wy03PmvsYv_OjBA2AXBlKzA7p3bPRactz_sukKvRLQakJoqnwUrVxaZpJIYq/s400/cvr_1288966485.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:130%;">In quietness and confidence is your strength.</span></em><br /><br />Isaiah 30:15</div><br /><br />Many times in our lives we forget to take the time to be still and be in the presence of the Lord. We remember to pray but do not take the time to listen to what our Lord is saying to us. As Bishop Fulton J. Sheen stated, "Prayer begins by talking with God, but it ends in listening to Him." Proverbs tells us, <em>"those who search for me shall surely find me"</em> (8:17). So it is in the searching and listening that we find the peace and comfort of His love and grace. Jesus knew the importance of getting away from all of the busyness and hustle and bustle in our lives in order to sit quietly in the presence of the Father. He called us to do the same:<br /><br /><em>Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.</em> (Matthew 11:29 MSG)<br /><br />When you hear that little voice of yours telling you, "I just need a little peace and quiet," it may be the Holy Spirit letting you know to slow down and rest and be in His presence because our Lord is having trouble getting through to you during all of the noise and clamor going on your life.<br /><br /><div align="center"><em>"Be still, and know that I am God"<br /></em>(Psalm 46:10)<br /><div></div></div><br /><br /><a href="http://internetcafedevotions.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537861236299452274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9I95MylJsKzgUlPFgkOCV7o8vv30mMQVYxD5bEVoRHhg3duBK-9l9VpWJDvzt-7rDJdm_8PFpCMGnQ30YWYYKBBbaF0mc8p-Zb6vLVK0xQfATccpEQwTMqDKt18IPKPIzNZO22HZR4QcS/s200/WFWlogo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Since it’s inception, the purpose of Word-Filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo, or graphic image combined with a verse from the Bible.<br /><br />Word-Filled Wednesday is now being hosted at <a href="http://internetcafedevotions.com/">Internet Cafe Devotions</a>. Please take the time to to visit and link to others participating in today's Word-Filled Wednesday. God bless you, may your day be filled with peace and joy. </div>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-4746319959452126932010-11-09T08:20:00.003-05:002010-11-09T08:36:49.058-05:00A Prayer When Making a Difficult Decision<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrY0HaQVWUhR9oi_-jTxnbXs-vjlGmKCre90R2aclyI_Y59f3QzuEPb4_rmw8Mvj7gSLAqZTUxFOoQdntGNcGlLMw5SuE5ssx5i4dQsFx26B1qgnFoDqB8Wh-116U5FZSH6fLyTRzYjWPD/s1600/file000652758581.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537543317826457218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrY0HaQVWUhR9oi_-jTxnbXs-vjlGmKCre90R2aclyI_Y59f3QzuEPb4_rmw8Mvj7gSLAqZTUxFOoQdntGNcGlLMw5SuE5ssx5i4dQsFx26B1qgnFoDqB8Wh-116U5FZSH6fLyTRzYjWPD/s400/file000652758581.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Dear Lord,<br /><br />The decision I have to make will affect my life profoundly, and that makes me tense and afraid. Please calm my mind. Show me what to do and how to do it. Help me listen for your answer and know the answer when it comes. Above all, help me know that it will come and rely on Your guidance. Please Lord, always help me to do Your will.<br /><br />In Jesus name, Amen<br /><br /><span style="color:#ffccff;">God is our refuge and strength,<br />a very present help in trouble.<br /><br />Psalm 46:1 </span></span></div>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-70317391253395629152010-11-03T06:00:00.001-04:002010-11-03T06:00:07.322-04:00Hope ~ WFW<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.<br /></span><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHOkq8USP-Dl2GspGux7UppxKBgA9bjFm6lHELDkVCGbOmNvf0MgeMF7tjpTM_mjH0fAr7QdfAXehZUHs3HynUX3NLWu5PD0Td2uVPDV15ffiX40qqjYk2oUjiY8bPbzzU7anljJmJq_-/s1600/file0001768820164.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535155310023864658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHOkq8USP-Dl2GspGux7UppxKBgA9bjFm6lHELDkVCGbOmNvf0MgeMF7tjpTM_mjH0fAr7QdfAXehZUHs3HynUX3NLWu5PD0Td2uVPDV15ffiX40qqjYk2oUjiY8bPbzzU7anljJmJq_-/s320/file0001768820164.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">They will soar on wings like eagles;<br /><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhqxXSqkAzhZha9mB3nDrgi-JEb9p2wWhEupCEgF7RrPVL3JzJc7bxawoDyczXWSR33zUxz0ORuwXjlHH3E2pJT_FxKeW7ABr1o4ze8o7A2n_sorBWsZv3dWHNRAZ1VJssXe8patvdvqM/s1600/file0001747357091.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535154938000662594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 314px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhqxXSqkAzhZha9mB3nDrgi-JEb9p2wWhEupCEgF7RrPVL3JzJc7bxawoDyczXWSR33zUxz0ORuwXjlHH3E2pJT_FxKeW7ABr1o4ze8o7A2n_sorBWsZv3dWHNRAZ1VJssXe8patvdvqM/s320/file0001747357091.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">they will run and not grow weary,<br /></span><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnoFZ_owKmRcknXjPtCw88b2u0NWve1QJJQuo55eDU8gK5pSBYR85axlp8Hc7V4yq3G6FF2N-pqJRyKnu3X_Ob-fZIkMkFFNEfJDyvFlLngUrfuWCSwulU1PGS1py7rtHDpVIqGXSELf0/s1600/file000382222562.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535154536876085218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnoFZ_owKmRcknXjPtCw88b2u0NWve1QJJQuo55eDU8gK5pSBYR85axlp8Hc7V4yq3G6FF2N-pqJRyKnu3X_Ob-fZIkMkFFNEfJDyvFlLngUrfuWCSwulU1PGS1py7rtHDpVIqGXSELf0/s320/file000382222562.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">they will walk and not be faint.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Isaiah 40:31<br /><br /></span><a href="http://internetcafedevotions.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535153936207652450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRhKUVAJRDIiJ6VhF63fODz6uGWvb_q7JqK6gTN3NzpxCTwjj60VhgiYLKm7E5p5uS8dJQRPClroupMpyoj9v9WTisY6LozIP4jywoeBP2Yh5SWafvVCAlBVV6M8qi3b4MNSAkXPm5vZU/s200/WFWlogo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Since it’s inception, the purpose of Word-Filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo, or graphic image combined with a verse from the Bible.<br /><br />Word-Filled Wednesday is now being hosted at <a href="http://internetcafedevotions.com/">Internet Cafe Devotions</a>. Please take the time to to visit and link to others participating in today's Word-Filled Wednesday. God bless you, may your day be filled with peace and joy.Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-70871087770706434632010-10-27T06:46:00.000-04:002010-10-27T06:46:00.120-04:00Grow and Flourish in the Lord ~ WFW<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eIBVEovD04vlfFKgSpuWKNAAJvMA5V4TO5N9UZIBX660zbRDrDlcuosS2Ekd3iamvhg4mlBrh7gbA2grzyF6M93c4P9-I7jYrw_p9v6H4d9QAuvkIbLoDCTje9ruifX_UqkN3TclLaUo/s1600/file0001104812821.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531748095852673698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eIBVEovD04vlfFKgSpuWKNAAJvMA5V4TO5N9UZIBX660zbRDrDlcuosS2Ekd3iamvhg4mlBrh7gbA2grzyF6M93c4P9-I7jYrw_p9v6H4d9QAuvkIbLoDCTje9ruifX_UqkN3TclLaUo/s400/file0001104812821.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord,<br />you must continue to live in obedience to Him.<br />Let your roots grow down into Him and draw up nourishment from Him,<br />so you will grow in faith, strong, and vigorous in the truth you were taught.<br />Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done.<br /><br />Colossians 2:6-7 </div><br /><br /><a href="http://internetcafedevotions.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531747137393588818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhUo4Z4NtP9ZVtE22RuR4Us-lBIpRT-wdXq0Aa6BUmxuCo3VRSuCCyfDlFgPWX3G050RgTphx5AQ3nt85C53HYDAr1sFwZOPkgFG4AUWvkXIBHD16H_nqB2akDPaTFoepIUuNVsoc7_SM/s200/WFWlogo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Since it’s inception, the purpose of Word-Filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo, or graphic image combined with a verse from the Bible.<br /><br />Word-Filled Wednesday is now being hosted at <a href="http://internetcafedevotions.com/">Internet Cafe Devotions</a>. Please take the time to to visit and link to others participating in today's Word-Filled Wednesday. God bless you, may your day be filled with peace and joy.</div>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-80363917826703743682010-10-24T17:25:00.005-04:002010-10-24T17:45:56.669-04:00Five Finger Prayer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgv63ZB7pkggddKlKW23dfG39uyWVojX018vC_p5Rius9lH7nOaB_Kox1KXriGjFTHTGOzaoT_Wtx29qAglBFNmHAyhv_c2v6_acFYqlwi_9317aIoZoaK0-wq0HyIS_mHHYeNitFuYKR/s1600/file000312639937.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531731862132349970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgv63ZB7pkggddKlKW23dfG39uyWVojX018vC_p5Rius9lH7nOaB_Kox1KXriGjFTHTGOzaoT_Wtx29qAglBFNmHAyhv_c2v6_acFYqlwi_9317aIoZoaK0-wq0HyIS_mHHYeNitFuYKR/s400/file000312639937.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>At our church we have been studying John Ed Mathison's Book, <em>treasures of the transformed life</em>. In it he speaks of the Five Finger Prayer which I thought I would share with you. Here is how it works, Look at your hand and let your fingers be your guide.<br /><br />1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you, Family and Friends.<br /><br />2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and lead us to our Father in Heaven. This can include teachers, choir members, ministers and all of the laity. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction.<br /><br />3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.<br /><br />4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.<br /><br />5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all, which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, 'The least shall be the greatest among you.' Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.<br /><br /><span style="color:#99ff99;">14This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15 </span></div>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-16299479020598873162010-10-13T06:24:00.000-04:002010-10-13T06:24:00.474-04:00Blessings from Above<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAMNO1l7xAzY0jhriWOfU1-XWafMt4XEHXoX6bz27p74U5ZMtL34CJJ9z-WOvtc-7UmPTla6XsBq7mfPnHoAqzOPQ5AUTbfn5Td2jDz2QoWj9j1QFVgXTRY_RhUi1WsW1m1PVTOCOfwqF/s1600/our+father.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527136969468741378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 359px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAMNO1l7xAzY0jhriWOfU1-XWafMt4XEHXoX6bz27p74U5ZMtL34CJJ9z-WOvtc-7UmPTla6XsBq7mfPnHoAqzOPQ5AUTbfn5Td2jDz2QoWj9j1QFVgXTRY_RhUi1WsW1m1PVTOCOfwqF/s400/our+father.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">What can I offer the Lord<br />for all He has done for me?<br /><br />Psalm 116:12<br /><br /><a href="http://internetcafedevotions.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527136568975773538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkB8r9Cbqysamxsd_bjYHrhKYHONv1v-zMsEwhJuCO82OQdcMlCnMdf7lcQP59lfyXhpo1HeMMsN7PrCJFIMxPAml_lxqwCM-j1W2WW_Uj2hpl78_f_-b4tyKcnX9FNs4FlHN03I4RwMKl/s200/WFWlogo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Since it’s inception, the purpose of Word-Filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo, or graphic image combined with a verse from the Bible.<br /><br />Word-Filled Wednesday is now being hosted at Internet Cafe Devotions. Please take the time to to visit and link to others participating in today's Word-Filled Wednesday. God bless you, may your day be filled with peace and joy. </div>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-75922774739580595582010-10-06T20:17:00.004-04:002010-10-06T21:39:55.937-04:00Oh Where, Oh Where has the Old Man Been?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnBPPAkXjTFsxWv9l8f1serY_pzDiSFdC48vCV5s4kgSNuz-p0dKuW-yntVAQrGXv7JZe-JWf-NQtWc6MBeWf-24o1ZrztxVcOBbo9Pfh0HJIEECBFKwUwWqDKDflJHP4AwjBDczKvN_E/s1600/Old_man_jumps_2.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525112721852294482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 128px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnBPPAkXjTFsxWv9l8f1serY_pzDiSFdC48vCV5s4kgSNuz-p0dKuW-yntVAQrGXv7JZe-JWf-NQtWc6MBeWf-24o1ZrztxVcOBbo9Pfh0HJIEECBFKwUwWqDKDflJHP4AwjBDczKvN_E/s400/Old_man_jumps_2.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Hi, Hello, Good Morning, Good Evening, and Good Day,<br /><br />I hope that covers it all. I know, I know you have been missing me, Right? Well, I just thought I would drop by to let y'all know what I have been up to.<br /><br />Sometimes in our lives we must step back and pause and get more in touch with ourselves and how we can be an instrument of His peace and love and His faithful servant. “Be still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10<br /><br />So as you might infer, this requires me to listen to Him and hear where I can improve which has lead me to concentrate on improving my quality of life. There are certain things I must accomplish to be able to serve Him properly.<br /><br />First, I need to find employment. As you know, I've been unemployed for a long time for health reasons but I'm feeling much better now and I'm ready to go back to work. I am working as a Virtual Assistant, If I can be of assistance to your business or organization, please visit my website, <a href="http://www.virtualmanagementassistant.com/">http://www.virtualmanagementassistant.com/</a> I also have been volunteering at Emerging Healthcare, you can find their link in the sidebar.<br /><br />I am also working on improving my health. Well, this is going pretty well. To date, I've lost a total of 130 pounds and continue to do well. In fact, I lost 7 more pounds this week. I am posting on my health blog, <a href="http://oldmanblurtsout.blogspot.com/">OLDMANBLURTSOUT, My Journey to a Happier and Healthier Lifestyle</a>, pretty regularly now. It helps me with my weight loss. Please drop by and become a follower today!!!<br /><br />I believe we have found a church we like now though my daughter still wants to check out one more. In a way, I hope she likes the one we are going to better because I am beginning to get to know some people and it is important to have this fellowship with others. "Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do." Hebrew 10:25 I have faith God will lead me in the direction He desires.<br /><br />Well, I hope that helps answer the question of where I've been. I will try to post more often; in the meantime please don't forget drop by my health blog and follow.<br /><br />Dear Lord,<br /><br />Thank You for all the wonderful people You have put into my life. It makes my heart leap for joy to feel the love of all of the brothers and sisters who continue to pray for me and my ministry. Help me to continue to Live a Life of Worship and bring Your love to all of the lives I touch. Please Lord, make me an example of Your peace and love that I may inspire others toward Your Son and my Lord, Jesus Christ. Thank you for your grace, it still amazes me. You have truly blessed my soul and my life. May Your will be done.<br /><br />In Jesus' name I pray,<br />Amen</div>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-58936033217111530032010-08-06T14:51:00.005-04:002010-08-06T15:08:58.349-04:00Prayer Request ~ Moving and Looking for WorkIf you are wondering where the old man has been, I have been in the process of moving closer to my family. I have been experiencing many difficulties for awhile now and I am concentrating on finding employment and living healthier. Thank God I have a family who is there for me and is so very supportive in this time of troubles. Please continue to keep me and my daughter in your prayers and I will continue to pray for all of you. It may be awhile before I get settled in and I am able to begin posting again. Please pray I will be able to find a job which will meet my families needs as well as serve God's plan in my life.<br /><br />Thank you and God bless.<br /><br />I pray, Father, that out of your glorious riches you may strengthen me with power through your Spirit in my inner being, so that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith. And I pray that I, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that I may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within me, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. [Adapted from Ephesians 3:16-21]Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-41717597094997312102010-07-27T09:29:00.002-04:002010-07-27T10:05:31.052-04:00The Water of Life<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn2RABtEEG5JCcXhBH-g6dTI-s8atacnUMfoNM11OFEB5pEiNiTMnj7SttpBQedIeUJoPvr4HMbgRE8RgYwq93UUV3m09lFG2liXxlHRQsJ9hUFSjIdkj7Y6V1ppxOSWREoVgSjNrAR62/s1600/file8591249501568.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498586595953702882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn2RABtEEG5JCcXhBH-g6dTI-s8atacnUMfoNM11OFEB5pEiNiTMnj7SttpBQedIeUJoPvr4HMbgRE8RgYwq93UUV3m09lFG2liXxlHRQsJ9hUFSjIdkj7Y6V1ppxOSWREoVgSjNrAR62/s400/file8591249501568.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>It was one of the hottest days of the dry season. We had not seen rain in almost a month. The crops were dying. Cows had stopped giving milk. The creeks and streams were long gone back into the earth. It was a dry season that would bankrupt several farmers before it was through. Every day, my husband and his brothers would go about the arduous process of trying to get water to the fields. Lately this process had involved taking a truck to the local water rendering plant and filling it up with water. But severe rationing had cut everyone off. If we didn't see some rain soon... we would lose everything.<br /><br />It was on this day that I learned the true lesson of sharing and witnessed the only miracle I have seen with my own eyes. I was in the kitchen making lunch for my husband and his brothers when I saw my six-year old son, Billy, walking toward the woods. He wasn't walking with the usual carefree abandon of a youth but with a serious purpose. I could only see his back. He was obviously walking with a great effort... trying to be as still as possible. Minutes after he disappeared into the woods, he came running out again, toward the house. I went back to making sandwiches; thinking that whatever task he had been doing was completed.<br /><br />Moments later, however, he was once again walking in that slow purposeful stride toward the woods. This activity went on for over an hour: walking carefully to the woods, then running back to the house. Finally, my curiosity got the best of me. I crept out of the house and followed him on his journey (being very careful not to be seen... as he was obviously doing something important and didn't need his Mommy checking-up on him).<br /><br />He was cupping both hands in front of him as he walked; being very careful not to spill the water he held in them... maybe two or three tablespoons were held in his tiny hands. I sneaked closer as he went into the woods. Branches and thorns slapped his little face but he did not try to avoid them. He had a much greater purpose. As I leaned in to spy on him, I saw the most amazing site.<br />Several large deer loomed in front of him. Billy walked right up to them. I almost screamed for him to get away. A huge buck with elaborate antlers was dangerously close. But the buck did not threaten him... he didn't even move as Billy knelt down. And I saw a tiny fawn laying on the ground, obviously suffering from dehydration and heat exhaustion, lift its head with great effort to lap up the water cupped in my beautiful boy's hand.<br /><br />When the water was gone, Billy jumped up to run back to the house and I hid behind a tree. I followed him back to the house; to a spigot that we had shut off the water to. Billy opened it all the way up and a small trickle of water began to creep out. He knelt there, letting each drip of water slowly fill up his makeshift "cup," as the sun beat down on his little back. It was just last week he was punished for playing with the garden hose, and received a stern lecture on the importance of not wasting water. So, I'm sure that is why he didn't ask me to help him.<br /><br />It took almost twenty minutes for the drops to fill his hands. When he stood up and began the trek back, I was there in front of him. His little eyes just filled with tears. "I'm not wasting," was all he said. As he began his walk, I joined him... with a small pot of water from the kitchen. I let him tend to the fawn. I stayed away... it was his job.<br /><br />I stood on the edge of the woods watching the most beautiful heart I have ever known working so hard to save a life. As the tears that rolled down my face began to hit the ground, they were suddenly joined by other drops... and more drops... and more. I looked up at the sky. It was as if God, Himself, was weeping with pride.<br /><br />Some will probably say that this was all just a huge coincidence. That miracles don't really happen. That it was bound to rain sometime. And I can't argue with that... I'm not even going to try. All I can say is that the rain that came that day saved our farm... just like the actions of one little boy saved a life.<br /><br /><br />"This story is to honor the memory of my beautiful Billy, who was taken from me much too soon.... but not before he showed me the true face of God; in a little sunburned body."<br /><br />Author Unknown<br /><br /><span style="color:#66ffff;">For I will pour water on him who is thirsty,<br />And floods on the dry ground;<br />I will pour My Spirit on your descendants,<br />And My blessing on your offspring;<br /><br />Isaiah 44:3</span></div>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-51070116647059911602010-07-26T14:26:00.003-04:002010-07-26T14:31:19.887-04:00"Why Ivy Tech" Help Nancy Meeks win a scholarshipNancy Meeks is trying to win a scholarship for college. By viewing her video you can help her win one of 3 scholarships to Ivy Tech. She currently carries a 4.0 GPA and looks forward to continuing her education. She did not qualify for scholarships or grants for the 2009-2010 school year and could really use the help for this coming school year. Thank you for your support! Come back and view often, through August 2, 2010.<br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/X0QyaM83G30&hl=en_US&fs=1?color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/X0QyaM83G30&hl=en_US&fs=1?color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-7007055230290123862010-07-25T08:22:00.002-04:002010-07-25T09:00:39.558-04:00Sister Act 2 "Oh Happy Day"<p align="center"><a href="http://oldmansinspirationalthoughts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3341/4608801879_686944f517_m.jpg" /></a></p><br /><em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">~ Sunday Song of Celebration ~</span></strong></em><br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/KpRKZ9skO_k&hl=en_US&fs=1?color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/KpRKZ9skO_k&hl=en_US&fs=1?color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />If you would like to join this Sunday Song of Celebration please post your music video or audio track on your blog in order to praise, honor and worship our Lord, Jesus Christ. Be sure to grab the button in the sidebar. Then add your link in the comments below so I and others can visit and celebrate our Lord through song!Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-48130699564045735632010-07-23T07:00:00.000-04:002010-07-23T07:00:01.422-04:00Warning: Americans are in Denial about Their Health<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROsKKjQpHdQJSaI7-o84v8JDp5IykIcnuiTyfnFx928YszpYa8cppmaNTBqk8Z1vGeaC-T7bwTvSUGVYm_2oscz9IUwU5Mm37CxNWROkqtV7aTnezQCDW8-g8WlxO5a4mpItPzlpGalQg/s1600/file0002062211258morguefile.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495442674129507090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 297px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROsKKjQpHdQJSaI7-o84v8JDp5IykIcnuiTyfnFx928YszpYa8cppmaNTBqk8Z1vGeaC-T7bwTvSUGVYm_2oscz9IUwU5Mm37CxNWROkqtV7aTnezQCDW8-g8WlxO5a4mpItPzlpGalQg/s400/file0002062211258morguefile.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Today, our collective health is in danger. A mere twenty-five years ago less than 10% of the American population was considered obese. Now over 30% of Americans are documented as being obese with the largest growth rate being in the south. Mintel, a market research leader, found that only 25% of survey respondents said they suffer from or have been diagnosed as being obese or overweight. According to the Center for Disease Control, however, 67% of Americans fall into this category and likewise Mintel found 65% of the respondents were actually obese or overweight. It is an epidemic of mass proportions (pun intended).<br /><br /><br /><object height="405" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/eFPDSNuewnY&hl=en_US&fs=1?color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/eFPDSNuewnY&hl=en_US&fs=1?color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />Sources:<br /><br />US Obesity Trends<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1JUv51GX0w">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1JUv51GX0w</a><br /><br />Mintel Press Release<br />Source: Mintel Oxygen Reports<br />Region: US<br />FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sep 2009<br /><a href="http://www.mintel.com/press-centre/press-releases/389/new-mintel-survey-shows-americans-in-denial-about-health">http://www.mintel.com/press-centre/press-releases/389/new-mintel-survey-shows-americans-in-denial-about-health</a><br /><br />Blurt: Wake Up America! Are you healthy?<br /><a href="http://www.wellsphere.com/healthy-living-article/blurt-wake-up-america-are-you-healthy/878193">http://www.wellsphere.com/healthy-living-article/blurt-wake-up-america-are-you-healthy/878193</a> </div>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-86512013328712118552010-07-22T08:00:00.001-04:002010-07-22T08:00:06.451-04:00How Much Does A Prayer Weigh?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjoQKJwTltib8LiIGBJLsieUta8rVUpoOhVynUgupGoo77NefkvEDWzxA8qoUsgLG2wErSt8WZvTXsjVkjVnt7WpdFbb3fdNJHJRoNZy0ObLgERnOG80Og9YLmvAKvesjxsnWe0PoG-dB/s1600/file000704919536.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495413413002508050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjoQKJwTltib8LiIGBJLsieUta8rVUpoOhVynUgupGoo77NefkvEDWzxA8qoUsgLG2wErSt8WZvTXsjVkjVnt7WpdFbb3fdNJHJRoNZy0ObLgERnOG80Og9YLmvAKvesjxsnWe0PoG-dB/s400/file000704919536.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food. John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and told her to leave his store.<br /><br />Visualizing the family needs, she said: "Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can."<br /><br />John told her he could not give her credit, as she did not have a charge account at his store. Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer-man that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family.<br /><br />The grocer-man said in a very reluctant voice, "Do you have a grocery list?" Louise replied, "Yes sir." "Okay" he said, "put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries."<br /><br />Louise, hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed. The eyes of the grocer-man and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down. The grocer-man staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, "I can't believe it."<br /><br />The lady smiled and the grocer-man started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more.<br /><br />The grocer-man stood there in utter disgust. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement. It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer which said: "Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands."<br /><br />The grocer-man gave her the groceries that he had gathered and placed on the scales and stood in stunned silence. Louise thanked him and left the store.<br /><br />The customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to John as he said, "It was worth every penny of it." It was sometime later that John Longhouse discovered the scales were broken; therefore, only God knows how much a prayer weighs.<br /><br />Author Unknown</div>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-30145057075915167872010-07-21T06:30:00.001-04:002010-07-21T06:30:00.211-04:00Prayer ~ WFW<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtxswzTBvd39r1hpMOk3lGEQmozpglyR4TX04vbmZXBJEzR5fufKZo7b3cKqsmT1H7MM9HtVxJMkiovtSAaLaLm7EDnZ9GiRRIioM4tD7132SgmiZ84cZcjqpV5DhGJaEckVr0ycJvCm2/s1600/file000507447844.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495436353657718338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtxswzTBvd39r1hpMOk3lGEQmozpglyR4TX04vbmZXBJEzR5fufKZo7b3cKqsmT1H7MM9HtVxJMkiovtSAaLaLm7EDnZ9GiRRIioM4tD7132SgmiZ84cZcjqpV5DhGJaEckVr0ycJvCm2/s400/file000507447844.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff99ff;">He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry;<br />when He hears it, He will answer you.<br /><br />Isaiah 30:19</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2MXF94-da0sVa11Rz8NcVc-KvyXjOXQrv6-_zQhLshi8I3lxRprKbvhOgiNchrcq1ETyh4gpwQ3VpBK92ytR5Rr4P0OytqyFD92-KaBp3B0Aj2OaSFuCLaSSw3rr1NMKd33l_J8xiFik/s1600/WFWlogo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495435862195775490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2MXF94-da0sVa11Rz8NcVc-KvyXjOXQrv6-_zQhLshi8I3lxRprKbvhOgiNchrcq1ETyh4gpwQ3VpBK92ytR5Rr4P0OytqyFD92-KaBp3B0Aj2OaSFuCLaSSw3rr1NMKd33l_J8xiFik/s200/WFWlogo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>Since it’s inception, the purpose of Word-Filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo, or graphic image combined with a verse from the Bible.<br /><br />Word-Filled Wednesday is now being hosted at <a href="http://internetcafedevotions.com/">Internet Cafe Devotions</a>. Please take the time to to visit and link to others participating in today's Word-Filled Wednesday. God bless you, may your day be filled with peace and joy. </div>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-51307557614704277772010-07-20T16:55:00.004-04:002010-07-20T17:13:27.029-04:00Restoring Honor<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjzgju8ysGGNxpSVgC29RpWclbeZajlYwfW_Q954dFiWxhAONfMr6YbXShLqHWnP3K8fBJbRGiUryOnAhBVOjKdN7sB4MKEUrIMF21NkTrGBmT7A8Pw3W7dGNjMaNZEt1M08Wr24iF2uo/s1600/Restoring_Honor.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496096467948201778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjzgju8ysGGNxpSVgC29RpWclbeZajlYwfW_Q954dFiWxhAONfMr6YbXShLqHWnP3K8fBJbRGiUryOnAhBVOjKdN7sB4MKEUrIMF21NkTrGBmT7A8Pw3W7dGNjMaNZEt1M08Wr24iF2uo/s400/Restoring_Honor.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Faith, Hope, and Charity</span></em></strong><br /><br />For the next 40 days and 40 nights, take the pledge...<br /><br />...I COVENANT to practice faith, hope and charity by doing these things.<br /><br />First...faith. I will pray on my knees every night for the next 40 nights...starting TONIGHT. Pray for guidance, inspiration, peace...pray for the leaders of our country. Pray for their safety, and that they will receive wisdom. I will re-establish my relationship with God.<br /><br />Hope...hope comes from truth. You can't have hope based on lies. If you go to the doctor and you're in the early stages of cancer, but the doctor tells you that you just have the sniffles...that's false hope, and it won't help you, in fact, it would kill you. So, we have to have honesty, to have real hope. So, I will stop all lies for the next 40 days. That includes lying to myself. I will establish a pattern of honesty and make it become habitual. I will question with boldness...everything...even the things Glenn Beck tells you every night...I will do my own research...and then pray for my own confirmation on the things I have learned. I will find out what is true in my life.<br /><br />And third...I will have charity. Charity begins at home. I will do something kind for every member of your family at least once a week. I will write it down, and then do it. Also, I pledge to take notice of how blessed I really am. I live in the greatest country the world has ever known...and even the least prosperous among us, are among the wealthiest people in the world...I will be grateful.<br /><br /><br /><object height="405" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/UVRxTMaNmYo&hl=en_US&fs=1?color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/UVRxTMaNmYo&hl=en_US&fs=1?color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />To take the pledge at Glenn Beck's website click <a href="http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/39452/">here</a>. </div>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-46882022457259507562010-07-20T07:00:00.002-04:002010-07-20T07:00:05.025-04:00Prayer for Anxious People<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hrq-n6g8Xr5urgtN8yqgpN0Ck30WA4CuQxFssX3rjphgltMt_hGH36aaW3efyhmKSgvNsUdxLKesfAi43pVH3wr__ZzECYCIFdglAN0qMgPFbT9bzm5TqYz68CO-hPOzbYmAlLx5yh6r/s1600/file000324750683.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495447214487786946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hrq-n6g8Xr5urgtN8yqgpN0Ck30WA4CuQxFssX3rjphgltMt_hGH36aaW3efyhmKSgvNsUdxLKesfAi43pVH3wr__ZzECYCIFdglAN0qMgPFbT9bzm5TqYz68CO-hPOzbYmAlLx5yh6r/s400/file000324750683.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Father, I pray for all those in my circle of family and friends who are carrying heavy loads including myself...<br /><br />Your Word says an anxious heart weighs a person down, and this is how I think they must feel—as if they're carrying heavy loads, more than they can bear. When they feel upset and beside themselves, calm them down and comfort them with the assurance of Your love. Help them not be overwhelmed by anxious thoughts. (Proverbs 12:25a; Psalm 94:19)<br /><br />Our hearts are not supposed to be troubled; but that's their struggle—help them trust You and the Lord Jesus, as I know they must. Help them understand that You are the One who makes a way when things seem impossible; nothing is too hard for You! (John 14:27; Isaiah 43:19; Jeremiah 32:17; Luke 1:37)<br /><br />Help them be faithful to You and to the way You want them to live, for You guard the lives of those who are faithful; You protect them and never turn away from them. Help them know You as their fortress, as the rock in whom they take refuge, as One who is good, whose love endures forever, whose faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 97:10; Proverbs 2:8; Psalm 37:28; 94:22; 100:5)<br /><br />In Jesus' name, Amen. </div>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461451008807117117.post-59904738893627679752010-07-19T07:00:00.001-04:002010-07-19T07:00:08.977-04:00Teach Me To Pray<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg924JFw89YgV-a18Af38g59mW24GTomVno9VjJMeLJeBWhk63dksvgAiMMt3HPqT7M45BcvhMg2YXhCHFrP84NLm4DgsKayFA-8BqnXgGSnkipKCv9aiLpO2A8Fs_PTKFd5cebuQYnKawO/s1600/hallowed+be+thy+name.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495391000274948178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 336px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg924JFw89YgV-a18Af38g59mW24GTomVno9VjJMeLJeBWhk63dksvgAiMMt3HPqT7M45BcvhMg2YXhCHFrP84NLm4DgsKayFA-8BqnXgGSnkipKCv9aiLpO2A8Fs_PTKFd5cebuQYnKawO/s400/hallowed+be+thy+name.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">Please teach me, Lord ...<br />I want to know<br />Exactly how to pray.<br /><br />I need some words<br />Which ones are right?<br />Please tell me what to say.<br /><br />I've bowed my head<br />I have knelt down,<br />But ... should I be upright?<br /><br />I've closed my eyes,<br />I've raised my hands,<br />Or ... should I fold them tight?<br /><br />Do I stand up?<br />Should I sit down?<br />Dear Lord ... what do you like?<br /><br />Are lights turned on<br />Or are they off?<br />Maybe ...<br />candle light?<br /><br />Wear my glasses? <br />Take them off?<br />Be at my desk or table?<br /><br />Should I whisper?<br />Speak out loud?<br />Must my words be graceful?<br /><br />Do I quote the Bible?<br />What do you think about the time?<br />Do You prefer the dawn?<br /><br />Should I pray fast,<br />Or keep it slow?<br />Better short ... or long?<br /><br />I'm new at this<br />What are the rules?<br />I want to do it right.<br /><br />How do I know<br />You'll even hear<br />That I am in Your sight?<br /><br />And while I sat there quietly,<br />Waiting for some sign,<br />I heard a gentle voice say,<br />"Oh, dearest child of mine ...<br /><br />Do you think I really care<br />About the time of day,<br />Or whether you are standing up,<br />Or kneeling when you pray?"<br /><br />"I don't care about your posture,<br />Or about the place you choose;<br />Just open up your soul to me,<br />I have no other rules.<br /><br />Tell me what is in your heart,<br />And tell me what you seek;<br />Tell me of your sorrows,<br />And of those things that made you weak."<br /><br />"Speak to me in private<br />About what concerns you most;<br />I know about your good deeds ...<br />You have no need to boast.<br /><br />My child, you don't need lessons,<br />Just talk to me each day;<br />Tell me anything you want, dear child,<br />Anyone can pray."<br /><br />Author Unknown</div>Brian the old manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10758843142806407239noreply@blogger.com2