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Lessons Learned>>>> *1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.**>>>> During my second month of college, our professor>> gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student>> and had breezed through the questions until I read>> the last one:>>>> "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?">> Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the>> cleaning woman several times. She was tall,>> dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name?>>>> I handed in my paper, leaving the last question>> blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if>> the last question would count toward our quiz grade.>>>> "Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers,>> you will meet many people. All are significant. They>> deserve your attent ion and care, even if all you do>> is smile and say "hello.">>>> I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her>> name was Dorothy.**/_>>>> 2. - Second Important Lesson - Pick-up in the Rain_/**>>>> One night, at 11:30 P.M., an older African American>> woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway>> trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had>> broken down and she desperately needed a ride.>> Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.>> A young white man stopped to help her, generally>> unheard of in tho se conflict-filled 1960s. The man>> took her to safety, helped her get assistance and>> put her into a taxicab.>>>> She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his>> address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a>> knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a>> giant console colour TV was delivered to his home. A>> special note was attached..>>>> It read:>> "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway>> the other night. The rain drenched not only my>> clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along.>> Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying>> husband's bedside just before he passed away. God>> bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving>> others.">>>> Sincerely,>> Mrs Nat King Cole.*>>>>>> */_3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those>> who serve._/**>> **>> In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less,>> a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and>> sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in>> front of him.>>>> "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked.>>>> "Fifty cents," replied the waitress.>>>> The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and>> studied the coins in it.>>>> "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired.>>>> By now more people were waiting for a table and the>> waitress was growing impatient.>>>> "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied.>>>> The little boy again counted his coins.>>>> "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said.>>>> The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on>> the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice>> cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress>> came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the>> table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish,>> were two nickels and five pennies..>>>> You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had>> to have enough left to leave her a tip.*>>>>>>>> */_4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path._/**>>>> In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a>> roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if>> anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the>> king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by>> and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the>> King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did>> anything about getting the stone out of the way.>>>> Then a peasant came along carrying a load of>> vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the>> peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the>> stone to the side of the road. After much pushing>> and straining, he finally succeeded. After the>> peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed>> a purse lying in the road where the boulder had>> been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note>> from the King indicating that the gold was for the>> person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The>> peasant learned what many of us never understand!>>>> Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve>> our condition.*>>>>>>>> */_5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts..._/**>>>> Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a>> hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who>> was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only>> chance of recovery appeared to be a blood>> transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had>> miraculously survived the same disease and had>> developed the antibodies needed to combat the>> illness. The doctor explained the situation to her>> little brother, and asked the little boy if he would>> be willing to give his blood to his sister.>>>> I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a>> deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will>> save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in>> bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did,>> seeing the colour returning to her cheek. Then his>> face grew pale and his smile faded.>>>> He looked up at the doctor and asked with a>> trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away".>>>> Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the>> doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his>> sister all of his blood in order to save her.**/_>> _/**/_>> _/**Most importantly.................. "Work like you>> don't need the money, love like you've never been>> hurt, and dance like you do when nobody's watching."*

JOSHUA TIME 345

Let Us Pray -- Washington's prayer
Wednesday, February 22, 2006

WASHINGTON'S PRAYER

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” -- James 5:16

George Washington, born on this day in 1732, prayed this prayer for his beloved United States, showing his belief that Jesus was the Christ and that prayer is answered:

Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy Holy protection…And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the Characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed Religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Likewise, LET US PRAY this earnest prayer with the Father of our Country.

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Dad's poem-you really should read this.If this doesn't touch your heart - then you might as well be dead.Her hair was up in a pony tail,her favorite dress tied with a bow.Today was Daddy's Day at school,and she couldn't wait to go.But her mommy tried to tell her,that she probably should stay home.Why the kids might not understand,if she went to school alone.But she was not afraid; she knew just what to say. What to tell her classmates of why he wasn't there today.But still her mother worried,for her to face this day alone.And that was why once again,she tried to keep her daughter home.But the little girl went to schooleager to tell them all.About a dad she never sees;a dad who never calls.There were daddies along the wall in back, for everyone to meet.Children squir ming impatiently,anxious in their seatsOne by one the teacher called a student from the class. To introduce their daddy, as seconds slowly passed.At last the teacher called her name,every child turned to stare.Each of them was searching,for a man who wasn't there."Where's her daddy at?"she heard a boy call out."She probably doesn't have one,"another student dared to shout.And from somewhere near the back,she heard a daddy say,"Looks like another deadbeat dad,too busy to waste his day."The words did not offend her,as she smiled up at her Mom.And looked back at her teacher,who told her to go on.And with hands behind her back,slowly she began to speak.And out from the mouth of a child,came words incredibly unique."My Daddy couldn't be here,because he lives so far away.But I know he wishes he could be,since this is such a special day.And though you cannot meet him,I wanted you to know.All about my daddy,and how much he loves me so.He loved to tell me storieshe taught me to ride my bike.He surprised me with pink roses,and taught me to fly a kite.We used to share fudge sundaes,and ice cream in a cone.And though you cannot see him.I'm not standing here alone."Cause my daddy's always with me,even though we are apartI know because he told me,he'll forever be in my heart"With that, her little hand reached up,and lay across her chest.Feeling her own heartbeat,beneath her favorite dress.And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads, her mother stood in tears.Proudly watching her daughter,who was wise beyond her years.For she stood up for the loveof a man not in her life.Doing what was best for her,doing what was right.And when she dropped her hand back down, staring straight into the crowd.She finished with a voice so soft,but its message clear and loud."I love my daddy very much,he's my shining star.And if he could, he'd be here,but heaven's just too farYou see he was a policemanand died just this past yearWhen airplanes hit the towersand taught Americans to fear.But sometimes when I close my eyes,it's like he never went away."And then she closed her eyes,and she saw him there that day.And to her mothers amazement,she witnessed with surpriseA room full of daddies and children,all starting to close their eyes.Who knows what they saw before them,who knows what they felt inside.Perhaps for merely a second,they saw him at her side."I know you're with me Daddy,"to the silence she called out.And what happened next made believers,of those once filled with doubt.Not one in that room could explain it,for each of their eyes had been closed.But there on the desk beside her,was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,by the love of her shining star.And given the gift of believing,that heaven is never too far.They say it takes a minute to find a specialperson, an hour to appreciate them,a day to love them, but then an entirelife to forget them.Send this to the people you'll never forget and! remember to send it also to the person that sentit to you. It's a short message to let them knowthat you'll never forget them.If you don't send it to anyone, it means you'rein a hurry and that you've forgotten yourfriends.Take the time...to live and love.Until eternitypost this as " dad's poem

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FROM SOME ONE WHO GOES TO CHURCH KEEP PRAYING

Hello Family & Friends ,,,here is the latest update on my nepfew 'Nick' im keeping updates on my 360*blog,ill try to e-mail often,Thanks to you & yours for your daily support in prayers,im looking forward to hearing Nick's voice & a hug & too hear the warmth of his laughter again soon,im keeping the other guy in my prayers also,it never told about his injurys,when I visit the hospital ill ask Tiffany how hes doing & speak with his parents.
'God Bless You & Yours' Thanks to all for your daily support in prayers. Sincerly Friend:Love Tres*Anne
ps the news paper clipping of the accident is on my 360*blog,youll have to enlarge to read it...ttyl...Take Care...

'Nick'my nepfew - report from Sheila
'Nick' Hey! I am going to try to sneak down to the UK Library each day to check my mail and tell everyone how things are.Today, 2/21/2006 the nurse says things are actually starting to look pretty good. She also said that when someone has a trauma like this they will get some better, then get worse, then get better again. They seem to think this will be a long, long, process. I really don't! I really think things will start to improve daily and continue to do so. They say at least one month in Trauma ICU. I can't even hear that!!!! They will be amazed at his recovery.Next, he is really swollen from the injuries and fluid pumped in to help the blood pressure (50 extra pounds of it). This morning I squeezed his arm gently, just to feel (it has been so tight and in-human feeling) and droplets of fluid came out!!! That made me feel like the body was trying to heal.. I keep getting close to his hear and telling his mind that his body is healed. The mind tells our body when to respond and it has to obey the commands of the mind. Also, he is still on 100% Ventilation (life support) and meds to control blood pressure. Today's goal: start weaning vent and BP meds. Yesterday: feeding tube.Friends and family, I don't know how long I'll be here but, please continue to pray. ROMANS 12:12 "REJOICE IN CONFIDENT HOPE. BE PATIENT IN TROUBLE, and KEEP ON PRAYING"Remember, I love each of you and feel so BLESSED to have the family and friends that I have.Something that anyone can do that wants to, is send Nick a card, post card, or pic. He can get mail here at the hosp. This would be nice to open your eyes to! .Sheila.

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UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE> > I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my> college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher> was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human> being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called> "Smile." The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and> document their reactions. I am a very friendly person and always smile> at everyone and say hello anyway, so, I thought this would be a piece of> cake, literally.> > Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I> went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning. It was just our way of> sharing special play time with our son. We were standing in line,> waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to> back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch...an> overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see> why they had moved.> > As I turned around I smelled a horrible "dirty body" smell, and there> standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the> short gentleman, close to me, he was "smiling." His beautiful sky blue> eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance. He said,> "Good day" as he counted the few coins he had been clutching. The second> man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the> second man was mentally deficient and the blue eyed gentleman was his> salvation. I held my tears as I stood there with them.> > The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said,> "Coffee is all Miss" because that was all they could afford. (If they> wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something.> He just wanted to be warm). Then I really felt it-the compulsion was so> great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue> eyes.> > That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me,> judging my every action. I smiled and asked the young lady behind the> counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then> walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a> resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue> eyed gentleman's cold hand. He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes,> and said, "Thank you." I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, "I> did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you> hope." I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son.> > When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, "That is why God gave> you to me, Honey. To give me hope." We held hands for a moment and at> that time we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given> were we able to give.> > That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love. I returned to> college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned> in "my project" and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and> said, "Can I share this?" I slowly nodded as she got the attention of> the class. She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human> beings and being part of God, share this need to heal people and be> healed. In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my> husband, son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on> the last night I spent as a college student.> > I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn:> UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.> Much love and compassion is to each and every person who may read this> and learn how to LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE> PEOPLE.

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GOD WANTED ME TO TELL YOU > It shall be well with you this year. No matter how much your enemies try >this year, they will not succeed. You have been destined to make it and >you shall surely achieve all your goals this year. For the remaining months of >the year, All your agonies will be diverted and victory and prosperity will >be incoming in abundance. Today God has confirmed the end of your >sufferings sorrows and pains because HE that sits on the throne has >remembered you. He has taken away the hardships and given you JOY. He will >never let you down. I knocked at heaven's door this morning, God asked >me... My child! what can I do for you? And I said, Father, please protect >and bless the person reading this message... God smiled and answered... >Request granted. If you believe, send it to seven persons and the one who >sent it to you. By doing this you have succeeded in praying for eight >people today. > > Have a Blessed Day!!

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WHOA!!!> > Two Jewish sisters-in-law meet at their weekly> > session at the beauty shop. Ruth says to Golda,> > "Such news I got for you, Golda! My Irving is> > finally getting married. He tells me he is engaged> > to this wonderful Jewish girl, but he thinks the> > poor darling may have some strange illness called> > herpes."> >> > After offering congratulations, Golda says to Ruth,> > "So, Ruthie, do you have any idea what is this> > herpes, and can our Irving catch it?"> >> > Ruth answers, "God forbid! But his Papa and I are> > just so happy to hear about his engagement. You know> > how we've all worried about him. Its past time he's> > settled with a nice girl. As far as the herpes goes,> > who knows?"> >> > "Well," Golda says, "I have a very fine medical> > dictionary, you know, Ruthie. I'll just run home> > right now and look it up and call you."> >> > So, Golda goes home, looks it up, and calls Ruth> > excitedly, "Ruth! Ruth! Thank goodness, I found it.> > Not to worry! It says herpes is a disease affecting> > the gentiles."