February 4, 2004 V2N7
Hi, everybody! This issue is an example of my "wait till the last minute" compiling. Hope you enjoy it anyway. The following article is real good...how many of us would have the guts to do this?
As Easy As Brushing Hair
The story starts out where she, Beth, is sitting at an airport terminal, waiting to board a plane. She was sitting there with several other people who were also waiting, whom she did not know.
As she waited, she pulled out her Bible and started reading. All of a sudden she felt as if the people sitting there around her, were looking at her. She looked up, but realized that they were looking just over her head, in the direction right behind her.
She turned around to see what everyone was looking at, and when she did, she saw a stewardess pushing a wheelchair, with the ugliest old man sitting in it, that she had ever seen before. She said he had this long white hair that was all tangled and such a mess. His face was really, really wrinkled, and he didn't look friendly at all.
She said she didn't know why, but she felt drawn to the man, and thought at first that God wanted her to witness to him. In her mind she said she was thinking, "Oh, God, please, not now, not here."
No matter what she did, she couldn't get the man off of her mind, and all of a sudden she knew what God wanted her to do. She was supposed to brush this old man's hair.
She went and knelt down in front of the old man, and said "Sir may I have the honor of brushing your hair for you?"
He said "What?"
She thought, "Oh great, he's hard of hearing." Again, a little louder, she said, "Sir, may I have the honor of brushing your hair for you?"
He answered, "If you are going to talk to me, you are going to have to speak up, I am practically deaf."
So this time, she was almost yelling, "Sir may I please have the honor of brushing your hair for you?"
Everyone was watching to see what his response would be. The old man just looked at her confused, and said "Well, I guess if you really want to."
She said, "I don't even have a brush, but I thought I would ask anyway."
He said, "Look in the bag hanging on the back of my chair, there is a brush in there."
So she got the brush out and started brushing his hair. (She has a little girl with long hair, so she has had lots of practice getting tangles out, and knew how to be gentle with him.) She worked for a long time, until every last tangle was out.
Just as she was finishing up, she heard the old man crying, and she went and put her hands on his knees, kneeling in front of him again looking directly into his eyes, and said "Sir, do you know Jesus?"
He answered, "Yes, of course I know Jesus. You see, my bride told me she couldn't marry me unless I knew Jesus, so I learned all about Jesus, and asked Him to come into my heart many years ago, before I married my bride."
He continued, "You know, I am on my way home to go and see my wife. I have been in the hospital for a long time, and had to have a special surgery in this town far from my home. My wife couldn't come with me, because she is so frail herself." He said, "I was so worried about how terrible my hair looked, and I didn't want her to see me looking so awful, but I couldn't brush my hair, all by myself."
Tears were rolling down his cheeks, as he thanked Beth for brushing his hair. He thanked her over and over again.
She was crying, people all around witnessing this were crying, and as they were all boarding the plane, the stewardess, who was also crying, stopped her, and asked, "Why did you do that?"
And right there was the opportunity, the door that had been opened to share with someone else, the love of God. We don't always understand God's ways, but be ready, He may use us to meet the need of someone else, like He met the need of this old man, and in that moment, also calling out to a lost soul who needed to know about His love.
~submitted by Loretta Miller
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The Oak Tree
Vines that grow on oak trees
Cling tightly to them in a storm
Fierce winds may come and blow
But they will not get bruised or torn.
The oak tree is the vine's protection
If the wind should blow from behind
But if the wind blows right on it
It becomes even more entwined.
The same is true for Christians
Sometimes God allows us to be exposed
He knows that in the winds of affliction
We'll cling tighter to Him as we grow.
God sees our doubt and fear
And knows our battle with unbelief
Sometime He has a purpose
For withholding immediate relief.
At other times He shelters us
When exposing us would do us in
He has a purpose and plan for us
This is not just a Divine whim.
God knows what is best for you
Exposure, or shelter from the wind.
Your cry should be like that of Job
Though he slay me, I will trust Him!
If your in a trial right now
Remember the example of Job
Hold fast to God,
He won't let you go!
-Unknown
~submitted by Loretta Miller
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Prayer & Praise Update on Krystal Yoder
Wrom: GSWZIDREXCAXZOWCONEUQZAAFXISHJEXXIMQZUIVOTQNQEMS
Hi everybody -- I'm HOME!
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WANT THE SHORT VERSION -- KRYSTAL IS DOING GREAT -- AN INCREDIBLE MIRACLE -- PTL!! -- OK --YOU CAN GO OFF TO WORK NOW . . . for the rest of us who like words - and details . . . smile -- while rocking little Monica Delight earlier this morning in the quiet stillness of my living room, my heart was very reflective ... . but . . . I know you all want NEWS first -- I'll get back to the reflections . . . a rundown of my last 3 days: Charity, Doyle, Eric,(my sons, 13 and 11) and I left for the Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) around 10:00 a.m. Friday morning. We saw so many accidents -- roads were hazardous .. . God was merciful to us .. . other than getting lost we did great!
We had a cell phone which -- kept "Jingle Bell-ing" at us -- we were told to go directly to the airport to pick up the Yoder children at 2:00. But -- when we got there -- we were told their plane was still on the runway in O Hare -- because of ice. A "Sandy" at the American Air desk was fantastic -- we told her a little of the story and she verified on her computer that there were 5 Yoders on that flight. We decided to go across town to the Hospital, she gave us her personal phone number so we could call her directly and get updates. She took our ICU waiting room number as well, and DID call us then later, around 6:00 -- when they left O'Hare. So good to see Deaniel!!
When we got to the Hospital, Mom met us -- said the day had not gone too well -- they had done testing ALL day long. Val whisked me right back to see her - I don't know where Charity was then --but somehow I'm the only one that got to see her that night (besides the children when they arrived). Krystal was extremely tired, and I was in the room only a short time while Drs. were there When the Dr. told her they weren't going to take the vent tube out of her mouth then as promised . . . but it would be the next morning -- it was a very tough moment for Krystal -- she had been without water (by mouth) for 5 days . . .
We basically took over one of the two ICU waiting rooms -- and talked and prayed and phoned through the evening.
We hoteled it overnight -- couple miles from the Hosp. A shuttle went back and forth every half hour -- so transport was no problem.
I stayed with Delight, Sharilee, Shanna, and Charissa -- and the others fell asleep -- but Delight told me the story of the "first night" there at SMBI when Krystal went into the congestive heart failure -- it is quite a story -- (including Delight standing in the parking lot at SMBI and having the chopper bearing her mom fly directly overhead enroute to Johnstown .. .)
I am compiling (at the request of Val) stories from this all -- the miraculous, the funny . . . I'll keep you posted -- it's going to take weeks -- I hope to start today .. .
Saturday morning when we arrived at the Hospital -- we learned SHE HAD HER TUBE OUT -- and was able to talk quietly, said her throat wasn't near as sore as she anticipated . . . she just improved gloriously that day -- and by 3:30 that afternoon they moved her up to 6th floor out of ICU. It was a triumphant moment - watching that bed wheeled into an elevator for the ride up . . . -- glory to God!! That day was spent -- in much praise, much relief, much laughter, much joy!!
In case you're interested, this is who was there: Vals family, Dad and Mom (LeRoy and Clara Mae), my sis Charity and husband Gary, and the 3 of us Bylers. My brother Mark was there a little.
We could come and go in her 6th floor room much more -- but we guarded her times to rest. We sang some with her, and told stories . . .
Sunday morning then -- we planned a service of sorts in the 6th floor waiting room -- and Val brought Krystal in a wheel chair for the service!!!!! That was a God-filled moment, too -- an incredible miracle . . . her coloring was great -- she looked so -- herself!!
After lunch there in the hospital, Garys, Dads and us 3 left, leaving behind some of our luggage in order to fit into Gary's van.
The storm chased us -- and the last 15 miles of the journey were at 30 mph because of unplowed roads . . . home at 7:00 p.m. -- the gift of safety from God once again! And HOME -- I couldn't stop hugging my husband and children -- we all just snuggled around all evening . . .
Future: Val's are hopeful --that this week sometime they'll move her up here -- there is 4th term yet at SMBI that they would love to take in -- but I don't know what the Dr will advise . .. I will keep you updated . . .
You know -- in short here -- an experience like this is SO good for the body of Christ -- we all get out of our own little worlds and have the opportunity to get caught up in something bigger and truly CARE about someone else, to truly GIVE ourselves, love, cry out to God .. .and also -- we're benefited because it brings us back to what's really important in life -- God - and people. I hope all our hearts are bulging with fresh love for God, a fresh focus on the eternal, and a fresh abandoned love for people . . .
GOD's RICHEST BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL . . .Hope
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Word Study
By AprilRose Pilgrim
The word Sacrifice and variations of it are used 356 times in the Bible.
Sacrifice 236x
Sacrificed 33x
Sacrificedst 1x
Sacrifices 79x
Sacrificeth 5x
Sacrificing 2x
Definitions of the word and it's varients: ( from Strongs Bible Concordance)
To slaughter ( an animal ( usually in sacrifice) - kill, offer, ( do) sacrifice, slay,
offering, a festival or a victim, sacrifice, solemnity, bestow, a donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering ( usually bloodless and voluntary) gift, oblation, present, something brought near the alter.
From Websters Dictionary:
An act of offering to deity something precious, the killing of a victim on an alter, something offered in sacrifice, a distruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else, something given up or lost, to offer as a sacrifice, to suffer loss of, give up, renounce, injure, or destroy for an idea, belief, or end, to sell at a loss, to offer up or perform the rites of sacrifice.
If anyone has any ideas, comments or thoughts, please share them with me. Also if anyone would like to take over the word study, let me know. Email me at: missrosepetal84@yahoo.com
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One Liners
The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
We don't change the message, the message changes us.
You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.
The best mathematical equation ever seen:
1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.
(the best is always last)
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Point2Ponder
A Letter To You From Satan
- author unknown
I saw you yesterday as you began your daily chores. You awoke without kneeling to pray. As a matter of fact, you didn't even bless your meals, or pray before going to bed last night. You are so unthankful. I like that about you.
I cannot tell you how glad I am that you have not changed your way of living. Fool! You are mine. Remember, you and I have been going steady for years, and I still don't love you yet. As a matter of fact, I hate you, because I hate God. I am only using you to get even with God. He kicked me out of heaven, and I'm going to use you as long as possible to pay him back.
You see, Fool, GOD LOVES YOU and HE has great plans in store for you. But you have yielded your life to me and I'm going to make your life a living hell. That way we'll be together twice. THIS WILL REALLY HURT GOD! Thanks to you. I'm really showing Him who's boss in your life. With all of the good times we've had..... We have been watching dirty movies, cursing people out, partying, stealing, lying, hypocriting, fornicating, overeating, telling dirty jokes, gossiping, back stabbing people, disrespecting adults and those in leadership position, NO respect for the church, bad attitudes: SURELY you don't want to give all this up!
COME ON, Fool, let's burn together forever. I've got some plans for us. This is just a letter of appreciation from me to you. I'd like to say "THANKS" for letting me use you for most of your foolish life. You are so gullible. I laugh at you. When you are tempted to sin, you give in. HA HA HA You make me sick!
Sin is beginning to take its toll on your life. You look 20 years older. I need new blood. So go ahead and teach some children how to sin. All you have to do is smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, cheat, gamble, gossip, fornicate, and listen to and dance to the top 10 jams. Do all of this in the presence of children and they will do it too. Kids are like that.
Well, Fool, I have to let you go for now. I'll be back in a couple of seconds to tempt you again. IF YOU WERE SMART, you would run somewhere, CONFESS YOUR SINS, LIVE FOR GOD with what little bit of life that you have left. It's not my nature to warn anyone, but to be your age and still sinning, it's becoming a bit ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I still hate you...... IT'S JUST THAT YOU'D MAKE A BETTER FOOL FOR CHRIST.
P.S. - And if you really love me, you won't share this letter with anyone.
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Selected Sayings
1. If at first you don't succeed, you're about average. Try again.
2. When an opportunity is lost, it's usually your competitor that finds it.
3. God has a natural law in force to the effect that we are conformed to that which we center our interest and love. -Miles Stanford
4. If you cannot lift the load off another's back, do not walk away.Try to lighten it for them.
5. In a time of drought, the tree will either die off or the roots will grow deeper in search of water.
Smiley
So far today, God, I've done all right. I haven't gossiped, haven't lost my temper, haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or over-indulgent. I'm really glad about that.
But in a few minutes, God, I'm going to get out of bed and from then on I'm probably going to need a lot more help.
Thank you.
In Jesus name. Amen
Thanks to all of you who read and contributed to this issue! If you have anything that might be of interest to R4A, please email it to ready4anything_2003@yahoo.com. Right now I especially need more participation in the Verse of the Week section. And anything else you have, I'd love to see.
The website is at www.oocities.org/ready4anything_2003. If you have thoughts or comments on how it can be improved, let me know.
The R4A Volume 1 CD is now ready. It has the original first 26 issues and seperate sections for articles, poems, etc..They are $4.00 a piece, included shipping and handling. A handy, inspiring resource. Please make checks out to Jamie Scharf and mail to: 37953 Rio Vista Rd, Springville, CA 93265.
God bless your day, and have a great 2004!
Staff: Editor in Chief: Jesus Christ
Assistant editors: Jamie Scharf & April Pilgrim
Website Coodinator: Joshua Champagne
Columninst: April Pilgrim
Contributers: Loretta Miller
April Pilgrim
Douglas Mast