JOSHUA TIME 409

CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESSAn Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."1. Pray2. Go to bed on time.3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.5. Delegate tasks to capable others.6. Simplify and unclutter your life.7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)8. Allow extra time t o do things and to get to places.9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.10. Take one day at a time.11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble. 15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.17. Get enough rest.18. Eat right.19. Get organized so everything has its place.20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.22. Every day, find time to be alone.23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.24. Make friends with Godly people.25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."27. Laugh.28. Laugh some more!29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).32. Sit on your ego.33. Talk less; listen more.34. Slow down.35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)My instructions were to send this to four people that I wanted God to bless and I picked you. I decided to send it to more than four, because I didn 't want to limit blessings. SEND IT FORWARD PLEASE, not backward!

JOSHUA TIME 408

I want to thank those who have visited my site and continue to visit JOSHUA TIME. Please be sure and check the archives, as I feel my best writings are in my archives.

JOSHUA TIME 407

The Secret

One day, one friend asked another,
"How is it that you are always so happy?
You have so much energy,
and you never seem to get down."


With her eyes smiling, she said,
"I know the Secret!"
"What secret is that?"
To which she replied,
"I'll tell you all about it,
but you have to promise to
share the Secret with others."

"The Secret is this:
I have learned there is little I can do
in my life that will make me truly happy.
I must depend on God to make
me happy and to meet my needs.
When a need arises in my life,
I have to trust God to supply
according to HIS riches.
I have learned most of the time
I don't need half of what I think I do.
He has never let me down.
Since I learned that 'Secret', I am happy."


The questioner's first thought was,
"That's too simple!"
But upon reflecting over her own life
she recalled how she thought a bigger house
would make her happy, but it didn't!
She thought a better paying job
would make her happy, but it hadn't.
When did she realize her greatest happiness?
Sitting on the floor with her grandchildren,
playing games, eating pizza or reading a story,
a simple gift from God.


Now you know it too!
We can't depend on people to make us happy.
Only GOD in His infinite wisdom can do that.
Trust HIM!
And now I pass the Secret on to you!
So once you get it, what will you do?


YOU have to tell someone the Secret, too!
That GOD in His wisdom will take care of YOU!
But it's not really a secret...
We just have to believe it and do it...
Really trust God!

JOSHUA TIME 406

Company Policy Changes> > =======================> > > > The following policy changes will go into effect immediately.> > > > > > Dress Code:> > It is advised that you come to work dressed according to your> > salary.> > > > If we see you wearing Prada shoes and carrying a Gucci bag, we> > assume you are doing well financially and therefore do not need> > a raise.> > > > If you dress poorly, you need to learn to manage your money> > better so that you may buy nicer clothes, and therefore you do> > not need a raise.> > > > If you dress just right, you are right where you need to be and> > therefore you do not need raise.> > > > > > Sick Days:> > We will no longer accept a doctor's statement as proof of> > sickness. If you are able to go to the doctor, you are able to> > come to work.> > > > > > Personal Days:> > Each employee will receive 104 personal days a year.> > They are called Saturday & Sunday.> > > > > > Toilet Use:> > Entirely too much time is being spent in the toilet.> > There is now a strict three-minute time limit in the stalls.> > At the end of three minutes, an alarm will sound, the toilet> > paper roll will retract, the stall door will open, and a picture> > will be taken.> > > > After your second offense, your picture will be posted on the> > company bulletin board under the "Chronic Offenders category."> > > > Anyone caught smiling in the picture will be sanctioned under> > the company's mental health policy.> > > > > > We are here to provide a positive employment experience.> > Therefore, all questions, comments, concerns, complaints,> > frustrations, irritations, aggravations, insinuations,> > allegations, accusations, contemplations, consternation> > or input should be directed elsewhere.> > > > Thank you for your loyalty to our company.> > > >

JOSHUA TIME 405

How old is Grandma? Stay with this -- the answer is at the end. It will blow you away. One evening a grandson was talking to his grandmother about current events. The grandson asked his grandmother what she thought about the shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in general. The Grandma replied, "Well, let me think a minute, I was born before: ' television ' penicillin ' polio shots ' frozen foods ' Xerox ' contact lenses ' Frisbees and ' the pill There was no: ' radar ' credit cards ' laser beams or ' ball-point pens Man had not invented: ' pantyhose ' air conditioners ' dishwashers ' clothes dryers ' and the clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air and ' man hadn't yet walked on the moon Your Grandfather and I got married first, . . . and then lived together. Every family had a father and a mother. Until I was 25, I called every man older than me, "Sir". And after I turned 25, I still called policemen and every man with a title, "Sir." We were before gay-rights, computer- dating, dual careers, daycare centers, and group therapy. Our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgment, and common sense. We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions. Serving your country was a privilege; living in this country was a bigger privilege. We thought fast food was what people ate during Lent. Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins. Draft dodgers were people who closed their front doors when the evening breeze started. Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and weekends-not purchasing condominiums. We never heard of FM radios, tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing earrings. We listened to the Big Bands, Jack Benny, and the President's speeches on our radios. And I don't ever remember any kid blowing his brains out listening to Tommy Dorsey. If you saw anything with 'Made in Japan ' on it, it was junk. The term 'making out' referred to how you did on your school exam. Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and instant coffee were unheard of. We had 5 &10-cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents. Ice-cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar, and a Pepsi were all a nickel. And if you didn't want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards. You could buy a new Chevy Coupe for $600, . . . but who could afford one? Too bad, because gas was 11 cents a gallon. In my day: ' "grass" was mowed, ' "coke" was a cold drink, ' "pot" was something your mother cooked in and ' "rock music" was your grandmother's lullaby. ' "Aids" were helpers in the Principal's office, ' " chip" meant a piece of wood, ' "hardware" was found in a hardware store and ' "software" wasn't even a word. And we were the last generation to actually believe that a lady needed a husband to have a baby. No wonder people call us "old and confused" and say there is a generation gap... and how old do you think I am? I bet you have this old lady in mind...you are in for a shock! Read on to see -- pretty scary if you think about it and pretty sad at the same time. This Woman would be only 58

JOSHUA TIME 404

Pick Four and Send back To Me. God still sits on the throne. Each and every one of us are going through tough times right now but God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can. Keep the faith. My instructions were to pick four people that I wanted God to bless, and I picked you. Please pass this to at least four people you want to be blessed and a copy back to me. This prayer is powerful, and prayer is one of the best gifts we receive There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Let's continue to pray for one another. The prayer: Father, I ask You to bless my friends, relatives and those I care deeply for who are reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of Your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace. Where there is need, I ask you to fulfill their needs. Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings and their comings. In Jesus' precious name Amen. (If the Lord lays upon your heart to send this to more than four people, you are truly blessed.)No virus found in this incoming message.

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>> On a Saturday night several weeks ago, this>> pastor was working late, and decided to call his>> wife before he left for home. It was about 10:00 PM>> , but his wife didn't answer the phone.>> The pastor let the phone ring many times. He>> thought it was odd that she didn't answer, but>> decided to wrap up a few things and try again in a>> few minutes. When he tried again she answered right>> away. He asked her why she hadn't answered before,>> and she said that it hadn't rung at their house.>> They brushed it off as a fluke and went on their>> merry ways.>>>> The following Monday, the pastor received a>> call at the church office, which was the phone that>> he'd used that Saturday night. The man that he spoke>> with wanted to know why he'd called on Saturday>> night.>> The pastor couldn't figure out what the man>> was talking about. Then the man said, "It rang and>> rang, but I didn't answer." The pastor remembered>> the mishap and apologized for disturbing him,>> explaining that he'd intended to call his wife.>>>> The man said, "That's, OK. Let me tell you my>> story.>>>> You see, I was planning to commit suicide on>> Saturday night, but before I did, I prayed, 'God if>> you're there, and you don't want me to do this, give>> me a sign now.' At that point my phone started to>> ring. I looked at the caller ID, and it said,>> 'Almighty God'. I was afraid to answer!">> The reason why it showed on the man's caller>> ID that the call came from "Almighty God" is because>> the church that the pastor attends is called>> Almighty God Tabernacle!!>>>> If you believe that God answers prayers then>> pass this on. God bless!>>>> READ EACH SENTENCE SLOWLY AND THINK ABOUT IT.>>>>>> Love starts with a smile, grows with a kiss,>> and ends with a tear.>>>>>>>> Good friends are hard to find, harder to>> leave, and impossible to forget.>>>>>> Don't let the past hold you back, you're>> missing the good stuff.>>>>>> BEST FRIENDS are the siblings God forgot to>> give us.>>>> When it hurts to look back, and you're scared>> to look ahead, you can look beside you and your BEST>> FRIEND will be there.>>>> Nobody is perfect until you fall in love with>> them.>>>> Send this on to everyone special in your life,>> even the people who really make you mad sometimes>> and to the people whose lives you want to be in!!!>> And send it back to the person who sent it to>> you if they mean something to you!! Remember, every>> minute spent angry is sixty seconds of happiness>> wasted.>>>> Just send this to (4) people and see what>> happens on the fourth day.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Do not break this, please. There is no cost,>> but lots of rewards....

JOSHUA TIME 402

Psalm 55:22 --- you really need to read this."Friends are God's way of taking care of us."This was written by a Hospice of Metro Denver physician.I just had one of the most amazing experiences of my life, andwanted to share it with my family and dearest friends:I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuckin traffic on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke andsplutter and die - I barely managed to coast, crusing, into agas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic andwould have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. Itwouldn't even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw awoman walking out of the "quickie mart" building, and it lookedlike she slipped on some ice and fell into a Gas pump, so I gotout to see if she was okay.When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome bysobs than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who lookedreally haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She droppedsomething as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it toher. It was a nickel.At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the cryingwoman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kidsin the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95.I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and shejust kept saying "I don't want my kids to see me crying," so westood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said shewas driving to California and that things were very hard forher right now. So I asked, "And you were praying?" That madeher back away from me a little, but I assured her I was not acrazy person and said, "He heard you, and He sent me."I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on thepump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it wasfueling, walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 bigbags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup ofcoffee. She gave the food to the kids in the car, who attackedit like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries andtalking a little.She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City. Herboyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to makeends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent Jan 1,and finally in desperation had finally called her parents, withwhom she had not spoken in about 5 years. They lived inCalifornia and said she could come live with them and try toget on her feet there.So she packed up everything she owned in the car She told thekids they were going to California for Christmas, but not thatthey were going to live there.I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer withher for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car,she said, "So, are you like an angel or something?"This definitely made me cry. I said, "Sweetie, at this time ofyear angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regularpeople."It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle.And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it startedright away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in theshop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't findanything wrong.Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hearthe flutter of their wings...Psalms 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shallsustain thee. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."My instructions were to pick four people that I wanted God tobless, especially for the months in 2006 , and I picked you.Please pass this to four people you want to be blessed and acopy back to me.This prayer is powerful and prayer is one of the best gifts wereceive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Let's continueto pray for one another.Here is the prayer:"Father, I ask You to bless my children, grandchildren, friends,relatives and e-mail buddies reading this right now. Show thema new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask Youto minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there ispain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is selfdoubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace, InJesus' precious name. Amen."I know I picked more than four and you can, too.When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say, "Jesus, couldYou please get that for me?"Being blessed is GOOD...being HIGHLY FAVORED is best!

JOSHUA TIME 401

The Plus SignLittle Zachary was doing very badly in math. His parents hadtried everything from tutors, Mentors, flash cards to speciallearning centers. In short, everything they could think of tohelp his math.Finally, in a last ditch effort, they took Zachary down andenrolled him in the local Catholic school. After the first day,little Zachary came home with a very serious look on his face.He didn't even kiss his mother hello.Instead, he went straight to his room and started studying.Books and papers were spread out all over the room and littleZachary was hard at work. His mother was amazed. She called himdown to dinner.To her shock, the minute he was done, he marched back to hisroom without a word and in no time, he was back hitting thebooks as hard as before. This went on for some time, day afterday, while the mother tried to understand what made all thedifference.Finally, little Zachary brought home his report card. Hequietly laid it on the table, went up to his room and hit thebooks. With great trepidation, his Mom looked at it and to hergreat surprise, little Zachary got an "A" in math.She could no longer hold her curiosity. She went to his roomand said, "Son, what was it? Was it the nuns"?Little Zachary looked at her and shook his head, no."Well, then," she replied, "was it the books, the discipline,the structure, the uniforms? What was it already"?Little Zachary looked at her and said, "Well, on the first dayof school when I saw that guy nailed to the plus sign, I knewthey weren't fooling around."

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Happy Easter!
Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas.
She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr.
Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite
patient was Edith Burns.
One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because
of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat
Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother
sitting beside her.
Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello,
my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would
explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved.
Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse,
Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood
pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe
in Easter?"
Beverly said, "Why yes I do."
Edith said, "Well, what do you believe about Easter?"
Beverly said, "Well, it's all about egg hunts, going to church, and
dressing up." Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning
of Easter, and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Phillips said, "Beverly, don't call Edith into the office quite
yet. I believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting
room.
After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat down and when
she took a look at the doctor she said, "Dr. Will, why are you so
sad?
Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying?"
Dr. Phillips said gently, "Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the
patient." With a heavy heart he said, "Your lab report came back
and it says you have cancer, and Edith, you're not going to live very long."
Edith said, "Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad?
Do you think God makes mistakes? You have just told me I'm going to
see my precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just told me
that I am going to celebrate Easter forever, and here you are having
difficulty giving me my ticket!"
Dr. Phillips thought to himself, "What a magnificent woman this Edith
Burns is!"
Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the office
was closed through January 3rd. On the day the office opened, Edith did
not show up. Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and
said she would have to be moving her story to the hospital and said, "Will,
I'm very near home, so would you make sure that they put women in here
next to me in my room who need to know about Easter."
Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that room
with Edith. Many women were saved. Everybody on that floor from staff
to patients were so excited about Edith, that they started calling her
Edith Easter; that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse.
Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because
she was a "religious nut". She had been a nurse in an army hospital.
She had seen it all and heard it all. She was the original G.I. Jane. She
had been married three times, she was hard, cold, and did everything by
the book.
One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick. Edith
had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot. When she
walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said, "Phyllis, God
loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for you."
Phyllis Cross said, "Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't work.
I'm not interested."
Edith said, "Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me
go home until you come into the family."
Phyllis Cross said, "Then you will never die because that will never
happen," and curtly walked out of the room.
Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith would say,
"God loves you Phyllis and I love you, and I'm praying for you."
One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room like
a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said, "I'm
so glad you have come, because God told me that today is your special
day."
Phyllis Cross said, "Edith, you have asked everybody here the question,
"Do you believe in Easter but you have never asked me."
Edith said, "Phyllis, I wanted to many times, but God told me to wait
until you asked, and now that you have asked."
Edith Burns took her Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter
Story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Edith said,
"Phyllis, do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus Christ
is alive and that He wants to live in your heart?"
Phyllis Cross said, "Oh I want to believe that with all of my heart,
and I do want Jesus in my life. "Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed
and invited Jesus Christ into her heart. For the first time Phyllis Cross
did not walk out of a hospital room, she was carried out on the wings of
angels.
Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, "Do you know
what day it is?" Phyllis Cross said, "Why Edith, it's Good Friday."
Edith said, "Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter
Phyllis!"
Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did
some of her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some
Easter lilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some
Easter lilies and wish her a Happy Easter.
When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in bed. That big black
Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet
smile on her face. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith's hand, she
realized Edith was dead. Her left hand was on John 14: "In my Father's
house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, I will come
again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be
also." Her right hand was on Revelation 21:4, "And God will wipe
away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor sorrow, nor
crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have
passed away."
Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her face
toward heaven, and with tears streaming down here cheeks, said, "Happy
Easter, Edith - Happy Easter!"
Phyllis Cross left Edith's body, walked out of the room, and over to a
table where two student nurses were sitting. She said, "My name is
Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?"
If you believe in Easter, forward this on. God works in wonderful ways,
and to believe in his power is to truly be free. If Jesus had e-mail,
he'd do the same for you.
(Actually, maybe He just did!

JOSHUA TIME 399

GOD WANTED ME TO TELL YOU>>>> It shall be well with you this year.> No matter what the challenge this year, you will> 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 coming in abundance.>> Today God has ordained your life to be prosperous,> successful, harmonious, balanced, peaceful, joyful, and abundant.> 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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When Jesus died on the cross he was thinking of you! If you are one of the 7% who will stand up for him forward this w/ the title 7%93% of people won't forward this

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Matthew 21:12:16 And they( the scribes and the Pharisees) said untohim, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have yenever read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfectedpraise? A father wanted to read a magazine but was being bothered by hislittle girl, Shelby. She wanted to know what the United States looked like. Finally, hetore a sheet out of his new magazine on which was printed the map of the country. Tearing it into small pieces, he gave it to Shelby, and said, "Go intothe other room and see if you can put this together. This will show youour whole country today." After a few minutes, Shelby returned and handed him the map correctly fitted together. The father was surprised and asked how she hadfinished so quickly. "Oh," she said, "on the other side of the paper is a pictureof Jesus. When I got all of Jesus back where He belonged, then ourcountry just came together." This one is worthy of forwarding..