“At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam’s ribs.

“Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he was ill, and she said, ‘Johnny, what is the matter?’

“Little Johnny responded, ‘I have pain in my side. I think I’m going to have a wife.’ “

-Author unknown E-mail

Have you noticed how easy it is to misunderstand others? It is far easier to get wisdom than it is to gain understanding. This verse and others like it have always fascinated me.

Did you ever play the game called “gossip?” Ten or more people would be in a circle. The first person would whisper something to the person next to him. This continued until everyone was finished hearing what the first person had whispered. Then to the amusement and astonishment of all, what the last person reported usually was radically different from the initial message.

Charlie Grier was talking to a Doctor of Divinity one day back in the late 40’s or early 50’s. He spent about 3 hours talking to this gentleman about the Bible when the man suddenly threw up his hands and exclaimed:

“Charlie, if I were to accept everything you are showing me as Truth, I would have to throw away seven years of higher education!”

Charlie gently responded: “Then, you better throw it away!”

There was a teenager taking science in a public school. The professor was teaching evolution as truth. She spoke up and argued from the biblical viewpoint. This young professor who was in his first year of teaching finally exclaimed, “We’ve spent enough time on this. Let’s move on.” He had a lot of knowledge but according to the bible he did not have understanding of Truth. This teenager had wisdom and understanding. Someone once asked, “How can they teach a theory that has been proven incorrect as truth and refuse to teach Truth from the bible as anything but a lie.”

Benjamin Franklin made an interesting statement: “He who shall introduce into public affairs the principles of primitive Christianity will revolutionize the world.” Another person wrote: “The educated may require knowledge, but true wisdom is a gift of God.” We are not coming against education! No – not at all! God says we are to acquire knowledge and wisdom but with the getting of wisdom, we are to get understanding.

A lady Ken and I met 35+ years ago didn’t know God but had read the bible through 10 times in one week. Ken soon learned that she had accomplished the reading but had absolutely no understanding of what she had read. She couldn’t tell us anything about it at all. It was amazing!

How many question the meaning of life? Jesus told Pilot just before He was crucified: “…for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness to the Truth” (John 18:37). What was Pilate’s response? “What is Truth?” Is this not what this question is all about? Why am I here? What is the meaning of life? What is Truth? Since we can ONLY find Truth in Jesus, it is to Him we must go to learn why we are here and what Truth is.

REALITY

By Mesha Hanson

I thought that Life was mirth and joy and play,

That all its roads were paths where pleasure lay,

But I was wrong, the pleasures turned to pain –

Joys were too fleeting, seemed but born to wane.

Then I said in anger, Life was but a jest –

Joy was mere deceiving, Love mockery at best.

Years bestowed wisdom, I see with clearer eyes;

Experiences are lessons of a Deity most wise.

Before this Truth I kneel in deep humility –

Thanking God for tears that show reality!

From: In a Crystal Vase (Published by The Lund Press, Inc.)

I do not ask that He must prove

His Word is true to me,

And that before I can believe

He first must let me see.

It is enough for me to know

‘Tis true because HE SAYS ‘TIS SO:

On His unchanging Word I’ll stand

And so trust till I can understand.

-By E.M. Winter

Let’s stop and consider for a moment a few things the bible has to say about wisdom. We have determined that we as humans seem to know quite a bit about foolishness and stupid behavior. What do we know about true wisdom? How can we learn wisdom?

Eve saw a tree in the Garden of Eden that Satan tempted her with by telling her it was “pleasant for food” and a “tree desired to make one wise.” Wisdom has been desired for a long time.

Psalms 19:7 says that when we study the bible, no matter how simple we are, God will give us wisdom. Over and over throughout Scripture we find God saying that we can only learn wisdom when we go to His Word and ask Him to reveal the Truth to us. As we gaze upon the face of God, we are changed and we start to learn.

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally, and without reproach; and it shall be given to him.” James 1:5 NKJV

I would like to close with this quotation by an unknown author: “A lot of Christians are living on crackers and cheese when God has prepared three square meals a day for them.” Proverbs 3 says we are to search for Truth as if it were hidden treasure. Let’s not settle for less than God’s best! Let’s get Wisdom AND Understanding!

“The way of the LORD is strength to the upright:” Proverbs 10:29

SHIRLEY & MARCY

A mom was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school. He didn’t want his mother to walk with him. She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe. So she had an idea of how to handle it.

She asked a neighbor if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn’t notice her. She said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.

The next school day, the neighbor and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor girl he knew … She did this for the whole week.

As the two walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy’s little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week.

Finally she said to Timmy, ‘Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?’

Timmy nonchalantly replied, ‘Yeah, I know who she is.’

The little girl said, ‘Well, who is she?’

‘That’s just Shirley Goodnest,‘ Timmy replied, ‘and her daughter Marcy.’

‘Shirley Goodnest? Who the heck is she and why is she following us? ‘

‘Well,‘ Timmy explained, ‘every night my Mom makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, ‘cuz she worries about me so much. And in the Psalm, it says, ‘Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life’, so I guess I’ll just have to get used to it!’

-E-Mail

In our verse above we read that ‘the way of the Lord’ gives us strength. What is “The way of the Lord” anyway? If we looked in the Gospels to see the way Jesus did things, perhaps we could find out what this means. “What Did Jesus Do?” tells the story. I wonder what would happen if we truly asked that question before we did anything. Would we still do some of the things we do without even thinking? If we do things God’s way, the bible says we will have more strength.

When we walk away from evil and do things God’s way, we receive healthy bones.

“Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” Prov. 3:7-8.

“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” (Prov. 14:30). How destructive sin is in our lives! This verse is scary. Envy will rot our bones. The comfort is when we walk away from sin (in this case envy); God will restore us and give us healthy bones. Pretty awesome!

When Jesus was on this earth, why do you suppose He spent entire nights in prayer to His Father? I believe it was not only for the joy of fellowship with His Father, but that it was also for the strength He needed for His daily task on earth. Remember Jesus defeated Satan with the Power of the Holy Spirit as a human being. He limited Himself. He left His Glory in Heaven to become a man, the bible says.

Have you ever thought about what a sacrifice He made? Look at some ants in an ant hill. If you were somehow able to become an ant, you might understand them better. That would still be a very poor illustration of the extreme sacrifice of the Creator becoming a human being. As a human, He needed strength. His body was weak. The bible says that we receive strength from God by reading and absorbing His Word, by spending time in prayer and by doing things God’s way.

Joy gives strength to our bones, the bible says. See Psalms 51:8. The bible also says that the “joy of the Lord is our strength.” Look at pleasant things and think about things that are true, noble, virtuous, praiseworthy etc and you will find joy filling your life. Read the bible and spend time in prayer with our God. He is Joy.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” (Prov. 17:22) It goes on to say that a broken spirit will dry up the bones.

Have you ever noticed that when you really are not feeling very good if you take the time to laugh, you start feeling better? We have all heard the story of the man from Northern Minnesota a few years ago now who laughed for six months in every way possible. He rented funny movies, read funny books and told and shared jokes continually. What was the result? He beat cancer. God’s Word is true.

Saying good things about others (a good report) will give us fat healthy bones (Prov. 15:30). Have you ever deliberately tried to only say nice things about others? Kenny, our son, and I when he was a child, decided to spend one 24 hour day only saying nice things to and about one another – including no funny teasing remarks. They could only be uplifting and encouraging. You know, we both found it difficult but it was a wonderful experience. God says giving good reports will give us healthy bones. Start by praying positively about everyone in your family. It helps.

Pleasant words give us healthy bones. This is more than a good report: it is simply speaking pleasantly and kindly at all times. This simple act will give us healthy bones.

Then deem it not an idle thing

A pleasant word to speak;

The face you wear, the thought you bring

A heart may heal or break.

- J.G. Whittier

May your bones be healthy and God’s strength be yours.

“Even when they are old, they shall bear fruit. They are always healthy and fresh.” Psalms 92:14 (God’s Word)

Why is it that everyone dreads growing old? How can we enjoy old age? One way to enjoy your age is to laugh a lot! Thank God for all He has done for you. If you do not know what that is, ask Him! Embrace this time of your life (whatever your age) with the strength and joy of God.

The joke for years has been that a woman never gets beyond the age of 39! I find growing old quite exciting since it is an adventure – I’ve never been old before. I cannot do anything about it since it is the way of man since the fall and so I may as well enjoy it. I love the following song that Julie Andrews (our hometown actress) sang for her 69^th birthday.

Julie Andrews Turns 69, this is hysterical

To commemorate her birthday, actress/vocalist, Julie Andrews made a special appearance at Manhattan’s Radio City Music Hall for the benefit of the AARP. One of the musical numbers she performed was ‘My Favorite Things’ from the legendary movie ‘Sound Of Music’.   Here are the lyrics she used:

(Sing It! – If you sing it, it’s especially hysterical!!!)

Botox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Cadillacs and cataracts, hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.

When the pipes leak, When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don’t feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Back pain, confused brains and no need for sinnin’,
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin’,
And we won’t mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.

When the joints ache, When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I’ve had,
And then I don’t feel so bad.

(Ms. Andrews received a standing ovation from the crowd that lasted over four minutes and repeated encores.)

Best Day Of My Life

1993 G.M. Lousignont, Ph.D.

Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life, even! There were times when I wondered if I would make it to today; but I did! And because I did, I’m going to celebrate!

Today, I’m going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had so far: the accomplishments, the many blessings, and, yes, even the hardships because they have served to make me stronger. I will go through this day with my head held high, and a happy heart. I will marvel at God’s seemingly simple gifts: the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds. Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice.

Today, I will share my excitement for life with other people. I’ll make someone smile. I’ll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone I don’t’ even know.

Today, I’ll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down. I’ll tell a child how special he or she is. I’ll tell someone I love, just how deeply I care for them and how much they mean to me.

Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don’t have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me. I’ll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in God and His Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine.

And tonight, before I go to bed, I’ll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens. I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures. AS the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow, I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life. And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child, excited with expectation because I know tomorrow is going to be the best day of my life, ever!

A coincidence is when God performs a miracle and decides to remain anonymous.

-end quote

We can choose to enjoy life when we focus on the goodness of our God and allow Him to fill us with His Love. When we choose to bless others, we are blessed.

JESUS LOVES ME

Senior Version

Jesus loves me, this I know,

Though my hair is white as snow

Though my sight is growing dim,

Still He bids me trust in Him.

(CHORUS)

YES, JESUS LOVES ME…YES, JESUS LOVES ME…

YES JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.

Though my steps are oh, so slow,

With my hand in His I’ll go

On through life, let come what may,

He’ll be there to lead the way.

(CHORUS)

When the nights are dark and long,

In my heart He puts a song.

Tells me in words so clear,

“Have no fear, for I am near.”

(CHORUS)

When my work on earth is done,

And life’s victories have been won.

He will take me home above,

Then I’ll understand His love.

(CHORUS)

I love Jesus, does He know?

Have I ever told Him so?

Jesus loves to hear me say,

That I love Him every day.

(CHORUS)

“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Psalms 37:25

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory… for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Rev. 4:11

This verse declares it was for God’s pleasure that He created everything! Wow! Have you looked at the incredible world around you? To gaze at God’s creation is to put wonder and awe into our hearts! Are we sometimes like the little boy in the following story? Do we seem at times to just have a hard time believing God?

Moses and the Red Sea

Nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School.

‘Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely.  Then he radioed headquarters for reinforcements.  They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved.’

‘Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?‘ his mother asked.

‘Well, no, Mom. But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you’d never believe it!’

-end quote E-mail

Maybe the following article will be as awesome for you as it was for me!

GOD’s Accuracy

What an awesome and orderly GOD!!

By Ned and Ina planetkc.com

God’s accuracy may be observed in the hatching of eggs.

FOR EXAMPLE:

· The eggs of the potato bug hatch in 7 days;

· Those of the canary in 14 days;

· Those of the barnyard hen in 21 days;

· The eggs of ducks and geese hatch in 28 days;

· Those of the mallard in 35 days;

· The eggs of the parrot and the ostrich hatch in 42 days.

(NOTICE: they are all divisible by seven, the number of days in a week!)

The lives of each of you may be ordered by the Lord in a beautiful way for His glory, if you will only entrust Him with your life. If you try to regulate your own life, it will only be a mess and a failure. Only the One Who made the brain and the heart can successfully guide you to a profitable end.

God’s wisdom is seen in the making of an elephant. The four legs of this great beast all bend forward in the same direction. No other quadruped is so made. God planned that this animal would have a huge body, too large to live on two legs. For this reason He gave it four fulcrums so that it can rise from the ground easily.The horse rises from the ground on its two front legs first. A cow rises from the ground with its two hind legs first. How wise the Lord is in all His works of creation!

God’s wisdom is revealed in His arrangement of sections and segments, as well as in the number of grains.

· Each watermelon has an even number of stripes on the rind.

· Each orange has an even number of segments.

· Each ear of corn has an even number of rows.

· Each stalk of wheat has an even number of grains.

· Every bunch of bananas has on its lowest row an even number of bananas, and each row decreases by one, so that one row has an even number and the next row an odd number.

· The waves of the sea roll in on shore twenty-six to the minute in all kinds of weather.

· All grains are found in even numbers on the stalks, and the Lord specified thirty fold, sixty fold, and a hundredfold – all even numbers.

God has caused the flowers to blossom at certain specified times during the day, so that Linnaeus, the great botanist, once said that if he had a conservatory containing the right kind of soil, moisture and temperature, he could tell the time of day or night by the flowers that were open and those that were closed!

Thus the Lord in His wonderful grace can arrange the life that is entrusted to His care in such a way that it will carry out His purposes and plans, and will be fragrant with His presence.

Only the God-planned safe life is successful. Only the life given over to the care of the Lord is fulfilled.

-End quote

I AM A LOVER OF NATURE

By Charlie Grier

+

I am a lover of nature.

I love each gentle breeze.

I love each leaf on my crabapple tree,

But I do not worship the trees.

I love to watch the robins!

I love to hear them sing!

They are last to leave in the fall,

And first to return in spring.

I love blackbirds and the jays,

The humming birds and the wren;

It’s always a thrill when the martins

Come back to their house again!

I wish I could sing like the Nightingale—

And those are not empty words!

I worship the God who created them—

I do not worship the birds.

I love my pretty tulips,

That comes up every year,

To cheer my heart and let me know

That spring, at last, is here!

I know that God loves beauty,

That’s why He made the flowers;

He put them here that they might cheer

And gladden lonely hours.

I love the God of nature!

He has so many ways

To comfort me in sorrow

And brighten all my days.

God uses you, my precious friend.

You have been kind and true.

I Praise the Lord for sending you—

But I cannot worship you.

I am amazed at God’s incredible attention to detail and at His amazing love! Can we praise Him today for His fabulous creation?

“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament sheweth his handiwork.” Psalms 19:1