Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas!


The Birth of Jesus

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.

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.

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.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

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.”

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.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Save a Forgotten Equine


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.

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 http://www.safehorses.org/ ) December 14, 2008 and volunteers immediately began 24/7 care.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!


Whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Colossians 3:17

Friday, November 19, 2010

Thanksgiving Reflection


Once upon a time
Is how this story starts.
When I was just a babe
You touched my parents hearts.

They brought me to the water
And made a vow to You
To raise me to know Jesus,
His teachings through and through.

When I reached my teen years
The heart You touched was mine.
I knew Your Son had come for me,
Would love me for all time.

As I went out in the world,
A young adult you see,
I tried to do it on my own
But You still carried me.

As I tried to win the race
Of fame and fortune true,
I must confess my sin right now
I had forgotten You.

Though troubles were many You stayed right there
Through all my pain and strife.
My parents and You had taken a vow
To guide me through my life.

Looking back now I know You were there
Through all of those dark years.
You offered me unconditional love
And dried up all my tears.

You blessed me with a baby boy
Who fills my heart with pride,
A baby girl as sweet as can be
My love I cannot hide.

My parents and siblings have always been there
To show me how Christ cares.
Nieces and nephews have shown me Your love
Which helps me with what life bears.

You blessed me with friends all of my days
To brighten my life with joy.
Your church with traditions, love and support
Has made me one happy boy.

So today I am thankful for all of Your love
As we celebrate this Thanksgiving.
Please help me to shine my light on the world
And teach others Your Son is still living.

~ Brian Russell ~
Copyright © 2010
Oldman's Poetry Corner
All Rights Reserved



Todays Thankful Thursday is being hosted by Laurie at Women Taking a Stand. Please drop by and join us. Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Praise to the Lord! ~ WFW


With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD:

“He is good;
his love toward Israel endures forever.”

And all the people gave a great shout of
praise to the LORD,
because the foundation of the house of the
LORD was laid.

Ezra 3:11




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.

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.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Be Still My Heart ~ WFW


In quietness and confidence is your strength.

Isaiah 30:15


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, "those who search for me shall surely find me" (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:

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. (Matthew 11:29 MSG)

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.

"Be still, and know that I am God"
(Psalm 46:10)



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.

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.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

A Prayer When Making a Difficult Decision


Dear Lord,

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.

In Jesus name, Amen

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Hope ~ WFW

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.


They will soar on wings like eagles;


they will run and not grow weary,


they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31



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.

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.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Grow and Flourish in the Lord ~ WFW


And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord,
you must continue to live in obedience to Him.
Let your roots grow down into Him and draw up nourishment from Him,
so you will grow in faith, strong, and vigorous in the truth you were taught.
Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done.

Colossians 2:6-7





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.

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.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Five Finger Prayer


At our church we have been studying John Ed Mathison's Book, treasures of the transformed life. 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.

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you, Family and Friends.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
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