Communication

Here are some things to consider when any two people communicate. There is:

• What you wanted to say

• What you meant to say

• What you said

• What you think you said

• What the other person heard you say

• What the other person thinks he heard you say

• What the other person thinks you meant to say

• What the other person feels about what you said

• What the other person says about what you said

Is it any wonder misunderstanding happens?


The worst distance between two people is misunderstanding.


Let's not allow misunderstanding to get in the way of our relationships by choosing our words carefully, listening intently, and using discretion in all we say!

He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Proverbs17:27

PRESSED

Pressed out of measure and pressed to all length:
Pressed so intensely it seems beyond all strength;
Pressed in the body and pressed in the soul,
Pressed in the mind till the dark surges roll.
Pressure by foes, and pressure from friends,
Pressure on pressure till life nearly ends.

Pressed into knowing no helper but God;
Pressed into loving the staff and the rod.
Pressed into liberty where nothing clings;
Pressed into faith for impossible things.
Pressed into living a life in the Lord,
Pressed into living a Christ-life out poured.

-unknown

I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.My help cometh from the LORD, which made; heaven and earth.He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Ps. 121:1-3
But he knoweth the way that I take; when he; hath tried me I shall come forth as gold.Job 23:10

Call It Insane

Sometimes it's great to do crazy things once in a blue moon (or was that a full moon? !!) ...like staying up with friends talking, laughing, sharing hearts, eating chocolates, popping pop corn and just having a good time til 4:30 in the morning, then going in to work on 2 hours of sleep!! Thankfully, there's such things as Dr Pepper and double shot mocha energy drinks that keep you going, and siblings n friends that stop by during work hours to help you get through the day! Call it insane, but sometimes it's totally worth it!! :))

Hey girls, that was a blast!

A Call to Christians in America

A stirring 8 part message by Keith Daniel; I think you'll find it totally worth your time...then of course, I think that about every message I've heard of his!! =) I listened to this a few years ago and thought I'd take the time to hear it again. Thought I'd share it with the rest of ya! God bless!

Story Behind "What a Friend We Have in Jesus"

This is such an amazing testimony of how the love and comfort of God can span the deepest pain and heal life's greatest sorrows. May we never doubt what a friend we have in Jesus.

One Ability

There is only one ability that God is looking for in us - availability.



There is no special talent or gift required in availability. It is only that open heart of saying "yes" when God presses a need upon you to fill. As I have a hard time knowing where my gifts lie, it is encouraging for me to know that He can still use me - that it doesn't take some special talent to give a helping hand where needed...only a willing heart, and sometimes flexibility in my schedule.

I am also inspired by the responses of some of the people throughout the Bible when God's call came upon their lives. Though each circumstance and calling varied, one common thread remained - availability.

I think of Abraham, called to leave his kindred and country to go into the unknown. He didn't question God about where he was taking him or even hint that it was inconvenient, it just says he departed.

I think of Rebekah, being newly aquainted with Abraham's servant and never having met Isaac responded with, "I will go."

And then Ruth, desiring to be there for her mother-in-law emphatically pleads, "Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."

In response to God's cry of "Whom shall I send and who will go for us?'', Isaiah answered "Here am I; send me."

Two widows gave what little resources they had: the one opened her home to Elijah and shared what little meal she had knowing it was her last, the other gave two mites, unbeknownst to others that it was all of her living.

Mary's humble reply to the angel: "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word."

Simon Peter and Andrew straightway left their nets and followed Jesus at His call.

And of course, we have the ultimate example of our Lord Who went about serving and doing good everywhere He went, in the end laying down His life for all mankind.

There are of course several others we could also name. I find these examples to be challenging and inspiring! I doubt that any of them in the end regretted making themselves available for the cause of a higher calling even though it many times required sacrifice, and most likely tested their faith. Not only were these people blessed for their acts of obedience and availability, but many times God was accomplishing a greater purpose behind the scenes that would be brought to light years down the road, that penetrates to our present time. Through the availability of many different people, the way was made for the promised Messiah, the Life-giving message proclaimed throughout the ages, and today we have a Redeemer, Jesus Christ our Lord! The impact that one person has in making him/herself available to God's calling in whatever it may be is almost astounding to me.

The resounding challenge rings out: am I available for Him?

When I think of the people that have touched my life, and that of my family's in some of the most meaningful ways, it was the ones who saw a need and made themselves available through their time,energy and/or resources to fill it. Having experienced the outpouring of God's love through His people, I am inspired to live a life out-poured for Christ, to reflect His love to others by being His hands and feet.

I am only one,
but I AM ONE.
And I cannot do everything,
But I can do SOMETHING.
And what I can do, I WILL DO.
And what I will do, I MUST DO,
For I AM ONE.