Friday, December 16, 2005

JOSHUA TIME 237

May the Spirit of Christmas fill your heart and home with love and joy and merriment. The Gold Wrapping Paper A story goes that some time ago a mother punished her 5 year old daughter for wasting a roll of expensive gold wrappingpaper. Money was tight and she became even more upset whenthe child used the gold paper to decorate a box to put under theChristmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift box to hermother the next morning and said, "This is for you, Momma." The mother was embarrassed by her earlier over reaction,but her anger flared again when she opened the box andfound it was empty. She spoke to her daughter in a harsh manner "Don't youknow, young lady, when you give someone a present there'ssupposed to be something inside the package?" She had tears in her eyes and said, "Oh, Momma, it's notempty! I blew kisses into it until it was full." The mother was crushed. She fell on her knees and put herarms around her little girl, and she begged herforgiveness for her thoughtless anger. An accident took the life of the child only a short timelater, and it is told that the mother kept that gold box byher bed for all the years of her life. Whenever she wasdiscouraged or faced difficult problems she would open thebox and take out an imaginary kiss and remember the loveof the child who had put it there. In a very real sense, each of us, as human beings, havebeen given a Golden box filled with unconditional love andkisses from our children, family, friends and GOD. There isno more precious possession anyone could hold. Friends are like angels who lift us to our feet, when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.

MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL

JOSHUA TIME 236

BASKETBALL NBA HOPEFUL RETURNS TO NCAA

SOURCE http://www.lex18.com/Global/story.asp?S=4250217
NCAA Reduces Suspension Of UK's Morris To 14 Games; Center To Return January 10
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NCAA Says UK Center Morris Can Return To Cats January 10
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Indianapolis (AP) -- Kentucky center Randolph Morris' season-long suspension for his attempt to enter the NBA draft was reduced to 14 games by the NCAA on Thursday.
The NCAA cited new information provided by the school for softening its punishment after Morris went undrafted. The information shed more light on Morris' "mindset during that process and his failure to avail himself of university resources," the NCAA said.
A fax Morris sent to Kentucky coach Tubby Smith on May 9, in which Morris informed Smith about his intention to enter the draft, indicated Morris' "clear intent to retain his collegiate eligibility while declaring for the NBA draft," the NCAA said in a statement.
Smith said Thursday he misplaced the original copy of the fax sent by Morris while traveling and only found it last week. In the one-paragraph fax - released by the university on Thursday - Morris told Smith that "my intent is not to obtain an agent so as to maintain my collegiate eligibility."
Earlier this month, an NCAA committee ruled that Morris did have a relationship with sports agency SFX, which released a statement on behalf of Morris on June 21 and was listed as the contact for Morris on a list compiled to help NBA teams arrange pre-draft workouts. But that committee also noted there was no explicit written or oral agreement between Morris and SFX.
Morris, a 6-foot-10 sophomore from Atlanta, must repay expenses related to the tryouts - which amounted to more than $7,000 from nine NBA teams, the NCAA said.
Morris will miss all of Kentucky's nonconference schedule, including a showdown with No. 4 Louisville on Saturday, but will be available for the 23rd-ranked Wildcats' Southeastern Conference opener against Vanderbilt on Jan. 10. He can continue to practice with the Wildcats in the interim and will have two years of eligibility remaining after this season.
"Based on all the information we had and all the extenuating circumstances, both Randolph and we have been very patient waiting for this opportunity," Smith said. "I'm very happy for Randolph, his family and our basketball program."
In his first public comments since the saga began, Morris apologized to Smith, his teammates and Kentucky fans and reaffirmed his intention to play four seasons for the Wildcats.
"In exploring my NBA options, I made poor choices," Morris said. "Those choices included accepting bad advice while putting distance between me and my coaches and teammates at UK. I take full responsibility for those actions.
"It wasn't obvious to me as I was going through this process, but looking back, I now see how my actions were disrespectful to coach Smith and the University of Kentucky. Playing basketball at the University of Kentucky is a privilege that few athletes get to enjoy. I intend to make the most of this opportunity to be a partof the greatest basketball program in America."
Even with the new information, the NCAA said that suspending Morris for half the regular season was justified "based on the seriousness of multiple rules violations involving dealings with an agent and accepting expenses for tryout for NBA teams."
The Wildcats (6-3) have struggled with their inside game without Morris. Smith has rotated a trio of 7-footers - Shagari Alleyne, Lukasz Obrzut and Jared Carter - at times, and also has used a smaller starting lineup without a true center in several games. That strategy worked against the lesser teams on Kentucky's schedule but not so well in losses to Iowa, North Carolina and Indiana - the last a 26-point blowout.
Morris' return can do nothing but help, Smith said.
"Randolph is a very talented player," Smith said. "He's trimmed down a lot. His attitude has been very good. We have never had one problem with him on or off the court this year. He has been a role model student in the classroom since he's been here and the same on the court. Coming back, he has been more focused than ever to prove he deserves another chance."
On Dec. 8, the NCAA's Student-Athlete Reinstatement Staff restored Morris' eligibility but said he would have to sit out the entire season. Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart said then the university would immediately appeal to the NCAA's Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee, which would have been Kentucky's final method of appeal through the NCAA.
But because of the new information provided by the university, the staff reconsidered its decision before an appeal could be heard, the NCAA's statement said. Smith said that NCAA President Myles Brand even became involved in the organization's decision-making process on the Morris case and called Brand "a voice of reason" in the case.
Sandy Bell, Kentucky's NCAA compliance director, said the university "was pleased with the timely manner in which the reconsideration was made. The University of Kentucky considers this decision to be fair based upon the facts of the case."
Bell said the decision would not be appealed.
Morris started 33 of 34 games last season, averaging 8.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game as Kentucky finished 28-6.
Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved

Thursday, December 15, 2005

JOSHUA TIME 235

Thanksgiving Blessing
Lord, today I am so truly
thankful for so many things.


You have blessed me in so many ways.
I thank You for the wonderful country
I live in...and for all its many heroes.
I thank You Lord for my wonderful family
and friends. They are my greatest blessing.
Thank You Lord for the creatures you have put
on earth for us all. They teach us so much,
unconditional love, loyalty, and understanding.
I ask You Lord that all who suffer with illness
have this day free from pain.
Thank You Lord for all who have tables filled
with food and someone to share it with.
And for those that have no family or food,
Lord, I ask that You comfort them.
I thank You Lord for the time I had with my
loved ones that have gone on to be with You.
They shall always be loved and greatly missed.
Thank You Lord for allowing me to have love
and understanding in my heart.
It is these many blessings that make my
humble life happy and fulfilled.
Thank You Lord…..Amen
May your Thanksgivingbe blessed with love and peace.

JOSHUA TIME 234

~ Be Thankful ~
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.If you did, what would there be to look forward to?Be thankful when you don't know something,for it gives you the opportunity to learn.Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.Be thankful for your limitations,because they give you opportunities for improvement.Be thankful for each new challenge,because it will build your strength and character.Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.Be thankful when you're tired and weary,because it means you've made a difference.It's easy to be thankful for the good things.A life of rich fulfillment comes to those whoare also thankful for the setbacks.Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,and they can become your blessings.

JOSHUA TIME 233

A Christmas Story It was only five days before Christmas. The spirit of the season hadn't yet caught up with me, even though cars packed the parking lot of our Houston area Target Shopping Center. Inside the store, it was worse. Shopping carts and last minute shoppers jammed the aisles. Why did I come today? I wondered. My feet ached almost as much as my head. My list contained names of several people who claimed they wanted nothing but I knew their feelings would be hurt if I didn't buy them anything. Buying for someone who had everything and deploring the high cost of items, I considered gift-buying anything but fun. Hurriedly, I filled my shopping cart with last minute items and proceeded to the long checkout lines. I picked the shortest but it looked as if it would mean at least a 20 minute wait. In front of me were two small children - a boy of about 10 and a younger girl about 5. The boy wore a ragged coat. Enormously large, tattered tennis shoes jutted far out in front of his much too short jeans. He clutched several crumpled dollar bills in his grimy hands. The girl's clothing resembled her brother's. Her head was a matted mass of curly hair. Reminders of an evening meal showed on her small face. She carried a beautiful pair of shiny, gold house slippers. As the Christmas music sounded in the store's stereo system, the girl hummed along off-key but happily. When we finally approached the checkout register, the girl carefully placed the shoes on the counter. She treated them as though they were a treasure. The clerk rang up the bill. "That will be $6.09," she said. The boy laid his crumpled dollars atop the stand while he searched his pockets. He finally came up with $3.12. "I guess we will have to put them back, " he bravely said. "We will come back some other time, maybe tomorrow." With that statement, a soft sob broke from the little girl. "But Jesus would have loved these shoes, " she cried. "Well, we'll go home and work some more. Don't cry. We'll come back," he said. Quickly, I handed $3.00 to the cashier. These children had waited in line for a long time. And, after all, it was Christmas. Suddenly a pair of arms came around me and a small voice said, "Thank you Sir." "What did you mean when you said Jesus would like the shoes?" I asked. The small boy answered, "Our mommy is sick and going to heaven. Daddy said she might go before Christmas to be with Jesus." The girl spoke, "My Sunday school teacher said the streets in heaven are shiny gold, just like these shoes. Won't mommy be beautiful walking on those streets to match these shoes?" My eyes flooded as I looked into her tear streaked face. "Yes" I answered, "I am sure she will." Silently I thanked God for using these children to remind me of the true spirit of giving. Christmas is not about the amount of money paid, nor the amount of gifts purchased, nor trying to impress friends and relatives. Christmas is about the love in your heart to share with those as Jesus Christ has shared with each of us. Christmas is about the Birth of Jesus whom God sent to show the world how much he really loves us. Please show this love as we think of the upcoming season. Author

JOSHUA TIME 232

For up to date weather information

ALSO CHECK OUT www.wtvq.com to download the weather bug
www.wkyt.com to download a current news and weather on your desktop and finally one that I love to promote is http://lex18.com/global/story.asp?s=1189786
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FROM MY.WEATHER.COM PAGE
10-Day Forecast forLondon, KY (40744)
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On The Spot Weather Choose LocationSchoolsGolf CoursesIntersectionsLocal ParksAirportsEvent VenuesSki AreasNew Search
Forecast Conditions
High/Low °F
Precip.Chance
High Temperatures Low Temperatures Precipitation
TodayDec 15
Rain
42°/29°
70%
42°F
Get Tips for Driving in the Rain
FriDec 16
Mostly Cloudy
38°/24°
10%
38°F
SatDec 17
Partly Cloudy
41°/25°
10%
41°F
SunDec 18
AM Clouds / PM Sun
39°/21°
10%
39°F
MonDec 19
Few Snow Showers
30°/16°
30%
30°F
TueDec 20
Few Snow Showers
36°/19°
30%
36°F
WedDec 21
Mostly Sunny
38°/18°
10%
38°F
ThuDec 22
Sunny
39°/26°
10%
39°F
FriDec 23
Sunny
41°/27°
0%
41°F
SatDec 24
Partly Cloudy
45°/30°
20%
45°F
Last Updated Dec 15, 10:51 AM ET
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Wednesday, December 14, 2005

JOSHUA TIME 231

Merry Christmas...
Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas
ckick on the attachment below and follow instructions......
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=0212320003

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

JOSHUA TIME 230

A Hug Certificate for You!

This poem is very sweet. It will be interesting to see who sends it
back. Forward this on and back. I'm counting on you not to let me be the
number one type person on the list below, but if you've got better things
to do, then at least you'll prevent me from being the number six type.
Thanks!
If I could catch a rainbow
I would do it just for you
and share with you its beauty
On the days you're feeling blue.

If I could build a mountain
You could call your very own;
A place to find serenity,
A place to be alone.
If I could take your troubles
I would toss them
But all these things I'm finding
are impossible for me.

I cannot build a mountain
Or catch a rail
But let me be what I know best,
A friend who's always there.
This is a Hug Certificate!!

Send One to All Your Friends You Think Deserve A
Hug (Which, Hopefully Includes the Person Who
Sent It to You).
You might send it to your enemies as well!
It'll really tick 'em off!

If you don't receive this back .. nobody likes you, and they wish
you'd stop bugging them.

If you receive this back 1 time ... Open up! Find
more friends, enemies, or enemies pretending to be friends .

If you receive this back 2 times . You're off to a good start unless
you sent it to yourself - that's cheating!

If you receive this back 3 times. You're a good friend

If you receive this back 4 times ..... You are popular,
-- I wanna be just like you.

If you receive this back 5 times or more. There are Angels watching
over you....

If you get this back many more times than that, for cryin' out loud,
get off the computer and get a life!
s
Worry doesn't help tomorrow's troubles,
but it does ruin today's happiness.

JOSHUA TIME 229

If I don't get this back, I will know you really didn't read it. I got this from someone andthought the last part was really a good thought. Too bad that the person who sent it to me didnot know 10 people who would admit to knowing the Lord.
If I send this to you, please send it back so I will know that my friends do know the Lord.

I know 10 people.

Do You Love Him?

This is a simple test:

IF YOU LOVE JESUS, SENDTHIS TO AT LEAST 10 PEOPLE, INCLUDING THE PERSON WHO SENT IT TO YOU!

THE POEM I knelt to pray but not for long, I had too much to do. I had to hurry and get to work For bills would soon be due. So I knelt and said a hurried prayer, And jumped up off my knees. My Christian duty was now done My soul could rest at ease..... All day long I had no time To spread a word of cheer No time to speak of Christ to friends, They'd laugh at me I'd fear. No time, no time, too much to do, That was my constant cry, No time to give to souls in need But at last the time, the time to die. I went before the Lord, I came, I stood with downcast eyes. For in his hands God! held a book; It was the book of life. God looked into his book and said "Your name I cannot find I once was going to write it down... But never found the time" Now do you have the time to pass it on?

Monday, December 12, 2005

JOSHUA TIME 228

WHAT TREE DID YOU FALL FROM?>>> >> >Find your birthday and then find your tree. This is somewhat accurate. Then send it to all your friends so they can find out what tree they fell from, but don't forget to change the subject line to your tree.Dec 23 to Jan 01 - Apple TreeJan 01 to Jan 11 - Fir TreeJan 12 to Jan 24 - Elm TreeJan 25 to Feb 03 - CypressTreeFeb 04 to Feb 08 - Poplar TreeFeb 09 to Feb 18 - Cedar TreeFeb 19 to Feb 28 - Pine TreeMar 01 to Mar 10 - Weeping Willow TreeMar 11 to Mar 20 - Lime TreeMar 21 (only) -Oak TreeMar 22 to Mar 31 - Hazelnut TreeApr 01 to Apr 10 - Rowan Tree*Apr 11 to Apr 20 - Maple TreeApr 21 to Apr 30 - Walnut TreeMay 01 to May 14 - Poplar Tree*May 15 to May 24 - Chestnut TreeMay 25 to Jun 03 - Ash TreeJun 04 to Jun 13 - Hornbeam TreeJun 14 to Jun 23 - Fig TreeJun 24 (only) - Birch TreeJun 25 to Jul 04 - Apple TreeJul 05 to Jul 14 - Fir TreeJul 15 to Jul 25 -Elm TreeJul 26 to Aug 04 - CypressTreeAug 05 to Aug 13 - Poplar TreeAug 14 to Aug 23 - Cedar TreeAug 24 to Sep 02 - Pine TreeSep 03 to Sep 12 - Weeping WillowTreeSep 13 to Sep 22 - Lime TreeSep 23 (only) - Olive TreeSep 24 to Oct 03 - Hazelnut TreeOct 04 to Oct 13 - Rowan Tree Oct 14 to Oct 23 - Maple TreeOct 24 to Nov 11 - Walnut TreeNov 12 to Nov 21 - Chestnut TreeNov 22 to Dec 01 - Ash TreeDec 02 to Dec 11 - Hornbeam TreeDec 12 to Dec 21 - Fig TreeDec 22 (only) - Beech TreeYOUR TREE (in alphabetical order)Apple Tree (Love) -- quiet and shy at times, lots of charm, appeal, and attraction, pleasant attitude, flirtatious smile, adventurous, sensitive,loyal in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, many talents, loves children, needs affectionatepartner.Ash Tree (Ambition) -- extremely attractive, vivacious,impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be very egotistic, reliable,restless lover, sometimes money rules over the heart, demands attention, needs love and much emotional support.Beech Tree (Creative) -- has good taste, concerned aboutits looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, Reasonable, splendidlifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.).Birch Tree (Inspiration) -- vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, Unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.Cedar Tree (Confidence) -- of rare strength, knows how toadapt, likes unexpected presents, of good health, not in the least shy, tendsto look down on others, self-confident, a great speaker, determined,often impatient, likes to impress others, has many talents,industrious, healthy optimism, waits for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.Chestnut Tree (Honesty) -- of unusual stature, Impressive,well-developed sense of justice, fun to be around, a planner, born diplomat,can be irritated easily, sensitive of others feelings, hard worker,sometimes acts superior, feels not understood at times, fiercely familyoriented, very loyal in love, physically fit. Cypress Tree (Faithfulness) - strong, muscular, adaptable,takes what life has to give but doesn't necessarily like it, strives to becontent, optimistic, wants to be financially independent, wants love and affection, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered at times, can be unruly and careless, loves to gain knowledge, needs to be needed. Elm Tree (Noble-mindedness) -- pleasant shape, tastefulclothes, modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions forothers, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.Fig Tree (Sensibility) -- very strong minded, a bitself-willed, honest, loyal, independent, hates contradiction or arguments, hardworker when wants to be, loves life and friends, enjoys children and animals, few sexual relationships, great sense of humor, has artistic talent andgreat intelligence.Fir tree (Mysterious) -- extraordinary taste, handles stress well, loves anything beautiful, stubborn, tends to care for those close to them, hard to trust others, yet a social butterfly, likes idleness andlaziness after long demanding hours at work, rather modest, talented, unselfish,many friends, very reliable.Hazelnut Tree (Extraordinary) -- charming, sense of humor,very demanding but can also be very understanding, knows how to make a lasting impression, active fighter for social causes and politics, popular, quite moody, sexually oriented, honest, a perfectionist, has a precise sense of judgment and expects complete fairness.Hornbeam Tree (Good Taste) -- of cool beauty, cares forits looks and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life ascomfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks forkindness and acknowledgment in an emotional partner, dreams of unusuallovers, is seldom happy with its feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, very conscientious.Lime Tree (Doubt) - intelligent, hard working, accepts what life dishes out, but not before trying to change bad circumstances into good ones, hates fighting and stress, enjoys getaway vacations, may appear tough, but is actually soft and relenting, always willing to make sacrificesfor family and friends, has many talents but not always enough time to use them, can become a complainer, great leadership qualities, is jealous at times but extremely loyal.Maple Tree (Independence of Mind) -- no ordinary person, full of imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.Oak Tree (Brave) -- robust nature, courageous, strong,unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet onthe ground, person of action.Olive Tree (Wisdom) -- loves sun, warmth and kind feelings, reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.Pine Tree (Peacemaker) -- loves agreeable company, cravespeace and harmony, loves to help others, active imagination, likes towrite poetry, not fashion conscious, great compassion, friendly to all, falls strongly in love but will leave if betrayed or lied to,emotionally soft, low self esteem, needs affection and reassurance.Poplar Tree (Uncertainty) -- looks very decorative, talented,not very self-confident, extremely courageous if necessary, needsgoodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, greatanimosity, great artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean towardphilosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.*Rowan Tree (Sensitivity) -- full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egotism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste,artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.*Walnut Tree (Passion) -- unrelenting, strange and full ofcontrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpectedreactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingeniousstrategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromise.Weeping Willow (Melancholy) - likes to be stress free, loves family life, full of hopes and dreams, attractive, veryempathetic, loves anything beautiful, musically inclined, loves to travel to exotic places, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with when pressured, sometimes demanding, good intuition, suffers in love until they find that one loyal, steadfast partner; loves to make otherslaugh.

JOSHUA TIME 227

John 3:16 A little boy was selling newspapers on the corner, the people were in and out of the cold. The little boy was so cold that he wasn't trying to sell many papers. He walked up to a policeman and said, "Mister, you wouldn't happen to know where a poor boy could find a warm place to sleep tonight would you? You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and down the alley and it's awful cold in there for tonight. Sure would be nice to have a warm place to stay." The policeman looked down at the little boy and said, "You go down the street to that big white house and you knock on the door. When they come out the door you just say John 3:16, and they will let you in." So he did. He walked up the steps and knocked on the door, and a lady answered. He looked up and said, "John 3:16." The lady said, "Come on in, Son." She took him in and she sat him down in a split bottom rocker in front of a great big old fireplace, and she went off. The boy sat there for a while and thought to himself:! John 3:16...I don't understand it, but it sure makes a cold boy warm. Later she came back and asked him "Are you hungry?" He said, "Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of days, and I guess I could stand a little bit of food," The lady took him in the kitchen and sat him down to a table full of wonderful food. He ate and ate until he couldn't eat any more. Then he thought to himself: John 3:16...Boy, I sure don't understand it but it sure makes a hungry boy full. She took him upstairs to a bathroom to a huge bathtub filled with warm water, and he sat there and soaked for a while. As he soaked, he thought to himself: John 3:16... I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a dirty boy clean. You know, I've not had a bath, a real bath, in my whole life. The only bath I ever had was when I stood in front of that big old fire hydrant as they flushed it out. The lady came in and got him. She took him to a room, tucked him into a big old feather bed, pulled the covers up around his neck, kissed him goodnight and turned out the lights. As he lay in the darkness and looked out the window at the snow c! oming down on that cold night, he thought to himself: John 3:16...I don't understand it but it sure makes a tired boy rested. The next morning the lady came back up and took him down again to that same big table full of food. After he ate, she took him back to that same big old split bottom rocker in front of the fireplace and picked up a big old Bible. She sat down in front of him and looked into his young face. "Do you understand John 3:16?" she asked gently. He replied, "No, Ma'am, I don't. The first time I ever heard it was last night when the policeman told me to use it," She opened the Bible to John 3:16 and began to explain to him about Jesus. Right there, in front of that big old fireplace, he gave his heart and life to Jesus. He sat there and thought: John 3:16 --! don't understand it, but it sure makes a lost boy feel safe. You know, I have to confess I don't understand it either, how God was willing to send His Son to die for me, and how Jesus would agree to do such a thing. I don't understand the agony of the Father and every angel in heaven as they watched Jesus suffer and die. I don't understand the intense love for ME that kept Jesus on the cross till the end I don't understand it, but it sure does make life worth living. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. If you aren't ashamed to do this, please follow the directions. Jesus said, "If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before my Father." Pass this on only if you mean it. I do Love God. He is my source of existence.. He keeps me functioning each and every day. Phil 4:13 If you love God and are not ashamed of all the marvelous things he h! as done for you, send this on. Take 60 seconds & give this a shot! Let's just see if Satan stops this one. All you do is: 1) Simply say a small prayer for the person who! sent you this, "Father, God bless this person in whatever it is that You know he or she may be needing this day!" 2) Then send it on to ten other people. Within hours ten people have prayed for you, and you caused a multitude of people to pray to God for other people. Then sit back and watch the power of God work in your life for doing the thing that you know He loves.
God Bless You

JOSHUA TIME 226

This is a good one! Please read.


The "W" in ChristmasEach December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old.For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation.All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads.Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"And, I believe, He still is.Amazed in His presence....humbled by His love.Again, HAVE A BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON!

JOSHUA TIME 225

Who Started This Christmas Stuff?
A woman was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable; and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.
She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year. Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.
Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot." From the back of the car, everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't worry, we already crucified Him." For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how much better this whole world would be.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season

JOSHUA TIME 224

~ D E A T H ~WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO EXPLAIN IT 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." READ AND RETURN (sorry - cannot break this) May today there be peace within you. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.

Sunday, December 11, 2005

JOSHUA TIME 223

80 year old woman was arrested for shop lifting. When she went before the judge he asked her, "What did you steal?"She replied: “A can of peaches.”The judge asked her why she had stolen them and she replied that she was hungry. The judge then asked her how many peaches were in the can. She replied, “6.”The judge then said, "I will give you 6 days in jail." Before the judge could actually pronounce the punishment the woman's husband spoke up and asked the judge if he could say something.The judge said, “What is it?"The husband said, "She also stole a can of peas."
WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM

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