Sunday Is Coming

Good morning,

We are down to our last few days here in Coffeyville and the aproaching weather tells me it is none to soon. We may have to alter our plans: the stay in tulsa will be cut short, probably leaving there Monday after we go by the RV dealer for a few repairs.

I urge you to keep us in your prayers as we travel.

Thanks for all you do for us to keep us on the road doing what we know God has called us to do. I wish we could sit and tell you just how He has used us in so many peoples lives.

My prayer for today is for 25 caring, loving people to come along side us with a $25 a month donation that would take care of our needs. If you feel God telling you to give, then send to the address in the menu to the right and if you need a tax deduction make check out to CRM Int'l.

Thanks again.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on,
Don Baker

A Light in the Darkness
This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. - Isaiah 9:2

This prophecy of the coming Messiah brought a sense of hope to people living in dark, difficult times. At times, we’ve all sensed the reality of living in a dark world. The hope of the prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus, who said, “I am the light of the world.” (See also Matthew 4:12-16.)

Through Jesus, we can live our lives in the light of His love, peace, and truth.

“In Him was life, and that life was the light of men…The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” John 1:4, 8

O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.
(from O Little Town of Bethlehem)

We celebrate Christmas because God gave Jesus to us to shine light upon any darkness in our lives.

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

I pray all is well with you. LaVon and I are doing great; the people here just love us and make us feel needed.

We took up a collection to help two families give gifts to the nursing home: a great sucess.

Thursday, I have a meeting with several pastors to tell them about CRM and our free medical clinic; to see if there is any interest in starting one here.

Our time is fast coming to an end. We are leaving on the 14th after church and going to Tulsa for a few days. We will spend that time with Stephanie and family and get some waranty work done on our RV. The 17th we will go to Norman for a few days, leave the 22nd for Waco, Texas, then off to Arizona.

Thanks for your prayers and your financial support; without you we couldn't do this. We will have to pay for our site in Arizona which will be about $400 a month. We are trusting God to provide for us. If you haven't given to our ministry and you feel God leading you now, just send to the address in the menu on the right.

Thanks again!

Have a great day,love you,pass it on,
Don!


This is an awesome e-mail. Someone took a lot of time setting up this message.

THE BELL

I KNOW WHO I AM

I am God's child (John 1:12)

I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)

I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)

I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)

I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)

I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)

I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)

I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)

I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)

I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3:20)

I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)

I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)

I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)

I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)

I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)

I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22)

I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28)

I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16)

I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)

I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)

I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)

I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Rom. 5:1)

I am God's co-worker(1 Cor 3:9;2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship. (Eph 2:10)

I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)

I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)

I belong to God

Do you know

Who you are?

Keep this bell ringing...pass it on

'The LORD bless you and keep you;

The LORD make His face shine upon you

And be gracious to you;

The LORD turn His face toward you

And give you peace...'

Numbers 6:24-26

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

I pray all is well with you today. We have had a few trials and also blessings this past week.

We had a concert for these campers. The music and testimonies were great; the attendance, not so great.

To top it off, LaVon's purse was stolen. Bummer... it had our camera in it.

The blessing: those that came to the concert enjoyed it very much. We're also trusting that whoever stole LaVon's purse, reads the New Testament and/or the tracts that were in it and their lives are changed.

We had the best day in attendance Sunday that we have had since we have been here. Even had to put out more chairs.

We also received a phone call from Arizona confirming our time to be there, starting the first of January.

More blessings: a couple called us and wanted to give some money to help buy a new camera.

The only thing that comes to mind is God is Good, all the time!

Have a great day, love you, pass it on,
Don

Then I read this today and would like to share it with you:

How Good God Is!
"The goodness of God endures continually." Psalm 52:1
Recommended Reading Job 36:1-7

Corrie Ten Boom once remarked about the goodness of God, saying "God is good when He sends good weather, but God was also good when He allowed my sister, Betsie, to starve to death in a German concentration camp." She remembered when she was discouraged and told her sister that she felt God had forgotten them. "No, Corrie," said Betsie, "He has not forgotten us. Remember His Word: ‘For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him'" (Psalm 103:11).* In that moment, Betsie taught Corrie about the reverential reflection of God's goodness, even in her darkest hour.
Often, we mistakenly believe that our circumstances reflect God's goodness and that if times are tough, God has turned away from us, but Scripture tells us that He"...is the same yesterday, today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8); His goodness is certainly no exception.
Whether you are struggling through a low point in life or experiencing showers of blessing, take time to meditate on Scripture that tells of His goodness and love, for it will surely strengthen and sustain you.

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

I pray all is well with you today. We are doing good and had a wonderful day Sunday. We had 21 in church which may not sound like much to you but, to us it was tremendous.

Not only did they come but, listened to the word and were encouraged each of them. I know because each told me how the Word touched them.

We were, also,asked to go for lunch. Again not a big deal, you say, but for us, a rarity.

Paise the Lord!

I was getting a lot discouraged; attendance has been dropping and I just couldn't see why we are here. I know there are several here that don't know the Lord but, we keep loving on them and just doing what we can to show them Jesus.

Pray with us to the Lord of the harvest that He will send workers and many will hear and come to Him.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on,
Don

The Twelfth Man

This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

Then he said to the disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”—Matthew 9:36

Students do not sit at Texas A&M football games. The A&M athletic department is built on the traditions of the 12th Man. During a football game in 1922 the underdog Aggies were playing the nation’s number one ranked team. Player after player left the field unable to return and the Aggies had limited reserves. From the stands came a former football player. E. King Gill suited up and stood on the sidelines ready to play for the team during the remainder of the game. At the end of the game he was the only man standing. The courage and heart displayed by this fan has encouraged others to follow his lead. At each game fans stand symbolically ready to go into the game. Students are more than just spectators; they are the twelfth man, ready to go in if the team should need them.

Perhaps you see Billy Graham as the star quarterback or Jim Burns the reliable receiver, James Dobson the all-American cornerback and your head pastor on the offensive line of the “Christianity Team”. Where do you see yourself? Are you sitting on the sidelines? You shouldn’t be. You are a part of the team. Stand up and be ready.

Jesus saw the huge crowds that were following Him and His disciples, so he told them to pray that workers would be ready. Many are ready to give their lives to Christ, but they need someone to show them how. Jesus tells us to pray for workers. Perhaps you are praying for yourself too! The workers are few. We are all ministers and missionaries to those God has put in our lives. Don’t wait for the next Crusade or Easter Service at your church. You are part of the team. You are a worker. Be ready for God to use you!

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

I pray this finds you doing OK. LaVon and I are doing fine.

Ministry here in Coffeyville is a little different than we normally have, but God is good. People are either working or sleeping, but we have had an opportunity to share with several. LaVon hands out the mail and their checks, so we get to visit with about everyone.

Last friday it was cold so we put on a pot of apple cider and gave a cup to each visitor. Sunday I prayed God would use that and bring new faces to church, PTL, He did.

We ask you to keep us in your prayers and thoughts. We can always use your encouraging words either by phone, email and a big thank you to those that send money for us to continue this work.

We love you, have a great day, pass it on,
Don.

Do Unto Others

One stormy night many years ago, an elderly man and his wife entered the lobby of a small hotel in Philadelphia. Trying to get out of the rain, the couple approached the front desk hoping to get some shelter for the night.

"Could you possibly give us a room here?" the husband asked.

The clerk, a friendly man with a winning smile, looked at the couple and explained that there were three conventions in town.

"All of our rooms are taken," the clerk said. "But I can't send a nice couple like you out into the rain at one o'clock in the morning. Would you perhaps be willing to sleep in my room? It's not exactly a suite, but it will be good enough to make you folks comfortable for the night."

When the couple declined, the young man pressed on.

"Don't worry about me; I'll make out just fine," the clerk told them.

So the couple agreed.

As he paid his bill the next morning, the elderly man said to the clerk,

"You are the kind of manager who should be the boss of the best hotel in the United States. Maybe someday I'll build one for you."

The clerk looked at them and smiled. The three of them had a good laugh.

As they drove away, the elderly couple agreed that the helpful clerk was indeed exceptional, as finding people who are both friendly and helpful isn't easy.

Two years passed. The clerk had almost forgotten the incident when he received a letter from the old man. It recalled that stormy night and enclosed a round-trip ticket to New York, asking the young man to pay them a visit.

The old man met him in New York, and led him to the corner of Fifth Avenue and 34th Street. He then pointed to a great new building there, a palace of reddish stone, with turrets and watchtowers thrusting up to the sky.

"That," said the older man, "is the hotel I have just built for you to manage."

"You must be joking," the young man said.

"I can assure you I am not," said the older man, a sly smile playing around his mouth.

The older man's name was William Waldorf Astor, and the magnificent structure was the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

The young clerk who became its first manager was George C. Boldt. This young clerk never foresaw the turn of events that would lead him to become the manager of one of the world's most glamorous hotels.

The Bible says that we are not to turn our backs on those who are in need, for we might be entertaining angels.

Life is more accurately measured by the lives you touch than the things you acquire... ~Author Unknown

Sunday's Coming

Good morning from Coffeyville,Kansas



We are at work and had our first service last Sunday; had about mid twenty in servcice. It was a great day.



The Lord has already used us. One family just returned from burying their son. We have loved on them.



I urge you to keep us in your prayers. There are a lot of lost (folks who don't know Jesus as their Lord and Savior) in this park. Our prayer is that God will use us mightly. God promises to answer, He just wants us to be faithful.



We are trusting him for everything: for souls, to encourage believers, the work in this community and for our personal needs.

I read a devotional this morning from David Jeremiah talking about the promises of God. I pray these words touch your heart.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on,

Don

The Plain Promises


"For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and to Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." 2 Corinthians 1:20


Recommended Reading 2 Peter 1:1-4



When the great pastor and hymnist, Isaac Watts, grew aged and sick, he had a visit from a friend. As they conversed, Watts spoke of once hearing a minister preach about "the plain promises of the Gospel." It was a phrase Watts liked. "And so I find it," he told his friend. "They are the plain promises of the Gospel that are my support, and I bless God they are plain promises, which do not require much labor or pains to understand them, for I can do nothing now but look into my Bible for some promise to support me, and live upon that."


God has given us His promises to use as a shepherd uses his rod and staff to support himself, as a house uses its foundation to remain solid, as weary Jacob used a rock for a pillow and had dreams of heaven.


The Lord does not forget His promises. We can cling to them, but even better—we can rest in them. They will never fail.


I'll read the histories of Thy love,

And keep Thy laws in sight,

While through the promises I rove,

With ever fresh delight.

--Isaac Watts

Sunday is Coming

Good Morning!

Well we our off again, tomorrow we leave Branson, Mo. and head to Coffeyville, Ks.

We have had a great summer here. The campers have been small in number, but we have been able to share the love of Jesus to those He wanted us to.

God has done a great work here. The free medical clinic is ready to open the doors with trained chaplains and a great staff, one that loves the LORD. Keep this work in your prayers as well as LaVon and I as we start a new work in Kansas.

I read this morning a devotional that touched me and would like to share it with you.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on,
Don

In God's Care
This devotional was written by Jim Grams

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.—Matthew 6:33

The words of Jesus in Matthew 6 are so powerful. They often challenge me and sometimes they confront and convict me. They always instruct and correct us.

Recently while reading His words in The Message, the following lines jumped out at me:
“…there is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God.”

Those words literally stopped me in my reading. So often I’m anything but “careless in the care of God.” I’m guessing you might be there also. Jesus lived at ease in His Father’s care. He told the disciples to feed the masses when there was almost no food. He slept peacefully in the boat during a ferocious storm. He never allowed circumstances to alter His trust in God!
I want to live in God’s constant care. I want my trust in Him to be simple and sure. I want God’s care of my life to control every single thing I do. I want to stop forgetting that my God is bigger than my circumstances.

After Jesus told the disciples to seek God’s Kingdom first, he said: “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”

Jesus is sending us into the world and showing us how to go… Trusting!

Sunday's Coming

Good morning from Branson, Mo.

We are still about doing the Lord's work here. He has used us in many ways. This past Sunday we had almost a 100% of those in the park at worship service but we have very few in the park. Still, we had almost 20, also, a couple from a motel up the street. Praise the Lord.

We want to thank you for your prayers , encouraging emails and financial support. You see, a few weeks ago I became very discouraged but a friend here in the park helped me see that God was using LaVon and I here in a great way.

Thanks again. Keep emailing us and know you are always in our prayers.

LaVon wrote a great article to see it just click on the link below and remember... may God Bless America!

Have a great day, love you, pass it on,
Don

http://bakersblessings.blogspot.com/2008/08/patriotism.html

Sunday's Coming

Good morning from Branson,

I pray all is well with you and yours. We had a heat ending rain yesterday and made everyone happier. The parks are down this time of year but here at Oak Grove we are having the best year ever. We had a good turn out Sunday, even if was 90 degrees and 96% humidity at 9 am.

Our Bible study on Wednesday nights has been a success.

Last night several of us from the park went to the new show in town, the musical of Noah. Great production and even had an altar call at the end, WOW! The story got me to thinking what it would be like to shut the door and hear all the people crying for you to let them in. We have a whole world that needs to hear that this could happen to them if they don't call on Jesus. It also got me thinking about conforming to the world, we need to be different, stand out because we have the hope of heaven. I read this today that went with my thinking. Pray over it and see what God will say to you.

Thanks for your emails and phone calls and your financial help. We would not be able to do this ministry without you. If you have not given to help us, I urge you to pray and ask God to show you how you can.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on,
Don


Uncomfortable with the Culture

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.Romans 12:2
Recommended Reading1 Peter 1:13-16

It's happened more than once—missionaries leave the United States and, in time, become more comfortable in a foreign land than in their native country. They give various reasons: "It's quieter," "less materialism," "less peer pressure on our children," "the people are more receptive to the Gospel." When they return to America to visit, they talk about "returning home" in a new way—they've exchanged their old home for a new one.

That's what it means to be a citizen of the kingdom of God. Paul says our "citizenship is in heaven," not in this world (Philippians 3:20). It's why, over time, Christians begin to feel more and more out of place with the cultures of this world; why they speak of God's eternal kingdom as "going home." When we exchange our earthly home for our kingdom home is up to God. In the interim, our job is to so walk in the Spirit that we aren't "conformed to this world"; that we aren't squeezed into the world's mold, as Bible translator J. B. Phillips put it.

When you leave home today, let it remind you of where your true home is—in Christ Jesus, now and for eternity.

"If you stand on the Word you do not stand with the world." Vance Havner

Sunday Is Coming

Good morning from Branson, Mo.

We pray all is well with you.

The work here is going good. Small crowds this season, but God is still using us in peoples lives. We have been doing a Bible study on Wednesday nights on the names of God. It's a great study. When we pray we need to use the different names of God... what power. When we pray we need to say--------

LORD, PROP US UP....

Every time I am asked to pray, I think of the old deacon who always prayed,

'Lord, prop us up on our leanin' side.'

After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently.

He answered, 'Well sir, you see, it's like this... I got an old barn out back. It's been there a long time; it's withstood a lot of weather; it's gone through a lot of storms, and it's stood for many years. It's still standing. But one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. So, I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on it s leaning side so it wouldn't fall.

Then I got to thinking about that and how much I was like that old barn. I've been around a long time.I've withstood a lot of life's storms. I've withstood a lot of bad weather in life. I've withstood a lot of hard times, and I'm still standing too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time. So, I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leaning side, 'cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning at times.

Sometimes we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, leaning toward cussing, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn't. So we need to pray, 'Lord, prop us up on our leaning side', so we will stand straight and tall again, to glorify the Lord.''

Stare at this barn for a second and you will see Who will help us stand straight and tall again. Have a great day, I love you, pass it on,

Don

p.s. Thanks to Ginny & Lenny for sending this to me.

Sunday's Coming

Good morning from Branson, Mo.


LaVon is still in Norman with her mother, but only for a few more days. Yeah! She is headed back to Branson.


The work here is still very rewarding. Yesterday, I visited with two families that were having health issues - family members in the hospital. You know, even when you are on the road things happen and I'm glad to be able to pray and give comfort to these. When God lead us into this ministry, I never questioned Him, we just went. I knew He knew what he was doing. You see, we have to put what we believe into action.


I pray you are following what God is leading you to do. I also thank you for praying for us, the encouraging phone calls, even the visits from some, and the financial support from a few of you.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.

Don

"Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ." —1 Corinthians 11:1

The great philosopher, Søren Kierkegaard, told a story about ducks that came from an imaginary country where only ducks live.


One Sunday morning, all the mother and father ducks headed to church with their children waddling behind them. They entered the doors and sat in their duck pews, sang songs from their duck hymnals, and gave to underprivileged ducks at the offering time.


When the duck preacher got up to proclaim the message, he was very dynamic. He opened his duck Bible and screamed,


“Ducks, you can fly! You have wings and you can fly like eagles.”


The ducks all clanged, “We can fly, we can fly!”


He asked, “Do you believe you can fly?”


Again, they shouted back, “We can fly, we can fly.”


He screamed again, “We can soar through the skies!”


They all shouted, “Amen.”


With that the pastor closed his duck Bible and dismissed his congregation of ducks.


Then they all waddled back home.


Just a simple reminder today that while your words are important, they can only go so far. So much of the work of passing on our faith takes place when we model it ourselves. To do that, we must make sure that we are working on the issues in our own lives. If we do not, the message we proclaim to others will be very similar to that of the duck pastor. After he told them they could fly, he needed to show them by spreading his own wings and soaring above the clouds.

As we live out what we believe in our lives, we can lead the way for others and make a difference for lifetimes to come.

Never judge

Thanks to my sister, Debbie, for sending this to me.

This is great!
Every day, I thank God for the Blessings that have been bestowed upon me! I ask that I not be judged until you know my full story and have walked that mile in my shoes.

Welcome Home Brothers! We are Brothers Always!
James L. Johnson (Sparks)
CPO USN-Retired Vietnam Veteran
The Patriot's Blood Is The Seed Of Freedom's Tree....Thomas Campbell

Subject: Never Judge

Never Judge.....

'Some people!' snorted a man standing behind me in the long line at the grocery store.

'You would think the manager would pay attention and open another line, said a woman.

I looked to the front of the line to see what the hold up was and saw a well dressed, young woman, trying to get the machine to accept her credit card. No matter how many times she swiped it, the machine kept rejecting it.

'It's one of them welfare card things. Damn people need to get a job like everyone else,' said the man standing behind me.

The young woman turned around to see who had made the comment.

'It was me,' he said,pointing to himself.

The young lady's face began to change expression. Almost in tears, she dropped the welfare card onto the counter and quickly walked out of thestore. Everyone in the checkout line watched as she began running to her car. Never looking back, she got in and drove away.

After developing cancer in 1977 and having had to use food stamps; I had learned never to judge anyone, without knowing the circumstances of their life. This turned out to be the case today.

Several minutes later a young man walked into the store. He went up tothe cashier and asked if she had seen the woman. After describing her,the cashier told him that she had run out of the store, got into her car, and drove away.

'Why would she do that?' asked the man.

Everyone in the line looked around at the fellow who had made the statement.

'I made a stupid comment about the welfare card she was using. Something I shouldn't have said. I'm sorry, said the man.

'Well, that's bad, real bad, in fact. Her brother was killed in Afghanistan two years ago. He had three young children and she has taken on that responsibility. She's twenty years old, single, and now has three children to support,' he said in a very firm voice.

'I'm really truly sorry. I didn't know,' he replied, shaking both his hands about.

The young man asked, 'Are these paid for?' pointing to the shopping cartfull of groceries.

'It wouldn't take her card,' the clerk told him.

'Do you know where she lives?' asked the man who had made the comment.

'Yes, she goes to our church.

'Excuse me,' he said as he made his way to the front of the line. He pulled out his wallet, took out his credit card and told the cashier,

'Please use my card. PLEASE!'

The clerk took his credit card and began to ring up the young woman's groceries.

loading his own groceries onto the belt to be included.

'Come on people. We got three kids to help raise!' he told everyone in line.

Everyone began to place their groceries onto the fast moving belt. A few customers began bagging the food and placing it into separate carts.

'Go back and get two big turkeys,' yelled a heavyset woman, as she looked at the man.

'NO,' yelled the man.

Everyone stopped dead in their tracks. The entire store became quiet for several seconds.

'Four turkeys,' yelled the man.

Everyone began laughing and went back to work. When all was said and done, the man paid a total of $1,646.57 for the groceries.

He then walked over to the side pulled out his check book, and began writing a check using the bags of dog food piled near the front of the store for a writing surface. He turned around and handed the check to the young man.

'She will need a freezer and a few other things as well,' he told the man.

The young man looked at the check and said,

'This is really very generous of you.'

'No,' said the man. 'Her brother was the generous one.'

Everyone in the store had been observing the odd commotion and began to clap.

And I drove home that day feeling very American."

We live in the Land of the free, because of the Brave!

Remember ourTroops of Yesterday and Today !

Kindness is the language the blind can see and the deaf can hear. - MarkTwain

A great example of why we should be kind, patient and non-judgemental.

Enjoy Life, You only get one try at it.

Blessings to you and yours

Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

'This is the day the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.'Psalm 118:24

If this doesn't touch you what does it take?

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

It is Thursday but Sunday is coming and LaVon and I are in Norman, Ok. We are staying with her mom, helping her get back to her old ways. Yesterday wasn't a good day for her. We don't know how long we will be here or what the future holds. We ask you to be in prayer with us as we travel this road.

I read this today. As always, it fits our life.

Thanks for your emails, phone calls and prayers. You are very important to us.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on,
Don

"Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies."—Psalm 34:12-13

"Difficult times help us appreciate the good times. Without some failure, we cannot fully appreciate success.

How often do we catch ourselves saying, “I’m having a bad day”? It is an amazing fact that our brains can convince our bodies they are sick. We’re like the little boy who creates a stomachache so he won’t have to go to school. And, we also have the ability to make every day pretty good. Waking up with a positive attitude, ready to face anything in the strength of the Lord just about guarantees a good day. The Psalmist adds to the verse above with these words: “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Good days are like mountain peaks. There is a journey, a struggle to get to the top of a mountain, but once there…the view is awesome and the climb worth it.

God wants to help us have good days. In fact, He promises to be with us for every event, every step, for every day. God gives us the confidence to find the good and to just be good! One of the best things about having a good day is that it affects everyone around us. Our good days make other people have better days. Our good days demonstrate the love of Jesus in us. And that is why we live!"

May you have a good day!

Sunday's Coming

Good morning from Branson,

I pray all is well with you. God has continued to use us and I pray we continue to follow Him where He leads.

We turned down an assignment in Arizona for the winter opting to stay somewhat closer, for our mothers both have been ailing. I urge you to keep us in your prayers that we do what God calls us to do.

Thanks for your prayers, emails and phone calls. You will never know what they mean to us.

A special thank you to the few of you that heard and responded to God's leading to help us financial, you will be blessed.

A friend sent me the following this morning and I pray it touches you as it did me.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on,
Don.

'The Cab Ride'

When I arrived at 2:30 a.m., the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window.

Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, and then drive away.

But I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself. So I walked to the door and knocked.

'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice.

I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.

There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.

She kept thanking me for my kindness.

'It's nothing', I told her. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated'.

'Oh, you're such a good boy', she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'

'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly.

'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice'.

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening.

'I don't have any family left,' she continued. 'The doctor says I don't have very long.'

I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.

We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'

We drove in silence to the address she had given me.It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.

Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?' she asked, reaching into her purse.

'Nothing,' I said

'You have to make a living,' she answered.

'There are other passengers,' I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.

'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said.

'Thank you.'

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift?

What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.

But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID, ~BUT~THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

You won't get any big surprise in 10 days if you send this to ten people. But, you might help make the world a little kinder and more compassionate by sending it on.

Thank you, my friend...

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance.

Sunday's Coming

Good morning from Branson,

May we be an encoragement to each other.

The free medical clinic is taking shape: we have a building, doctors, nurses, some helpers and are looking for others. God continues to show Himself mighty.

The park we are staying has had more people than last year. KOA, across the street, has been down in numbers, but no matter how big the crowd we still praise the Lord and share the gospel.

I read this today and felt compelled to share. I hope it speaks to you the way it did to me.

Thanks again for your prayers, encouraging emails and phone calls, and your financial support. The giving this summer is way down so without you helping us we could not continue this great work.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on,
Don

"Raising My Sights"

"My six-year-old granddaughter, Caitlynd, and I stopped at a Tim Horton's donut shop for a blueberry muffin. As we were going out the door, a young teenage boy was coming in.

This young man had no hair on the sides of his head and tuft of blue spiked hair on top of it. One of his nostrils was pierced, and attached to the hoop that ran through the hole, was a chain that draped across his face and attached to a ring he was wearing in his ear. He held a skateboard under one arm and a basketball under the other.

Caitlynd, who was walking ahead of me, stopped in her tracks when she saw the teen. I thought he'd scared the dickens out of her and she'd frozen on the spot.

I was wrong.

My GrandAngel backed up against the door and opened it as wide as it would go. Now I was face to face with the young man. I stepped aside and let him pass. His gracious response was a kind, "Thank you very much".

On our way to the car, I commended Caitlynd for her manners in holding open the door for the young man. She didn't seem to be troubled by his appearance but I wanted to make sure. If a grandmotherly talk about freedom of self expression and allowing people their differences was in order, I wanted to be ready.

As it turned out, the person who needed the talk was me.

The only thing Caitlynd noticed about the teen, was the fact that his arms were full. "He woulda' had a hard time to open the door."

I saw the partially shaved head, the tuft of spiked hair, the piercings and the chain. She saw a person carrying something under each arm and heading toward a door.

In the future, I hope to get down on her level and raise my sights."

Sunday's Coming

Good morning from Branson, Mo.

The sun is shining at last and looks like a beautiful day or two in store.

I pray all is well with you.

God has been using us and a lot of exciting things are going on. The free health clinic is taking shape. The ministry is going great as people come to church and God touches their hearts. We visit every day with many different people as God shows us where He is at work and we join Him there.

I encourage you to keep us in your prayers.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on,

Don

Magic Penny

This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.—1 Thessalonians 5:11

Do you remember the song about the Magic Penny? Here are the first two verses to refresh your memory:
Love is something if you give it away,

Give it away, give it away.

Love is something if you give it away,

You end up having more.
It's just like a magic penny,

Hold it tight and you won't have any.

Lend it, spend it, and you'll have so many

They'll roll all over the floor.

(Song written by Malvina Reynolds)

One way to give love away to others is by encouraging them. Since we are made in the image of God, we all possess some of God’s great qualities. So even if we are not always kind, or always honest, or always selfless, and so on, there are times when each of us displays those qualities (even if it is just for a moment!). When we encourage others, we have opportunity to move them closer to God’s design for them when we recognize God’s wonderful traits in that person.

Sometimes we don’t encourage others for a variety of reasons. Perhaps we are too busy and self-absorbed. Or, perhaps pride and jealousy keep us from affirming others, or maybe we are afraid of being misunderstood. When we withhold encouragement, we can actually become agents of discouragement to others. When we withhold encouragement, we withhold love.
When we encourage and show love, it is just like the magic penny. When we hold it close, we have none. When we give it away, it comes back tenfold.
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Sunday's Coming

Good morning friends,

Thanks for your prayers. My shingles seem to be going away and I'm feeling better.

The ministry here in Branson is going well we have had two good services and already had the oportunity to help people see that God is real and that He loves them.

I read this devotional this morning and it sounds like my heart. You see, we had a dream to take the gospel to people wherever they are, to lead them to Christ and this is happening, but we need your support. We need you praying, encouraging us and also giving financially so the work can continue.

Thanks again, have a great day, love you and pass it on,
Don

Ideas Need Friends Too
This devotional was written by Dan Johnson

Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.—Matthew 7:6

Have you ever been so excited to share a dream or idea that you shared your valuable secret with a less than worthy confidante? Perhaps in an effort to find support for your world-changing plan, you “cast your pearl before a swine” and went away disappointed or let down. Many times, I have looked for a kindred soul who has the ability, the attitude and the willingness to help foster what may or may not be a world-changing idea but is, at the very least, a cherished hope. If you’ve been in this situation, don’t lose heart and don’t stop believing. You have the pearls. Now you just need someone who enjoys them.

Mark Victor Hansen and Jack Canfield had an idea for a book. They enthusiastically set out with a proposal and in no time received 33 rejection letters from publishers. They were turned down by 134 more at the annual booksellers’ convention. Finally a small publisher agreed to take on their project, but not before they agreed to buy the first 20,000 copies themselves. And they were hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt. After their book appeared, it took nearly 14 months of almost nonstop work and promotion to hit the bestseller lists. Today, their book series, Chicken Soup, has sold over 100 million copies and generated more than a billion dollars in sales. Why? Because they persisted in what they knew was a God-given dream even when swine outnumbered pearl lovers more than 100:1.

Most people don’t want to be dream crushers. They are simply too busy, too limited in their imagination or are unable to grasp what means so much to you. Take heart. God has put life and energy in you today. There are unique contributions that only you can make to the world. Without you, the world would be a poorer place. Keep honing the dream, understanding that the “dead ends” and delays are only part of the process God is using to develop the character inside that will sustain you when your dream becomes a reality. Persist; the journey is the point. And keep your eyes open for those who are eyeing you to see if you, too, may be a lover of fine pearls.

Sunday's Coming

Loneliness can be a lifelong challenge or a short-term event. The length of the experience is often determined by how we deal with it. Turning to the Lord can help us find our way through the fog of isolation.

You can admit to lonely feelings. Being a Christian doesn't disqualify us from sometimes having a sense of seclusion. Many of David's Psalms speak of his longing for companionship. When we express our feelings to the Father and cry out for His touch, He will answer. I often tell God that I need Him to wrap His arms around me. His response is just as real as if a human being walked in and hugged me.

You should develop godly relationships. We should pray for friends who'll point us toward the Lord whether we're in good times or bad. These are the loved ones who see our faults and like us anyway. ( from In Touch devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley)

Thank you for your prayers. We made it to Branson yesterday and to the park we were to be parked, but things didn't work out and at that moment we felt all alone. What to do, where to go. LaVon called the park we were in last year and they had a spot so we pulled in there to a great reception. LaVon had asked me on the way to Oak Grove, if God was telling me anything? To my dismay, I said know. After we set up I went back to the office to make our plans and was received so graciously, I felt the Lord saying, "I am not through with you here" and all of a sudden I didn't feel alone anymore. So we are staying and working here at Oak Grove RV Park again this summer.

Keep us in your prayers, have agreat day, love you, pass it on,
Don

Sunday's Coming!

Good morning,

I pray all is well with you today. Our time here in Norman is going fast. Next week we will be off to Tulsa for a week to be with our daughter and family there.

Also, I am preaching at a church in Eufala, Ok. on the 18th.

A friend sent me this today and I wanted to share a great message. When we are in the mud puddles of life, know God is with us to protect and help us out. I had food poisoning this week and have been very sick, my mud puddle, but am getting better, Thanks Lord!

Have a great day, love you, pass it on, Don

Dan.Spagone@comcast.net wrote: JESUS & THE MUD PUDDLE (You gotta believe a 6 year old)

Howard County Sheriff Jerry Marr got a disturbing call one Saturday afternoon a few months ago. His 6-year-old grandson Mikey had been hit by a car while fishing in Greentown with his dad.

The father and son were near a bridge by the Kokomo Reservoir when a women lost control of her car, slid off the bridge and hit Mikey at a rate of about 50 mph.

Sheriff Marr had seen the results of accidents like this and feared the worst. When he got to Saint Joseph Hospital, he rushed thorough the Emergency Department to find Mikey consci ous and in fairly good spirits.

"Mikey, what happened?" Sheriff Marr asked. Mikey replied, 'Well, Papaw, I was fishin' with Dad, and some lady runned me over, I flew into a mud puddle, and broke my fishin' pole and I didn't get to catch no fish!"

As it turned out, the impact propelled Mikey about 500 feet, over a few trees and an embankment and into the middle of a mud puddle. His only injuries were to his right femur bone which had broken in two places. Mikey had surgery to place pins in his leg. Otherwise the boy is fine.

Since all the boy could talk about was that his fishing pole was broken, the Sheriff went out to Walmart and bought him a new one while he was in surgery so he could have it when he came out.

The next day the Sheriff sat with Mikey to keep him company in the hospital. Mikey was enjoying his new fishing pole and talked about when he could go fishing again as he cast into the trash can.

When they were alone, Mikey, just as matter-of-factly, said, "Papaw, did you know Jesus is real?"

"Well," the Sheriff replied, a little startled. "Yes, Jesus is real to all who believe in him and love him in their hearts."

"No," said Mikey. "I mean Jesus is REALLY real."

"What do you mean?" asked the Sheriff.

"I know he's real 'cause I saw him," said Mikey, still casting into the trash can. "You did?" asked the Sheriff.

"Yep," replied Mikey. "When that lady runned me over and broke my fishing pole, Jesus caught me in his arms and laid me down in the mud puddle."

GIVES YOU GLORY BUMPS DOESN'T IT!?!?

Sunday's Coming...

Good morning,

Hope all is well with you today. Today is my birthday and just a quick thank you to the emails I have received. You continue to encourage me.

I get to preach this evening at Cowboy Church here in Norman and tell about the ministry God has called us to. As I was thinking about all He has done through us, I read this devotional today and would like to share it with you.

Success or Fruitfulness?

Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. —Matthew 7:17-19 (NASB)
And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit, and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.—Matthew 13:23

It may not occur to you when you see fruit growing on a tree or laying on a shelf at the local grocery store…you may not think that, from God’s perspective, He wants you to be more like a fruit tree than a successful corporation. We might look at profit margins and stock portfolios to measure a person’s importance in the world. We might be impressed with nice cars and big homes as measures that a person has “made it” in our culture. How different that is from the picture that Jesus gives us as He speaks of the Kingdom of God. Success isn’t the goal for a person who follows Jesus…fruitfulness is!

Here are a couple of things to think about when it comes to fruitfulness:

* first of all, every tree is supposed to bear fruit. If it doesn’t, you would assume that something is wrong. When God plants His Spirit within you, something should be happening. Not only should we be able to see deeper devotion but also a growing influence on the relationships and circumstances that fill our lives. That’s fruitfulness.

*Secondly, every tree only bears so much fruit. In other words, there isn’t an infinite amount of fruit that comes from a tree. Every tree has its share of fruit for which it is responsible. When God moves in a believer’s life, He calls us to bear fruit in the sphere of life that we find ourselves day in and day out. We are not responsible to change the world… we ARE responsible for making a difference in the place in life where God places us.

We are not called by God to be successful… we are called to be fruitful! Let’s pray today that God will bless us with the ability to bear MUCH fruit to the glory we are called to be fruitful!

Have a great day, love you, pass it on,
Don

John Budd is in the hospital

I received this email from the manager of Quail Run RV Resort. Glad you are feeling better, but very sorry to hear about John. Give him our love and tell him we are praying for you both.

Jeannie wrote:

"Hi Don and LaVon

Thank you for email so glad you all are well.

Please keep John in your prayers, he has been sick for awhile and now he is in the hospital with a celeulitis of the foot. It is bad.

I finally got over being sick but still trying to get my strengh back.

Thank you for listening to me, but the prayers will help.

Thanks
Jeannie"

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

I know it has been a while and God impressed upon me to send something out today.

We are in Norman, OK and will be here until May 15th, then on to Tulsa for a few days.

We are going to Branson for the summer and will be preaching in two parks again this year. Keep us in your prayers that God continues to use us and safety as we travel. Also, for the support we need to live each day.

I read this today and it tells so much of how I feel.

Back in the 1980's Bette Midler came out with a song that has alwaystouched my heart. The song's title is "You are the Wind Beneath My Wings". The words of the chorus are especially meaningful. Notice them, "Did you ever know that you're my hero, and everything I would like to be? I can fly higher than an eagle, 'causeyou are the wind beneath my wings. It might have appeared to go unnoticed, butI've got it all here in my heart. I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it; I would be nothing with out you."

Actually I hadn't heard or thought about that song for a long time then I ran across an amazing story.

Notice this wonderful testimony to a caring heart:
"Astonished, I watched the man roller-skating toward me on the bicycle path. An owl, wings outstretched, clung to a leather patch on his shoulder. As they got closer, I could tell that the giant bird had lost part of one wing.

The skaterstopped for a breather.

"Twice a day we go out so he can pretend he's flying," the man told me.

"I'm sure he would repay you if he could," I replied.

"He already has," the skater said. "I used to weigh 25 pounds moreand I smoked."

With that, man and bird took off again". ("Life In These UnitedStates", Readers Digest Magazine).

As I contemplated this story, I wondered how many of us have a person who is or has helped us to fly, perhaps to soar when the world has tried to push you down. And I also wondered when might be the last time we thanked them? I am continually astonished! I have many wonderful people in my life that are a constant encouragement to me and I hope I in some small way to return the favor.

There are times that my wing is broken and I am flapping around in circles on the ground then someone comes along. Maybe unknown to you, you help me to fly again and I am astonished at you. Astonished that you care, astonished at God's love seen through you!

Thank you for your love and support, those emails you send, the phone calls just at the right time. You help me to fly again.

Just this week I spoke to a dear friend and he talked of the times he is ready to call it quits and resign from his church then some saint says some encouraging words and he is off and flying again.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on!
Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

First let me thank you for your prayers, we are on the road and yesterday was very windy. We are off to Waco today pray the wind is calm and no rain until we get there and set up.

Our time in Arizona was tremendous we met so many great people and made lasting friendships. God used us in such a mighty way.

Thanks to you who gave to our ministry for without you we couldn't do this.

As you read the following think of us for it speaks volumes.

We Had Joy, We Had Fun...
-----------------------------------
A mother was telling her little girl what her own childhood was like,
" We used to skate outside on a pond. I had a swing made from a tire; it hung from a tree in our front yard. We rode our pony. We picked wild raspberries in the woods."

The little girl was wide-eyed, taking this in. At last she said, "I sure wish I'd gotten to know you sooner!"

"Instructions For Life"
Believe in love at first sight.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on,
Don

Sunday's Coming

Just a note to let you know that we will be leaving Arizona on Monday, March 31st. We have one more service and then we are off to Waco for a couple of weeks then on to Oklahoma.

We ask that you keep us in your prayers as we travel and thank God for how He has used us here.

May the Lord bless and keep you!

Have a great day, love you pass it on.

Don

How To Dance in the Rain

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.

On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.

The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.

I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.

As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?'

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.'

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'


True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.



With all the jokes and fun that is in e-mails, sometimes there is one that comes along that has an important message. This one I thought I could share with you.

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have. I hope you share this with someone you care about. I just did. 'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.'

("Thank You" to Dave Sutton for sharing this with us.)

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

It is a wonderful day, no matter what is going on.

I pray you share the same attitude as me today. We live in a world where people become discouraged, are hurt by others, but we Christians have something very special: God's promises!

"When trials come we can count it all joy."

He is always with us and will do the best for us.

We need to look for someone who is feeling down and share the love of Jesus with them.

My prayer for you today is, first, that you are alright and then, that God will use you today to brighten someones life.

Thanks for being a part of our lives and for the encouranging words by email and phone and in person.

I'm sending along 2 attacments. All you have to do is click on them and read. They are worth the time.

As always,
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Turn on your sound. Click here: Twinkies (Thanks Danny.)

How is what you do every day making someones life better?
Click Here To Watch

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

I hope all is well with you. The weather here has been great, its what I assumed it would be when we came here. It has been cold most of the winter, the locals say it's very unseasonable.


Enough about that. Thanks for keeping us in your prayers. I went to the doctor last Friday and he "upped" my blood pressure meds and low and behold I have felt better. Sunday, I felt so good everyone made comments they sure could tell the difference. So, Praise the Lord! May I continue felling good.


The Lord contiues to use us here. What a great feeling when you know you are in His will. I spoke Sunday on heaven and that I really dont know how it will be. Right now I can only imagine, but one day I will know for sure!

Have a great day, love you. pass it on,
Don

A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side."


Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."


"You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?"


The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.


Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing. I know my Master is there and that is enough."

Lessons on Life (author unknown)

The following pictures are of the same place but taken in different seasons...
Lessons on Life



There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.



The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall.



When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.


The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.


The second son said no it was covered with green buds and full of promise.



The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.



The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.



The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.



He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.


If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall.



Moral lessons:
Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest.
Don't judge life by one difficult season.
Persevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come.



God's sanctifying power is a process!

He will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the LORD has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory. Isaiah 61:3

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

It is that time of week again and I pray all is well with you.

God continues to show himself mighty and is using us for His glory. We had a great day Sunday and we look forward to this week with great anticipation.

Thank you for thinking of us, praying for us and sending those words of encouragement via email. I also want to thank those that have sent money to help us in our ministry you will never know how grateful we are.

Until next week, see you in church.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on
Don

35 Cents

When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

Recommended Reading
Proverbs 22:3-5

The late Adrian Rogers once told a story that humorously shows the serious effects pride can have on a person. He told of a man who walked into a friend's home, bruised and bleeding. When asked what had happened, the injured friend replied, "Well, I was walking down the street and was mugged by two thugs who wanted all of my money. I didn't want to give it to them, so I fought them and fought them and fought them!" His friend then asked how much money he had on him when he was attacked. "Thirty-five cents," he answered. "You fought for 35 cents?" his friend exclaimed. "Yes," the wounded man answered. "I didn't want to reveal my financial situation."

We can laugh at this character's irrational behavior, but how many times have we said or done something in an effort to conceal our true spiritual condition, financial state, or marital health?
The Bible tells us that "A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor" (Proverbs 29:23). A moment of humility will gain more respect than a lifetime of pride. Begin to live a humble life, moment by moment.

"Satan's number one weapon is pride. God's number one defense is humility." Larry Burkett