Still Standing

He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who cares for his master will be honored.~Proverbs 27:18

We see a lot of advertising slogans today. Companies are always looking for newer, snazzier ways to position their products and services. But one positive feature that can never be dreamed up in a brainstorming session is a statement such as "Serving You for More than 50 Years" or "Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence." Statements like these can't be bought from an ad agency. They can only be earned over time. The same thing holds true in your life as a Christian. Even though all of God's promises were yours from the beginning of your walk with Christ, the awesome experience of bearing fruit over a lifetime can only be seen through the lens of many years. And when those years have been fully invested in the Lord rather than routinely squandered on foolish alternatives, the return is sure to be bountiful beyond measure. Today's verse from Proverbs is a good reminder of this truth. Solomon was saying that our years of faithfulness will be rewarded. An orchard that is faithfully tended for many years will enjoy a much more productive yield than a new one. The more it matures, the more fruitful it becomes.

If you're still fairly young, I hope you realize that your choices now do matter. If you're not quite so young anymore, don't rest on the past. Keep growing a life whose fruit bears the seeds of eternity and reflects the greatness of the Gardener. Every year in His orchard is another opportunity to be used by Him in achieving His purposes in this generation. Perhaps the "slogan" you can hope to hear on that day when you stand accountable to Him in eternity is "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master" (see Matthew 25:21). Pray Ask that you will run the race that He has set before you and that you will run well, side by side, all the way to the finish line. Pray that you will finish strong!

~Focus on the Family, Dr. James Dobson

Cultivate Gentle Strength....

Strong, beautiful femininity is part of our heritage as women. When we make the effort to cultivate such gentle strength, we not only enrich our own lives and make life a little better for those we encounter; we also pass on the spirit of femininity to the next generation."

~ The Spirit of Loveliness, by Emilie Barnes

"The family is an art form.

A family is an exciting career, because an art form needs work."

by Edith Schaeffer

Strong, beautiful femininity is part of our heritage as women. When we make the effort to cultivate such gentle strength, we not only enrich our own lives and make life a little better for those we encounter; we also pass on the spirit of femininity to the next generation."

~ The Spirit of Loveliness, by Emilie Barnes

"Share your life, and find the finest joy man can know.

Do not be stingy with your heart.

Get out of yourself into the lives of others, and new life will flow into you--share and share alike."

~ Joseph Fort Newton

"Exercising our creativity is one way to be responsible stewards of the gifts and talents God has given us--and to rejoice in our identity as God's children, made in his image.

As images of the Creator, we have the opportunity to fashion our lives and our homes into works of art.

We can choose to be creative today and every day!...

Contrary to what some people think, creativity doesn't have to be totally original. Picking up ideas from a friend are not "cheating." In fact, creativity stimulates more creativity.

The more ideas you collect from the outside, the more creative you will be in adapting those ideas and coming up with your own different ones."

~ The Spirit of Loveliness, by Emilie Barnes

It's so much EZier to Be HAPPY!

(a mothers, last words to her daughter...)

"It's so much easier to be happy.

It's so much easier to choose to love the things that you have,

instead of always yearning for what you're missing,

or what it is that you're imagining you're missing.

It is so much more peaceful.

~Memorable quotes...

"One True Thing" (movie)

(1998)

STRESS BUSTERS

Start UR day with Breakfast

Resist the urge to critize others

(no..no...!)

Instead of coffee/drink fruit juice

Develope a Support Network

Become a Less Aggressive Driver

REDUCE THE NOISE LEVEL IN UR ENVIRONMENT (PEACE & QUIET)SHHHH!

Find sumthin FUNNY...lol....lol!

Be FlExIbLe to ChAnGe...

Set Priorities... Be Organized

DO NOT WATCH the NEWS!!!

Practice MINDFULNESS!...

Learn to live in the MOMENT!

Authenticity~

“A smile is the beginning of peace.”

– Mother Teresa

“He who lives in harmony with himself lives in harmony with the world.”

– Marcus Aurelius

Live in the present moment and find your interest and happiness in the things of today.”

– Emmett Fox

“Let loose of what you can’t control. Serenity will be yours.”

– Unknown

The Soldiers's Psalm

To: All Our Hero's...Soldiers

Psalms 91

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

This I declare of the Lord:

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;

He is my God, and I am trusting Him.

For He will rescue you from every trap

and protect you from the fatal plague.

He will sheild you with His wings.

He will shelter you with His feathers.

His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,

nor fear the dangers of the day,

nor dread the plague that stalks in darkness,

nor disaster that strikes at midday.

Though a thousand fall at your side,

though ten thousands are dying around you,

these evils will not touch you.

But you will see it with your eyes;

you will see how the wicked are punished.

If you make the Lord your refuge,

if you make the Most High your shelter,

no evil will conquer you;

no plague will come near your dwelling.

For He orders His angels

to protect you wherever you go.

They will hold you with their hands

to keep you from striking your foot on a stone.

You will trample down lions and poisonous snakes;

you will crush fierce lions and serpents under you feet!

The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me.

I will protect those who trust in my name.

When they call on me, I will answer;

I will be with them in trouble.

I will rescue them and honor them.

i will satisfy them with a long life

and give them salvation."

*******************************************

www.militaryfamiliespray.com

THERE IS NEVER A TIME OUR LOVED ONES DON'T NEED OUR PRAYERS IN THE BATTLES OF LIFE

Opportunity Seekers ONLY!

http://www.Profit3000aweek.com/aw446.htm

All I ever needed was Your LOVE!

B Blessed!

Look to Him...

Don't Look At Me

"Don't look at me if you're looking for perfection

Don't look at me

I will only let you down

I'll do my best to point you in the right directon

But don't look at me

No, no, no

Don't look at me,

look at Him

Sometimes I have a fear That you will see a mirror

And get the thought that it's the main attraction

But all that you detect Is just what I reflect Of the object of my own affection

I'll lead you to the One I found He'll give you everything you need

Don't look at me if you're looking for perfection

Don't look at me I will only let you down

I'll do my best to point you in the right direction

But dont' look at me

No, no, no Dont' look at me, look at Him

It's understandable to want a hero

But people can't meet all your expectations

Still some can teach you things about the love

He brings Just know the source of life is in the Savior

I'll lead you to the One I found

He'll give you everything you need

Don't look at me if you're looking for perfection

Don't look at me I will only let you down

I'll do my best to point you in the right direction

But don't look at me

No,no, no Don't look at me, look at Him

He's the One who lived a perfect life

He's the One who always gets it right

He's the One and only guiding light,

Ohh, yeah He is everthing you want to be

He's the answer to your every need If you follow

Him then you will se

He's like no other Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh yeah I'll do my best to point you in the right direction

But don't look at me

No, no, no Don't look at me Oh, dont look at me

I'll only let you down I'll do my best to point you in the right direction

no no no no no oh oh look at Him yeah, yeah

Eagles Lyrics by: Third Day

My pain and problems keep me chained

And my troubled heart makes me weak

I'll wait for You to comfort me

And in You I know I'll find my strength

I will soar on the wings of eagles

I will learn to fly high above this world

And I will soar on the wings of eagles

I will learn to fly, I will learn to fly high above this world
&

I tremble with this heavy weigh

And I'm buried underneath my grief

I'll run to You and not grow faint

And I'll lay my burdens at Your feet

I will soar on the wings of eagles

I will learn to fly high above this world

And I will soar on the wings of eaglesI will learn to fly,

I will learn to fly high above this world

I will soar on the wings of eagles

I will learn to fly high above this world

And I will soar on the wings of eagles

I will learn to fly, I will learn to fly high above this world

I will soar on the wings of eagles

I will learn to fly high above this world

And I will soar on the wings of eagles

I will learn to fly, I will learn to fly high above this world

I will soar on the wings of eagles

I will learn to fly high above this world

And I will soar on the wings of eagles

I will learn to fly, I will learn to fly

Note to Self: (Angel)

1 Corinthians 16:14 >>
New International Version (©1984)Do everything in love.
New Living Translation (©2007)And do everything with love.
English Standard Version (©2001)Let all that you do be done in love.
New American Standard Bible (©1995)Let all that you do be done in love.
International Standard Version (©2008)Everything you do should be done lovingly.
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)Do everything with love.
King James BibleLet all your things be done with charity.
American King James VersionLet all your things be done with charity.
American Standard VersionLet all that ye do be done in love.
Bible in Basic EnglishLet all you do be done in love.
Douay-Rheims BibleLet all your things be done in charity.
Darby Bible TranslationLet all things ye do be done in love.
English Revised VersionLet all that ye do be done in love.
Webster's Bible TranslationLet all your things be done with charity.
Weymouth New TestamentLet all that you do be done from motives of love.
World English BibleLet all that you do be done in love.
Young's Literal Translationlet all your things be done in love.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
Let all your things ... -

All that you do.

This direction is repeated on account of its great importance,

and because it is a summing up of all that he had said in this Epistle;

see 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; 1 Corinthians 14:1.

Here he says, that charity, or love, was to regulate all that they did.

This was a simple rule;

and if this was observed, every thing would be done well.
Clarke's Commentary on the Bible
Let all your things be done with charity - Let love to God, to man, and to one another, be the motive of all your conduct.
Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
Let all your things be done with charity. Signifying, that the whole of their obedience to Christ, their observation of, and subjection to all his ordinances and commands, should spring from, and be done in love to him; and that the whole of their conduct and behaviour towards one another ought to be with charity, which bears all things, and covers a multitude of sins; and that all their church affairs, their business at church meetings, should be transacted, not with strife and vain glory, but in peace, and with mutual affection, with a concern for the good of each other, and of the whole body, and for the glory of God; for without charity or love, and the exercise of this grace, it signifies little what men either have or do; and such an exhortation was the more necessary to this church, since it was so full of factions, contentions, and divisions.
Geneva Study Bible
Let all your things be done with charity.
People's New Testament
16:14 Let all your things be done in charity. In love (Revised Version). Compare 1Co 13:1-13. This would prevent the divisions which he had rebuked in 1Co 1:10 3:03 11:18.
Charity Love MotivesLet all your things be done with charity.

COULD IT BE ANY MORE CLEARER?

21 Days Smoke Free & I feel ....

My inspiration was Zion... When I saw my 2.5 year old, walking around my kitchen, holding a white crayon in her mouth, saying " I need a cigarette... I knew it was time to Quit....
21 days later... and I feel like I am constantly battling myself...(where the HELL is that INNER PEACE... i'm lookin for?) I hope it gets easier... but living with such a great support system as Chevelle... I have learned... His definition of (Support) & my definition are completely different...lol...here is some research.... to help me refresh... when i feel the urge... to go back...to being a SMOKER!...

Smoking is a very addictive habit that is hard to break.

It takes 21 days to change a habit both good or bad.

If you have been a smoker for many years you may be able to break your habit in 21 days, but you will probably always have cravings that come and go for the rest of your life.

There are some things you can do to make sure once you quite smoking you stay smoke free.Read more: How to Stay Smoke Free eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4473186_stay-smoke-free.html#ixzz1CiIXTFp8
1
Save the money you would have been spending on cigarettes and take a vacation.

After you have enough for your first vacation keep doing this.

Knowing that if you start smoking again you will not be able to take another vacation may keep you from picking up another cigarette pack.

Most people save $5 per day, totaling $1,825 per year.

That is enough to take a decent vacation.
2
Join a support group.

This is not a joke.

There are support groups and you should have someone you can call whenever you get a craving to smoke again. Nicotine Anonymous is a great resource to have.

They provide you with more than a support group.

They even offer you a 12 step program.

You would be able to find someone in your area that can partner up with you and keep you encouraged to stay smoke free.

he link is provided for you at the end of this article.
3
Do some research on the ingredients in cigarette and the diseases people get from smoking them.

If you do this research you will read about all the harmful chemicals you have been putting in to your body.

You will also see stories of people with emphysema so bad they can't leave their house.

Others with throat cancer who have to talk by putting their finger over a tube in their throat. Serious research on the effects of smoking can scare anyone away from going back to a cigarette. 4
Find your inspiration and post a picture of it on your refrigerator.

If your inspiration is to be healthier put a picture of a fit human being on your fridge.

If your inspiration is your children put their picture on the fridge.

If your inspiration is the fact that you want to be obedient to your Father in heaven than put a picture of Jesus on your fridge.

Whatever your motivation is you need a focal point.

A little reminder that all of this hard work to quit and stay smoke free is worth it.
5
Find yourself an alternative hobby.

When people feel stressed out or down in the dumps, they turn back to their cigarettes.

If you replace that habit with a new hobby you will be giving yourself an alternative.

One that is safer and healthier for you.

It can be something as simple as putting together a large puzzle.

Set up a table just for the puzzle.

Whenever you get a craving to smoke go work on the puzzle until the craving passes.

Whatever the new hobby is make sure it is easily accessible so that when you have a craving you can get busy immediately with your new hobby.

If you have to wait, you may give in and take a drag of that cigarette.

6
Keep a diary.

This will allow you to keep track of your progress.

You can write down all the new things you have started since quitting.

You can keep track of your teeth becoming whiter or you cough less in the mornings.

Watch your health become restored.

Keep track of all the cravings you have had and how you beat them.

Let the journal be a testimony to your success and something you can use as inspiration.

Maybe you can share it with someone else who is trying to quit smoking and help them to get to the level you have reached

Read more:

How to Stay Smoke Free eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4473186_stay-smoke-free.html#ixzz1CiI3gEd9

Charles Stanley...When it is Wise to Wait!

Today on Radio

Dreamer... ...

“Really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
Mark Twain

Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.”
You see things; and you say, 'Why?'

But I dream things that never were; and I say, 'Why not?'”
George Bernard Shaw

“Keep your dreams alive.

Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication.

Remember all things are possible for those who believe.”
Gail Devers

“Life is full of beauty.

Notice it.

Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces.

Smell the rain, and feel the wind.

Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.”
Ashley Smith

“A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.”
Oscar Wilde

FAMILY PRAYER

God made us a family.

We need one another.

We help one another.

We love one another.

We forgive one another.

We play together.

We work together.

We celebrate together.

We praise God together.

Thank you, God for our special family.

~Amen

Just a Vapor in the Wind... Life... that is...

You can shed tears that she is gone,

or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back,

or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her ,

or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,

or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her only that she is gone,

or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind,

be empty and turn your back.

Or you can do what she'd want:

smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”
~ David Harkins

Happy 2011

I think in terms of the day's resolutions, not the year's.

~Henry Moore

Glory to God in highest heaven,

Who unto man His Son hath given;

While angels sing with tender mirth,

A glad new year to all the earth.

~Martin Luther

Merry CHRISTMAS

Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Luke 1:35
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy–the Son of God.

Luke 2:9-12

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. (10) And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

(12) And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:13-14And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

(14) “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Modern Family

What you call yourselves and how people refer to you as a family greatly impacts your children, who are constantly trying to figure out where and how they fit into your modern family.”

~Kela Price



Although stepfamilies rarely make as smooth transition as the Bradys, it is possible to successfully blend a family. It depends on how and when you start and what you put in the blender.”
~Kela Price








Life is too short not to live in peace.” ~Diane Greene
Put your own happiness, your own mental health and your marriage or partnership first and without guilt.” ~Wednesday Martin, author of Stepmonster



“I do not like the title of counselor. I’d much rather be viewed as a friend who is willing to be an open book regarding her journey so that you can learn while on yours.”

~Kela Price

“Blended families don’t fail, remarriages do.” ~Kela Price Creating traditions in the blended family promote unity and a sense of belonging.” ~Diane Greene

Be Blessed!