Grac*e-mail for 05/24/10
got grace?
God is good!!!!! WOW – He really showed off last week! Started with chest pain – but no heart attack. Then had problem during my stress test – but the cardiac cath showed all arteries are clear. Thanks for the folks who followed all this on Facebook and sent prayers my way!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
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Ps 119:17-24
Deal bountifully with Your servant,
That I may live and keep Your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may see
Wondrous things from Your law.
19 I am a stranger in the earth;
Do not hide Your commandments from me.
20 My soul breaks with longing
For Your judgments at all times.
21 You rebuke the proud -- the cursed,
Who stray from Your commandments.
22 Remove from me reproach and contempt,
For I have kept Your testimonies.
23 Princes also sit and speak against me,
But Your servant meditates on Your statutes.
24 Your testimonies also are my delight
And my counselors.
NKJV
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For Virginia folks on the list, please see the end of this mailing for info on prayer workshops with The Rev. Dr. Terry Teykl.
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Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
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Got this link from Laura Holmes…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ
This is another cool one and another great song!
http://www.mychurch.org/blog/30635/coolest-video-ever
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Got this from Pastor Reid Broce ( who could use a prayer or two)… btw – it really doesn’t matter if this is a true story!
Every Sunday afternoon, after the morning service at the church, the Pastor and his eleven year old son would go out into their town and hand out Gospel Tracts.
This particular Sunday afternoon, as it came time for the Pastor and his son to go to the streets with their tracts, it was very cold outside, as well as pouring rain.
The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said, 'OK, dad, I'm ready.'
His Pastor dad asked, 'Ready for what?'
'Dad, it's time we gather our tracts together and go out.'
Dad responds, 'Son, it's very cold outside and it's pouring rain.'
The boy gives his dad a surprised look, asking, 'But Dad, aren't people still going to Hell, even though it's raining?'
Dad answers, 'Son, I am not going out in this weather.'
Despondently, the boy asks, 'Dad, can I go? Please?'
His father hesitated for a moment then said, 'Son, you can go. Here are the tracts. Be careful son.'
'Thanks Dad!'
And with that, he was off and out into the rain. This eleven year old boy walked the streets of the town going door to door and handing everybody he met in the street a Gospel Tract .
After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking, bone-chilled wet and down to his VERY LAST TRACT. He stopped on a corner and looked for someone to hand a tract to, but the streets were totally deserted.
Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the sidewalk to the front door and rang the door bell. He rang the bell, but nobody answered.
He rang it again and again, but still no one answered. He waited but still no answer.
Finally, this eleven year old trooper turned to leave, but something stopped him.
Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly on the door with his fist. He waited, something holding him there on the front porch!
He rang again and this time the door slowly opened.
Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking elderly lady. She softly asked, 'What can I do for you, son?' With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy said, 'Ma'am, I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that * JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU * and I came to give you my very last Gospel Tract which will tell you all about JESUS and His great LOVE.'
With that, he handed her his last tract and turned to leave.
She called to him as he departed. 'Thank you, son! And God Bless You!'
Well, the following Sunday morning in church Pastor Dad was in the pulpit. As the service began, he asked, 'Does anybody have testimony or want to say anything?'
Slowly, in the back row of the church, an elderly lady stood to her feet.
As she began to speak, a look of glorious radiance came from her face, 'No one in this church knows me. I've never been here before. You see, before last Sunday I was not a Christian. My husband passed on some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this world. Last Sunday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, it was even more so in my heart that I came to the end of the line where I no longer had any hope or will to live.
So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my home. I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof, then stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around my neck. Standing on that chair, so lonely and broken-hearted I was about to leap off, when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me. I thought, 'I'll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away.'
I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder and more insistent, and then the person ringing also started knocking loudly.
I thought to myself again, 'Who on earth could this be? Nobody ever rings my bell or comes to see me.' I loosened the rope from my neck and started for the front door, all the while the bell rang louder and louder.
When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my eyes, for there on my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boy I had ever seen in my life. His SMILE, oh, I could never describe it to you!
The words that came from his mouth caused my heart that had long been dead, TO LEAP TO LIFE as he exclaimed with a cherub-like voice, 'Ma'am, I just came to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU ..' Then he gave me this Gospel Tract that I now hold in my hand.
As the little angel disappeared back out into the cold and rain, I closed my door and read slowly every word of this Gospel Tract. Then I went up to my attic to get my rope and chair. I wouldn't be needing them any more.
You see---I am now a Happy Child of the KING. Since the address of your church was on the back of this Gospel Tract, I have come here to personally say THANK YOU to God's little angel who came just in the nick of time and by so doing, spared my soul from an eternity in hell.'
There was not a dry eye in the church. And as shouts of praise and honor to THE KING resounded off the very rafters of the building, Pastor Dad descended from the pulpit to the front pew where the little angel was seated; He took his son in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably.
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Another story from another Pastor – Bill Greer…
Dwight Nelson recently told a true story about the pastor of his church. He had a kitten that climbed up a tree in his backyard and then was afraid to come down. The pastor coaxed, offered warm milk, etc.
The kitty would not come down.
The tree was not sturdy enough to climb, so the pastor decided that if he tied a rope to his car and pulled it until the tree bent down, he could then reach up and get the kitten.
That's what he did, all the while checking his progress in the car. He then figured if he went just a little bit further, the tree would be bent sufficiently for him to reach the kitten. But as he moved the car a little further forward, the rope broke. The tree went 'boing!' and the kitten instantly sailed through the air - out of sight.
The pastor felt terrible. He walked all over the neighborhood asking people if they'd seen a little kitten. No. Nobody had seen a stray kitten.
So he prayed, 'Lord, I just commit this kitten to your keeping,' and went on about his business. A few days later he was at the grocery store, and met one of his church members. He happened to look into her shopping cart and was amazed to see cat food.
This woman was a cat hater and everyone knew it, so he asked her, 'Why are you buying cat food when you hate cats so much?'
She replied, 'You won't believe this,' and then told him how her little girl had been begging her for a cat, but she kept refusing.
Then a few days before, the child had begged again, so the Mom finally told her little girl, 'Well, if God gives you a cat, I'll let you keep it...' She told the pastor, 'I watched my child go out in the yard, get on her knees, and ask God for a cat. And really, Pastor, you won't believe this, but I saw it with my own eyes. A kitten suddenly came flying out of the blue sky, with its paws outspread, and landed right in front of her.'
Lesson learned: Never underestimate the Power of God and His unique sense of humor.
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A couple of funnies…
There was a young minister called to his first pulpit in a small town in Kentucky. The pulpit committee made it clear to the young divine that they wanted someone who could preach against sin!
The first Sunday, the preacher spoke of the evils of gambling. After the service he was called to task by the members of the pulpit committee.
"Do you not understand that this is horse racing country? If the race tracks went out of business some of our people would starve! We want you to preach against sin, but you cannot mess in our local economy."
The second Sunday he preached against drinking. Again, after the service he was called to task one more time.
"Have you never heard of Kentucky bourbon? Two hundred years ago our farmers started converting their grains into whiskey so as to add value to their product, and also to make it easier to ship to market. If it was not for bourbon our families would have starved a long time ago.”
Chastised, the young preacher returned to the pulpit the following week to preach on the evils of smoking. But once more he found himself in hot water.
"Did not anyone tell you that this is tobacco country? While none of us smoke, many in our flock raise tobacco. It is the only crop that is worth growing from a financial standpoint. If people stop growing tobacco many of our people will need to move away and find new jobs in the big city!. Then, who will pay your salary?
The fourth Sunday, the sadder but much wiser pastor preached on the sins of international currency speculation.....
%%%and%%%
There was a missionary conference in Belgium at the start of the Twentieth Century that brought in church women from across Europe. And, when the Dutch women saw that the English women were wearing makeup, they were so shocked that the cigars fell out of their mouths!
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LEADERSHIP: Not a 'Natural'
Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth. Numbers 12:3
What words come to mind when you think of great leaders? It's doubtful that "meek" appears at the top of your list-yet that is the precise word God used to describe Moses.
Moses had reasons to be humble. He certainly wasn't a natural leader. Nothing in Scripture indicates he attracted or led anyone during the first eighty years of his life. So far as we know, his first attempt at exerting his influence to help the people resulted in the murder of an Egyptian and his flight from the country. The next forty years Moses spent in exile in the desert of Midian, a time so uneventful that Scripture sums it up in three verses (Exodus 2:21-23).
You don't have to be a "natural" to become a great leader; you simply need a heart for God and a teachable spirit. Most of the great leaders in Scripture were made, not born. Happily for us, God is still making them today. Could you be one?
Ray Murphy Ministries http://www.simplysharejesus.com/
Call or Email Prayer Request to : 619-987-7845 - RayMurphys@yahoo.com
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If you received this from a friend and would like to join…
To subscribe to this group, send email to
grace-mail+subscribe@googlegroups.com
Or you can visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/grace-mail?hl=en?hl=en
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this from the “Pearls” mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
A biblical promise is a tightly-wrapped, power-packed, portable capsule of Scripture, written by God and designed to meet a specific need in your life at a specific time and in a way that corresponds perfectly to His all-sufficient grace. The promises of God are His guarantees amid life's uncertainties. They're the basis of all our life of faith, and there are specific promises in the Bible to meet every condition and contingency in our lives. --David Jeremiah
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Acts 10:24-34
24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends.25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man."27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together.28 Then he said to them, "You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?"
30 So Cornelius said, "four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the Ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,31 and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God.32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.'33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God."
34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said:"In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.
NKJV
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Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynnbright@gmail.com
NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address above if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks!
Grace & peace –
John A. Bright
Pastor, Walmsley Boulevard UMC in Richmond, Virginia
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
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Prayer Encounter Workshop
Saturday June 12, 2010
Virginia Beach, Va.
The Evangelical Fellowship of the Virginia, in cooperation with Foundry United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is offering a Prayer Encounter Workshop on Saturday, June 12, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The registration fee for the Workshop is $30 per person and includes a box lunch, continental breakfast, and snacks. Each participant may reserve an optional workbook at a cost of $15.00 each. Make checks payable to Foundry United Methodist Church (put "Prayer Encounter" on the memo) and mail to Foundry UMC, 2801 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23452
The purpose of the Prayer Encounter Workshop is to enhance an individual's prayer life and to resource a congregation's prayer ministries. The presenter will be The Rev. Dr. Terry Teykl. Terry's passion for prayer is contagious as he communicates foundational principles and practical ides. He'll make you laugh, but you will come away from the experience convinced that you can make a difference in your church, your life, and the lives of those who are yet to find faith in Christ.
Terry's warm humorous style makes him a sought after speaker and seminar leader. He pastored for 28 years and is now devoted full-time in prayer ministry. He has authored many books on prayer including Making Room To Pray, Pray the Price, Your Pastor - Preyed On or Prayed For, How To Pray After You've Kicked The Dog, Acts 29, Blueprint For The House Of Prayer, and The Presence Based Church. Terry is an ordained Elder in the Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.
The deadline for registration is Monday, June 7. Walk-in registrations will be accepted but lunch is not guaranteed. .5 CEU is available with preregistration notification.
Please note that the same workshop is being offered at Tabernacle UMC on Saturday, June 19, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information, contact Pastor Steve Hay at 540-786-6162 or pastorsteve@tabumc.org, or Pastor Keith Boyette at 540-972-8808 or pastor@wildernesschurch.org.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Grac*e-mail for 05/17/10 got grace?
Grac*e-mail for 05/17/10
got grace?
God is good!!!!! We had great moves of the Holy Spirit at Still Waters Café in Bedford on last Thursday, Friday, & Saturday – what a blast!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Isa 13:2-5
2 "Lift up a banner on the high mountain,
Raise your voice to them;
Wave your hand, that they may enter the gates of the nobles.
3 I have commanded My sanctified ones;
I have also called My mighty ones for My anger --
Those who rejoice in My exaltation."
4 The noise of a multitude in the mountains,
Like that of many people!
A tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together!
The LORD of hosts musters
The army for battle.
5 They come from a far country,
From the end of heaven --
The LORD and His weapons of indignation,
To destroy the whole land.
NKJV
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For Virginia folks on the list, please see the end of this mailing for info on prayer workshops with The Rev. Dr. Terry Teykl.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
There should be one on this list that makes each of you lol…
For every complex problem there is a simple solution. And it's always wrong. (H.L. Mencken)
Pigs CAN fly, if given enough thrust. But it's not recommended.
If the wheel had never been reinvented, we'd still be driving on logs.
You have given your life to be the person you are right now. Was it worth it? (Richard Bach)
Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things.
When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt. (Henry J. Kaiser)
If you're going to run around making sense, we're going to have to ask you to leave.
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes. (Henry David Thoreau)
No matter where you go, there you are. (Buckaroo Banzai)
There are never any endings, only beginnings in disguise. (Mark Raymond)
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Got this from Rev Michael D Halley, Pastor, Suffolk Christian Church…
I was surfing around -- we all do this, right?? -- and came across a Baptist pastor who was reflecting on John Piper's decision to leave his church for an eight month period. John Piper, as you may know, is the pastor of preaching (OH IF THAT WAS ALL I HAD TO DO!!) at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minnesota and who has an extensive outreach ministry called Desiring God (Google him, he has excellent resources). Well, the thoughts of this pastor's comments are reflective on our pastoral ministry. I hope you glean something from them.
http://markmarshallsblog.blogspot.com/
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A couple of funnies…
When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied, "I'm not sure."
"Look in your underwear, Grandma," he advised. "Mine says I'm four to six." Today's CleanQuote
AND
A little boy is gone to school one day and while he is gone, his cat gets killed. His mother is very concerned about how he will take the news.
Upon his arrival home, she explains the tragedy and tries to console the boy saying, "But don't worry, the cat is in heaven with God now."
The boy replied, "What's God gonna' do with a dead cat?"
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I posted some info from Pat Otwell in the last mailing. Here is some more…
ABC's of Alzheimer's Ministry
Have you ever wanted to help a person who has Alzheimer's disease but didn't know what to do? Next time you are faced with this dilemma, let the following suggestions come to your rescue. Some of these acts can be performed by individuals, whereas other recommendations are appropriately undertaken as projects by Sunday School classes, youth groups, or mission organizations.
ADVOCATE by contacting local, state, and national lawmakers to request increased
funding for Alzheimer's research and to enact legislation that will improve quality
of life.
BE a friend-no matter what.
CONTACT those affected by Alzheimer's frequently to see if there are practical needs
you can meet.
DONATE a book about Alzheimer's to a church or public library.
ENROLL a patient in the Safe Return program sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association
and pay the annual fee (if applicable).
FAMILARIZE yourself with non-verbal techniques to facilitate communication with
patients.
GIVE a Gideon Bible in honor of a patient.
HIRE a home health aide to stay with a patient for a few hours each week to enable the
family to have a time of respite.
INVITE patients and families to attend church socials and make them feel welcome.
JOKE sensitively to relieve tension.
KEEP abreast of services, programs, and other resources that are available for patients
and families.
LEARN as much as possible about the nature of Alzheimer's disease and how it affects
patients.
MAKE a Scripture Box of God's promises to give patients and families as a source of
encouragement.
NEVER argue with patients since this leads to agitation and makes matters worse.
OFFER transportation to a patient and spouse when attending worship services.
PRAY for specific needs of patients and families as well as a cure for the disease.
QUELL patients' fears by listening to their concerns and offering reassurance.
RELY on the Holy Spirit to guide you.
SEND cards on special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays.
TAKE a home-cooked meal to a patient and family at least once a month.
UNITE with members of other congregations to provide support groups for families and
specialized worship opportunities for patients.
VISIT periodically as an expression of your love and a tangible reminder of God's love.
WATCH out for patients' safety.
Xcuse irrational and eccentric behaviors.
YIELD momentarily to patients' needs instead of your own.
ZERO in on what the experience must be like for a patient who has Alzheimer's and minister as you would want others to minister to you if you had the disease.
© 2009 by Pat Otwell
Dr. Pat Otwell is the author of Guide to Ministering to Alzheimer's Patients and Their Families published by Taylor & Francis (Routledge imprint). The book can be purchased at Amazon.com and www.routledgementalhealth.com.
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Here is a link to an article by Dr. Dale Sides…
http://lmci.org/articles.cfm?Article=407
Here is a bit of the article “A “New” Weapon for Hard Times: Praising God Beats Depression”…
I do not believe that things will get any easier through the upcoming days; they will probably get worse. But this truth remains: praising God beats depression!
Praising God is what called angels to deliver Paul and Silas out of jail.
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. Acts 16:25–26
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
If you received this from a friend and would like to join…
To subscribe to this group, send email to
grace-mail+subscribe@googlegroups.com
Or you can visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/grace-mail?hl=en?hl=en
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this from the “Pearls” mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
God has a way of answering my requests, my prayers, in ways I never even dreamed of -- not always in a pleasant way, not always in a way I would have chosen, but always in a way that He sees best. --Alan Smith
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Ps 107
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,3 And gathered out of the lands, From the east and from the west, From the north and from the south.
8 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!9 For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.
15 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!16 For He has broken the gates of bronze, And cut the bars of iron in two.
21 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!22 Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare His works with rejoicing.
31 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!32 Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people, And praise Him in the company of the elders.
33 He turns rivers into a wilderness, And the watersprings into dry ground; 34 A fruitful land into barrenness, For the wickedness of those who dwell in it.35 He turns a wilderness into pools of water, And dry land into watersprings.36 There He makes the hungry dwell, That they may establish a city for a dwelling place,37 And sow fields and plant vineyards, That they may yield a fruitful harvest.38 He also blesses them, and they multiply greatly; And He does not let their cattle decrease.
39 When they are diminished and brought low Through oppression, affliction and sorrow, 40 He pours contempt on princes, And causes them to wander in the wilderness where there is no way; 41 Yet He sets the poor on high, far from affliction, And makes their families like a flock.42 The righteous see it and rejoice, And all iniquity stops its mouth.
43 Whoever is wise will observe these things, And they will understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.
NKJV
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynnbright@gmail.com
NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address above if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks!
Grace & peace –
John A. Bright
Pastor, Walmsley Boulevard UMC in Richmond, Virginia
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Prayer Encounter Workshop
Saturday June 12, 2010
Virginia Beach, Va.
The Evangelical Fellowship of the Virginia, in cooperation with Foundry United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is offering a Prayer Encounter Workshop on Saturday, June 12, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The registration fee for the Workshop is $30 per person and includes a box lunch, continental breakfast, and snacks. Each participant may reserve an optional workbook at a cost of $15.00 each. Make checks payable to Foundry United Methodist Church (put "Prayer Encounter" on the memo) and mail to Foundry UMC, 2801 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23452
The purpose of the Prayer Encounter Workshop is to enhance an individual's prayer life and to resource a congregation's prayer ministries. The presenter will be The Rev. Dr. Terry Teykl. Terry's passion for prayer is contagious as he communicates foundational principles and practical ides. He'll make you laugh, but you will come away from the experience convinced that you can make a difference in your church, your life, and the lives of those who are yet to find faith in Christ.
Terry's warm humorous style makes him a sought after speaker and seminar leader. He pastored for 28 years and is now devoted full-time in prayer ministry. He has authored many books on prayer including Making Room To Pray, Pray the Price, Your Pastor - Preyed On or Prayed For, How To Pray After You've Kicked The Dog, Acts 29, Blueprint For The House Of Prayer, and The Presence Based Church. Terry is an ordained Elder in the Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.
The deadline for registration is Monday, June 7. Walk-in registrations will be accepted but lunch is not guaranteed. .5 CEU is available with preregistration notification.
Please note that the same workshop is being offered at Tabernacle UMC on Saturday, June 19, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information, contact Pastor Steve Hay at 540-786-6162 or pastorsteve@tabumc.org, or Pastor Keith Boyette at 540-972-8808 or pastor@wildernesschurch.org.
got grace?
God is good!!!!! We had great moves of the Holy Spirit at Still Waters Café in Bedford on last Thursday, Friday, & Saturday – what a blast!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Isa 13:2-5
2 "Lift up a banner on the high mountain,
Raise your voice to them;
Wave your hand, that they may enter the gates of the nobles.
3 I have commanded My sanctified ones;
I have also called My mighty ones for My anger --
Those who rejoice in My exaltation."
4 The noise of a multitude in the mountains,
Like that of many people!
A tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together!
The LORD of hosts musters
The army for battle.
5 They come from a far country,
From the end of heaven --
The LORD and His weapons of indignation,
To destroy the whole land.
NKJV
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
For Virginia folks on the list, please see the end of this mailing for info on prayer workshops with The Rev. Dr. Terry Teykl.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
There should be one on this list that makes each of you lol…
For every complex problem there is a simple solution. And it's always wrong. (H.L. Mencken)
Pigs CAN fly, if given enough thrust. But it's not recommended.
If the wheel had never been reinvented, we'd still be driving on logs.
You have given your life to be the person you are right now. Was it worth it? (Richard Bach)
Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things.
When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt. (Henry J. Kaiser)
If you're going to run around making sense, we're going to have to ask you to leave.
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes. (Henry David Thoreau)
No matter where you go, there you are. (Buckaroo Banzai)
There are never any endings, only beginnings in disguise. (Mark Raymond)
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this from Rev Michael D Halley, Pastor, Suffolk Christian Church…
I was surfing around -- we all do this, right?? -- and came across a Baptist pastor who was reflecting on John Piper's decision to leave his church for an eight month period. John Piper, as you may know, is the pastor of preaching (OH IF THAT WAS ALL I HAD TO DO!!) at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minnesota and who has an extensive outreach ministry called Desiring God (Google him, he has excellent resources). Well, the thoughts of this pastor's comments are reflective on our pastoral ministry. I hope you glean something from them.
http://markmarshallsblog.blogspot.com/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
A couple of funnies…
When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied, "I'm not sure."
"Look in your underwear, Grandma," he advised. "Mine says I'm four to six." Today's CleanQuote
AND
A little boy is gone to school one day and while he is gone, his cat gets killed. His mother is very concerned about how he will take the news.
Upon his arrival home, she explains the tragedy and tries to console the boy saying, "But don't worry, the cat is in heaven with God now."
The boy replied, "What's God gonna' do with a dead cat?"
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
I posted some info from Pat Otwell in the last mailing. Here is some more…
ABC's of Alzheimer's Ministry
Have you ever wanted to help a person who has Alzheimer's disease but didn't know what to do? Next time you are faced with this dilemma, let the following suggestions come to your rescue. Some of these acts can be performed by individuals, whereas other recommendations are appropriately undertaken as projects by Sunday School classes, youth groups, or mission organizations.
ADVOCATE by contacting local, state, and national lawmakers to request increased
funding for Alzheimer's research and to enact legislation that will improve quality
of life.
BE a friend-no matter what.
CONTACT those affected by Alzheimer's frequently to see if there are practical needs
you can meet.
DONATE a book about Alzheimer's to a church or public library.
ENROLL a patient in the Safe Return program sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association
and pay the annual fee (if applicable).
FAMILARIZE yourself with non-verbal techniques to facilitate communication with
patients.
GIVE a Gideon Bible in honor of a patient.
HIRE a home health aide to stay with a patient for a few hours each week to enable the
family to have a time of respite.
INVITE patients and families to attend church socials and make them feel welcome.
JOKE sensitively to relieve tension.
KEEP abreast of services, programs, and other resources that are available for patients
and families.
LEARN as much as possible about the nature of Alzheimer's disease and how it affects
patients.
MAKE a Scripture Box of God's promises to give patients and families as a source of
encouragement.
NEVER argue with patients since this leads to agitation and makes matters worse.
OFFER transportation to a patient and spouse when attending worship services.
PRAY for specific needs of patients and families as well as a cure for the disease.
QUELL patients' fears by listening to their concerns and offering reassurance.
RELY on the Holy Spirit to guide you.
SEND cards on special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays.
TAKE a home-cooked meal to a patient and family at least once a month.
UNITE with members of other congregations to provide support groups for families and
specialized worship opportunities for patients.
VISIT periodically as an expression of your love and a tangible reminder of God's love.
WATCH out for patients' safety.
Xcuse irrational and eccentric behaviors.
YIELD momentarily to patients' needs instead of your own.
ZERO in on what the experience must be like for a patient who has Alzheimer's and minister as you would want others to minister to you if you had the disease.
© 2009 by Pat Otwell
Dr. Pat Otwell is the author of Guide to Ministering to Alzheimer's Patients and Their Families published by Taylor & Francis (Routledge imprint). The book can be purchased at Amazon.com and www.routledgementalhealth.com.
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Here is a link to an article by Dr. Dale Sides…
http://lmci.org/articles.cfm?Article=407
Here is a bit of the article “A “New” Weapon for Hard Times: Praising God Beats Depression”…
I do not believe that things will get any easier through the upcoming days; they will probably get worse. But this truth remains: praising God beats depression!
Praising God is what called angels to deliver Paul and Silas out of jail.
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. Acts 16:25–26
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
If you received this from a friend and would like to join…
To subscribe to this group, send email to
grace-mail+subscribe@googlegroups.com
Or you can visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/grace-mail?hl=en?hl=en
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this from the “Pearls” mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
God has a way of answering my requests, my prayers, in ways I never even dreamed of -- not always in a pleasant way, not always in a way I would have chosen, but always in a way that He sees best. --Alan Smith
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Ps 107
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,3 And gathered out of the lands, From the east and from the west, From the north and from the south.
8 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!9 For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.
15 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!16 For He has broken the gates of bronze, And cut the bars of iron in two.
21 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!22 Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare His works with rejoicing.
31 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!32 Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people, And praise Him in the company of the elders.
33 He turns rivers into a wilderness, And the watersprings into dry ground; 34 A fruitful land into barrenness, For the wickedness of those who dwell in it.35 He turns a wilderness into pools of water, And dry land into watersprings.36 There He makes the hungry dwell, That they may establish a city for a dwelling place,37 And sow fields and plant vineyards, That they may yield a fruitful harvest.38 He also blesses them, and they multiply greatly; And He does not let their cattle decrease.
39 When they are diminished and brought low Through oppression, affliction and sorrow, 40 He pours contempt on princes, And causes them to wander in the wilderness where there is no way; 41 Yet He sets the poor on high, far from affliction, And makes their families like a flock.42 The righteous see it and rejoice, And all iniquity stops its mouth.
43 Whoever is wise will observe these things, And they will understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.
NKJV
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynnbright@gmail.com
NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address above if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks!
Grace & peace –
John A. Bright
Pastor, Walmsley Boulevard UMC in Richmond, Virginia
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Prayer Encounter Workshop
Saturday June 12, 2010
Virginia Beach, Va.
The Evangelical Fellowship of the Virginia, in cooperation with Foundry United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is offering a Prayer Encounter Workshop on Saturday, June 12, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The registration fee for the Workshop is $30 per person and includes a box lunch, continental breakfast, and snacks. Each participant may reserve an optional workbook at a cost of $15.00 each. Make checks payable to Foundry United Methodist Church (put "Prayer Encounter" on the memo) and mail to Foundry UMC, 2801 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23452
The purpose of the Prayer Encounter Workshop is to enhance an individual's prayer life and to resource a congregation's prayer ministries. The presenter will be The Rev. Dr. Terry Teykl. Terry's passion for prayer is contagious as he communicates foundational principles and practical ides. He'll make you laugh, but you will come away from the experience convinced that you can make a difference in your church, your life, and the lives of those who are yet to find faith in Christ.
Terry's warm humorous style makes him a sought after speaker and seminar leader. He pastored for 28 years and is now devoted full-time in prayer ministry. He has authored many books on prayer including Making Room To Pray, Pray the Price, Your Pastor - Preyed On or Prayed For, How To Pray After You've Kicked The Dog, Acts 29, Blueprint For The House Of Prayer, and The Presence Based Church. Terry is an ordained Elder in the Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.
The deadline for registration is Monday, June 7. Walk-in registrations will be accepted but lunch is not guaranteed. .5 CEU is available with preregistration notification.
Please note that the same workshop is being offered at Tabernacle UMC on Saturday, June 19, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information, contact Pastor Steve Hay at 540-786-6162 or pastorsteve@tabumc.org, or Pastor Keith Boyette at 540-972-8808 or pastor@wildernesschurch.org.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Grac*e-mail for 05/10/10 got grace?
Grac*e-mail for 05/10/10
got grace?
I am headed to my old stompn' grounds this week - Bedford, VA. Gonna' do some teaching and preaching on the Holy Spirit.
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
Johnlynnbrigh t@gmail.com
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Acts 1:4-8
And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me;5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?"7 And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
NKJV
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this link from Billie Bryant…
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/04/27/noahs-ark-found-turkey-arafat/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Billie Bryant sends out this daily mailing…
Today's Thought:
Humor is an easy pill to swallow, a simple Rx. for happiness.
" A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
Proverbs 17:22
If you want to subscribe to Billie's mailing, send a request to
bluebird58@embarqmail.com
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
I also get a daily mailing from Google - "The Pun of the Day"…
The math teacher was a good dancer - he had algorithm.
The telegraph operator who accidentally sent the same message twice was remorseful.
The Irish lass was disappointed with the engagement ring from her fiance because it was a sham rock.
The triangular computer monitor business was just a big pyramid screen.
If you believe restaurants always overcook steaks, then you probably order them rarely.
The student was an aggressive learner - he hit the books.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this one from Alma Larsen…(btw - Alma would appreciate you lifting up a prayer for her healing & comfort. Thanks! John()_:-)
A young couple moved into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they were eating breakfast, the young woman saw her neighbor hanging the wash outside. 'That laundry is not very clean,' she said. 'She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap.'
Her husband looked on, but remained silent.
Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.
About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband, 'Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this.'
The husband said, 'I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.'
And so it is with life. What we see when watching others depends on the window through which we look.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
From a subscriber…
Dear John,
Because of your ministries, I want you to know about my book, Guide to Ministering to Alzheimer's Patients and Their Families. It was published by Taylor & Francis (Routledge imprint). Through the book, I share with readers some of what I learned while serving as chaplain for fourteen years in three nursing facilities. An excellent preview of the book is found on WorldCat.org by clicking "Preview" under the image of the book.
This long-awaited and much-needed resource is written largely for clergy, counselors, church leaders, and health care professionals including physicians, nurses, social workers, and care facility staff. It makes a welcome addition to church, public, medical, seminary, and Alzheimer's lending libraries. It is also useful for Alzheimer's Clergy Seminars and training sessions within congregations. I hope you/your church library will purchase a copy and find it meaningful in helping those affected by this devastating disease to receive the spiritual care they desperately need. Paperback and hardback formats can be purchased from Amazon.com and www.routledgementalhealth.com. If you are interested in bulk quantities, you may contact Melaine Minch (Melaine.Minch@taylorandfrancis.com) to see if your order might qualify for special pricing.
Also, I have written an article, "ABC's of Alzheimer's Ministry" which I am making available free of charge for various publications. If you are interested in the possibility of using it for church newsletters and/or bulletin inserts, I will be delighted to send you an email attachment. Of course, if you view the article, you are under no obligation to publish it. However, if you do publish it, I would like to make these requests: (1) that the following information be included below the article: Dr. Pat Otwell is the author of Guide to Ministering to Alzheimer's Patients and Their Families which can be purchased from Amazon.com and www.routledgementalhealth.com. (2) you notify me as the date approaches for publication(s).
Thank you so very much.
Blessings, Pat Otwell patotwell@hotmail.com
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Check out this song the Dan Griffiths sent my way…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyNyHLCppMA
"Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Pastors"
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
If you received this from a friend and would like to join…
To subscribe to this group, send email to
grace-mail+subscribe@googlegroups.com
Or you can visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/grace-mail?hl=en?hl=en
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this from the "Pearls" mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
Prayer covers the whole of a man's life. There is no thought, feeling, yearning or desire, however low, trifling, or vulgar we may deem it, which, if it affects our real interest or happiness, we may not lay before God and be sure of sympathy. His nature is such that our often coming does not tire him. The whole burden of the whole life of every man may be rolled on to God and not weary him, though it has wearied the man. --Henry Ward Beecher
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
91st Psalm
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most
High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress:
my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee
from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings
shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for
the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that
walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth
at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy
right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of
the wicked.
Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the
most High, thy habitation;
There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague
come nigh thy dwelling.
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep
thee in all thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy
foot against a stone.
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and
the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver
him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with
him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynnbright@gmail.com
NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address above if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks!
Grace & peace -
John A. Bright
Pastor, Walmsley Boulevard UMC in Richmond, Virginia
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
got grace?
I am headed to my old stompn' grounds this week - Bedford, VA. Gonna' do some teaching and preaching on the Holy Spirit.
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
Johnlynnbrigh t@gmail.com
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Acts 1:4-8
And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me;5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?"7 And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
NKJV
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this link from Billie Bryant…
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/04/27/noahs-ark-found-turkey-arafat/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Billie Bryant sends out this daily mailing…
Today's Thought:
Humor is an easy pill to swallow, a simple Rx. for happiness.
" A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
Proverbs 17:22
If you want to subscribe to Billie's mailing, send a request to
bluebird58@embarqmail.com
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
I also get a daily mailing from Google - "The Pun of the Day"…
The math teacher was a good dancer - he had algorithm.
The telegraph operator who accidentally sent the same message twice was remorseful.
The Irish lass was disappointed with the engagement ring from her fiance because it was a sham rock.
The triangular computer monitor business was just a big pyramid screen.
If you believe restaurants always overcook steaks, then you probably order them rarely.
The student was an aggressive learner - he hit the books.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this one from Alma Larsen…(btw - Alma would appreciate you lifting up a prayer for her healing & comfort. Thanks! John()_:-)
A young couple moved into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they were eating breakfast, the young woman saw her neighbor hanging the wash outside. 'That laundry is not very clean,' she said. 'She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap.'
Her husband looked on, but remained silent.
Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.
About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband, 'Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this.'
The husband said, 'I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.'
And so it is with life. What we see when watching others depends on the window through which we look.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
From a subscriber…
Dear John,
Because of your ministries, I want you to know about my book, Guide to Ministering to Alzheimer's Patients and Their Families. It was published by Taylor & Francis (Routledge imprint). Through the book, I share with readers some of what I learned while serving as chaplain for fourteen years in three nursing facilities. An excellent preview of the book is found on WorldCat.org by clicking "Preview" under the image of the book.
This long-awaited and much-needed resource is written largely for clergy, counselors, church leaders, and health care professionals including physicians, nurses, social workers, and care facility staff. It makes a welcome addition to church, public, medical, seminary, and Alzheimer's lending libraries. It is also useful for Alzheimer's Clergy Seminars and training sessions within congregations. I hope you/your church library will purchase a copy and find it meaningful in helping those affected by this devastating disease to receive the spiritual care they desperately need. Paperback and hardback formats can be purchased from Amazon.com and www.routledgementalhealth.com. If you are interested in bulk quantities, you may contact Melaine Minch (Melaine.Minch@taylorandfrancis.com) to see if your order might qualify for special pricing.
Also, I have written an article, "ABC's of Alzheimer's Ministry" which I am making available free of charge for various publications. If you are interested in the possibility of using it for church newsletters and/or bulletin inserts, I will be delighted to send you an email attachment. Of course, if you view the article, you are under no obligation to publish it. However, if you do publish it, I would like to make these requests: (1) that the following information be included below the article: Dr. Pat Otwell is the author of Guide to Ministering to Alzheimer's Patients and Their Families which can be purchased from Amazon.com and www.routledgementalhealth.com. (2) you notify me as the date approaches for publication(s).
Thank you so very much.
Blessings, Pat Otwell patotwell@hotmail.com
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Check out this song the Dan Griffiths sent my way…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyNyHLCppMA
"Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Pastors"
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
If you received this from a friend and would like to join…
To subscribe to this group, send email to
grace-mail+subscribe@googlegroups.com
Or you can visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/grace-mail?hl=en?hl=en
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this from the "Pearls" mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
Prayer covers the whole of a man's life. There is no thought, feeling, yearning or desire, however low, trifling, or vulgar we may deem it, which, if it affects our real interest or happiness, we may not lay before God and be sure of sympathy. His nature is such that our often coming does not tire him. The whole burden of the whole life of every man may be rolled on to God and not weary him, though it has wearied the man. --Henry Ward Beecher
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
91st Psalm
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most
High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress:
my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee
from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings
shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for
the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that
walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth
at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy
right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of
the wicked.
Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the
most High, thy habitation;
There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague
come nigh thy dwelling.
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep
thee in all thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy
foot against a stone.
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and
the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver
him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with
him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynnbright@gmail.com
NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address above if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks!
Grace & peace -
John A. Bright
Pastor, Walmsley Boulevard UMC in Richmond, Virginia
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
Monday, May 3, 2010
Grac*e-mail for 05/03/10 got grace?
Grac*e-mail for 05/03/10
got grace?
With Mother's Day coming up this Sunday, I hope you enjoy this "Special Edition."
Now… a shout out to my Mom. Vera Bright, who will be in the hospital on Mother's Day. I LOVE YOU!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Eph 6:1-3
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."
NKJV
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
A Mother's Prayer
By: Marguerite Kelly
Help me give my children the best--not of trappings or toys, but of myself, cherishing them on good days and bad, theirs and mine.
Teach me to accept them for who they are, not for what they do; to listen to what they say, if only so they will listen to me; to encourage their goals, not mine; and please, let me laugh with them and be silly.
Let me give them a home where respect is the cornerstone, integrity the foundation, and there is enough happiness to raise the roof.
May I give them the courage to be true to themselves; the independence to take care of themselves and the faith to believe in a power much greater than their own.
See that I discipline my children without demeaning them, demand good manners without forgetting my own and let them know they have limitless love, no matter what they do.
Let me feed them properly, clothe them adequately and have enough to give them small allowances -- not for the work they do but the pleasure they bring -- and let me be moderate in all these things, so the joy of getting will help them discover the joy of giving.
See that their responsibilities are real but not burdensome, that my expectations are high but not overwhelming and that my thanks and praise are thoughtful and given when they're due.
Help me teach them that excellence is work's real reward, and not the glory it brings. But when it comes -- and it will -- let me revel in each honor, however small, without once pretending that it's mine; my children are glories enough.
Above all, let me ground these children so well that I can dare to let them go. And may they be so blessed.
Amen!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby.... Somebody doesn't know that once you're a Mother, 'normal' is history.
Somebody said you can't love the second child as much as you love the first....
Somebody doesn't have two or more children.
Somebody said the hardest part of being a Mother is labor and delivery....
Somebody never watched her 'baby' get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten...
Or on a plane headed for military boot camp.
Somebody said a Mother can stop worrying after her child gets married....
Somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a Mother's heartstrings.
Somebody said a Mother's job is done when her last child leaves home....
Somebody never had grandchildren.
Somebody said your Mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her.... Somebody isn't a Mother.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Haha…
I was out walking with my 4 year old daughter. She picked up something off the ground and started to put it in her mouth. I took the item away from her and I asked her not to do that.
"Why?" my daughter asked.
"Because it's been on the ground, you don't know where it's been, it's dirty and probably has germs" I replied.
At this point, she looked at me with total admiration and asked, "Wow! Howdo you know all this stuff?"
I was thinking quickly. "All moms know this stuff. It's on the Mommy Test. You have to know it, or they don't let you be a Mommy."
We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently pondering this new information. "OH...I get it!" she beamed, "So if you don't pass the test you have to be the daddy."
"Exactly" I replied back with a big smile on my face.
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Still looking for a gift? Consider supporting a pro-life group as a way to honor your mother this year. The Students For Live of America support over 500 pro-life student groups. To raise funds they are offering the following…
http://www.studentsforlife.org/index.php/mothers-day-lifegram/
Mother's Day LifeGram
NEED A MOTHER'S DAY GIFT?
Yes you do! And Mother's Day is quickly approaching (May 9th).
What better way to honor the moms in your life than by thanking her for giving life and giving her a chance to save the lives of others?
This Mother's Day, SFLA is offering "LifeGrams." For just $10, you can make a donation to SFLA's life-saving work in the name of your mother, daughter, grandmother, wife,etc!
SFLA will send her a beautiful "Happy Mother's Day" postcard telling her that you've honored her in a special way for this Mother's Day. We guarantee she will LOVE it!
To get a LifeGram, please (go to the link above). All LifeGrams will be mailed on May 4, 2010.
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Lincoln's Mother
The life of Abraham Lincoln was shaped by his godly mother. When Lincoln was but nine years of age, he promised his mother on her deathbed that he would never use alcohol or tobacco. That promise was never broken. Had it not been for Lincoln's mother, and the promise he then made to her, probably nothing would have ever been heard of the man.
Lincoln's mother taught him the meaning of prayer. She wisely encouraged him in the reading of the Bible and helped him to memorize many of its inspiring passages. The following story, told by his friend, Captain Gilbert J. Greene, illustrates how well he used this knowledge in later years:
"One day, while practicing law in Springfield, Mr. Lincoln said to me, 'Gilbert, there is a woman dangerously ill about fifteen miles in the country who has sent for me to come and write her will. I should like to have you go with me.' I cheerfully accepted the invitation. When we arrived we could see that the woman had but a few hours to live. After the will had been written, witnessed, and signed, the dying woman said to Mr. Lincoln, 'Now, I have my affairs of this world in order, and I have also made preparation for the life to come, I do not fear death.'
"Mr. Lincoln replied, 'Your faith is wise and strong. Your hope of a future life is a blessed one.' She asked him then if he would read a few verses from the Bible. They offered him the Book, but he laid it aside and began reciting from memory the twenty-third Psalm. Then he quoted the first part of the fourteenth chapter of John, 'In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. . . . I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.'
"After he had given these and other quotations from the Bible, he recited several hymns, closing with 'Rock of Ages, cleft for me.' A little later the woman passed away. As we rode home in the buggy, I expressed surprise that he should have acted as pastor as well as attorney so perfectly, and he replied, 'God and eternity were very near us today.' "
Lincoln declared, "All that I have, all that I am, I owe to my mother." His mother taught him lessons of patience and integrity.
By D. H. Kress
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Thanks to Ellen Booth for this story that should put a smile on your face!
We had this great 10 year old cat named Jack who just recently died.
Jack was a great cat and the kids would carry him around and sit on him and nothing ever bothered him. He used to hang out and nap all day long on this mat in our bathroom.
Well we have 3 kids and at the time of this story they were 4 years old, 3 years old and 1 year old. The middle one is Eli. Eli really loves chapstick. LOVES it. He kept asking to use my chapstick and then losing it. So finally one day I showed him where in the bathroom I keep my chapstick and how he could use it whenever he wanted to but he needed to put it right back in the drawer when he was done.
Last year on Mother's Day, we were having the typical rush around and try to get ready for Church with everyone crying and carrying on. My two boys are fighting over the toy in the cereal box. I am trying to nurse my little one at the same time I am putting on my make-up. Everything is a mess and everyone has long forgotten that this is a wonderful day to honor me and the amazing job that is motherhood.
We finally have the older one and the baby loaded in the car and I am looking for Eli. I have searched everywhere and I finally round the corner to go into the bathroom. And there was Eli. He was applying my chapstick very carefully to Jack's . . . rear end. Eli looked right into my eyes and said "chapped." Now if you have a cat, you know that he is right--their little butts do look pretty chapped. And, frankly, Jack didn't seem to mind.
And the only question to really ask at that point was whether it was the FIRST time Eli had done that to the cat's behind or the hundredth.
And THAT is my favorite Mother's Day moment ever because it reminds us that no matter how hard we try to civilize these glorious little creatures, there will always be that day when you realize they've been using your chapstick on the cat's butt.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
If you received this from a friend and would like to join…
To subscribe to this group, send email to
grace-mail+subscribe@googlegroups.com
Or you can visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/grace-mail?hl=en?hl=en
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this from the "Pearls" mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
Breathed longings of wonder and adoration seem always underneath and in the background of everything -- a little like a tune that we suddenly realize we have been humming all day long. --Richard J. Foster
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Prov 31:10-31
Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all."
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.
NKJV
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynnbright@gmail.com
NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address above if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks!
Grace & peace -
John A. Bright
Pastor, Walmsley Boulevard UMC in Richmond, Virginia
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
got grace?
With Mother's Day coming up this Sunday, I hope you enjoy this "Special Edition."
Now… a shout out to my Mom. Vera Bright, who will be in the hospital on Mother's Day. I LOVE YOU!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Eph 6:1-3
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."
NKJV
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
A Mother's Prayer
By: Marguerite Kelly
Help me give my children the best--not of trappings or toys, but of myself, cherishing them on good days and bad, theirs and mine.
Teach me to accept them for who they are, not for what they do; to listen to what they say, if only so they will listen to me; to encourage their goals, not mine; and please, let me laugh with them and be silly.
Let me give them a home where respect is the cornerstone, integrity the foundation, and there is enough happiness to raise the roof.
May I give them the courage to be true to themselves; the independence to take care of themselves and the faith to believe in a power much greater than their own.
See that I discipline my children without demeaning them, demand good manners without forgetting my own and let them know they have limitless love, no matter what they do.
Let me feed them properly, clothe them adequately and have enough to give them small allowances -- not for the work they do but the pleasure they bring -- and let me be moderate in all these things, so the joy of getting will help them discover the joy of giving.
See that their responsibilities are real but not burdensome, that my expectations are high but not overwhelming and that my thanks and praise are thoughtful and given when they're due.
Help me teach them that excellence is work's real reward, and not the glory it brings. But when it comes -- and it will -- let me revel in each honor, however small, without once pretending that it's mine; my children are glories enough.
Above all, let me ground these children so well that I can dare to let them go. And may they be so blessed.
Amen!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
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Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby.... Somebody doesn't know that once you're a Mother, 'normal' is history.
Somebody said you can't love the second child as much as you love the first....
Somebody doesn't have two or more children.
Somebody said the hardest part of being a Mother is labor and delivery....
Somebody never watched her 'baby' get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten...
Or on a plane headed for military boot camp.
Somebody said a Mother can stop worrying after her child gets married....
Somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a Mother's heartstrings.
Somebody said a Mother's job is done when her last child leaves home....
Somebody never had grandchildren.
Somebody said your Mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her.... Somebody isn't a Mother.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Haha…
I was out walking with my 4 year old daughter. She picked up something off the ground and started to put it in her mouth. I took the item away from her and I asked her not to do that.
"Why?" my daughter asked.
"Because it's been on the ground, you don't know where it's been, it's dirty and probably has germs" I replied.
At this point, she looked at me with total admiration and asked, "Wow! Howdo you know all this stuff?"
I was thinking quickly. "All moms know this stuff. It's on the Mommy Test. You have to know it, or they don't let you be a Mommy."
We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently pondering this new information. "OH...I get it!" she beamed, "So if you don't pass the test you have to be the daddy."
"Exactly" I replied back with a big smile on my face.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Still looking for a gift? Consider supporting a pro-life group as a way to honor your mother this year. The Students For Live of America support over 500 pro-life student groups. To raise funds they are offering the following…
http://www.studentsforlife.org/index.php/mothers-day-lifegram/
Mother's Day LifeGram
NEED A MOTHER'S DAY GIFT?
Yes you do! And Mother's Day is quickly approaching (May 9th).
What better way to honor the moms in your life than by thanking her for giving life and giving her a chance to save the lives of others?
This Mother's Day, SFLA is offering "LifeGrams." For just $10, you can make a donation to SFLA's life-saving work in the name of your mother, daughter, grandmother, wife,etc!
SFLA will send her a beautiful "Happy Mother's Day" postcard telling her that you've honored her in a special way for this Mother's Day. We guarantee she will LOVE it!
To get a LifeGram, please (go to the link above). All LifeGrams will be mailed on May 4, 2010.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Lincoln's Mother
The life of Abraham Lincoln was shaped by his godly mother. When Lincoln was but nine years of age, he promised his mother on her deathbed that he would never use alcohol or tobacco. That promise was never broken. Had it not been for Lincoln's mother, and the promise he then made to her, probably nothing would have ever been heard of the man.
Lincoln's mother taught him the meaning of prayer. She wisely encouraged him in the reading of the Bible and helped him to memorize many of its inspiring passages. The following story, told by his friend, Captain Gilbert J. Greene, illustrates how well he used this knowledge in later years:
"One day, while practicing law in Springfield, Mr. Lincoln said to me, 'Gilbert, there is a woman dangerously ill about fifteen miles in the country who has sent for me to come and write her will. I should like to have you go with me.' I cheerfully accepted the invitation. When we arrived we could see that the woman had but a few hours to live. After the will had been written, witnessed, and signed, the dying woman said to Mr. Lincoln, 'Now, I have my affairs of this world in order, and I have also made preparation for the life to come, I do not fear death.'
"Mr. Lincoln replied, 'Your faith is wise and strong. Your hope of a future life is a blessed one.' She asked him then if he would read a few verses from the Bible. They offered him the Book, but he laid it aside and began reciting from memory the twenty-third Psalm. Then he quoted the first part of the fourteenth chapter of John, 'In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. . . . I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.'
"After he had given these and other quotations from the Bible, he recited several hymns, closing with 'Rock of Ages, cleft for me.' A little later the woman passed away. As we rode home in the buggy, I expressed surprise that he should have acted as pastor as well as attorney so perfectly, and he replied, 'God and eternity were very near us today.' "
Lincoln declared, "All that I have, all that I am, I owe to my mother." His mother taught him lessons of patience and integrity.
By D. H. Kress
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Thanks to Ellen Booth for this story that should put a smile on your face!
We had this great 10 year old cat named Jack who just recently died.
Jack was a great cat and the kids would carry him around and sit on him and nothing ever bothered him. He used to hang out and nap all day long on this mat in our bathroom.
Well we have 3 kids and at the time of this story they were 4 years old, 3 years old and 1 year old. The middle one is Eli. Eli really loves chapstick. LOVES it. He kept asking to use my chapstick and then losing it. So finally one day I showed him where in the bathroom I keep my chapstick and how he could use it whenever he wanted to but he needed to put it right back in the drawer when he was done.
Last year on Mother's Day, we were having the typical rush around and try to get ready for Church with everyone crying and carrying on. My two boys are fighting over the toy in the cereal box. I am trying to nurse my little one at the same time I am putting on my make-up. Everything is a mess and everyone has long forgotten that this is a wonderful day to honor me and the amazing job that is motherhood.
We finally have the older one and the baby loaded in the car and I am looking for Eli. I have searched everywhere and I finally round the corner to go into the bathroom. And there was Eli. He was applying my chapstick very carefully to Jack's . . . rear end. Eli looked right into my eyes and said "chapped." Now if you have a cat, you know that he is right--their little butts do look pretty chapped. And, frankly, Jack didn't seem to mind.
And the only question to really ask at that point was whether it was the FIRST time Eli had done that to the cat's behind or the hundredth.
And THAT is my favorite Mother's Day moment ever because it reminds us that no matter how hard we try to civilize these glorious little creatures, there will always be that day when you realize they've been using your chapstick on the cat's butt.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
If you received this from a friend and would like to join…
To subscribe to this group, send email to
grace-mail+subscribe@googlegroups.com
Or you can visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/grace-mail?hl=en?hl=en
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this from the "Pearls" mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
Breathed longings of wonder and adoration seem always underneath and in the background of everything -- a little like a tune that we suddenly realize we have been humming all day long. --Richard J. Foster
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Prov 31:10-31
Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all."
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.
NKJV
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynnbright@gmail.com
NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address above if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks!
Grace & peace -
John A. Bright
Pastor, Walmsley Boulevard UMC in Richmond, Virginia
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
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