TO

HENELIZ'S

POETRY CORNER 2

If I have used anyone's copyrighted material without permission, I assure you this is not intentional. Please e-mail me at heneliz@aol.com and I will be happy to remove it, or if you care to give me permission to use your poem, I would be most appreciative. Thank You and may God bless.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

1. Thou shalt have no gods but Me;
2. Before no idol bow thou knee;
3. Take not the name of God in vain;
4. Nor dare the Sabbath to profane;
5. Give both thy parents honor due;
6. Take heed that thou no murder do;
7. Abstain from words and deeds unclean;
8. Nor steal, though thou are poor and mean;
9. Nor make a willful lie, nor love it;
10. What is thy neighbor's, dare not covet.

The sum or meaning of the commandments:
With all thy soul love God above,
And as thyself, thy neighbor love.

This was first published in 1883.

"I WANT YOUR CHILDREN"

(A letter from satan)

I have come to visit your children
And I'm pleased with what I see.
They abuse all kinds of drugs,
And are getting drunk with me.

They live as in Gomorrah or Sodom,
Their minds perverse and blown.
I will claim their souls anytime now.
You shouldn't have left them alone.

I am glad you worked long hours.
I am glad you were busy a lot,
And it would have been harder to sway them,
If you too hadn't been using pot.

At your schools I have been at work
making sex an acceptable game,
You slept while I fought to keep prayer out,
To add to your neglectful shame,

You don't notice the witchcraft
I broadcast on your tv.
"It's just an innocent program,"
Twitch your nose and follow me.

Add a couple of violent sitcoms.
It's funny to see heads blown in two,
Now your little Tommy has his own gun
And there is nothing you can do.

They're mine and you cannot reach them:
Their hearts are cold,hard,and black.
I've shown them how to party,
With pot,cocaine and crack.

You have been a tremendous help though:
I couldn't have done it alone,
If you hadn't forsaken your prayer life,
These seeds I could not have sown.

So stay away from the bible's teachings:
Don't listen to what God has to say,
Your children are no longer your problem,
A price they'll eternally pay

Without Christ they are mine to devour
Without God there is nothing you can do.
Today I will take your children
Tomorrow I will be coming for you.

"Sincerely Satan"

Author Unknown To Me...Think About It.   

Hell Is Real!

I went into my classroom,
Ready for another year at school.
I didn't want the work,
Just wanted to hang and be cool.

I had on new clothes,
New sneaks on my feet.
I was there for class on time,
Went to the back and took my seat.

Yeah, I'm moving up,
I'm already grown.
Soon I'll be graduating,
And out on my own.

I talked to some of my friends,
We were all having fun.
Said some things I shouldn't have said,
Did stuff I shouldn't have done.

I knew I was different.
I felt God touch my heart,
I knew I should set a standard,
But then I'd be set apart.

Walking to the bus,
I was not looking for strength.
I heard the car tires screeching,
But now it's too late.

I'm standing in this room,
And I can see the heavenly gate.
Oh no! I never prayed.
I thought I had time to get it straight.

An angel walked to me,
He had a book in his hand.
I knew it was the Book of Life,
When would this dream end?

I told him my name,
And he began to look.
Then he looked at me sadly and said,
Your name is not in this book.

Angel, this is a dream,
No, I can't be dead!
He closed the book and turned away,
He whispered - You cannot proceed ahead.

No...no this can't be real,
Angel, you can't turn me away.
Let me talk to God,
Maybe he'll let me stay.

He led me to the gate,
Jesus came to me.
He did not let me in but said,
Beloved what is your need?

Jesus, I cried, please,
Don't cast me away from you.
Tears ran down his face as he said,
You knew what you needed to do.

Lord, please I'm young,
I never thought I would die.
I thought I'd have plenty of time,
Death caught me by surprise.

Lord, I went to church,
Please Jesus, I believe.
He said you would not trust me,
My love you would not receive.

Lord, there were too many hypocrites,
They weren't being true.
He took a step back and asked,
What does that have to do with you?

Lord, my family claimed to be saved,
They weren't real...You know.
He said, I died for you,
Now I have to go.

I fell to my knees crying to Him,
Lord, I planned to be real tomorrow.
I couldn't, make Him understand,
I had never, felt such sorrow.

Then it hit me hard, I said,
Lord, where will I go?
He looked into my eyes and said,
My child you already know.

Please Jesus, I begged,
The place is so hot.
It seemed to trouble and grieve him,
He whispered, DEPART FROM ME, I KNOW YOU NOT.

Lord, you're supposed to be love,
How can you send me to damnation?
He replied, With your mouth you said you loved me,
But each day you rejected my salvation.

With that in an instant,
Day turned into night.
I never knew such torture could be,
Now too late, I know the Bible is right.

If I can tell you anything,
Hell has no age.
It is a place of torture,
Separated from God and full of rage.

You know, I thought it was funny, a joke,
But this one thing is true.
If you never trust Jesus Christ,
HELL IS WAITING FOR YOU!

So please beeseech God for his mercy for your salvation.

IF SOMEONE HAD A GUN HELD IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE,
AND ASKED YOU IF YOU BELIEVED IN GOD,
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
SAY NO AND FEEL ASHAMED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?
OR SAY YES, I DO, AND DIE STANDING UP FOR GOD?
IF YOU'D SAY NO, THEN IGNORE THIS...
IF YOU WOULD STAND UP FOR JESUS CHRIST,
THEN SEND THIS TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS
WHETHER THEY ARE SAVED...UNSAVED...BELIEVING...
OR UNBELIEVING

"THE NEW SCHOOL PRAYER"

This was written by a teen in Bagdad, Arizona.

Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule.
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.

If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple or orange or green,
That's no offense, it's the freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise,
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the State.

We're allowed to cuss & dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues & cheeks.
They've outlawed guns; but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the unwed daddy, our Senior King.
It's "inappropriate" to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such "judgments" do not belong.

We can get our condoms, & birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires & totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No Word of God must reach this crowd.

It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot, My soul please take.

~Author Unknown To Me

The pathway is broken
And the signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason
Why You brought me here

But just because You love me
The way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to

Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise
You're not through with me yet

So if all of these trials
Bring me closer to You
Then I will go through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When You lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'll never go alone

So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You
Answer my cries for help

I'll remember the suffering
Your love put You through
And I will go through the valley
If you want me to.

Author Unknown To Me

THE CHRISTIAN ALPHABET

Although things are not perfect,
Because of trial or pain,
Continue in thanksgiving,
Do not begin to blame.

Even when the times are hard,
Fierce winds begin to blow,
God is forever able,
Hold on to what you know.

Imagine life without His love,
Joy would cease to be,
Keep thanking Him for all the things,
Love imparts to thee.

Move out of "Camp Complaining,"
No weapon that is known,
On earth can yield the power,
Praise can do alone.

Quit looking at the future,
Redeem the time at hand,
Start every day with worship,
To "thank" is a command.

Until we see Him coming,
Victorious in the sky,
We'll run the race with gratitude,
eXalting God most high.

Yes, there will be good times,
And there will be some bad,
Zion waits in glory,
Where none are ever sad!

Author Unknown To Me

"UNTITLED"

The Church's one foundation
Is Jesus Christ her Lord,
She is His new creation
By water and the Word.

From heaven He came and sought her
To be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her
And for her life He died.

Elect from every nation,
Yet one o'er all the earth;
Her charter of salvation,
One Lord, one faith, one birth;

One holy Name she blesses,
Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses,
With every grace endued.

'Mid toil and tribulation,
And tumult of her war,
She waits the consummation
Of peace forevermore;

Till, with the vision glorious,
Her longing eyes are blest,
And the great Church victorious
Shall be the Church at rest.

Yet she on earth hath union
With God the Three in One,
And mystic sweet communion
With those whose rest is won,

O happy ones and holy!
Lord, give us grace that we
Like them, the meek and lowly,
On high may dwell with Thee:

~Author Unknown To Me

Always Say A Prayer (A.S.A.P.)

There's work to do, deadlines to meet,
You've got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry,
Always Say A Prayer.

In the midst of family chaos,
"Quality time" is rare.
Do your best, let God do the rest
Always Say A Prayer.

It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bear,
Slow down and take a breather
Always Say A Prayer.

God knows how stressful life is,
He wants to ease our cares
And He'll respond A.S.A.P.
ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER!

What A Wonderful New Meaning For ASAP!

"Joined Souls"

~Sent to me from my forever friend Mary Ann~

Did you know me before we met?
It seems so strange to me
How two souls can seem as one,
Yet it's so plain to see...
That you and I were deemed to meet,
To make the other one complete.

~ Linda Ann Ford

"Hem Of His Garment"

As we touch the hem of His garment,
Our hearts are filled with peace.
For there's a "River of Mercy"
Awaiting you and me.

Oh! Friend the "River" is His Tears
He has shed throughout the years.
The "River" flowing brings repentance
As it uproots; removes.

The "River" is also His Glory
Falling like rain upon His believers.
Bringing us into His Throne Room,
Fulfilling prophecies.

As we lie prostrate or bend our knees,
Humbling ourselves before Jesus,
Then we may touch His garment
Our life victorious.

Feb. 9th Annette Galloway, Words by Sharon Marks

HOPE

Leaving behind many warnings and signs
A Cannanite woman pursues Jesus.
For In her heart is a burning truth
which will make her victorious.

She has HOPE to face what lies ahead.
HOPE to believe in someone who's real.
HOPE the enemy cannot steal.

"Send her away," HIS disciples cried,
As she continued to follow after them.
She chose to follow Jesus in spite of it all.
She places her life and trust in HIM.

She has HOPE to face what lies ahead.
HOPE to believe in someone this day.
HOPE to lead her from her darkness.
Hope in the SON to light her way.

The Heavenly Father is shared by all.
He created each child to worship HIM.
He fashioned us for HOPE and not despair.
The future of our soul -- no longer grim.

We have HOPE to face what lies ahead.
HOPE to believe in someone this day.
HOPE to lead us from our darkness.
HOPE in the SON to light our way.

A blessing our Father has given us,
Is the seed of HOPE planted in our hearts.
HOPE to believe in the name of JESUS.
Eternal Life -- Our Father imparts.

We have HOPE to face what lies ahead.
HOPE to believe in someone this day.
HOPE to lead us from our darkness.
HOPE in the SON to light our way.

No other name can open prison doors.
No other name can go behind barbed wire.
No other name can bring freedoms ring.
No name but Jesus…there is none higher.

Written by Terry L. Richardson & Annette Galloway

©May 12, 2000

Dear Lord

Every evening
As I'm lying here in bed
This tiny little prayer
Keeps running through my head

God bless my Mom and dad
And bless my little pup
And look out for my sister & brother
When things aren't looking up

And God, there's one more thing
I wish that you could do
Hope you don't mind me asking
But please bless my computer too?

Now, I know that's not normal
To bless a mother board
But just listen a second
While I explain to you 'My Lord'

You see, that little metal box
Holds more to me than odds & ends
Inside those small compartments
Rest a hundred of my 'BEST FRIENDS'

I know for sure they like me
By the kindness that they give
And this little scrap of metal
Is how I travel to where they live

By faith is how I know them
Much the same as you
I share in what life brings them
From that our friendship grew

"PLEASE" Take an extra minute
From your duties up above
To bless this scrap of metal
That's filled with so much love!

THE BLESSED TEST

I woke up this morning and knew that today,
The sun would not be shining and the clouds would be gray.
As I stepped outside, rain fell upon my head.
My car wouldn't start so I walked to school instead.

I forgot all of my assignments, I failed all of my tests.
I dropped my head in disgust
and asked the Lord for one request.
"Lord, why is it that things won't go my way?"
He gently replied,"Dear child it is because
you didn't thank me yesterday.

I woke you up and enabled you to see the sun again.
I gave you shelter, protected your family,
and even let you make a new friend.
I blessed you far greater than I ever had before.
But you were too busy to thank me once more.

You didn't feel sick because I maintained your health.
You had money in your pocket
because I maintained your wealth.
You had shoes on you feet and clothes to wear, too.
You had plenty of food to eat, and what did you do?

You ignored me and went about your tasks.
But when you wanted something you never hesitated to ask.
I was there when you needed me,
and that wasn't too long ago.
But when things started going your way,
it was me you did not know.

As if that weren't enough, I provided your favorite luxuries.
This was something I didn't have
to do they weren't even necessities.
And when it was time to get on
your knees and show your gratitude,
You decided that after such a fulfilling day,
you weren't in the mood.

So I decided to give you just a little test.
To show you how it would feel to stop being blessed."
I began to realize what the Lord was saying.
And when I got home,
I fell to my knees and started praying.

He said, "My child, you have learned
and you know I do forgive.
But remember to remember this day
as long as you shall live.
I love filling your life with joy,
and your pain I'll alleviate it.
But just a simple thank you would
show how much you appreciate it."

~Author Unknown To Me

"WHEN TROUBLES ASSAIL YOU
GOD WILL NOT FAIL YOU"

WHEN LIFE SEEMS EMPTY
AND THERE'S NO PLACE TO GO,
WHEN YOUR HEART IS TROUBLED
AND YOUR SPIRITS ARE LOW;

WHEN FRIENDS SEEM FEW
AND NOBODY CARES
THERE IS ALWAYS GOD
TO HEAR YOUR PRAYERS

AND WHATEVER YOU'RE FACING
WILL SEEM MUCH LESS
WHEN YOU GO TO GOD
AND CONFIDE AND CONFESS,

FOR THE BURDEN THAT SEEMS
TOO HEAVY TO BEAR
GOD LIFTS AWAY
ON THE WINGS OF PRAYER

AND SEEN THROUGH GOD'S EYES
EARTHLY TROUBLES DIMINISH
AND WE'RE GIVEN NEW STRENGTH
TO FACE AND TO FINISH

LIFE'S DAILY TASKS
AS THEY COME ALONG
IF WE PRAY FOR STRENGTH
TO KEEP US STRONG

SO GO TO OUR FATHER
WHEN TROUBLES ASSAIL YOU
FOR HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT
AND HE'LL NEVER FAIL YOU

BY HELEN STEINER RICE

GETTING GOD'S VIEWPOINT

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

"The real problem is not why some pious, humble, believing people suffer but why some do not."

~C.S. Lewis

We don't always understand why we must endure some of the trials and heartaches that occur in our lives. As we try to figure out how they fit into our relationship with God, we sometimes grow frustrated. We question how a loving God could allow these things to happen to us. However, here's what happens when we see them from His vantage point:

We face our circumstances with confidence that God will see us through them.

We look beyond our circumstances to the spiritual growth we're going to experience as a result of responding correctly.

We measure our experiences against the background of eternity.

We weigh every hardship and trial against the backdrop of the Cross.

We see all our hurts, trials, tribulations and persecutions as working on our behalf.

We see the eternal weight of glory is far beyond all our comparisons.

We are able to look beyond all that is visible to the naked eye and see as He sees.

In our efforts to see from God's viewpoint, it's not a matter of keeping a joyful attitude through all our trying times. It's a matter of our willingness to recognize God's hand at work behind the scenes of our lives, knowing that He is somehow bringing about completion within our lives.






The Flame

Praise be to God, the child is born
To set the world aflame.
His light is lucent wonder.
Hear now His holy name.

GLORIFY HIS HOLY NAME

Thanks be to God, the child is born
To set mankind free
From the ills of discontent
Within the souls that be.

GLORIFY HIS HOLY NAME

Hail to God, the child is born.
Receive and know His love.
Let thy voice shout in joy.
Laud the hallowed Dove.

GLORIFY HIS HOLY NAME

Cry up to God, the child is born
His flame is ours to bear.
Open up thy averse heart
And find the triumph there.

GLORIFY HIS HOLY NAME

Speak with God, His child is born.
Father and child, the same.
Their flame makes gone the darkness.
Glorify His holy name.

GLORIFY HIS HOLY NAME.

~ HENRY CHARLES DOHERTY

A HOMELESS MAN

It was a cold winter's day that Sunday. The parking lot to the church was filling up quickly. I noticed as I got out of my car that fellow church members were whispering among themselves as they walked to the church. As I got closer I saw a man leaned up against the wall outside the church. He was almost laying down as if he was asleep. He had on a long trench coat that was almost in shreds and a hat topped his head, pulled down so you could not see his face.

He wore shoes that looked 30 years old, too small for his feet with holes all over them, his toes stuck out. I assumed this man was homeless, and asleep, so I walked on by through the doors of the church. We all fellowshipped for a few minutes, and someone brought up the man laying outside. People snickered and gossiped but no one bothered to ask him to come in, including me. A few moments later church began.

We all waited for the Preacher to take his place and to give us the Word, when the doors to the church opened. In came the homeless man walking down the aisle with his head down. People gasped and whispered and made faces. He made his way down the aisle and up onto the pulpit he took off his hat and coat. My heart sank

There stood our preacher...he was the "homeless man." No one said a\line word. The preacher took his Bible and laid it on the stand. "Folks, I don't think I have to tell you what I am preaching about today." Then he started singing the words to this song. "If I can help somebody as I pass along. If I can cheer somebody with a word or song. If I can show somebody that he's traveling wrong. Then my living shall not be in vain."

-Author Unknown To Me-

"IS YOUR LIVING IN VAIN?"

Justice - When you get what you deserve.
Mercy - When you don't get what you deserve.
Grace - When you get what you don't deserve.

WHEN I COME HOME TO HEAVEN

When I come home to heaven
How joyful it will be!

For on that day at last
My risen Lord I'll see.

No greater happiness than
To see Him face to face,

To see the love in His eyes
And feel his warm embrace.

I've done nothing to deserve
That perfect home above.

It was given freely through
The grace of Jesus' love.

Then why should earthly
cares Weigh down upon me so?

They'll be a distant memory
When home at last I go.

Beth Stuckwisch

Exodus 12:3-6-7-8

In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for a house: And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the month; and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. And ye shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the house, wherein they shall eat it. And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.

"The Passover Lamb"

Mary held God's Passover Lamb and gazed into His eyes.

The baby's sweet innocence brought joyful tears to her eyes.

Did she know the sorrow this bundle of joy would face?

Did she ponder the Shepherd's words when they came in haste?

Did Mary know the "Gift of Frankincense," Wise Men brought

Was bitter with a sweet fragrance foretelling of a cross?

A crowd will late shout crucify as Pilate washes his hands.

Jesus will be slain by the congregation, God's Passover Lamb.

His Blood will beg forgiveness for sinners such as I.

Bringing us into union with His Father, Oh! Sweet Home on High.

Will we embrace our cross as Jesus did at Gethsemane

By giving ourselves to God completely and wholeheartedly?

Oh yes! Saints will shout, "Let us do as the Passover Lamb."

Deny ourselves, take up our cross, and glorify the Great I Am.

~Annette Galloway 4/4/95

THERE IS MORE TO CHRISTMAS

There has to be more to Christmas . . .
Than the exchanging of gifts,
Than the tinsel and tree,
Than candy canes with a curve,
Than colored lights and bows.

There has to be more to Christmas . . .
Than garland and a goose,
Than cinnamon sticks and mistletoe,
Than borrowing to buy,
Than sleigh bells and chestnuts.

There has to be more to Christmas . . .
Than dreaming of snow,
Than wrapping paper and tape,
Than new-fangled toys,
Than eggnog and spice.

There has to be more to Christmas . . .
Than card greetings to friends,
Than reindeer and St. Nick,
Than parties and a wreath,
Than eating until you're stuffed.

Oh there is more to Christmas than this!
A donkey trip in the night,
No room in Bethlehem's Inn,
A damp and dark stable cave.

Oh there is more to Christmas . . .
A virgin labors with birth,
God's tiny lungs breath earth's air,
Mary and Joseph sighing with joy.

Oh there is more to Christmas . . .
Grave clothes made into baby clothes,
A hay-filled manger for a crib,
The great "I AM" coos and cries.

Oh there is more to Christmas . . .
An angelic birth announcement to shepherds,
An explosive burst of celestial praise,
A nomadic scurry across pastures in the night.

Oh there is more to Christmas . . .
A single little town awaken by worship,
A Heaven-sent plan now set into motion,
A Son, A Savior, His name is Jesus!

~Bryant E. Shipton

(c)1988 All rights reserved;used by permission from author-March 30, 2006

"And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth. [{Isaiah 40:5.]" John 1:14 Amplified

THE STRANGER

At Christmas time there was a man who looked so out of place
as people rushed about him at a hurried sort of pace.
He stared at all the Christmas lights, the tinsel everywhere,
the shopping center Santa Claus, with children gathered near.

The Mall was packed with shoppers who were going to and fro,
some with smiles and some with frowns and some too tired to go.
They rested on the benches or they hurried on their way,
to fight the crowd for purchases to carry home that day.

The music from a stereo was playing loud and clear
Of Santa Claus, and snowmen, and a funny nosed reindeer.
He heard the people talk about the good times on the way,
of parties, fun and food galore, and gifts exchanged that day.

"I'd like to know what's going on," the man was heard to say,
"There seems to be some sort of celebration on the way.
And would you tell me who this is, all dressed in red and white?
And why are children asking HIM about a special night?"

The answer came in disbelief, "I can't believe my ear!
I can't believe you do not know that Christmas time is here;
The time when Santa comes around with gifts for girls and boys,
when they're asleep on Christmas Eve, he leaves them books and toys."

"The man you see in red and white is Santa Claus, so sly.
The children love his joyful laugh and twinkle in his eye.
His gift packed sleigh is pulled along by very small reindeer
as he flies quickly through the air, while darting here and there."

"The children learn of Santa Claus while they are still quite small.
When Christmas comes, HE is the most important one of all!!"

The stranger hung his head in sorrow, he closed a nail-pierced hand.
His body shook in disbelief, He did not understand.
A shadow crossed his stricken face, his voice was low but clear,
"After all these years, they still don't know," and Jesus shed a tear.

~Author Unknown To Me

"WHY JESUS IS BETTER"!

"THAN SANTA CLAUS"...

Santa Lives At The North Pole
Jesus Is Everywhere


Santa Rides In A Sleigh
Jesus Rides On The Wind And Walks On The Water


Santa Comes But Once A Year
Jesus Is An Ever Present Help


Santa Fills Your Stockings With Goodies
Jesus Supplies All Your Needs


Santa Comes Down Your Chimney Uninvited
Jesus Stands At Your Door And Knocks,
And Then Enters Your Heart When Invited


You Have To Wait In Line To See Santa
Jesus Is As Close As The Mention Of His Name


Santa Lets You Sit On His Lap
Jesus Lets You Rest In His Arms


Santa Doesn't Know Your Name,
All He Can Say Is Little Boy Or Little Girl, What Is Your Name?
Jesus Knew Our Name Before We Did,
Not Only Does He Know Our Name
He Knows Our Address Too.
He Knows Our History And Future And...
He Even Knows How Many
Hairs Are On Our Heads


Santa Has A Belly Like A Bowl Full Of Jelly
Jesus Has A Heart Full Of Love


All Santa Can Offer Is Ho Ho Ho
Jesus Offers Health, Help And Hope


Santa Says You Better Not Cry
Jesus Says
"Cast All Your Cares On Me For I Care For You"


Santa's Little Helpers Make Toys
Jesus Makes New Life,
Mends Wounded Hearts,
Repairs Broken Homes And Builds Mansions


Santa May Make You Chuckle But...
Jesus Gives You Joy That Is Your Strength


While Santa Puts Gifts Under Your Tree
Jesus Became Our Gift And Died On A Tree


It's Obvious There Is No Comparisons.
We Need To Remember WHO
Christmas Is All About.
We Need To Put CHRIST
Back In CHRISTMAS,
Jesus Is Still The Reason For The Season.
Yes, Jesus Is Better,
He Is Even Better Than Santa Claus!



Have A Merry Christmas
And A Blessed New Year!

Galations 6:9
And Let Us Not Grow Weary In Well Doing,
For In Due Season We Shall Reap If We Faint Not.

-Author Unknown

My little 4 year old grandaughter Ta-Ta, will tell you there is no such person as santa claus, because she was brought up to know that Jesus is the reason for the season, and he is the one who gives us all our blessings.
Praise the Lord!

"THE STORY OF THE CANDY CANE"

The symbol of the shepherds' crook is an ancient one, representing the humble shepherds who were first to worship the newborn Christ. Its counterpart is our candycane--so old as a symbol that we have nearly forgotten its humble origin.

Legend has it that in 1670, the choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral handed out sugar sticks among his young singers to keep them quiet during the long Living Creche ceremony. In honor of the occasion, he had the candies bent into shepherds' crooks.

Legend also has it that in 1847, a German-Swedish immigrant named August Imgard of Wooster, Ohio, decorated a small blue spruce with paper ornaments and candy canes.


What is the meaning of the Candy Cane?

A candymaker in Indiana wanted to make a candy that would be a witness, so he made the Christmas Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols for the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ.

He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy. White to symbolize the virgin birth and the sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the solid rock, the foundation of the church
and firmness of the promises of God.

The candymaker made the candy in the form of a 'J' to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior.
Turned upside down it could also represent the staff of the 'Good Shepherd', with which He reaches down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like all sheep have gone astray.

Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candymaker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received, when the Roman soldiers whipped him, by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.
Sometimes a green stripe is added
as a reminder that Jesus is a gift from God.

The flavor of the cane is peppermint, which is similar to hyssop. Hyssop is in the mint family and was used in the Old Testament
for purification and sacrifice.
Jesus is the pure Lamb of God,
come to be a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

Unfortunately, the candy became known as a "Candy Cane" - a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time. But the meaning is still there for those who 'have eyes to see and ears to hear' I pray that this symbol will again be used to witness to the wonder of Jesus and His great love that came down at Christmas and remains the ultimate and dominant force in the universe today.


Christmas Wishes

I ASKED GOD

I asked God for strength,that I might achieve.
I was made weak,that I might learn to obey.

I asked for health,that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity,that I might do better things.

I asked for riches,that I might be happy.
I was given poverty,that I might be wise.

I asked for power,that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness,that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things,that I might enjoy life.
I was given life,that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for.....but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself,my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am,among all men,most richly blessed.

-Author Unknown To Me

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole.

Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could, and it could go no further.

So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon.

The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time.

Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.

What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives. If God allowed us to go through our lives without any obstacles, it would cripple us.

We would not be as strong as what we could have been.

We could never fly!

I asked for Strength.........

And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for Wisdom.........

And God gave me Problems to solve.

I asked for Prosperity.........

And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.

I asked for Courage.........

And God gave me Danger to overcome.

I asked for Love.........

And God gave me Troubled people to help.

I asked for Favors.........

And God gave me Opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted ........

I received everything I needed!

May God Bless You

May God Bless you with unspeakable joy, not only in the world to come, but in this world also.

May your path be bright and full of light everywhere you go.

May God tell darkness that it must flee at your command.

And, I pray your feet will never stumble out of God's plan.

May the desires of your heart come true, And may you experience Peace in everything you do

May Goodness, Kindness, and Mercy come your way.

And, may you gain Wisdom and grow in the Lord everyday.

THE BLESSING IN "NO"

I asked God to take away my pride
God said "No"
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give up



I asked God to make my handicapped child whole
God said "No"
Her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary



I asked God to grant me patience
God said "No"
Patience is a by-product of tribulations;
it isn't granted
It is earned



I asked God to give me happiness
God said "No"
I give you blessings, happiness is up to you



I asked God to spare me pain
God said "No"
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me



I asked God to make my spirit grow
God said "No"
You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful



I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life
God said "No"
I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things



I asked God to help me Love others, as much as he loves me
God Said...Ahhhh, Finally You Have The Idea!


-Author Unknown To Me

"Our Marriage Prayer"

Lord, help us to remember when we first met, and the strong love that grew between us, to work that love into practical things, so that nothing can divide us. We ask for words both kind, and loving, and hearts always ready to ask forgiveness, as well as to forgive. dear Lord, we put our marriage into your hands.

Amen

-Author Unknown To Me

"MOM'S HOUSE RULES"

If you sleep in it....make it up.

If you wear it....hang it up.

If you drop it....pick it up.

If you spill it....wipe it up.

If you eat out of it....wash it up.

If you open it....close it up.

If you empty it....fill it up.

If it rings....answer it

If it howls....Feed it.

If it cries....love it.

If you train up a child in the way he should go....

When he is old he will not depart from it.

Prov.22:6

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The Midi Playing Is
"The Lord's Prayer"
Courtesy of my brother Tony Warren's website...