A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor.
Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups--porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal; some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite--telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is but normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.
"What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups and were eyeing each other's cups.
"Now consider this: Life is the coffee, and the jobs, money and position in society are the cups.
They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and do not change the quality of Life. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided.
"So, don't let the cups drive you .... enjoy the coffee instead."
--Author Unknown
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Facing the Giants
See this movie. It is coming to some theaters Sept. 29. Click on the picture to go to the web page to find out if it is showing in a city near you.
For a $100,000 movie, it is really good and has an all-volunteer cast. The only paid people were the NFL cameramen they brought in to film the football games.
Go see it and support this church's ministry.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Why go to church?
A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday.
"I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."
This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:
"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time, my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this.
"They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work.
If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.
"Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!"
--Author Unknown
"I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."
This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:
"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time, my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this.
"They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work.
If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.
"Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!"
--Author Unknown
Monday, August 21, 2006
Bridge out?
A priest and a pastor from the local churches are standing by the road,
pounding a sign into the ground, that reads:
The End is Near!
Turn Yourself Around Now
Before it's Too Late!
As a car sped past them, the driver yelled, "Leave us alone, you
religious nuts!"
From around the curve they heard screeching tires and a big splash. The
priest turns to the pastor and asks,
"Do you think the sign should just say: 'Bridge Out'?"
pounding a sign into the ground, that reads:
The End is Near!
Turn Yourself Around Now
Before it's Too Late!
As a car sped past them, the driver yelled, "Leave us alone, you
religious nuts!"
From around the curve they heard screeching tires and a big splash. The
priest turns to the pastor and asks,
"Do you think the sign should just say: 'Bridge Out'?"
Thursday, August 17, 2006
What is a sandwich?
Put two slices of bread together or fold one slice in half and there you go -— a sandwich. A delicious, mouth-watering feast, right? Wait a minute. Does that sound right? Webster’s says no, and I would have to agree with them. There has to be that filling. THAT makes the sandwich!
(And if you’re on that carb diet, you shouldn’t even be eating that bread, so drop it!)
Our relationship with Christ is like a sandwich — please excuse the simple analogy.
It has to have substance — exhibited in the fruits of the Spirit.
Unless the ingredients are fresh, each grows crusty, stale, hard, moldy ... you get the picture -- or the turned stomach?
God wants us to maintain a fresh, growing relationship with Him. We have to stay committed. We have to stay motivated.
Most of all, we have to remember we are loved, blessed and highly favored!
(And if you’re on that carb diet, you shouldn’t even be eating that bread, so drop it!)
Our relationship with Christ is like a sandwich — please excuse the simple analogy.
It has to have substance — exhibited in the fruits of the Spirit.
Unless the ingredients are fresh, each grows crusty, stale, hard, moldy ... you get the picture -- or the turned stomach?
God wants us to maintain a fresh, growing relationship with Him. We have to stay committed. We have to stay motivated.
Most of all, we have to remember we are loved, blessed and highly favored!
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Interesting articles
Generally, I don't put too much effort into updating my blog. I save a few things I get through emails or share articles I find interesting. Sometimes I put urgent prayer requests on here and also on my web site.
I wanted to share some interesting information about house churches.
Click on this link; House Churches.
Also, I am including a link to the first story in a series about the differences between our Bible and the Qur'an.
Click on this link: Bible and Qur'an.
Another interesting story I wanted you to share was one about the crazy/funny people who call 911. Please don't misuse this vital link to our police.
Click on this link: 911.
Let me know what you think.
I wanted to share some interesting information about house churches.
Click on this link; House Churches.
Also, I am including a link to the first story in a series about the differences between our Bible and the Qur'an.
Click on this link: Bible and Qur'an.
Another interesting story I wanted you to share was one about the crazy/funny people who call 911. Please don't misuse this vital link to our police.
Click on this link: 911.
Let me know what you think.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
What's in your dash?
In Sunday school, my teacher talked about the importance of the dash. When you look at most tombstones, it lists a birthdate and the date a person died, but the writer of a poem emphasizes that the dash in the middle makes the most difference.
Click on this link to watch the dash movie: Dash movie
ENJOY!
Click on this link to watch the dash movie: Dash movie
ENJOY!
Friday, August 04, 2006
Lord help us
I found a horrible article I wanted to share with you...it shakes me at my very core. We need to realize the evil that is out there. Please be in prayer for this man. He needs the saving grace only God can give through His Son Jesus.
Pedophile Says Sex With Boys Is Sacred Religious Ritual
By James F. McCarty
Religion News Service
CLEVELAND — An admitted pedophile offered a bizarre defense this
week to 74 charges of rape, drugs and pandering obscenity to minors.
Phillip Distasio, 34, told a Cuyahoga County judge Wednesday (Aug. 2)
that his apartment in Rocky River was a religious sanctuary where engaging
in sex with boys and smoking marijuana were considered sacred rituals and
are protected under civil rights laws.
"I'm a pedophile. I've been a pedophile for 20 years," Distasio said
during a pretrial court hearing. "The only reason I'm charged with rape is
that no one believes a child can consent to sex. The role of my ministry is
to get these cases out of the courtrooms."
Judge Kathleen Sutula warned Distasio, a self-appointed friar who
compares himself to St. Francis and St. Ignatius, to confine his arguments
to secular laws at his trial, scheduled to begin Sept. 11.
"If you want to challenge the law, that's your right to do so," Sutula
said. "But we're going to follow the laws of Ohio in this courtroom."
Police arrested Distasio last September on charges he molested two
disabled boys he was tutoring at his home and raped seven other autistic
children at a Cleveland school for special-needs students. All but one of
the boys was under 13, which carries a mandatory life-in-prison sentence if
he is convicted.
Police found journals at Distasio's apartment in which he described his
activities, plus child pornography and videotapes of him engaged in sex with
boys.
Distasio tried unsuccessfully in June to fire his court-appointed
lawyer, Thomas Shaughnessy, who refused to go along with his
religious-freedom defense.
"Not all pedophilia is bad, and sex (with boys) can be healthy,"
Distasio said. "It's an argument that I'm willing to make, but my attorney
is not."
Sutula decided to allow Distasio to represent himself at trial on the
condition that Shaughnessy remain as his advisory counsel.
In motions filed with Sutula, Distasio accused prosecutors of
threatening to dismantle his church, which he calls Arcadian Fields
Ministries.
He described his apartment as a sanctuary, a place of worship, and a
safe alternative to prison for a congregation of social dissidents. Distasio
said he and his congregation consider the justice system to be corrupt and
addicted to punishment, and believe it should be abandoned.
Pedophile Says Sex With Boys Is Sacred Religious Ritual
By James F. McCarty
Religion News Service
CLEVELAND — An admitted pedophile offered a bizarre defense this
week to 74 charges of rape, drugs and pandering obscenity to minors.
Phillip Distasio, 34, told a Cuyahoga County judge Wednesday (Aug. 2)
that his apartment in Rocky River was a religious sanctuary where engaging
in sex with boys and smoking marijuana were considered sacred rituals and
are protected under civil rights laws.
"I'm a pedophile. I've been a pedophile for 20 years," Distasio said
during a pretrial court hearing. "The only reason I'm charged with rape is
that no one believes a child can consent to sex. The role of my ministry is
to get these cases out of the courtrooms."
Judge Kathleen Sutula warned Distasio, a self-appointed friar who
compares himself to St. Francis and St. Ignatius, to confine his arguments
to secular laws at his trial, scheduled to begin Sept. 11.
"If you want to challenge the law, that's your right to do so," Sutula
said. "But we're going to follow the laws of Ohio in this courtroom."
Police arrested Distasio last September on charges he molested two
disabled boys he was tutoring at his home and raped seven other autistic
children at a Cleveland school for special-needs students. All but one of
the boys was under 13, which carries a mandatory life-in-prison sentence if
he is convicted.
Police found journals at Distasio's apartment in which he described his
activities, plus child pornography and videotapes of him engaged in sex with
boys.
Distasio tried unsuccessfully in June to fire his court-appointed
lawyer, Thomas Shaughnessy, who refused to go along with his
religious-freedom defense.
"Not all pedophilia is bad, and sex (with boys) can be healthy,"
Distasio said. "It's an argument that I'm willing to make, but my attorney
is not."
Sutula decided to allow Distasio to represent himself at trial on the
condition that Shaughnessy remain as his advisory counsel.
In motions filed with Sutula, Distasio accused prosecutors of
threatening to dismantle his church, which he calls Arcadian Fields
Ministries.
He described his apartment as a sanctuary, a place of worship, and a
safe alternative to prison for a congregation of social dissidents. Distasio
said he and his congregation consider the justice system to be corrupt and
addicted to punishment, and believe it should be abandoned.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Not worthy
There are some days when I feel like I can do no right, that I'm the ugliest person in the world, that no one likes me — let alone loves me. It seems like everyone goes out of their way to anger me, insult me, etc.
Through it all God loves me. Satan is the one who feeds me the lies.
The thing is, I am unworthy, but God has created me. He chooses to love me. And Jesus, who took my place to pay for my sins, stands in my place at judgment. When God asks "Dianna, show me your heart," He doesn't see my heart, He sees Jesus.
That makes me smile — one of those big, stupid, goofy grins that just won't stop.
You can see what I mean in His word:
c/o Father Heart Communications
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is.Will you be my child? John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32
Love,
Your Dad
Through it all God loves me. Satan is the one who feeds me the lies.
The thing is, I am unworthy, but God has created me. He chooses to love me. And Jesus, who took my place to pay for my sins, stands in my place at judgment. When God asks "Dianna, show me your heart," He doesn't see my heart, He sees Jesus.
That makes me smile — one of those big, stupid, goofy grins that just won't stop.
You can see what I mean in His word:
FATHER'S LOVE LETTER
c/o Father Heart Communications
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is.Will you be my child? John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32
Love,
Your Dad
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