Thursday, December 27, 2007

Great Story

Sue and I were out shopping tonight and heard a great story at the Art Van near our house. Apparently there were two stray beagles that were out in the cold and found their way to the front door of the Art Van furniture store. This particular Art Van has two sets of automatic doors that are motion activated. The two young beagles walked past the front of the store and the first set of doors opened so they walked into the entryway. Once inside, the second set of doors opened and they meandered into the store and jumped up on the first comfortable sofa they found and promptly curled up and fell asleep.

It took several customers coming in before someone mentioned to a salesperson that the two dogs were so cute. Of course this alarmed the salesperson and they immediately went to look at the two dogs. Both dogs were filthy, cold and hungry. They were also both lucky to be alive as the Art Van is on a major 4 lane highway.

The Staff at Art Van called the Humane Society who came and relieved them of the two dogs. Of course that is not the end of the story. As you have read here, we recently lost our dog who was part beagle and as you may be guessing, we are going to call and ascertain the disposition of the two dogs and may bring one home if they are still available.

Stay tuned for future pet updates.

On another note, I spend a lot of time in my car and as a result have become a big fan of books on tape/CD. Mostly I check them out of our local library but frequently I will get them for presents at birthdays and Christmas. Does any one know of a place or organization where I can swap tapes/CDs? Needless to say, I am beginning to build up a small library. If I can't find a swap source, I will likely donate them to our library or senior center or some other organization that could put them to good use but I thought I would at least throw the question out here.

Have a great New Year everyone!!!!!

Friday, December 14, 2007

My Dear Children

I really don't know who authored this and so I hope they forgive me if I post it here but I thought it was quite well done. It is quite appropriate for all Christians and I am sure the principles are universal.

My Dear Children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival.

Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime, how I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own.

I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just get along and love one another.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa's and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary - especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine. Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest.

Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember: I LOVE YOU, JESUS

~Earthly Author Unknown~


Have a great weekend!!!!!