2012 Christmas Party pictures

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

I frequently sat down to my meat with thankfulness, and admired the hand of God's providence, which had thus spread my table in the wilderness. I learned to look more upon the bright side of my condition, and less upon the dark side; and to consider what I enjoyed rather than what I wanted; and this gave me sometimes such secret comforts that I cannot express them; and which I take notice of here, to put those discontented people in mind of it who cannot enjoy comfortably what God has given them, because they see and covet something that he has not given them. All our discontents about what we want appeared to me to spring from the want of thankfulness for what we have.

from Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe (pub.1719)

Please watch this.

Chuck Colson was a captain  of Marines from 1953 to 1955—in between wars, but somebody had to do it.  He later went to work for President Richard Nixon and, after the Watergate scandal broke, he became famous and went to jail. 

Then he was reborn as a Christian and founded Prison Fellowship Ministries. 

One day, shortly before leaving prison, Colson was going about his business in the prison dorm while some inmates played cards.
Suddenly, one of the players, a six-foot-tall prisoner named Archie, bellowed, "Hey, Colson. You'll be out of here soon. What are you going to do for us?
Suddenly, the whole room fell silent. All ears were straining to hear the answer. "I'll help in some way," replied Colson. "I'll never forget you guys or this stinking place."
"Bull!" roared Archie, slamming down the pack of cards on the table. "You all say that. I've seen big shots like you come and go. They all say the same things while they're inside. Then they get out and forget us fast. There ain't nobody cares about us. Nobody!"
But today, 35 years later, thousands upon thousands of Christian volunteers and churches do care. They care enough to visit prison, mentor prisoners, help their families, and share the Good News of Christ with them.
That's because in 1976, Colson founded Prison Fellowship, which, together with churches of all confessions and denominations, has become the world's largest outreach to prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families, with ministry taking place in 113 countries around the globe.

I read his book "How Now Shall We Live?" and it had a profound influence on me.  I once tried to teach it in a Sunday school class for eight weeks and learned that I'm not a teacher. Colson's book is a teacher, though. 

I will miss Chuch Colson. 

So will the world.

RIP

In My Seat

A powerful 15 minute video of a pilot's story on 9/11. Thanks to Ray Kunc for sharing.

ABC owes Christian women an apology for 'GCB'

ABC's 'GCB' uses Southern Christian women as the sole, stereotypical examples of self-indulgence, shallowness and hypocrisy. We urge all Americans to call or write ABC executives and demand Christian women be treated with respect and that the offensive "CGB" be taken off the air immediately.

Everyone, please forward this link and seriously consider writing ABC executives with your concerns and request the show be removed.  Even if they don’t remove it, they should be inundated with feedback from insulted Christians.  It’s time for us to speak up!  Admittedly, all of us are sinners and have our flaws, but this is filth and meant to be humor at the expense of Christians.

Also, we watched it Sunday to find out who the sponsors are and among them were Neutrogena, Huluplus, Fancy Feast, AT&T, Old Navy, L’Oreal (so sorry to say) and Red Lobster.  I don’t believe boycotts have much, if any, impact on such large companies but thought I’d pass these along.

Pray for our country!

Cathy Merriman

Jackie Evancho - To Believe

Actually it's hard to believe...that she's just 11 years old.

I frequently sat down to my meat with thankfulness, and admired the hand of God's providence, which had thus spread my table in the wilderness. I learned to look more upon the bright side of my condition, and less upon the dark side; and to consider what I enjoyed rather than what I wanted; and this gave me sometimes such secret comforts that I cannot express them; and which I take notice of here, to put those discontented people in mind of it who cannot enjoy comfortably what God has given them, because they see and covet something that he has not given them. All our discontents about what we want appeared to me to spring from the want of thankfulness for what we have.

from Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe (pub.1719)

Encouragers say Hello to Donald

Thanks to Katherine Onstott for sharing this 9/11 memorial.

Mission Incredible!

I was late coming to class this morning, but I believe Marty said the speaker’s name was ____ _________.  You know, the redneck from north Louisiana, whose name I can’t reveal because it might place him—and his family—in danger.  I’m from north Louisiana, too, and I know how it is. J 

Not really.  I can only wish my neck was as red as his. 

God, he is good!   I have never heard a mission so effectively presented.  Thank you, sir, for what you do!

God's Career Guide

Encourager Patrick Layhee has been busy!  For the past two years he has been posting insightful messages on his “God’s Career Guide” blog.

Here, I’ll let him describe it:

God’s Career Guide applies God's Word to the world of work.

Work is a high calling from God ordained by Him at the beginning of time. God's Word is the surest source of work-life wisdom. It applies to all workers, everywhere, in all occupations.

God's Career Guide offers encouragement and Bible-based insights to the working Christian. Each article relates to some aspect of work or the workplace. They are short, practical, and include as much of God's Word as possible.

Work changes, but God never does.                                          --Patrick Layhee 

I know that many of our Encouragers are retired, but all of us are either working or love someone who is working—or both.  You might help lighten their workload—and brighten their day—by passing Patrick’s website link along to them: godscareerguide.com .  An Encouraging Link has been added to the Encouragers website.

I can’t think of a better way to start the workday.  Thank you, Patrick!

Fitness Connection Value

For those who need a little encouragement to exercise….  The new Fitness Connection will be located on Highway 6 in the old Randall’s.  Right now they have a special rate for those joining before opening.  $9.95 a month!!!  - with no contract or sign up fees.  I think it comes to $10.77 with tax…  (A once a year maintenance fee of $15.00.)  The facility will open in October and starting in June will have a start-up location in the old Palais Royal location on Murphy & Cartwright.  Go by and check it out – they have an information center to the left of the new Fitness Connection on Hwy 6.

 

Nancy

 

The Stethoscope

Here's an oldie but goodie.

CLR Party Pictures!

Click here to view Nalani's party pictures.

Credit card calculus

If you use a credit card you might find this interesting. I did!

Budget Planner Software - Mint.com

Senior wedding song

If you can't decide whether to laugh or cry, choose laughter!

Christmas party pictures

Thank you Nalani for the great pictures!

Where's the line to see Jesus?

Beautiful! Thanks to InaJo and Glaydene for this link!

HOMECOMING!!!

Brian Wilhelm is Marty and Nancy's son-in-law, returning from Afghanistan. He and daughter Sheri are at the very beginning of the video and again later on.

Children Go Where I Send Thee

This will bring great memories and a smile to your face!