I Thank God for Mama's Green Thumb

No one ever stops thinking about their mother - no matter how long it's been since she left.

It's been a year and a half now, but your "special touch" continues to blossom.

I felt so blessed this morning to step out into the yard and see this beautiful yellow gladiola starting to bloom.

Life will never be the same without her, but it's nice to know that even though she's gone, her deeds remain.



Make it a Glorious Sunday.

Peace and Blessings,

Dot

Rest In Peace, Michael Joseph Jackson

Gone, but never forgotten.

August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009[

Charlie's Angel Now With the Angels

Sending prayers and sympathy to the family and fans of the iconic Farah Fawcett. Ms. Fawcett passed away today in a Los Angeles hospital at the age of 62. Farah Fawcett had battled cancer. She put up a good fight and is now at peace.

Her face was so emblazoned in our minds that we felt that we knew her personally.

Rest In Peace.

I Feel "Berry" Blessed To Have Such Wonderful Family

My brother-in-law, Nate, got me this beautiful cake for my birthday. Never mind which birthday it was - that's not important. What is important, is that we realize how blessed we are when we have good family. He is the brother I never had and he's always there for me. If I haven't told you lately, I appreciate you!

He's not only smart and creative with an entrepreneurial spirit - he's also one of the nicest people on the planet. And he grows a mighty fine garden, too!

Thanks, Bro - you made my day!

Love,

Mocha Dot

Give and Give Freely

Giving doesn't have to mean giving of money or something tangible. It can be the gift of time, a kind word, your talents to a project. Whatever you give, give it freely and without regret.

In the words of Martin Luther:

"The heart of the giver makes the gift dear and precious."

Give someone something today that is truly free - a warm smile

The Secret (Anonymously Submitted)

The Secret


One day, one friend asked another,
"How is it that you are always so happy?
You have so much energy,
and you never seem to get down."

With her eyes smiling, she said,
"I know the Secret!"
"What secret is that?"
To which she replied,
"I'll tell you all about it,
but you have to promise to
share the Secret with others."

"The Secret is this:
I have learned there is little I can do
in my life that will make me truly happy.
I must depend on God to make
me happy and to meet my needs.
When a need arises in my life,
I have to trust God to supply
according to HIS riches.
I have learned most of the time
I don't need half of what I think I do.
He has never let me down.
Since I learned that 'Secret', I am happy."





The questioner's first thought was,
"That's too simple!"
But upon reflecting over his own life
he recalled how he thought a bigger house
would make him happy, but it didn't!
He thought a better paying job
would make him happy, but it hadn't.
When did he realize his greatest happiness?
Sitting on the floor with his grandchildren,
playing games, eating pizza or reading a story,
a simple gift from God.

Now you know it too!
We can't depend on people to make us happy.
Only GOD in His infinite wisdom can do that.
Trust HIM!
And now I pass the Secret on to you!
So once you get it, what will you do?


YOU have to tell someone the Secret, too!
That GOD in His wisdom will take care of YOU!
But it's not really a secret...
We just have to believe it and do it...
Really trust God!

To All My "Sister-Friends" (author unknown)

THIS SAYS IT ALL:
Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.

Jobs come and go. Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.

Hearts break. Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors. Careers end.

BUT....... Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how
many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away
than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself,
the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on,
praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with
open arms at the valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in
and carry you out. Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Mother-in-Laws, Grandmothers, aunties,
nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we
began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible
joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we
would need each other. Every day, we need each other still.

Love,

Dot

Turbulent Times (by Pastor Ray Dare)

What To Do In Turbulent Times

by Pastor Ray Dare
Everybody has difficulty in life. Trouble is a part of life. You will have difficulties. Few people faced the difficulties that Paul did in life. Yet he learned to grow through his problems. 2 Corinthians 6:4 says, "In everything we do we show that we are God's servants, by enduring troubles, hardships and difficulties with great patience." You show what kind of Christian you are by the way you respond to problems. If you cop out, complain, gripe and run from difficulty, you're not a very mature person either spiritually or emotionally. But if you learn from difficulty, you just keep growing and growing.

What do you do when you face difficulties in life? Romans 5:3-4 says, "We can rejoice when we run into problems and trials for we know ... they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time..." The result? God wants you to learn something. That's the whole purpose for the problems and difficulties you're facing. Every storm is a school. Every trial is a teacher. God wants to teach you through your troubles. Every difficulty is for your development.

Most of us are slow learners. Most of us have had to learn something more than once. If you don't learn something, God will bring it again in your life. It will come back. See, when you go through situations in life, those difficult times, what happens to you is not nearly as important as what happens in you.

You're going to be hurt many times in life because life is not fair. It just isn't. People are going to disappoint you. You will have problems, difficulties and hurts that will make you bitter or better. You will either grow up or give up. You'll either become what God wants you to be or you will shrivel and your heart will become cold and hard. It's your choice.

Some of you are facing some major problems right now and you're getting discouraged. Everything seems to be going wrong. The bad things seem to be outweighing the good things in your life right now. God wants to say to you, "Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10 (Living)

Psalms 4:1 says, "Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness, you have enlarged me when I was in distress..." I want to call your attention to that phrase: "you have enlarged me when I was in distress." In your difficult times, in the storms of life, when things aren't going good, that's when God enlarges you. He can enlarge your vision, and He can enlarge your confidence, your strength and your commitment to Him.

Turbulent times are no time to blame God, whine, cry, say, "Why me, God?" and get bitter. It's no time for that. It's time to get better. It's time to be more devoted to God; to turn your attention toward God. Many times the struggle is what gives us strength. In your struggle, in your difficulty, don't run away from God. Use your adversity as a stepping stone to get you closer into God. Realize that God is taking you to a whole new level in your Christian walk; to a whole new area in your ministry. Turn your attention toward God.



Pastor Ray

Let Us Be Grateful

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."

Marcel Proust

Church Bulletin Bloopers (Author Anonymous)

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
--------------------------
The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.'

The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
--------------------------
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house.. Bring your husbands.
--------------------------
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.
--------------------------
Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
--------------------------
Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
--------------------------
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
--------------------------
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
--------------------------
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
--------------------------
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
--------------------------
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
--------------------------
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
--------------------------
Scouts are saving aluminium cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

--------------------------
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
--------------------------
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
--------------------------
Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
--------------------------
The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
--------------------------
This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin..
--------------------------
Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.
--------------------------
The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
--------------------------
Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
--------------------------
The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church
basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
--------------------------
Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
--------------------------

Early Valentine - Thanks, Aunt Lynette

For God so loVed the world,
That He gAve
His onLy
BegottEn
SoN
That whosoever
Believeth In Him
Should Not perish,
But have Everlasting life."
John 3:16

Jennifer Hudson Blew The Roof Off The Super Bowl!

Way to go. God Bless you, Jennifer. Her performance was so emotional. She has been through such a devastating loss - mother, brother and nephew - GOD is GOOD ALL THE TIME.

At first, she seemed a little unsure as to whether or not she was ready but once she opened her mouth, the Lord took over.

You go, girl!

Sending much love and prayers to Ms. Hudson. The girl's got talent!!

House Cleaning for 2009 (Author Unknown)

Last Week I threw out worrying, it was getting old and in the way.

It kept me from being me; I couldn't do things God's way.

I threw out a book on MY PAST
(Didn't have time to read it anyway).

Replaced it with NEW GOALS, started reading it today.

I threw out hate and bad memories,
(Remember how I treasured them so)?

Got me a NEW PHILOSOPHY too, threw out the one from long ago.

Brought in some new books too, called I CAN, I WILL, and I MUST.

Threw out I might, I think and I ought.
WOW, you should've seen the dust.

I ran across an OLD FRIEND, I hadn't talked to in a while.

His name is GOD the Father, and I really like His style.

He helped me to do some cleaning and added some things Himself.

Like PRAYER, HOPE, FAITH and LOVE,
Yes... I placed them right on the shelf.

I picked up this special thing and placed it at the front door.

I FOUND IT- it’s called PEACE. Nothing gets me down anymore.

Yes, I've got my house looking nice.

Looks good around the place.

For things like Worry and Trouble there just isn't any space.

It's good to do a little house cleaning,
Get rid of the things on the shelf.

It sure makes things brighter; maybe you should TRY IT YOURSELF.


AUTHOR UNKNOWN

God Bless Our President

May the Lord watch over, guide and protect President Obama and his family.

God is good. All the time.

T.D. Jakes' - "Not Easily Broken" - in Theaters January 9, 2009

Let's support this message film.

Encouraging Words From New Community Church, Antelope, CA

Why Is This Happening To Me?
by Pastor Ray Dare (copyrighted)

Once you become a believer, God uses everything that happens in your life. God doesn't cause everything, but God will use everything that happens to you to help grow you. "For those who love God everything that happens fits into a pattern for good. For God...chose us to bear the family likeness of his Son...." Romans 8:28-29 (Ph). One of the most common ways God grows you is through problems.

How do you know if you are growing spiritually? You learn to trust God through a problem. You trust God in spite of the circumstances. You don't demand explanations because there are some things that we will never understand on this side of eternity. In the Bible, there's a book called Job. It's all about one thing: Will a person continue to trust God if he loses everything; If everything goes wrong in his life? Job's answer was a resounding, "Yes!". But allow me to make this personal - would you? Would you continue to trust God if everything went wrong in your life?

There's a story in the Bible about the disciples of Christ going through a terrible storm. After Jesus calmed the stormed He turned to His disciples and asked, "Don't you have faith in me yet?" The fact is, you will go through some storms in life. You're going to lose loved ones. You may lose a job, your marriage, your health. But will you continue to trust God in spite of the circumstances?

That's what spiritual maturity and faith really are: Facing the facts without getting discouraged by them. Faith is not the absence of problems or pretending that everything's great, when it's not. Faith is facing the facts without losing your confidence in God. This is the ultimate test of spiritual maturity. It is the point of surrender - you give up control. Part of that trust is realizing the fact that God doesn't always deliver you from the problems of life, but He always has a greater plan beyond them.

God has a purpose behind every problem. "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2 Corinthians 4:17 He uses circumstances to develop our character. In fact, God depends on circumstances to mold us into Christ-likeness even more than the Bible, because we experience them 24 hours a day. Even if you read your Bible an hour a day, it would still leave 23 hours of circumstances for God to use.

Life is a school and problems are the curriculum. Every time you solve one problem, another one is waiting to take its place. Not all of them are big, but all are significant in God's growth process for you. If you are facing trouble right now don't ask, "Why?" ask "What?" Not "Why me?" Instead ask, "What do you want me to learn?" Then trust God and keep on doing what's right. Never give up - but allow God to grow you up!


Pastor Ray


Copyright Protected

Happy New Year

From the Puffster!

Mornings Just Got Better

My nephew and his wife got me this cool new espresso maker for Christmas. Once I learn how to make the perfect cup, I'm inviting everyone over for a morning coffee break :)

Happy Tuesday

Happy Tuesday

God Heals, Prayer Works

Hello, friends and family:

Today is Day Six after my surgery.

I am mending slowly and grateful for your prayers, cards, flowers, well-wishes and warm thoughts.

Will write more later as my strength builds.

Love and God's Blessings,

Dot

Merry Christmas

Christmas

God empties himself
Of God to become human
Here, now, among us




By Forrest A. Hainline III

God Does Not Write Books by Forrest A. Hainline III

God Does Not Write Books

Forrest Hainline

God does not write books
But God's hot breath inspires our
Poems, songs and cool jazz

From Psalm to Cinquain

From Psalm to Cinquain
Psalm 27

My Light
My light
My salvation
Lord, the strength of my life
Facing wars and armies I’m not
Afraid

©2008 Forrest Hainline

It Snowed in Texas Last Night!

God loves the people of Texas.

Look, He even dropped a little flurry on Houston and the outlying suburbs last night just to add a little holiday cheer. Plenty of folks could use it after the beating they took from Hurricane Ike.

God Is Good All The Time!

Gingerbread Cathedral

Made by the Pastry Chefs at Le Meridien Hotel

Le Meridien Hotel
333 Battery Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 296-2900

Thank You God - From my Cousin Lillie in North Carolina

DEAR GOD:


I want to thank You for what you have already done. I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right now.. I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears ; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed;

I am thanking you right now. I am thanking you because I am alive. I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties. I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.


I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.

I'm thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me.

(Author Unknown)

50 New Units for Senior Residents in the San Francisco Bayview Hunter's Point

Reverend Calvin Jones and the Providence Baptist Church celebrated the opening of 50-brand new housing units for seniors in the Bayview-Hunter's Point Community.

There was food, fun, festivity and a whole lotta praying going on.

God Bless Reverend Jones and his congregation for the wonderful work they do.

Providence Baptist Church

www.providencecares.org



(Photos Courtesy of Edward Miller Photography, 510-237-0479. All rights protected.)

Give Thanks for Friends

The Bible tells us that to have a friend, we must be a friend. I woke up this morning. That's the first thing I'm thankful for.

I was in my right mind (somewhat - LOL), that's the second thing for which I'm thankful. And, of course, my family woke up with me.

I called my "cousin" Sandy who was making gumbo today and asked her to save me a bowl. And, boy, was I thankful that she said "sure." I haven't had gumbo in over a year. My mother-in-law is like the "Queen of Gumbo," but since she retired out-of-state, I don't get to enjoy it very often.

I turned on the dishwasher and then threw a load of clothes in the washing machine.

I poured myself a nice hot cup of coffee. This morning I used soy today instead of Coffeemate because it's supposed to be good for you. I was thankful that I had soy because with the rising cost of everything, so many people don't have milk or coffee or sugar or even a home. So, I was thankful for that cup o'joe.

Then, as always, I turned on the computer to check my email.

There was a beautiful ecard waiting for me from my friend Sue Ann who lives up north. It brought tears to my eyes. Sue Ann and I met years ago when we worked for the same company. We clicked instantly (I think it's our Southern roots) and we've been friends ever since.

We have so much to be thankful for - the least of which is our friends, both near and far.

Make a friend's day today.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Dot

Dear Mama

Mama, I can't believe that today marks one full year since you've been gone. It feels like yesterday you were here. Your presence is everywhere and in almost everything I do. There are so many things I want to tell you. At least once every two weeks, the telephone will ring and for a fleeting moment, I think it's you calling. I hope you know how much John, Simone and I truly loved you. I appreciate what good care you took of Daddy. I visit your grave and remember that you and Daddy are side-by-side, together again. I know you are at peace. No more suffering. I am so happy that we were able to share moments of prayer and I miss calling you on Sunday morning to tell you to turn on Joel Osteen.

We thank you so much for your legacy. Please give Daddy a kiss and tell him that the economy is horrible right now, so I always remember what he used to tell me to "keep what you got, til you get what you want, and then you'll have what you need." (smile)

Love you and think of you every day,
Always,
Dotson

Blessings to First AME Church, Oakland - FAME

First AME Church in Oakland celebrated its 50th Anniversary over the weekend.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Dr. J. Alfred Smith were among the award winners.

First AME Church is located at 530 37th St,Oakland, CA 94609,(510) 655-1527.
Rev. Dr. Harold R. Mayberry is the Senior Pastor.

Plan a visit to this historic church. You will be blessed.

Treat The Children Well

The heart of a child is the most precious of God's creation.

Never break it. At all costs, never break it.


-- Joseph L. Whitten

Have you hugged your child today?

I just left an appointment at Children's Hospital with my daughter. We were there for an upper GI series, which seems at this point, to mean that she has reflux. Phew! That is a blessing believe it or not. There are SO many sick children and the voter's initiative to provide more funding to Children's Hospital was not approved by the voters.

Within the past 10 days, two of my friends have lost their children to tragedy.

Remember, to take time to today to give God a great big 'thank you' for children (whether they're yours or just children in your neighborhood).

The best things in life are free - hug a child today.

Peace and Blessings,
Dot

If Peter Piper Were Picking Pumpkins Instead of Peppers

For details, call 510-234-9690
www.cohnstone.com

Email:
cohnstone@sbcglobal.net.

Lordy, Lord, Look Who's 40!!

Had a great time last night "roasting" and celebrating with Big Mike. The theme for the night was "40 Years of Foolishness." Michael Pritchard summed it up best during his speech directed to the "Birthday Boy," when he said that money comes and money goes - success is great - but people are what really matter. It was so wonderful celebrating with the folks who were there to honor "Big Mike," both in body and spirit.

Thanks for the fond memories.

Here's to 40 more!

p.s. "Shoo Doo Fufu Oooh," by Lenny Williams ;0

RIP, Levi Stubbs

Sad news for all us "OGs" (original God-fearing people).


Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs,died today at age72.

Reportedly, Stubbs had been ill and died in his sleep at home in Detroit. Stubbs was featured on such hits as "Baby I Need Your Loving,""Reach Out (I'll Be There)" and "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch.)"

Grace

"We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted."--2 Corinthians 8:1

God's Art

www.godsart.biz

925-705-2924

Scolded For Love - Mark 14:4-5

Scolded for Love

Some of the followers there saw this. They became upset and
complained to each other. They said, "Why waste that perfume?
That perfume was worth a full year's work. It could be sold
and the money could be given to poor people." And they
criticized the woman strongly.

Marsha, thanks for always sharing and encouraging others.

p.s. - Happy Birthday, J! May you be blessed abundantly.

Haters (Author Undetermined)

The following "poem" was allegedly written by Maya Angelou. However, I don't think it sounds like her. Nonetheless, my friend Liebchen shared it with me and I'm sharing it with you. Whomever the author - I like it.

Blessings

Haters

(Author Unknown)

A hater is someone who is jealous and envious and spends all their time trying to make you look small so they can look tall.
They are very negative people to say the least. Nothing is ever good enough!
When you make your mark, you will always attract some haters. That’s why you have to be careful with whom you share your blessings and your dreams, because some folk can’t handle seeing you blessed. It’s dangerous to be like somebody else.
If God wanted you to be like somebody else, He would have given you what He gave them! Right? You never know what people have gone through to get what they have.
The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but they don’t know my story. If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you can rest assured that the water bill is higher there too!
We’ve all got some haters among us! People envy you because you can:
Have a relationship with God
Light up a room when you walk in
Start your own business
Tell a man / woman to hit the curb (if he / she isn’t about the right thing)
Raise your children without both parents being in the home

Haters can’t stand to see you happy, Haters will never want to see you succeed, Haters never want you to get the victory, most of our haters are people who are supposed to be on our side. How do you handle your undercover haters?

You can handle these haters by:
1. Knowing who you are & who your true friends are *(VERY IMPORTANT!!)
2. Having a purpose to your life? Purpose does not mean having a job. You can have a job and still be unfulfilled. A purpose is having a clear sense of what God has called you to be. Your purpose is not defined by what others think about you.
3. By remembering what you have is by divine prerogative and not human manipulation. Fulfill your dreams! You only have one life to live…when its your time to leave this earth, you ‘want’ to be able to say, ‘I’ve lived my life and fulfilled ‘my’ dreams. Now I’m ready to go home! When God gives you favor, you can tell your haters, ‘Don’t look at me…Look at Who is in charge of me.’

It's a Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

What a gorgeous day in the City today. People bustling about and the Blue Angels flying overhead. If you have to work, what a great place to do it.

Happy Thursday!

Just A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down

Quote for the Day (thanks, Lynette)

God's love doesn't seek value; it creates it.
It's not because we have value that we are loved, but because we're
loved that we have value.
So you don't have to prove yourself -- ever. That's taken care of."


William Sloane Coffin, Jr.

"It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting" by Terrie Williams

Ms. B - thanks for the tip on this one!

Dot

"It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting" by Terry Williams
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Scribner (January 8, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0743298829
ISBN-13: 978-0743298827

"Strength Of A Woman," The Phyllis Hyman Story

by Jason A. Michael - is now on sale. Available at:

www.phyllishymanstory.com

Phyllis Hyman (July 6, 1949 - June 30, 1995)

A superb singing talent and Tony-nominated actress, took her own life by drug overdose on June 30, 1995. While incredibly beautiful and gifted, those close to Ms. Hyman, and those not so close, knew that she battled mental illness and subsequent drug abuse for years.

However, no one has bothered to honor her life and legacy, as well as, shed light on the serious issues of mental illness (in particular, bi-polar disorder), as Jason A. Michael has in this book. Mr. Michael tells the story - no holds barred.

Mental illness is real and affects everyone. This book is a must read, especially for African Americans.
Own it today!

Peace and blessings,
Dot

"Palace In The Haze" by San Francisco artist, Greg Gandy

“Palace in the Haze”

24x30 in oil on panel. Available at the John Pence gallery in San Francisco and online atL

www.greggandy.com.

Thank God for Art!

Beware of the Ducks

Today my prayer is personal.

I ask the Lord to protect me from being "pecked to death by ducks." I once heard the famed poet/author Maya Angelou, speak many years ago on "Oprah" about being "pecked to death by ducks." She used this phrase to describe people who make it their business to tear you apart, piece by piece. If we do not hold strong to our faith and remain centered, we can easily fall prey to these often subtle attacks.

Make it a great day - and Watch Out for the Ducks!

1 Corinthians 1-13

Love (1 Corinthians 1-13)

Although
I speak in tongues
Of women and angels
I’m just sounding brass and cymbals
Without
Love, love
That has in mind
No evil, and sees as
A child sees, with faith to move the
Mountains

© 2008 Forrest Hainline

Heaven's Bread

Heaven’s Bread

They asked
And quails appeared
You gave them heaven's bread
And made water flow from the dry
Places

© 2008 Forrest Hainline

[Psalms to Cinquain -- Psalm 105]

It's A New Day!

I went to bed last night full of angst. Nothing I could pinpoint, just a feeling of uneasiness. . .tossed and turned all night, woke up exhausted.

I actually thought about going back to bed. My "grown-up" self took charge and made me get dressed and out of the house.

One foot in front of the other.

Stopped at Starbucks and got a bowl of their new oatmeal. . .it was somewhat gooey, but the toppings helped it to go down. I don't really like oatmeal but a woman "of a certain age" must watch her cholesterol count ;0

I'm halfway through my tall cup of Pike's Place Blend and guess what. . .I think I'm going to get through the day. . .well, at least the morning.

Thank God for waking up.

Don't Worry What To Say (Submitted from ATL)

Don't Worry What to Say


"You will be arrested and judged. But don't worry about what
you should say. Say the things God gives you to say at that
time. It will not really be you speaking. It will be the Holy
Spirit speaking."

-- Mark 13:11 (ERV)

Psalm 23 For the Workplace (Thanks, Marsha)

Psalm 23 (For the Work Place)
The Lord is my real boss, and I shall not want. He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me. He gently reminds me to pray and do all things without murmuring and complaining. He reminds me that He is my source and not my job. He restores my sanity every day and guides my decisions that I might honor Him in all that I do. Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mails, system crashes, unrealistic deadlines, budget cutbacks, gossiping co-workers, discriminating supervisors and an aging body that doesn't co-operate every morning, I still will not stop--- for He is with me! His presence, His peace, and His power will see me through. He raises me up, even when they fail to promote me. He claims me as His own, even when the company threatens to let me go. His faithfulness and love is better than any bonus check . His retirement plan beats any 401k there is! When it's all said and done, I'll be working for Him a whole lot longer and for that, I BLESS HIS NAME!!!!!!

If Not For the Love of God, Where Would You or I Be?

I want to share the following true testimony which was shared with me this morning. This comes from a very old and dear friend.

I just have to tell someone about God's goodness to me this morning.

Last night I dreamed as I was driving on the freeway a Cherokee Jeep came into my lane at the last minute and at that point the dream ended. I immediately started praying and quoting warfare scriptures against the enemy for anything he was going to try to do to me and my family.

As I pulled out of my driveway I kept declaring the word of God all the way to the Vallejo Ferry building. Once I got out of my car and locked it, I started walking to the traffic signal. I could see that it was green for me to walk across and people had already started across and made it. The counter on the light read 11 when I started to proceed across the green light (thinking that I could at least walk to the middle of the traffic light and wait until it changes to green again before going the rest of the way). Next thing you know, I paused for some reason and a car came barreling through (its red light) my green light in front of me. He did not try to slow down or anything. At first I could not believe my eyes and looked to make sure that his light was red, and it was.

HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE GRACE OF GOD THIS MORNING AND EVERYDAY WHERE WOULD I (YOU) BE. His word says his angels are encamped about those who "fear" him. He also said he would never leave us nor forsake us. That is why I always pray that Psalms 91 be in effect (look this scripture up -- dynamic!).

God is good and I vowed at 10 1/2 years old that I would serve the Lord and never go back. I thank the Lord for keeping me all of these 40 1/2 some years.

Even in the hard times, it pays to serve the Lord. He is good and his mercy endureth forever.

To My Sisters In The Lord

Submitted by Sal, Author Unknown

There comes a time in every woman's life when she has to take a close look at herself. Not at her circumstance, not at what she did, not how unfair life is, or at who made you do it. She has to just look at herself in all her glory and imperfection. Have you ever admired a woman who has been through changes in her life? Or have you made up in your mind that she is just messed up. Before you make this mistake, take a closer look. A woman who has endured the most unusual life is someone of wisdom, someone who has been chosen by God to go through things that have made her stronger.

Think of all the great women in the Bible: Mary Magdalene, Ruth and Naomi, the woman with an issue of blood, and Esther, to name a few. Mary was a prostitute, a very uneasy woman. But by the time Jesus was done with her, she was His closest follower. Esther was unfortunate in marrying an abusive man, but by the time God was done with her, she had married one of the wealthiest men in the land.

Women are so quick to beat the next one down instead of trying to hold her up. Before you wonder, ' What's up with her?' ask yourself, 'What's up with me?' That woman could be my mother, sister, aunt, in-law, stepmother, niece, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, friend, or co-worker, etc. That woman could be ME.

Women are the carriers of life, not the channels of death. Let's build and encourage each other, as did Ruth and Naomi. Pass this to all the women in your life. Encourage and love, forgive and forget, and trust that the woman that receives this will be touched in some way.

"Lord, Let Them Pick Up All The Trash"

This may seem silly but I put so much trash out yesterday. I was not sure the garbage people would pick it up, but they did. I am so grateful. I thought I might come home to a pile of trash. I thank God because I simply said last night, "Lord, please let them pick up the trash, all of it."


Submitted by MSP in Denver - thanks for the reminder.

Blessings,

Dot

Knock Knock

I knocked at heaven's door this morning. God asked

me... ' My child, what can I do for you? And I said, Father, please

protect and bless the person reading this message. ' God smiled and

answered... Request granted.


Be kinder than necessary, for

everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Submitted by Lynn (Author Unknown)

What Happens In Heaven (Submitted from Minnesota)

I dreamed that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, 'This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received.'

I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.

Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.

The angel then said to me, 'This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them. 'I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.

Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. 'This is the Acknowledgment Section,' my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed 'How is it that there is no work going on here?' I asked.

'So sad,' the angel sighed. 'After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments .'

'How does one acknowledge God's blessings?' I asked.

'Simple,' the angel answered. Just say, 'Thank you, Lord.'

'What blessings should they acknowledge? ' I asked.

'If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.'

'And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity. '

'If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day .'

'If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 700 million people in the world.'

'If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world .'

'If your parents are still alive and still married ...you are very rare .'

'If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair.'

Ok, what now? How can I start?

If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.

Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you want, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are.

ATTN:

Acknowledgment Department: 'Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people to share it with.'


AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Honk, If You Love Geese ;)

My sister and I went for a "power walk" the other evening the Marina. Okay, so it was more like a stroll. Anyway, I think we burned a few calories

We stumbled upon a "gaggle of geese." They were so calm in demanor and they let me get right up on them and take their pictures. I had not really given much thought about geese before. Actually, the only time I mention the word "geese" is during the holidays when I'm singing "The 12 Days of Christmas." I tend to think of ducks more often - maybe because the Aflac duck is always in my face.

Anyhow. . .when I stood amongst these creatures, ready to snap my camera phone, I thought about how blessed I was to be standing, walking, talking, laughing, praying - ALIVE. Thank God for all his creatures, big and small.

And. . .the next time YOU stumble upon a gaggle of geese, or even one goose - remember to HONK and think of this post.

TGIF!!

There Comes A Point

There comes a point in your life when you realize

who matters,

who never did,

who won't anymore...

and who always will.

So, don't worry about people from your past,

there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future.

Author Unknown

Rest In Peace, "Bernie Mac"

Bernard Jeffrey McCollough, more commonly known as "Bernie Mac," died today in a Chicago hospital where he was being treated for pneumonia. He was 50 years old.

We know that "The King of Comedy" also suffered from sarcoidosis, a disease which affects pulmonary and lung fuction, and apparently is more often diagnosed in minorities. I understand from the news articles which I have read today that Bernie Mac had started a foundation dedicated to the research and treatment of sarcoidosis.

Our prayers go out to his wife, daughter, granddaughter, family, friends and fans all over the world.

Gone, but NEVER forgotten.

Mother Nature's Finest

I have always wished I had a green thumb. The older I get, the more I think that everyone should be able to grow something. Well, I planted watermelon seeds two years ago and got nothing. However, I refuse to give up. This year, I'm going to plant watermelon seeds again and see what I get.

Thank God, I have wonderful friends who were indeed blessed with the gift of gardening. Ana, my "zuchinni connection," surprised me this morning with the perfect compliment for my sandwich.

Who said lunch was boring?

xoxo

Dot

Thank God for Our Communities

"The nice part about living in a small town is that when you don't know what you are doing, someone else does."
(Author Unknown)

The only time I really see the people on my block is on Saturday. This is when I'm able to step outside and take a look at my surroundings. Now, I don't delude myself into think this is 1960, but I still believe there are more good people in this world than bad people. It's just that the bad people get all the press.

Submitted Anonymously from the Rocky Mountains

When I compared my negative thoughts to God's Word, I was amazed at the differences:



My thoughts tell me to give up.
God's Word tells me to be committed. Matthew 5:33-37

My thoughts tell me "I need it now!"
God's Word tells me to exercise self-control. Galatians 5:23

My thoughts tell me I deserve to come first, be selfish.
God's Word tells me to have humility and put others first. Philippians 2:3-4

My thoughts tell to get mad and hold a grudge.
God's Word says forgive as many times as it takes. Matthew 18:21-22

My thoughts tell me to seek revenge.
God's Word tells me to be a peacemaker. Romans 12:18-19

My thoughts tell me take all the credit.
God's Word tells me to glorify Jesus Christ. John 17:5



My thoughts tell me I need to look good on the outside and no one will notice the ugly inside.
God's Word tells me to be pure on the inside and the outside won't even matter. Proverbs 31:30



My thoughts tell me I'm ugly.

God's Word tells me I'm wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14



My thoughts tell me I'm all alone and no one understands me.

God's Word tells me He will never leave me He knows the plans He has for me. Deuteronomy 31:6, Jeremiah 29:11



My thoughts tell me that I'm just not good enough.

God's Word tells me that I'm His gift to the world and that I was created in His image. Psalm 127:3, Genesis 1:26

Happy Belated Birthday

I can't believe my niece is 2_ years old!! Seems like only yesterday when she was born. Calvin Klein jeans were all the rage then and Ms. Amber had a Calvin Klein jean diaper cover.

I guess that's when her taste for designer duds began. I think she looks like an ad for "Desperate Housewives" on this picture - kind of across between Bree Vandekamp and Gabbi.

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you. . .May the Good Lord Bless You!

xoxo
Dot

Be Thankful for What You Have - Whatever You Have

Keep getting up, and putting your next best foot in front of the other and things will develop. It’s not that the Best of Life will hit you in the face but that you have to face the best of Life!


(Submitted by John)

Give Peace A Chance

This was submitted to me from a friend in Italy. I have no idea who the author is, but apparently, it has been making the rounds on the internet. I think it's a wonderful quote and should be our motto for the day.

Give a thousand chances to your enemy To become your friend. But never give a single chance to your friend To become your enemy.

God's Summer Magic

My "sources" tell me that the Sweet Betsy bush blooms only in early May and that by mid-June, all its blossoms are gone. . .so, imagine my sister's surprise when she found this little baby still "showing off" in mid-July.

If anyone knows where the Sweet Betsy got its name, we'd love to know.

Make it a great Thursday. Just one more day until the weekend!

Peace and Blessings,
Dot

p.s. - I must be getting old, because this "Sweet Betsy" sure looks like an apple tree to me. . .

Why Can't We Be Friends?

If fern, flowers and fruit can co-exist and thrive together - why can't we?

(Thanks, B.)

Reflectons of God's Beauty

Submitted anonymously

Greetings All,

I spent this holiday weekend looking at and experiencing the beauty God made! On the way back to Denver from Lake Granby yesterday, we went through Rocky Mountain National Park. We saw Elk (we thought they were moose) but after we all got out of the cars and got closer, Darrell told us they were not moose but Elk. Anyway, they were huge and we were so excited. In Rocky Mountain National Park, there were mountains we could see well over 14,500 feet. The drive was absolutely splendid! Yes, I was doing it. You now I asked God for a Volvo Cross Country so I could take road trips and now I am doing it… We continued to drive home and then went to the top of the Continental Divide. Yes, the top of the Continental Divide! It was one of the most magnificent views I've ever seen. I have never been there, what a blessing.



As we approached a little above 12,000 feet, surrounded by the clouds, I realized I was right at one of God's footstools. Yes, we could actually touch the clouds. It was so magnificent that my stomach began to quiver (okay, my tummy was completely turning), my heart began to race, and I thought I would lose the little breakfast I'd had that morning. But even while the rush came over me, I realized that I was experiencing splendor that could only come from a creator.

Of course the crew was laughing at me because when we hit 12,000 feet someone else had to drive down a while, but I would not trade the experience at all. 12,000 feet… WOW is all I can say, our God is truly an awesome God and I am grateful that he blesses me in spite of who I am.

I hope you all had a blessed 4th of July.

July 4 - Independence Day

I have been dreading this day for about a week now. I don't know that "dreading" is the right word. The word I'm looking for is probably "anticipating." My dad died on July 4, 1996. Daddy had battled the effects of a brain stem stroke for over 16 years when he died, and although, his body was physically changed, his mind and heart remained the same. He was wise, loving, kind, grateful and loved the Lord.

Since daddy's death, each year, about the the last week of June, I begin to get an anxious feeling. This year was no different. I've always likened his dying on the 4th of July as God granting him independence and freedom from a body which he could not control. I believe that he is now walking again - this time on streets paved of gold. This will be the first death anniversary that he is spending with our mother. Mama took care of Daddy at home throughout his illness and that is truly a blessing.

And while I know to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, I always like to visit the cemetery on special days like today, not for my parents - but for me.

So. . .having just returned from the gravesite, I can now sit here and comfortably write that I know Daddy is truly free on this day.


Love,
Dot

Current Events

"Boy, oh, boy. There is so much going on in the world today. My daddy and I try to keep up with the news, and it's not always good. God, please bless all the people of the world."

The Family that Plays Together, Stays Together

Just as the family that prays together, stays together, I think also, the family that plays together, stays together.

What better way to spend an afternoon?

Ebony and Ivory*

"live together in perfect harmony. . .why can't we?"
(Stevie Wonder)

We celebrated our ____ wedding anniversary this week. When I looked at this cake, I thought, if it were only this easy. . .it could be, you know.

One thing we know for sure is that God loves us each and every one - no matter what race, creed, color, shape, size, gender, whatever ---

I'd like to buy the whole world a great big cake like this.

Happy Thursday!

Dot

Prayer Request for the Bologna Family of San Francisco - Victims of Senseless Violence

Many of you have read the tragic story involving the 48 year old Dad who was driving home from a family barbecue this past Sunday, when road rage turned deadly. Apparently, Anthony Bologna, 48, was traveling with his two sons, a 20 year old and a 16 year old, when they got into a very insignicant traffic "snafu," whereby the driver of a Chrysler 300M could not get through the street (it was a narrow road). Reports say that Mr. Bologna, a dedicated father, hard worker and all-around good citizen backed his car up to let the driver of the Chrysler 300M through. For NO reason whatsoever the driver of the Chrysler fired rounds upon Mr. Bologna's car striking him and his 20 year old son and killing them. His 16 year old son was taken off life support yesterday and has gone to heaven with his brother and father.

We should be on our knees in prayer for the condition of the world. What have we become that we can't even have a minor traffic altercation without violence and death?

Dear Lord - we pray for the Bologna family, friends, community.

Amen.

Holy Name of Jesus, Medina, Minnesota

During a recent visit to Minnesota, we attended mass at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Medina, Minnesota.

I must say, at first glance, I was surprised by the size of the church. It was, what I would call, a "megachurch." However, the minute we walked through the doors to warm greetings and friendly handshakes, I knew that this would be a great Sunday.

While good things come in small packages, they often come in big packages too.

So, here's a great big "shout out" to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church where the Spirit truly lives.

Dot

June 12, 19__

It was a very good year ;0

Thank you Lord for allowing me to see this day. Please help me to appreciate the wisdom the years have taught me, understand the grief, cope with the pain and know that I am truly blessed to be alive.

Amen.

Dot

Quote from the late Bishop G.E. Patterson

"If God be for us whoever is against us don't count."

"Quit worrying about who is against ya, they don't count!"

And to that I say, "Amen!"

Happy Wednesday!
Dot

Happy Birthday Mama! Rest In Peace

Mama, it's been six months since you left us and it seems like only yesterday. Actually, I still can't believe you're gone. I've avoided looking at the calendar this morning because it's so hard to see "June 10," and not pick the telephone up to call you or walk over to knock on your door.

I'm really staying on top of Linda to keep your roses in bloom and Bonnie is staying on top of both of us to make sure your hard gardening work was not in vain. I feel your presence everywhere. I know you and Daddy and having a wonderful time in your new home. Kiss him for me and tell him how much I miss him.

Even though you never liked telling your age - Happy 84th Birthday!! LOL (gotcha) ;)

Thinking of you today and always.

Love you forever,
Dot

Thank God for Our Friends, Both Near and Far

Our prayer circle continues to expand and for that we are grateful. Today's prayer was submitted by Marsha in Atlanta. The author is unknown. Have a blessed day!

Dot


Father, please use my life to make an impact for good and spread the
grace and character of your Kingdom. Give me wisdom to know those in
whom I should invest my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
(Author Unknown)

Keep The Prayer Wheel Turning for Sen. Ted Kennedy

Associated Press is reporting that Senator Ted Kennedy's brain surgery this morning at Duke University was successful.

Keep the prayer wheel turning. God is good - what? ALL THE TIME.

Dot

In Loving Memory of William Robert Stewart "Uncle Bub"

Sunrise: April 20, 1934

Sunset: May 29, 2008

Emmy Award Winner Barbara Rodgers Retires from KPIX TV

Here's wishing all of God's bountiful blessings upon Barbara Rodgers as she embarks on the next chapter of her life. Today marks her last newscast at KPIX-TV in San Francisco, the place she has called her "career home" since 1979. During her illustrious career, she has interviewed everyone from Nelson Mandela to Carol Channing (pictured here). Can you say, "Been there, Done that?"
We can't wait to see where Barbara will turn up next, but one thing is for sure - we have not seen the last of Ms. Rodgers.

This is only the beginning.

We love you, Ms. B!

Happy Birthday to Arvia, the "Queen of Gumbo"

Today is my mother-in-law's birthday. Not only is she a great mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend - she makes ONE BAD POT OF GUMBO.

So, here's to you Mom - may God continue to bless and keep you. I pray for your health and happiness.

So, "Shawty," pop your collar and do your "thang!" It's your birthday, girlie!

May Day by Sarah Teasdale

May Day
Sarah Teasdale

A delicate fabric of bird song
Floats in the air,
The smell of wet wild earth
Is everywhere.

Red small leaves of the maple
Are clenched like a hand,
Like girls at their first communion
The pear trees stand.

Oh I must pass nothing by
Without loving it much,
The raindrop try with my lips,
The grass with my touch;

For how can I be sure
I shall see again
The world on the first of May
Shining after the rain?

What On God's Green Earth?

Nate's gone green! Or maybe I should say Nate is growing greens, lettuce and flowers all in one! Nothing says "Thank You, Lord," like sowing your own seeds in order to reap a bountiful harvest.

God Bless Nate and his garden!

Peace and Blessings,
Dot

E-Mail Devotionals (submitted anonymously)

Again, I was reading one of my e-mailed devotionals. Every day I am challenged with getting to know God better. There are days when I like him so much, I can't explain it. There are days when I love him unconditionally and want to cuddle up and never leave. There are days when I am in awe of him. I took a walk the other day and noticed some of the most beautiful flowers, plants, and trees. There are days when I am so grateful, I want to stand up in my cube and dance to Yolanda Adams' Victory. There are days when I am giddy and can't contain myself. There are days when I've allowed the enemy to steal my joy and can't seem to break free of it. There are days when I am outright mad and pouting like a child. My behavior reflects sinful desires and an "I don’t care attitude." Then there are days when I stumble on something that makes me think or remember, or touches my heart and spirit- God is good like that. In my devotion, I read these words…"Do you simply hope God will answer your needs, or do you see God's generous hand at work in your life? Do you wait with expectancy or do you doubt His provision?" He may seem slow at responding, but He's always right on time. While it would be nice if God owned the same watch as we do, you and I can always count on His perfect timing." Then I feel like I have been foolish.



The last three years have not been easy for me. I've suffered much loss but last year, I told the Lord that I could no longer progress as I had been. I wanted him to control my life. I wanted him to help me make decisions. I wanted him to guide me. I wanted him in my family. I wanted a Godly life and family. I have cried along the way this year, "Lord, change me, fix me, purify me, transform me, help me." I keep going back to the end of last year because he moved mightily but not as I thought he should, but he knows what he is doing- he is God. Don’t we always have it all figured out? God move, but move like this…I have learned some valuable lessons this year about trust, worship, praise, love, peace, rest, Godly counsel, prayer, thanksgiving, blessings, provision, OBEDIENCE, sin and consequences, being sustained, TRUST again and again, and again. I heard someone pray, "Lord move until you've moved me out and you in…" I prayed that prayer too. He is moving and working but am I expecting his generous hand at work in my life? Am I waiting with expectancy for his provision? Or am I doubting because he is not doing it my way? Am I seeking his perfect timing or what I think is perfect? I have to admit that I am not doing as I should. He is my loving father and I spend a great deal of time trying to make it right on my own.



Yes, I want to be all God says that I am and should be but I am no different from anyone else when it comes to having it done my way, in my timing, according to my plan. I know however that God's plan is best. I've seen him work all around me. I know, I know, I know. So what is the problem? If I truly want it done right, it must be God's way! Friends mean well, but rarely when you talk to them do they offer to pray, or even seek Godly counsel. They just jump in with their opinions and responses and before you know it, you've interfered with the Lord's plan and he has to readjust again prior to the blessing. Where is our expectancy of God's greatness in our lives? If we could just remember that he is an on-time God and will move in his perfect timing, what a difference life would be. Lord, move as you should and allow me to wait patiently for your perfect timing. "Lord move until you've moved me out and you in…"

One Glass of Milk (Anonymous)

Not sure if the following story is true, but it's nice anyway. Have a great Friday!

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry.

He decided he would ask for a meal at the n ext house. However, he lost his nerve w hen a lovely young woman opened the door.

Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it so slowly, and then asked, 'How much do I owe you?'

'You don't owe me anything,' she replied. 'Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness.'

He said ... 'Then I thank you from the bottom of my heart.'

As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit...

Many year's later that same young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease.

Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultati on. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes.

Immediately he rose and went d own the hall of the hospital to her room .

Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once.

He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to her case.

After a long struggle, the battle was won.

Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words ... 'Paid in full with one glass of milk'

(Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly.

Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: 'Thank You God, that Your love h as spread broad through human hearts and hands.'

There's a saying which goes something like this:


Bread cast on the waters comes back to you. The good deed you do today may benefit you or someone you love at the least expected time. If you never see the deed again at least you will have made the world a better place -


And, after all, isn't that what life is all about?!

So, Maybe the World Is Not Going to "You Know Where" in a Hand Basket

Sandee Lyall, of San Ramon, CA (an independent Longaberger distributor) donated this lovely creation to the Silent Auction portion of Public Advocates' Anniversary Gala to be held in San Francisco on May 29, 2008.

Public Advocates does great work and provides legal services to those who could not afford representation.

Thanks, Sandee and God Bless You.

Prayer Request for Senator Ted Kennedy and Family

News agencies are reporting that Senator Kennedy has a brain tumor which was discovered after he suffered two seizures over the weekend.

Please lift the Kennedy family and friends up in prayer.

Dreams (Submitted Anonymously)

Dreams (Anonymous Submission)

I received a wonderful reminder of information from a friend of mine who is able to interpret dreams. She knows that I am struggling right now and have been fretting. I have been trying to work out my trust and anger issues. Yes, it is true that faith is easy when things are in order and going as we'd like, but when we feel like our lives are out of control, prisons, or living hells, we freak out. This is a excerpt from a woman named Victoria Bryson, with a little commentary from me, that I believe expresses what we experience and what we can expect when we are struggling. It reminded me of the time my now 7 year old fell and broke her collar bone. We had no idea what was wrong. She could not get comfortable and everything was still moving so we did not sense there were any broken bones. That evening, I got her out of her bed and took down to the coach in hopes of easing her pain and crying. I laid her on top of me and she was able to find a perfect spot. She stopped crying and slept. I of course did not sleep but she rested perfectly. That morning we took her and learned of her broken collar bone. She found her rest in (on) me. I have been reminded time and time again that I must find my rest in the Lord. It is not easy for me with all that is piling up, but I am trying. There are days even nights when I can't shut my brain off. I am searching for answers, change, and beating myself up for ending up in my predicament. I believe the Lord warned me but I did not listen. He has forgiven me but I cannot seem to forgive myself. And my sin of disobedience is right in front of me.



"…Zechariah 9:12 gives us the answer we are looking for. Why are we going through what we are going through? It says, 'Return to your fortress, O prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.' God says, 'Even now I announce to you that not only will I restore to you all that has been taken from you, but I will give you double for all the trouble you have endured.' He says, 'Don't stop now...keep trusting Me, because I can see your future and it is very blessed. Keep walking with Me and keep trusting in Me and I will give you rest.'



'Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28). When we have learned to 'rest' in God in the midst of our storm, God is mightily blessed. Because it proves to Him that we trust in His goodness no matter what our circumstances are.
It pleases Him very much when we trust in Him, and when He is pleased He will burst forth blessings from Heaven. He just cannot help Himself, He loves to bless those who trust in His goodness. He, as He did for Israel in Zechariah 9:12, will stand up and announce to all that He is proud of you and intends to restore double to you for your continued trust in Him through all you have endured."



The devotion or inspirational writing also spoke of staying in the fortress until the Lord releases us. We may think of our fortress as a prison because we are not moving as we would like but it might actually be our place of protection. I know I have cried out, screamed out to the Lord that I have felt as if I were dying, yes I have even gone so far as to exclaim that I feel as if I am already in a coffin. I have thought about physical death and how much more comforting it might be. He has not taken me away, so apparently that is not his plan right now. I must go back a reassess and try to learn of his ways and perfect plan. One of his promises is to protect us, not smother us. This journey has been unbelievable for me, but I am still on the path inching forward. I want to be ready when the Lord opens the floodgates, I want to be ready. I must remember I told the Lord that I could not go on as I was and would not go into 2008 the same. He started moving on December 31, 2007, wow, what a whirlwind.

God Loves Pigeons Too

This morning I was standing on the train platform and just as I opened my newspaper, I looked down on the tracks and saw a dead pigeon. Now, I have never been fond of pigeons and never really thought they served much purpose other than to spread germs and ruin picnics.

However, the expression on this pigeon's face made me wonder what the pigeon must have been thinking before he was hit. Could he have committed suicide? I doubt it. But then, the weather has been about 100 degrees and he could have had a moment of hysteria or maybe a heat stroke.

In any case, instead of just thinking "who cares, a dumb pigeon is dead?," I thought, "Wow, you know, God loves pigeons too."

Isn't God's love amazing?

Stay cool.

Dot

Rest In Peace, Sweet Judith Moore

I can't believe that it's been two years today since you left us. I feel your presence all around me - in the things I say, the things I do and most especially in the things I read. . .there are so many new books that I wish you could review. There are so many things that I don't know because I can't ask and you can't answer my questions. I miss your incredible intellect, your quiet spirit and your huge heart.

Gone but never forgotten.

Love,
Dorothy

God Bless Simone

My daughter, Simone, was confirmed on April 29, 2008. May the Lord Bless and Keep Her. Her grandmother was her sponsor.

Bonita and Coco

Just dropped in to say "Good Morning," and "Have a Blessed Day."

Thanks, Rhonda. These babies are precious.

Prayer Request for the Berkman Family

I just learned late last night, that a former co-worker's daughter, thirty-something, mother of two young children, died from complications of the flu.

Please keep the family in prayer.

This is a reminder to all of us, that we only have today. Remember, to let your friends and family know how much they mean to you.

Love,
Dot