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
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
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]
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]
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
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.
Monday, September 22, 2008
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)
Friday, September 19, 2008
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!!!!!!
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!!!!!!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
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.
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
Submitted by MSP in Denver - thanks for the reminder.
Blessings,
Dot
Monday, August 25, 2008
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)
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)
Friday, August 22, 2008
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
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!!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
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
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
Saturday, August 09, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
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
Saturday, August 02, 2008
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.
(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.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
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
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
Friday, July 25, 2008
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
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
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)
(Submitted by John)
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
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.
Give a thousand chances to your enemy To become your friend. But never give a single chance to your friend To become your enemy.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
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. . .
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