THE WOODEN BOWL

The Wooden Bowl

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a
week from now, month from now, a year from now.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and
four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was
blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table.

But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating
difficult.Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the
glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do
something about father," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled
milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor."

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There,
Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since
Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden
bowl!

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometime he had a
tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had
for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood
scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?"
Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for
you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old
smiled and went back to work .

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears
started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both
knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back
to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal
with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to
care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth
soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad
it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she
handles four things:

a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents,
you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

I've learned that making a "living" is not the e same thing as making a
"life.."

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on
both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you
focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and
doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I
usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.
People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a
friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.!
I'VE LEARNED TO BE VERY VERY PATIENT WITH OTHERS AND TO WITHHOLD JUDGEMENT ABOUT THEM- SO THAT OTHERS WILL BE PATIENT WITH ME AND WITHOLD JUDGEMENT ABOUT ME AS WELL.
I'VE LEARNED TO TURN AS MUCH OF MY LIFE AS I POSSIBLY CAN OVER TO GOD--AND WAIT ON HIS DIRECTION AND GUIDANCE. I SEEM TO MAKE A "FEW" MORE MISTAKES ALONG THE WAY THE "HE" DOES!!

I'VE LEARNED TO SAY- "I LOVE YOU" TO TOTAL STRANGERS ON A BLOG- AND MEAN IT!

LOVE TO YOU ALL,

JOHN

BECOMING MORE LIKE THE MASTER

I'm reading a cool book by Thomas a Kempis who lived about 500 years ago and wrote an awesomely inspiring book called: OF THE IMITATION OF CHRIST. Becoming More Like the Master.

Here is a neat excerpt and my translation:

Thomas: Ch 19: EXERCISES OF A RELIGIOUS PERSON


We ought to daily renew our purpose and stir up ourselves to fervor, as though we had for the first time today entered the Christian life, and to say: "Help me, O Lord God, in this my good purpose, and in Thy Holy service; and grant that I may now this day begin perfectly, for that which I have done hitherto is as nothing."



I know- I know-- and Yes- I am reading it! Albeit in the bathroom- I am reading it! And I am getting a little out of it. Here is my interpretation.


John: Ch 19: EXCERCISES FOR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

Every Day we get a Do over with God. After a while, whatever we do all the time gets stale and old. Work bleeds into work, weekends fly by, routine becomes routine...same ol same ol, and we start measuring life in Prescription Refills! Thomas is saying- Look, everything I have done up to this point is Doo-Doo. God please help me, no matter what it is I'm doing today- to do it as if it were my last day on earth. Help me by reviving my love and zest for life- like when I first met You and everything was new and exciting!

Help me with my Special Purpose (No NOT Steve Martins' from the Jerk-lol) but what I was uniquely and purposefully created to do. What you made ME, uniquely to be. And to do the job on earth that NO OTHER person is able to do, but me.

Help me find and renew that purpose with a passion, like it's the First day of school, or on a New job or whatever it is, that will create a sense of exicetment, love, adventure- a sense of PURPOSE-and RENEWAL in my life. Help me to stay so closely tied to You that it is new every morning! Everyday is an ADVENTURE- even the mundane and routine are done with a bounce in my step, or a whistle from my lips. My eyes are seeing the same old things but with 20/Plenty vision. That even in my lack, I have more than enough.

Thank You, LORD. For helping me start every day with New Vision, New Balance and New Hope! And when the trials come- and come they will, that I meet them with Purpose, Clarity and NO FEAR!

OLDER, WISER, GAS IS ALWAYS A SURPRISER!

MY JESUS! OUR JESUS!!!

May God's blessing be with you today!!


Wow!!!

Jesus

In chemistry, He turned water to wine.

In biology, He was born without the normal conception.

In physics, He disapproved the law of gravity when He ascended into heaven.

In economics, He disapproved the law of diminishing return by feeding 5000 men with two fishes & five loaves of bread.

In medicine, He cured the sick and the blind without administering a single dose of drugs.

In history, He is the beginning and the end.

In government, He said that he shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace.

In religion, He said no one comes to the Father except through him.

So. Who is He? He is Jesus! Join me and let's celebrate him; He is worthy. The eyes beholding this message shall not behold evil, the hand that will send this message to everybody shall not labor in vain, and the mouth saying amen to this prayer shall smile forever. Remain in God and seek his face always. Amen!

In God I've found everything! The Greatest Man in History.

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
He had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
I feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us! Send this to all on your buddy list, if you believe in God and in Jesus Christ His Son.

If you ignore it, just remember that Jesus said..."If you deny me before man, I will deny you before my Father in Heaven.

I LOVE YOU....DON'T KNOW WHY....I JUST DO!

MAY GOD BLESS YOU TODAY IN A THOUSAND SMALL WAYS, WITH NUMEROUS SURPRISES, RENEWED FRIENDSHIPS, MENDED HEARTS, COMPLETE FORGIVENESS FOR SOMEONE YOU THOUGHT YOU'D NEVER BE ABLE TO FORGIVE, FINANCIAL NEEDS MET SUPERNATURALLY AND KEEPING YOU HEALTHY UNTIL TOMORROW.

THAT'S RIGHT....WE ARE ONLY PROMISED TODAY. ASK.... JUST ASK HIM.........& HE WILL MOVE INTO OUR HEARTS AND LIVES AND - LIVE WITH US -----FOR EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT AN AWESOME GOD WE SERVE. IF YOU ARE NOT SERVING HIM YET----IT'S NEVER EVER TO LATE TO START. EVEN ON OUR BEST DAYS- OUR BEST IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR GOD BECAUSE OF OUR SINFUL DUAL NATURE. JESUS DIED AND THROUGH HIS DEATH- (OUR SIN DIED ALONG WITH HIM )- HE KILLED THAT BAD NATURE INSIDE OF US AS HE DIED!! AN INNOCENT AND TOTALLY PERFECT MAN PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE- (HE BOUGHT ETERNAL LIFE FOR US) WITH HIS BLOOD.

BLOOD MONEY--THAT WAS WHAT WE DID TO HIM-- WE KILLED HIM BECAUSE OF OUR FALL FROM GRACE WITH GOD! BUT IT'S ALL OK NOW- JUST ACCEPT- (BELIEVE), IN YOUR HEART, THAT JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED-DIED-WAS BURIED-AND ON THE THIRD DAY HE AROSE FROM THE GRAVE "ALIVE"-ASCENDED (WENT UP INTO) INTO HEAVEN- AND IS NOW SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD----- PRAYING FOR US, AND WAITING FOR US TO CALL OUT TO HIM, TO SAVE US!

JSUS LOVES YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH!

JOHN

GOD'S WISDOM AND PERSISTENCE!!!!!

The Fern and the Bamboo.....

One day I decided to quit.... I quit my job, my relationship, my
spirituality.. I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have
one last talk with God.

"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me...

"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of
them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from
the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from
the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again,
nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo".

He said. "In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo
seed.
But I would not quit.

In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed.
But I would not quit.

He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.
Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant.

But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had
spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave
it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a
challenge it could not handle."

He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have
been struggling, you have actually been growing roots. I would not quit on
the bamboo. I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself to
others."

He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet, they
both make the forest beautiful."

"Your time will come," God said to me. " You will rise high!"

"How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned.

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope these words can
help you see that God will never give up on you........

Never regret a day in your life.
Good days give you Happiness.
Bad days give you Experiences.
Both are essential to life.
Keep going...
Happiness keeps you Sweet,
Trials keep you Strong,
Sorrows keep you Human,
Failures keep you Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going!


Have a great day! The Son is shining!!

God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small
He can curl up inside your heart.

.......AND THE WINNERS ARE......

BEST OF 2007---(WARNNING- ADULT CONTENT-1 PICTURE)


BEST HAIR CARE PRODUCT!





BEST BLONDE by FAR!!!!




BEST WORLD CUP TICKET OFFER




BEST TEE-SHIRT!!




BEST GOOGLE ADD!







BEST HANDBAG!




MONA LISA- AMERICANIZATION






BEST PARKING PLACE!






AND THE WINNER IS:::::::::::





OK- Coming soon- another installment on The WISDOM Series. I know you can hardly wait. But it is a good word study. If interested please review the others on Wisdom and I will try to give a bite sized study for a quick morning read- and if anything catches your fancy I will add another link if there is any expanded information in that pragraph- and one link to the entire study if it is bigger then the bite sized chunk for that day.

I will leave them posted for a couple of days for digestion and post pics, funny stuff, adventures or whatever if you'd like to stop by and check daily! I'll also put up a silly web pic or one I took in the right sidebar below the scripture of the day!

If nothing else...please come by early and read just the scripture- it is soo good to start off the day with a Breakfast of God's Word- or if not a believer or not sure about God- then just use the scripture to see if it applies as a wise saying or something you can just use personally for that day!

Love to you all,

John McElveen

CRABBY OLD MAN

Subject: Crabby Old Man ...

Crabby Old Man

When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a small hospital near Tampa, Florida, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value. Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.
One nurse took her copy to Missouri. The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the St. Louis Association for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem. And this little old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this anonymous" poem winging across the Internet.

Crabby Old Man

What do you see nurses? ...... What do you see? What are you thinking......... when you're looking at me? A crabby old man............... not very wise Uncertain of habit ............. with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food.............. and makes no reply. When you say in a loud voice....."I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice ........ the things that you do. And forever is losing ............... a sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not............. lets you do as you will, With bathing and feeding ...... the long day to fill? Is that what you're thinking?.... Is that what you see? Then open your eyes, nurse..... you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am ......... as I sit here so still, As I do at your bidding ...... as I eat at your will. I'm a small child of Ten...... with a father and mother, Brothers and sisters ......... who love one another
A young boy of Sixteen ........... with wings on his feet Dreaming that soon now. .......... a lover he'll meet. A groom soon at Twenty ......... my heart gives a leap. Remembering, the vows........ that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now ......... I have young of my own. Who need me to guide ...... and a secure happy home. A man of Thirty .............. my young now grown fast, Bound to each other ........ with ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons .......... have grown and are gone, But my woman's beside me....... to see I don't mourn. At Fifty, once more ................. babies play 'round my knee, Again, we know children ......... my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me ....... my wife is now dead. I look at the future ................. I shudder with dread. For my young are all rearing ...... young of their own. And I think of the years......... and the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man............ and nature is cruel. T'is jest to make old age ..... look like a fool. The body, it crumbles.......... grace and vigor, depart. There is now a stone......... where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass ..... a young guy still dwells, And now and again ............ my battered heart swells. I remember the joys.............. I remember the pain. And I'm loving and living........ life over again.
I think of the years ... all too few...... gone too fast. And accept the stark fact............. that nothing can last. So open your eyes, people ......... open and see.. Not a crabby old man. Look closer.... see........ ME!!
Remember this poem when you next meet an older person that you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within..... we will all, one day, be there, too!
PLEASE SHARE THIS POEM
The best and most beautiful things of this world can't be seen or touched. They must be felt by the heart. God Bless.
GROWING OLD IS NOT FOR SISSIES! ! !

THANK YOU, LORD- FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART

Yesterday afternoon- out my back door....Thank You Lord

Today I just want to share a personal note of thanks to God. Two years ago to the day I went back to work after a triple bypass. I was 52- pretty dang young and I thank God I didn't have the Widow maker- That's the Left Main Coronary artery for non-medicals, and when it blocks off you are usually gone for good.

I had chest pains that morning at work. Thank God I work in an Urgent Care- started to sweat- then got nauseated. I could put my finger on the exact spot where the pain was in my left chest. 2/10 on the pain scale at the most. I excused it as GI vs a Poot- but when the nausea and diaphoresis hit I grabbed one of our nurses and said, "I don't feel so good- would you do a quick EKG on me." She Did.

I asked her what it looked like and she said- and all you medical people know what she said and exactly what I was thinking when she uttered the words, "I don't read em', I just do em." Turned and headed out the door. Oh, Shit- I knew what was next as sure as the sun comes up in the east. I knew it wasn't mild, I knew it wasn't stents-- I KNEW it was bypass time.

To the ER at 1:00 pm- Nitro drip- no pain meds thank you- not YET anyway! To room at 11:00 pm- Thas' right- 10 hours on a gurney in my own ER- Level one trauma Center where I worked and grew up as a Paramedic. Not the Hospital I work for now-the competing one "Across the River". We used to laff and make fun of the Hospital I work for now. Now it has blown the doors off the 3 competing Hospitals across the river.

Rolled into Cath lab at 11:00 the next morning and saw it. "IT." The sign I knew I needed to see all along to verify my calmness. I knew-KNEW- it was not my time. I was not going to die. I KNEW and never once did I feel afraid. It's not false bravado here- I just KNEW it. Like when you shoot that free shot and you turn and run towards the other end of the court because you know it's in. Or after the putt when you just start walking towards the pin cause you know it's in. THAT kinda knowing. Godly Knowing. The Peace that passes all understanding KNOWING.

I saw it up on the viewbox. A picture I had had in my head for probably several months thinking back on it. The previous patients CATH Pic- in full FLUOROSCOPIC Glory- (you talk about a Hippa violation- man that was a HIPPO- violation.... but I knew it was from God to me and I literally smiled and settled back and just KNEW everything was going according to plan. "His" plan. It showed the post cath pictures of a chest- No Angio visible- but the most visible and the sign to me were the WIRES that had His/Her sternum Closed. They had been through this before. He/She had left me a sign that I would be OK. I had 99%-98% & 95% 3 vessel blockage- thank GOD for Collaterals. No thanks to the Versed....Then he pushed the dye--PAIN- never knew what hit me- OK Doc- I'll have the Versed with a side of Nitroglycerin spray. He told her to give me 5 sprays of NTG and she questioned him 3 times and he confirmed it. 5. Then He said get me the surgeon on call and a Balloon Pump.

Couldn't pull a needle out of my ass with a tractor at this point! Mainly due to that Godawful Pain. Owwww. That hurts. Ya'll---give Morphine---just give it- freely- push it- help them- the real ones-Out of that Pain! I went to an 8/10 in an instant and could not breathe!! The rest as they say is history. There were 2 more MAJOR signs that all would be well. Directly from God--I know it and can't even begin to explain the dynamics of what He did or How He did it. It was just a God thing. He just 'did" them.

All is well- I have in my journal that on this day last year- my First day back- within 2 hours of going back to work I started an IV- started monitoring a patient and called EMS transport for a cardiac patient. I looked at them with new eyes. I felt the 18 gauge Jelco and knew that sting for the first time in my life. I could read the fear in the eyes and the apprehension of "not knowing", and felt the sweat on the face. I could see the fear and feel the pain of the patient and of the family collectively. These were new sensations to me- but life changing. I had more empathy and compassion than I ever had in my life because of what I had been through.

Please, never ever let a teaching moment pass you by. Take from all your trials the good and turn it back on the enemy! Help defeat fear by giving knowledge and therefore Empowering that person: be it Life-trial, Medical, Spiritual, whatever..let them know that they are not standing in that trial or firey furnace alone. Let them know- somehow- that you are there with them.

'THE REAL BUSINESS OF YOUR SAVED LIFE IS INTERCESSORY PRAYER'- according to Oswald Chambers. Stand in the gap- walk up beside or come alongside others to help.. help them when they are down. Pray for others when they are to beat up, frazzeld, to scared to pray for themselves....

Here is today's verse:

"AND THE LORD TURNED THE CAPTIVITY OF JOB WHEN HE PRAYED FOR HIS FRIENDS." Job 42:10

You all remember what all Job went through- boils- probably a MRSA Spider! LOL> Sorry- had to get that in, he lost his friends and family- he literally lost it ALL- but God turned the whole situation around when Job:

1. Pulled himself up by the bootstraps?

2. Got others to pray for him?

3. Paid the preacher?

4. Went to church?

NO- when Job in the Middle of everything showed his chracter and He:

5. PRAYED FOR OTHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What an awesome thing to be able to do for someone. And you really don't even have to know their needs. God already does. But to take your TIME--to Pray for them- well that just MOVES THE HEART AND THEN THE WILL OF OUR GREAT GOD!!!!!

Love & Payers for the entire Blogging community'

John

JOB PERFORMANCE RESULTS? EVALUATIONS ANYONE?

EVER WORK WITH ANY OF THESE PROPLE?

A few chuckles from real life review performance comments.....
Employee Performance Evaluation Laughs

1. "Since my last report, this employee has reached rock-bottom and has started to dig."

2. "I would not allow this employee to breed."

3. "This employee is really not so much of a has-been, but more of a definite won't be."

4. "Works well when under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in a trap."

5. "When he opens his mouth, it seems that it is only to change feet."

6. "This young lady has delusions of adequacy."

7. "He sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them."

8. "This employee is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot."

9. "This employee should go far, and the sooner he starts the better."

10. "Got a full 6-pack, but lacks the plastic thingy to hold it all together."

11. "A gross ignoramus - 144 times worse than an ordinary ignoramus."

12. "He doesn't have ulcers, but he's a carrier."

14. "I would like to go hunting with him sometime."

15. "He's been working with glue too much."

John Wayne & Lorena Bobbit????

In a recent news broadcast, it was announced that Lorena Bobbitt's sister, Louella, was arrested for an alleged attempt to perform the same act on her husband as her famous sister had done several years ago. Sources reveal the sister was not as accurate as Lorena. She allegedly missed the target and stabbed her husband in the upper thigh causing severe muscle and tendon damage. The husband is reported to be in serious, but stable condition, and Louella has been charged with .. !


A Misdewiener!


And the Words of Wisdom for today are for my Namesake- JOHN WAYNE--yes that is indeed my given name. John -for one grandad and Wayne- for the other! You may just call me "The Duke" ;-).

He was one awesome actor and man!--Here is his quote!


"Life's tough, it's even tougher if you're stupid."
-John Wayne

More to come soon on God's Wisdom...just giving some digestion time from the first post's. I plan to offer smaller bite sized chinks as well as the full post so if your pressed for time you can have a quick snack--then if it interests you or you are hungry for more- you can click on the expanded lesson. I will work on this format and let ya know somewhere in the post- probably just a Highlighted Link- to Take you to the Full lesson.

Not real sure how to do that but I'll figure it out!

God bless everyone- I'm off to watch a little of the College World Series on the Tube. Just some mindless down time after a decent shift last PM.

Love to you all

John

RED SKELTON-HOW DID HE KNOW????

Some of you may remember him but he passed> away before many of you were born. Red Skelton was a> good & funny man. He also ended every show by saying,
"GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS".
Take a moment and listen to it (from 1969).> How would he have known that this is what is> happening? Listen to the end of this. It is> something he said 38 years ago. Very important that you listen to the very end!! Eerie!



(http://patriotfiles.org/Pledge.htm)

WISDOM (cont) 1a.

A paraphrase that a Doc shared with me at work today as we were discussing Wisdom and Listening.

Dumb People: Talk about "Things"

Average People: Talk about "People"

Smart People: Talk about "Ideas"


We will continue to work through Godly Wisdom by laying some scary and interesting ground work about:

1. EARTHLY Wisdom- being inherently evil--yep you read right -(evil and even Demonic!)
&
2. HEAVENLY Wisdom- the only way to understand the things of God. And yes I think we can prove they both exist at the same time. It will be really interesting chasing this Rabbit.

Some overall quick Biblical reference(s) again, to lay a firm foundation upon which to build Sound Doctrine.

In the Greek New Testament the word for wisdom is found 60 times and there a 3 levels of wisdom to be found there.

1. HUMAN WISDOM---and this is usually CONTRASTED with HEAVENLY Wisdom.

One major NT Passage concerning Wisdom is found in 1 Corinthians.
God's plan to redeem us, (by us back with a price- means were were into bondage- Hey get your mind back here :-)- and that "PLAN"destroyed the WISDOM of the "WORLDLY" or Worlds Wisest Men.

This aspect of trying to reach God through Mind alone without a Spiritual re-birth is called "MENTAL ASCENT". You get it in theory- in your mind- You KNOW about the Salvation Jesus offers but you don't UNDERSTAND it yet. It it must make that 2 foot drop from Head to Heart to change you and allow the Things of God to be made known or revealed to you. Your Heavenly Father wants you to Love and Talk to Him so much.. but He will not force you to do that. You must respond to His call and "Come unto me, all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you REST!!! Cares o' the World got ya down. An injection of 100% Jesus IV (eye-vee) is the ticket to gettin' smart!

1 Corinthians 1:19 (NIV) For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."

In actual fact, Human wisdom Could never comprehend God's plan for salvation. It had to be revealed to us, from and by God Himself; because we didn't have the capacity to know there was a difference or EVEN A PLAN!.

1 Corinthians 1:21 (NIV)

21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

Paul was not bound here by human wisdom because the Holy Spirit was giving Paul "HEAVENLY WISDOM" to write down and pass the message to us. Human wisdom is completely inadequate to to accept God's Salvation.

1 Corinthians 3:18-19 (NIV)

18 Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness."

We are going to lay Human Wisdom Scriptures & Godly Wisdom Scriptures side by side and see what we uncover! The other Two Levels of Wisdom will be introduced soon.

Blessings,

John

If anyone would like: I would like to see some of your favorite WISE QUOTATIONS or Pearls of Wisdom. Please feel free to "Tag" others just to see if we can get a few examples:

Confucious say: Etc....

THANK YOU BABS!!!!!!!!!!

THANKS TO BABS FOR HELP ON A SPECIAL PROJECT!!!

NOW FOR TODAY'S' POST ON WISDOM. WISDOM PART---1A- CONTINUED.

Be wise enough when you need help and someone offers it to: TAKE IT!!!
This will be a quick little thinker post as I get ready for a weekend of twelve's- well 14's but my schedule will change and I'll be back on weekdays' -- M, Tu and Th!!! Praisa a de Lawddda!!!

Can I get get a witnezz---then send me $20.00-- Glory & amen!!!

ON LEARNING: YOU MAY HAVE SEEN THIS ON THE NET BEFORE!!

A father and son were taking the bus across town to the Fathers work. The Little 5 year old was all questions and full of awe at the amount of input flashing past BIONIC 5 Year-Old Eyes!! INPUT--Stephanie-INPUT!!

His nose pressed against the glass he kept firing a barrage of questions at his dad,

B-"What's on that truck daddy?"

F-"I don't know," mumbled his dad burying his face deeper into his newspaper.

B-"Where does the rain come from?"

F-"Don't bother me!"

B-"What does that sign say?"

F-"Quit pestering me!"

A passenger riding behind the father gently tapped him on the shoulder and said softly, "Curious little boy you've got there."

"SURE", said the Father. "How else is he going to learn?" (ouch! amen?)



That's the way we listen isn't it. How many seminars have you seen designed to teach you how to speak well in front of hundreds, polish your presentation so 1,000's will understand what you are saying. But we have --what???? 2 ears and 1 mouth...now I'm no genius, but does that maybe mean we should listen twice as much, or twice as hard, as we speak?? I want to give a seminar on Listening-- guaranteed to allow you to hear and understand what's being said about anything by anyone. About your relationship by your mate, about your business by an associate, about your love and how much fun you are by your son or daughter. OR NOT!

You can go on blissfully ignoring with selective hearing just what you want to in life. You'll hear all you want to, to get you by, and what you need, to get you in a position to speak! Spewing forth "WISDOM" without the benefit of all the facts or all the expertise your "Team" of either EARS that heard (He who has ears to hear)....remember that one multiple times from the gospels?

A WISE MAN SPEAKS BECAUSE HE HAS SOMETHING TO SAY:

FOOLS SPEAK, BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO SAY SOMETHING!

OK- I would've stopped there but I want to give one final, overall definition of wisdom- both in it's personalized, practical and spiritual connotation:

WISDOM IS UNDERSTANDING WHAT TO DO IN ANY GIVEN SITUATION, WHEN AND HOW TO DO IT CORRECTLY AND IN LOVE AND WITH A THOROUGHNESS AND COMPLETENESS OF UNDERSTANDING OF THE SITUATION THAT EVERY CONTINGENCY IS COVERED, ALL QUESTIONS ANSWERED, ALL DOUBTS ALLEVIATED, COMPLETELY FOR ALL INVOLVED!

THIS TYPE OF KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY COME FORM OUTSIDE AND ABOVE AND BEYOND ONES OWN REASON, INTELLECT OR SCHOLARLY ACHIEVEMENT- YEAH IT MUST HAVE BEEN OTHERWORLDLY INTRUDING ITSELF WITH SUCH A COMPLETENESS ON THIS WORLD AS TO BLOW CONVENTIONAL THOUGHT AND WISDOM TO PIECES- IT MUST HAVE COME FROM GOD! CREATOR OF ALL--HIMSELF.

GOD'S SOLUTION TO ANY SITUATION!- WISDOM. OR-- HISDOM?????? More He-Bonicks!

GOD BLESS EVERYONE AND HAVE ABESSED AND FUN-FILLED WEEKEND!


And remeber-- LISTEN UP!

Love ya,

John

WISDOM Part 1

We still need a good working definition of wisdom as it applies to what we are to specifically pray and BEG God for and what we use on a daily basis in our everyday lives.

The GREEK word for "wisdom" is sophia. We see it in the English word Philosophy, which means literally- "love"- (phileo); of "wisdom" (sophia"). Philosophy is the LOVE of Wisdom...hmmm, never knew that.

Back in "the Day- of Homer-(the Brave) and Socrates and those guys- wisdom was an attribute used of the person and not of the word itself. In other words it was not used as in saying wise words or doing wise deeds. According to Socrates and this had held true for some of the Biblical definitions I've seen too & one good working definition of Wisdom is:

1. "KNOWING" HOW LITTLE ONE KNEW.

Also the Stoics associated Wisdom- (Aristotles crew-see #2 below)) used another great working definition of wisdom as:

2 THE APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE. Example: a carpenter could be know as a great craftsman because of his skill and knowledge of his craft or art! Therefore: a Wise Carpenter. Nowadays we would be much more likely to use the term skilled.

So we Have ! How Little We Knew & How to Apply said Little Knowledge to our Craft!! Hence-
The 3 STOOGES; PARAMEDICS & NURSES!!. Just kidding! I would never slam the 3 Stooges that way! Of course how little we knew showed how advanced and enlightened we are in either a false sense of humility or in honestly realizing that Wisdom is an Eternal source of Seeking afterness!

Back to the Biblical -in the Septuagint- 5 Books of Old Testament)- WISDOM was personified and made individualistic as in Proverbs, and especially ABOUT someone special or in this case wisdom about GOD HIMSELF!

When Solomon prayed for wisdom (See prev. post) God gave it to Him and He became, according to the bible the wisest man on earth. Because He made such a wise choice according to scripture- Wisdom was to be sought more than any jewelry, pearls, gold etc. (see Proverbs) God granted his prayer and we are told to seek after and pray for wisdom in the New Testament as believers or converts.

We'll start with some New Testament Usage next but lets look at TITTS:
Taking It To The Streets.

What earthly good does any of this heavenly jargon do us?

1. Do we need to pray for wisdom today? If so- Why?- Does God still give it? or are we left to our own devices and abilities to find knowledge and wisdom ourselves?

Can't we just Google- or Wikipedia something and have most of what we need regarding information, or knowledge of a subject or topic? Aren't Moral choices ours--and ours alone as free will agents?

So- there-in- (always wanted to write that); there-in BEGS the question- (Remember we were to beg God for wisdom... do we need GOD'S input into our everyday lives? Is He interested in our details, small decisions, big decisions? Is He there at all, to even respond or answer our Prayer(s)?

Is there a correct way to axe? ASK--sorry: but actually that's Hebrew for ask. HE BONICKS!! I just came up with that! I'll be darned--Wisdom when I least expected it!!!

All of this is just designed to maybe get us thinking about any little sliver of this that may grab your attention. It is meant to stimulate more than elicit "CORRECT" or really any concrete answer. However discussion is highly encouraged and there is no right or wrong--MAYBE!

Enjoy and Blessings,

John

EVERYONE SCREAMS RACISM

Subject: Racism........

Everyone is in a hurry to scream "racism" these days!

"In what aisle could I find the Polish sausage?"
The clerk looks at him and says,

"Are you Polish?" The guy (clearly offended) says,

"Well, yes I am. But let me ask you something.... If I had asked for Italian sausage would you ask me if I was Italian?
Or if I had asked for German bratwurst, would you ask me if I was German?

Or if I asked for a kosher hot dog would you ask me if I was Jewish?

Or if I had asked for a Taco would you ask if I was Mexican?"


"Would you? Would you?"


The clerk says, "Well, no!"

"If I asked for some Irish whiskey, would you ask if I was Irish?"

"Well, I probably wouldn't!"


With deep self-righteous indignation, the guy says, "Well then, why did you ask me if I'm Polish because I asked for Polish sausage?"




The clerk replies....




"Because you're at Home Depot."


JOHN

I DON'T CARE WHO YOU ARE THAT'S FUNNY RIGHT THERE--AND IF YOU ARE POLISH AND OFFENDED AND HAVEN'T LEARNED TO LAUGH AT YOURSELF AFTER ALL THESE YEARS-----WELL----



SHOP AT LOWE'S!!!!

THE NEXT BEST THING TO DO- GODLY WISDOM

This is so cool. I wanted to do a word study on Wisdom- so I looked in My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers under Wisdom. One of the days listed for wisdom was JUNE 9Th!!! The ONE day I did not read my daily devotional. So- we will start with a little serendipitous event from above with June 9Th 2007 devotion from Oswald Chambers.

THE NEXT BEST THING TO DO

"FOR EVERYONE THAT ASKETH RECEIVETH" LUKE 11:10

1. Ask if you have not received. It is so hard for us to sometimes "just ask"- There is even commercial on now that shows a woman and her son and he asks- "What's wrong Mom?" She says, "I want new floors and I don' know how to ask your father." The kid pauses then yells- "DAD! Mom wants new Floors!" Just ask! But we are usually afraid of the answer- we sure don't like to hear- NO! - for any reason- what is it about US and rejection??

With God and this particular question you will NEVER hear no- It's His will and He always answers in the affirmative if it's in His will- (OK- sometimes timing has something to do with it!! :-). Usually we wait until the last possible moment to ask for- help, advice, and especially money. But have you ever asked God for anything out of absolute MORAL POVERTY? You desperately need help- an answer- any answer- something- anything???

"If any of you lack WISDOM, let him ask of God... ," BUT- be sure you DO lack wisdom. You cannot just bring yourself up against reality any time you like- if you know what to do in said given situation- do not play dumb with God! The next best thing to do if you ARE NOT Spiritually real, is to ask God FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT, on the word of Jesus Christ..see Luke 11:13

(LUKE 11:13 : 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!")

God will give you what you need when you honestly ask out of a deep and abiding spiritual need! You will give you children good things- how much more will God..... please see AD's post concerning his beautiful daughter about Fathers giving the absolute best for their children- PS: HANKY ALERT!!!!

The HOLY SPIRIT is the one who MAKES REAL in you- all that Jesus did for you!

"FOR EVERY ONE THAT ASKS-RECEIVES"!!! PERIOD! UNCONDITIONAL-DONE DEAL! SO ASK ALREADY!!!!

To receive means that you have come into the relationship of a child of God, and now you perceive with intelligent and moral appreciation and spiritual understanding that these things come FROM God. Not form our own goodness, or inherent abilities, traits, talents etc. They are outside of anything we can do or be or hope to attain on our own. Even though we feel we are totally self sufficient and ALL capable of almost anything. But remember- we are now reduced to the point of ASKING out of Rock Botomlessness-es !!

"IF ANY OF YOU LACK WISDOM...." If you realize you are lacking it is because we have come in contact with a Spiritual reality: Do not put your Spiritual Blinders on again--to ASK here means--literally TO BEG!!! so don't go back to the I can handle it department...realize you have come full circle and AXE- I mean ask... Part of our Maturity in Relationships is to stop the Game Playing and be open and honest about when we need help- or in this particular case- WISDOM.

ASK-- NO BEG God for wisdom and help here out of such a sense of poverty and need that He cannot fail but to see how desperately you need, want and must have the answer. Not out of a sense of well we are still a couple of checks away from homelessness or bankruptcy---no- BEG out of the sense that you have been foreclosed upon already- putting stupid PRIDE to death and asking EXPECTING TO RECEIVE! He will respond as immediately as the prayers leave your lips if and when you cry out to Him in total dependency.

Next: A working Definition of Wisdom- then some applications as well as starting to build a foundation for the learning process.

Do you lack wisdom? If so, in what area(s)? Are you to the point of being able to beg God for it or are you still mentally dependant on thine self?

Until God is ALL YOU HAVE- it is then that' you'll finally realize that HE IS ALL YOU'VE EVER NEEDED!

John McElveen
25Th Anniversary 06/11/2007

A 5 YEAR OLD IN THE BANK

A mother took her five-year-old son with her
to the bank on a busy lunchtime.

They got behind a very fat woman wearing a
business suit complete with pager.

As they waited patiently, the little boy said loudly,
"Gee, she's fat!"

The mother bent down and whispered in
the little boys ear to be quiet.

A couple of minutes passed by and the little boy spread
his hands as far as they would go and announced;

"I'll bet her butt is this wide!"

The fat woman turns around and glares at the little boy.
The mother gave him a good telling off,
and told him to be quiet.

After a brief lull,
the large woman reached the front of the line.

Just then, her pager begin to emit a

beep, beep,beep.



The little boy yells out,


"Run for your life, she's backing up!!

WISDOM- WORD STUDY

(Howie mandels" voice) WISE? OR NOT WISE??

If you'd like go ahead and type Wisdom in the Search Box on the right in BibleGateway and look at the different features on that site! It's really well done.



Coming Very Soon: a daily or semi daily/weekly Word Study on Wisdom. Based loosley on Song Of Solomon, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes-- Oh Heck the WHOLE BIBLE!!!! We will do an indepth Biblical Word study and or small group discussion on all aspects of Wisdom and probably more importantly HOW TO APPLY IT! Remember TITTS???

Taking It To The Streets-- Practical Uses and Applications OF OUR STUDIES for our daily Journey through life.

I Love doing these word studies, for my personal growth so if you'd like to follow along I'd love to have you drop by- read, COMMENT- even if it's just to challenge me.

I will be doing this anyway as this is what I would be doing in my daily journal. If you are at all interested or know of anyone that might be--tell them to check daily for updates and posiibly even a loose knit syllabus- allthough I like to keep it fluid. Also depends on how much time I can devote to how much I post for educational content- if it's just personal I don't have to justify and check my sorces as carefully than if and when I'm doing it as a "Lesson" I take teaching God's word very very seriously- even though it will most definitely be humorous- (You'll decide that right?)

Again- I may be the only one reading this but I'll be glad I journaled it 5 years from now so I can look back and measure any progress or lack thereoff, I have made in my daily walk with God on this crazy journey!!

John McElveen

I"M SOOOOOOO ROMANTIC!!!!!!

RENEWING OUR VOWS AFTER 10 YEARS!


I out did myself-whoooooo boy am I proud! Most of you know by now my wife and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary on June 11th. There was a time there when I seriously didn't think we would make it but thanks to many prayers and good ole fashioned honesty and communication it looks like we will! I know-- I know-- hopping up and down--OKOK so I went all out--after 14 hours of Urgent Scare I was still in an awesome good mood!

So I did-it! I stopped at Walgreens' on the way home. Wait ladies-don't swoon yet- I'm just getting started- I know you are kicking yourselves because SHE Got the Lucky ONE that stops at Walgreens' two days BEFORE!!! 2 DAYS 2 Freaking FULL DAYS!

Don't you other guys even try to mess with OL el Romantico Himself! I bought her a Hershey's Beanie Baby that says 100 years on it! Why-- well cuz- it's 25 x 4 OK = 100- there smarty butt. We bought and sold Beanie Babies back in the day and had some fun and made some profits off the little critters. Good memories..but wait that's not all---

I bought her a book by my Favoritists author of all time- Max Lucado- Lonesome Life or Lifes Overcoming Joy of Easter- something like that. I thought how cool- buy her something she usually buys me! I'tll be GREAT!! Then I got her 2 Cards!

Two very special cards.. I Sure do love that woman.

25 yaers seems like an eternity and seems like the blink of an eye! I am Truly blessed by God- Who absolutely put this Union together- there is No way Humanly possible that it would have worked without Him. He is OUR ALL IN ALL_ our Hopes, dreams, aspirations, our Future- He is the LOVE that we share.

We will go to our favorite Japanes Restaurant- and then we will truly celebrate by returning to the Gulf Coast of Fla- (Where I was borneded and raised)- Plant City- right outside Tampa- and spend a week or two at Indian Rocks Beach.

I would now like all the men to bow at my feet- as I am the only man still living WITH a PENIS- that has not yet bought his wife a DIAMOND! I KNOW- I KNOW!!!

Ahhhhhhh Greatness! God is indeed Good! I pray She NEVER EVER NEVER EVER READS THIS!!!!

God bless and Love to you all!!

Thanks for being friends--- Seriously!! Thanks!!

Love,

John

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)--THIS IS KINDA COOL THAT THIS IS THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY THAT I HAVE IN MY SIDE BAR-- NEAT HUH??

HEAT INDEX- EXTREME!!

WE'LL BE SEEING SOME HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE THIS WEEKEND! Weekend warriors beware- No Alcohol and plenty of water , shade and GATORADE! Preferably indoors, ac and baseball!!

Have a great weekend,

J

the HOLIDAY--GREAT MOVIE!!!!

I just spent 136 minutes with my wife watching what is by all accounts a "Chic Flick" It was awesome. I laughed, I cried, I reminisced, I thought, I got angry, I reflected and I could hardly wait to write about how I felt. There are so many emotions running around in my head right now I''m not sure how to handle them all. I don't know if these have been repressed and were coming to a head or if this silly movie released this flood of conflicting feelings...or what. It's rare that a movie elicits such strong emotions or really even gets me to a point where I actually think about it beyond just the entertainment quality.

I'd be very interested to see if any of you have seen or after you see this movie if it even comes close to illiciting the same response if any in you. I doubt it will as it's not that type of movie. Not bent on being an Oscar winner or anything- it just hit me at exactly the right time to bring out all these mostly positive emotions and really great feelings. The movie is Nancy Myers' "the Holiday" with Cameron Diaz, Jack Black, Jude Law and Kate Winslet (from the Director of "Something's Gotta Give and What Women Want.

I still can't believe that this movie about unrequieted love (sounds like I know what I'm talking about doesn't it) and conflict and emotional scars and tears or lack thereof--it's just really damned good! I would love to get some feedback if any of you have seen or ask around to any of your blogmates to see if they have seen this movie.

I just love it when a lot of very strong feelings- be they positive or negative--usually both come out at one time!!

Will write more later.

John

NEW(S) STUFF

As you can tell I'm trying a lot of different stuff- formats- etc. Babs has an absolutely awesome new template and I may try one of the new formats. I also realize that content can get lost in a very "busy" site too so if you will allow me to get in touch with my feminine side---(ohhh- ouhhhh- hot suff burned my self!!!! duh duh duh duh duh da dunt! (Eddie Murhy impression) I will sooner or later get back to what this is really all about- errr. "artistic expression and gayness Jim?" "No, Wally- I think you being a little hard on the Beaver- (And you thought I could let that slide Poop!! And as you can see I'm a fast learner- thanks to you I was able to put the Hyperlink in--- Thanks to you and Barbara both for helping an html, RSS widget challenged newbie in all things BLOGGER! I really appreciate it guys!

Ok- Robin Williams flashback- it's Over! Gotta pay some bills! AFLACK! Just put them on my duck.

John

A SIMPLE PRAYER

HOPE- -our Lab- and I pray that you have it in abundance in your life!!




Father,

I ask a simple blessing on all my new friends and acquaintences on our Blog- I certainly don't know them well enough to pray on a level that may impact their lives-but I know you do. And whether or not they believe in prayer or even believe in you is still not so much the point... the point is that you believe in them. I do also. I believe that there is goodness in all of us and my simple prayer is that you would bring that goodness to the top in every life and every person that wants that for themselves, their family, friends, loved ones and yes even their enemies!

I Love you Father.

In Jesus Name,

Amen & Amen

A NEW DAY

PERSPECTIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyday begins with the promise of the unexpected, the drudgery, the same ole same ole with one exception. How WE are going to handle those "Every Day" things. We have a choice each and every moment of how we are going to react to that rude "Bit..h" that just cut me off in line, or that very nice Lady that let me out in tons of traffic... some days are much easier to tolerate than others. Some days something that we wouldn't even give a second thought to will push our buttons and grate on our nerves all day long.

Wonder why that is? We basically are leading the same life we went to bed with- more of less- give or take a little...so what is it that sets or resets our attitudes for say an entire day??

Hormones?? To make a Hormone----just don't pay her! Blood Sugar? Whatever it is I do think we have a lot more control over the way(s) we respond to certain things on any given day. I truly believe it has to do with the BE- attitudes..like the Ones Jesus taught in the Sermon on the mount. Those are in an ideal world and more importantly in the REAL WORLD we live in how we should consistently be!

I certainly fall short many many days--but that doesn't mean that we don't get a "Do Over" each and every morning. The cool thing about God is that His Grace and Mercy are FRESH every single day! We have Do over after Do over with God until we start getting it right more often than we get it wrong!

Let God BE your "attitude" today, or starting tomorrow for just one day- (Use that Old phrase when confronted with a decision or something that demands an immediate response: "What would Jesus do?" just pause and think before you act or speak- try it and see if you can do it for one full day. Then before bed- replay the day and- Count your Blessings verses the Negatives and see what happened. Make a list of two columns if you need to.

Weird question: "If you had a really really terrible crappy day- many more negatives verses the positives- could it be that someone- say Satan to put a name to it- or some Negative force or energy have tried to keep you intentionally from having a better day? I'm not sayin' I'm just sayin-LOL!!!

THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE: IF YOU HAVEN'T ALL THE THINGS YOU WANT, BE GRATEFUL FOR ALL YOU DON'T HAVE THAT YOU DON'T WANT!!!

(Mary Radcliff)

Love to you all,

John

FEELING PUNY (sick) TODAY

I started feeling a little puny at work Sunday night. I finished my shift and came home and stayed up until 6:30 a.m.! I work 10:00 am till 10:00 pm and we got out at 11:30 p.m.. We have to stay, of course until the last patient is seen even if they sign in at 9:59 with a headache they've had for 5 days!!!! Could not go to sleep. Then I slept all day and am just now getting around to checking Blog and E-mail.

I Love Elle's post on the books and I have my list out to post. I will post tomorrow (I work another 12 Tuesday) so it may be Wednesday. For today- just two very quick and LOL-Shallow posts!

1. The Best Teacher: A good scare teaches more than good advice! - esp. in Medicine. You do something or catch something that you almost did wrong and you couldn't pull a needle out of your butt with a tractor---well -REMEMBER that lesson!

2. Second Time: Don't underestimate the importance of experience. It'll help you recognize a mistake when you are about to make it again!

Bottom Line: Learn the first time around- there is no real substitute for experience: and as long as we are human and working we will make mistakes. Pray that you learn from them and then recognize that situation before you possibly make the same mistake twice.

Told you this was wimpy- but I hope to be back to more meaty posts by Thursday as well as the Cool post from Elle. Please check out "Would you like a little cheese with that WHINE!!!" Great read @ http://3blueberries.blogspot.com/ .

I'll learn how to put HTML links in one day! OMG-- I did it- I Did it- look- a hyperlink--- "I'm giving all I got Captain-I don't know how much more she can take!!!" (Scotty Impression)
He's been hitting the Dilithium Crystal METH!! Again- "Damnit Jim- I'm just a Doctor" "I just prescribe it, I can't regulate how much he snorts!" (Bones Impression).

Actually I was Spock on the Start Trek meme that went around. I'm not a real Vulcan but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night!

Love to all,


John

FREEDOM

We free ourselves from the womb- but there is no knife sharpe enough to free us from the umbilical cord to free us from the grave. Paul Eldrige




16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[f] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.[g] 19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."[h] GOD!!!!!!!

Maybe there is a knife sharp enough to escape the grave!!!!!

WHAT ARE YOU HAUNTED BY???

"WHAT MAN IS HE THAT FEARETH THE LORD?" PSALM 25:12


HAUNTED: TO BE VISITED BY, A SPIRIT; TO VISIT FREQUENTLY; TO LINGER IN THE MIND!!!!

APPLY THESE DEFINITIONS TO BEING HAUNTED BY GOD- To have Him visit- to have Him LINGER in our minds and thoughts, to visit HIM, FREQUENTLY_ BOTH WAYS- to be wrapped up in, to be covered by-as with the Blood of Jesus, for HIM to be first and foremost so we can become like Him.


What haunts you? What are you haunted by? An old memory, a "bad" deed, cheating on someone or at something, anything that happened so long ago it's all but forgotten, but every once in a while it wafts through your mind without warning?

You may probably-and most will say BY NOTHING. But we are all haunted by something, generally by ourselves, or, if we are Christians, by our experience. The Psalmist says we are to be haunted by God. READ CAREFULLY NOW- "THE ABIDING CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE LIFE IS TO BE GOD, NOT THINKING ABOUT HIM. We are to become as God through Jesus- That you and I become one as the Father and I are one! Chew on that morsel awhile.

The whole of our life inside and out is to be haunted by the Presence of God! We are to live, move, have our being in God, to look at Everything in relation to God, because the abiding consciousness of God pushes itself to the front ALL the time. We have no time to consciously "Just be Ourselves--we are to be turning into God!"

If we are haunted by God, Nothing else can get in, no cares, no tribulations (trial,tests), no anxieties. We see now why our Lord so emphasized the SIN of worry. How can we dare be so utterly unbelieving when God is so around us and about us? To be haunted by God is to have an effective barricade against ALL the onslaughts of the enemy.

"His soul shall dwell at ease." In tribulation,misunderstanding, slander, in the midst of all these things, IF our LIFE is hid with Christ in God, He will keep us at ease. We rob ourselves of the marvelous revelation of this abiding (ongoing-always present) companionship of God.

"GOD IS OUR REFUGE" -- NOTHING CAN COME THROUGH THE SHELTER.

HOW COOL ARE YOU?

BOBBLE HEAD KITTEN- Pic not doctored! Weird angle huh?

There is so much peer pressure to perform these day it's incredible. I wonder if you gave into that peer pressure when you were in school. This test is also applicable for today's students as well. Please click on the link to take the test to see how cool--or UN-cool you still are.

http://www.sailinganarchy.com/general/2002/cool_test.htm

ANOTHER WORLD

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ok-ok--OK, OK--- It's a TIGER--(-but you get the picture!! :-)

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world!....C.S. Lewis

We were made for a heavenly world with glorified bodies- where there will be no pain, no tears, no lies, no hurts nor wants. We were made and created for an Eternal Life and fellowship with our Creator.

Is it any wonder that here on Earth what seem to be our most perfect and happiest times still leave us in some (many) ways unfulfilled? We have a Hole in our hearts- an empty space that is longing for something to fill it. (Nature abhors a vacuum- and if we don't fill it intentionally- "someone" will fill it with the wrong stuff for us!) We try to fill that hole with Love, adventure, money, drugs, acceptance--whatever- but there is only one key that will fit the lock on our Hearts' door and open it up to be completely filled.

Jesus is that key--and God is the Filler-upper. Top off your tank--Just allow Jesus to be Lord of your life and follow Him. Slowly, that hole, that emptiness, hoplessness, despair, anger GUILT, despair, boredom, addiction, pride---those strongholds will lessen and you will become free from all the traps and lies of the enemy who comes but to "Steal, Kill and Destroy! If he can't keep you FROM God, he will certainly try to make you as miserable and ineffective as possible here on earth!

In His Service,

John