Nativity now offense to those who do not BELIEVE!

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/12/13/atheist-messages-displace-california-park-nativity-scenes/

The link above is certainly is very disturbing and really reminds me of how brain washed society is on materialism and worldly things that we all can attain  keep us for a short time satisfied.  What do others believe or not believe is their personal choice and I completely respect their opinion and stance although I may not share the same belief.  Atheist trying to displace the Nativity on church property?  Why if they do not believe does this affect them?  Does my belief in Jesus Christ birth and my priority to attend worship and celebrate the life of Jesus offend others?  I do my best to listen and love and treat others the way I would like to be treated.  I wouldn't give any thought to taking away from individuals one of their central beliefs.  My Bible clearly states in Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the salvation for all who believe.  I will not tolerate or shut up, step back or shy away from my faith in Jesus Christ.  That is where I stand and I will not be shaken or moved.  Will you stand with me?  Will you stand up for what you believe.  The purpose of the birth of Jesus is "He was given to the world to be born of a virgin to die for the sin of the world."  The gift is free and it was paid for on the cross by that baby in a feed box.  My prayer is for those who walk in darkness and do not believe to be awakened by the love and light of Christ Jesus.  The doors of history were forever changed and it began in a manger in Bethlehem with God giving his son.

What is the meaning of Rich?

INSPIRING STORIES – BEING THANKFUL .

Mar14

ONE  DAY  THE  FATHER  OF  A  VERY  WEALTHY  FAMILY  TOOK  HIS  SON  ON  A  TRIP  TO  THE  COUNTRY WITH  THE  EXPRESS  PURPOSE  OF  SHOWING  HIM  HOW  POOR  PEOPLE  LIVE  . THEY  SPENT  A  COUPLE  OF  DAYS  AND  NIGHTS  ON  THE  FARM  OF  WHAT  WOULD  BE  CONSIDERED  A  VERY  POOR  FAMILY  . 

ON THEIR RETURN  FROM THEIR TRIP , THE FATHER ASKED HIS SON , HOW WAS THE TRIP ? 

“IT WAS GREAT DAD”

“DID YOU SEE HOW POOR PEOPLE LIVE ?” THE FATHER ASKED .

“OH YEAH” , SAID THE SON .

“SO TELL ME WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THIS TRIP ?” THE FATHER ASKED . THE SON ANSWERED “I SAW THAT WE HAVE ONE DOG AND THEY HAD FOUR” . WE HAVE A POOL THAT REACHES TO THE MIDDLE OF OUR GARDEN AND THEY HAVE A CREEK THAT HAS NO END . WE HAVE IMPORTED LANTERNS IN OUR GARDEN & THEY HAVE STARS AT NIGHT” .

“OUR PATIO REACHES TO THE FRONT YARD AND THEY HAVE THE WHOLE HORIZON. WE HAVE A SMALL PIECE OF LAND TO LIVE ON  AND THEY HAVE FIELDS THAT GO BEYOND OUR SIGHT “

“WE HAVE SERVANTS TO SERVE US , BUT THEY SERVE OTHERS . WE BUY OUR FOOD, BUT THEY GROW THEIRS . WE HAVE WALLS AROUND OUR PROPERTY TO PROTECT US THEY HAVE FRIENDS TO PROTECT THEM “ 

THE BOY’S FATHER WAS SPEECHLESS . THEN HIS SON  ADDED “THANKS DAD FOR SHOWING ME HOW POOR WE ARE”

ISN’T PERSPECTIVE A WONDERFUL THING ? MAKES YOU WONDER WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF WE ALL GAVE THANKS FOR EVERYTHING WE HAVE , INSTEAD OF WORRYING ABOUT WHAT WE DON’T HAVE .

A STORY i FOUND ON WORDPRESS PEDALSANDSEPALS

Give Thanks!

I believe the older I get the more I value and place priority and do my best to spend time with people (family, friends ) and this may seem strange but look for the opportunity to be kind to a strange by giving a simple smile or short word of encouragement.  Those of you who know me personally, can probably recall memories, joys and struggles that through these experiences have encountered in my life. A small story I am reminded of this time of year that I will always remember that my Dad has shared with me many times has made a impact on the importance of thankfulness.  So I will attempt to tell the story and it goes something like this.
In 1977 my parents got the good news as a young married couple that they were expecting their first child.  The joy they had they shared shared with family and friend was so exciting and shortly after that the doctor told them twin boys were due to arrive in the summer.  As the months pasted the excitement grew as well. On the day of delivery they lost one their sons and left me with cerebral palsy from a stroke I suffered at birth.  My parents questioned themselves and their faith in God....as they said, "We were so full of joy and sadness at the same time.
My Dad had a conversation with my Grandaddy, as he struggled with understanding why things in life seem so unfair and why does tragedy and joy occur at the same time.  "Dad, "Why did Kirk have to have a stroke at birth and start his life behind the eight ball?" My Grandaddy was a kind man yet a man of few words.  He simply responded, "Bobby I don't think we will ever completely understand but that is why we have faith and I do know Kirk, will be a better man because of his circumstances."

How this holds true for all of us if we take the time to recognize that our struggles are temporary so" know the things we see are temporary, yet the things we do not see are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)  Paul simply puts it, "I have learned to be content in all things whether I have or I don't have."   Will you be willing to have faith that you will break through the struggle and overcome?  Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and his love endures forever.  Are you ready to walk in the" joy of the Lord" through the darkness?  God's promise is "I will be with you always" "I will never leave you or forsake you."

Yes my story is God's story...I give thanks for the struggles and pain!  I am an example that Satan has looked me in the eyes and did all he could to break my spirit and allow me to life in mediocrity and defeat.  The good news today is I am victorious in Christ Jesus and Satan has no place or power over me and I walk in the power of God.  Scripture tell us "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strenght." Phil 4:13  God doesn't give us a spirit of fear but of love and a sound mind."  "We overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony."  Rev. 12:11  I am reminded of the oldie "I fought the law and the law won"  "I fought the Devil and the Lord won."

So I encourage my readers to have faith in the one true God creator of all things!  In all things keep your eyes on the goal of a life God has given you with purpose and meaning.  Don't sink in your hardship but push with perserverence and seek the "Light of the World."

Blessing to all during this Thanksgiving season and may God keep you in his grace and may you be sensitive to God being your provider and sustainer in this journey we call life.  Walk in victory and confidence giving thanks with each new day!