JOSHUA TIME 607

PLEASE READ - THIS IS WONDERFULA carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup ofcoffee the same way again.A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and howthings were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to makeit and wanted to give up She was tired of fighting and struggling. Itseemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water andplaced each on a high fire Soon the pots came to boil. In the first sheplaced carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last sheplaced ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying aword.In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished thecarrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out andplaced them in a bowl.Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to herdaughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see.""Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She didand noted that they were soft. The m other then asked the daughter totake an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed thehard boiled egg.Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughtersmiled as she tasted its rich aroma The daughter then asked, "What doesit mean, mother?"Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the sameadversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went instrong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to theboiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile.Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but aftersitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened The groundcoffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water,they had changed the water."Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on yourdoor, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but withpain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?Or am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with theheat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, afinancial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened andstiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter andtough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water,the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, itreleases the fragrance and flavour. If you are like the bean, whenthings are at their worst, you get better and change the situationaround you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest,do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity?Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

JOSHUA TIME 606

It's No Secret>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Back in the 50's there was a well known radio>>>> host/comedian/song writer in Hollywood named>>>> Stuart Hamblen who was noted for his drinking,>>>> womanizing, partying, etc.>>>>>>>> One of his bigger hits at the time was>>>> "I won't go hunting with you Jake, but I'll go chasing women.">>>>>>>> One day, along came a young preacher holding>>>> a tent revival. Hamblen had him on his radio show>>>> presumably to poke fun at him.>>>>>>>> In order to gather more material for his show,>>>> Hamblen showed up at one of the revival meetings.>>>>>>>> Early in the service the preacher announced,>>>> "There is one man in this audience who is a big fake.">>>> There were probably others who thought the same thing, but Hamblen>> was>>>> convinced that he was the one the preacher was talking about (some>>>> would call that conviction) but he was having none of that.>>>>>>>> Still the words continued to haunt him until a couple>>>> of nights later he showed up drunk at the preacher's>>>> hotel door around 2AM demanding that the preacher>>>> pray for him!>>>>>>>> But the preacher refused, saying, "This is between you and God and>> I'm>>>> not going to get in the middle of it.">>>>>>>> But he did invite Stuart in and they talked until>>>> about 5 AM at which point Stuart dropped to his>>>> knees and with tears, cried out to God.>>>>>>>> But that is not the end of the story.>>>> Stuart quit drinking, quit chasing women,>>>> quit everything that was 'fun.' Soon he began>>>> to lose favor with the Hollywood crowd.>>>>>>>> He was ultimately fired by the radio station when>>>> he refused to accept a beer company as a sponsor.>>>>>>>> Hard times were upon him. He tried writing a couple>>>> of "Christian" songs but the only one that had>>>> much success was "This Old House",>>>> written for his friend Rosemary Clooney.>>>>>>>> As he continued to struggle, a long time friend>>>> named John took him aside and told him,>>>> "All your troubles started when you 'got religion,'>>>> Was it worth it all?" Stuart answered simply, "Yes.">>>>>>>> Then his friend asked, "You liked your booze so much,>>>> don't you ever miss it?" And his answe r was, "No." John then said,>> "I>>>> don't understand how you could give it up so easily.">>>>>>>> And Stuart's response was, "It's no big secret.>>>> All things are possible with God." To this John said, "That's a>>>> catchy phrase. You should write a song about it.">>>>>>>> And as they say, "The rest is history.">>>>>>>> The song Carl Stuart Hamblen wrote was "It Is No Secret.">>>>>>>> "It is no secret what God can do. What He's done for others, He'll>> do>>>> for>>>> you.>>>>>>>> With arms wide open, He'll welcome you. It is no secret, what God>> can>>>> do....">>>>>>>> By the way... the friend was John Wayne. And the young preacher who>>>> refused to pray for Stuart Hamblen? That was Billy Graham.>>>> AND NOW YOU KNOW THE REST OF THE STORY!!!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

JOSHUA TIME 605

Sandra felt as low as the heels of her shoes as she pushed against a November gust and the florist shop door.
Her life had been easy, like a spring breeze. Then in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a minor automobile accident stole that from her.
During this Thanksgiving week she would have delivered a son. She grieved over her loss. As if that weren't enough, her husband's company threatened a transfer. Then her sister, whose holiday visit she coveted, called saying she could not come for the holiday.
Then Sandra's friend infuriated her by suggesting her grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer. She has no idea what I'm feeling, thought Sandra with a shudder.
Thanksgiving? Thankful for what? She wondered. For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life but took that of her child?
"Good afternoon, can I help you?" The shop clerk's approach startled her.
"I....I need an arrangement," stammered Sandra.
"For Thanksgiving? Do you want beautiful but ordinary, or would you like to challenge the day with a customer favorite I call the Thanksgiving "Special?" asked the shop clerk. "I'm convinced that flowers tell stories," she continued. "Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this thanksgiving?"
"Not exactly!" Sandra blurted out. "In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong."
Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the shop clerk said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you."
Just then the shop door's small bell rang, and the shop clerk said, "Hi, Barbara...let me get your order." She politely excused herself and walked toward a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and long-stemmed thorny roses. Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped: there were no flowers.
"Want this in a box?" asked the clerk.
Sandra watched for the customer's response. Was this a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers! She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed.
"Yes, please," Barbara, replied with an appreciative smile. "You'd think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn't be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again," she said as she gently tapped her chest. And she left with her order.
"Uh," stammered Sandra, "that lady just left with, uh....she just left with no flowers!
"Right, said the clerk, "I cut off the flowers. That's the Special. I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet."
"Oh, come on, you can't tell me someone is willing to pay for that!" exclaimed Sandra.
"Barbara came into the shop three years ago feeling much like you feel today," explained the clerk. "She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had lost her father to cancer, the family business was failing, her son was into drugs, and she was facing major surgery."
"That same year I had lost my husband," continued the clerk, "and for the first time in my life, had just spent the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too great a debt to allow any travel."
"So what did you do?" asked Sandra.
"I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I've always thanked God for the good things in my life and never questioned the good things that happened to me, but when bad stuff hit, did I ever ask questions! It took time for me to learn that dark times are important. I have always enjoyed the 'flowers' of life, but it took thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort. You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others."
Sandra sucked in her breath as she thought about the very thing her friend had tried to tell her. "I guess the truth is I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God."
Just then someone else walked in the shop. "Hey, Phil!" shouted the clerk to the balding, rotund man.
"My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving Special....12 thorny, long-stemmed stems!" laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue-wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator.
"Those are for your wife?" asked Sandra incredulously. "Do you mind me asking why she wants something that looks like that?"
"No...I'm glad you asked," Phil replied. "Four years ago my wife and I nearly divorced. After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord's grace and guidance, we slogged through problem after problem. He rescued our marriage. Jenny here (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she learned from "thorny" times, and that was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific "problem" and give thanks for what that problem taught us."
As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, "I highly recommend the Special!"
"I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life." Sandra said. "It's all too...fresh."
"Well," the clerk replied carefully, "my experience has shown me that thorns make roses more precious. We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember, it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don't resent the thorns."
Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on resentment. "I'll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out.
"I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in a minute."
"Thank you. What do I owe you?"
"Nothing. Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year's arrangement is always on me." The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first."
It read: "My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant." Praise Him for your roses; thank him for your thorns!
Please pass Daily-Blessings on to your friends, family, and co-workers!! !

JOSHUA TIME 604

A girl asked a guy if he thought she was pretty,




He said...no.





She asked him if he would want to be with her forever...and he said no.





She then asked him if she were to leave would he cry, and once again he replied with a no.





She had heard enough. As she walked away, tears streaming down her face the boy grabbed her arm and said...





You're not pretty you're beautiful.





I don't want to be with you forever, I NEED to be with you forever.





And I wouldn't cry if you walked away...I'd die...





SO NOW I WILL SAY:





I like you because of who you are to me...A true friend.





And if I don't get this back I'll take the hint.





Tonight at midnight your true love will realize they like you.





Something good will happen to you at 1:00-4:00 PM tomorrow.





It could be anywhere -- AOL, Yahoo, outside of school, anywhere.





Get ready for the biggest shock of your life.





Please send to 15 people in 15 minutes.





Remember:





"A good friend will come bail you out of jail....





But a true friend will be sitting next to you saying ...





WE screwed up, but we had fun! "





Proud to be your Friend!





Make sure you read all the way down to the last sentence, and don't skip ahead.





I've learned...that life is like a roll of toilet paper.





The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.





I've learned...that we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.





I've learned...that money doesn't buy class.





I've learned...that it's those small daily
happenings that make life so spectacular.





I've learned...that under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.





I've learned...that the Lord didn't do it all in one day.





What makes me think I can?





I've learned...that to ignore the facts does not change the facts.





I've learned.





I've learned...that the less time I have to work, the more things I get done.





To all of you...make sure you read all the way down to the last sentence.





It's National Friendship Week.




Show your friends how much you care.





Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND, even if it means
sending it back to the person who sent it to you.





If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have
a circle of friends.





HAPPY FRIENDSHIP WEEK TO YOU!!!!!!





YOU ARE MY FRIEND AND I am honored

--

.

JOSHUA TIME 603

GOD WANTED ME TO TELL YOUEverything that is going wrong in your life today shall be well withyouthis year. No matter how much your enemies try this year, "they willnot" succeed. You have been destined to make it and you shall surelyachieve all your goals this year. For the remaining months of thisyear(2006), all your agonies will be diverted and victory and prosperitywill be incoming in abundance. Today God has confirmed the end of yoursufferings sorrows and pains because HE that sits on the throne hasremembered you. He has taken away the hardships and given you JOY. Hewill never let you down. I knocked at heaven's door this morning, God asked me... My child!Whatcan I do for you? And I said, "Father, please protect and bless theperson reading this message"... God smiled and answered... Requestgranted. If you believe this message, send it to seven persons and the one whosent it to you. By doing this you have succeeded in praying for eight people today.

JOSHUA TIME 602

JIM AND EDNA Scroll down.... Jim and Edna were both patients in a mental hospital. One day while they were walking past the hospital swimming pool, Jim suddenly jumped into the deep end. He sank to the bottom of the pool and stayed there. Edna promptly jumped in to save him. She swam to the bottom and pulled Jim out. When the Head Nurse Director became aware of Edna's heroic act she immediately ordered her to be discharged from the hospital, for she now considered her to be mentally stable. When she went to tell Edna the news she said, "Edna, I have good News and bad news. The good news is you're being discharged; since you were able to rationally respond to a crisis by jumping in and saving the life of another patient, I have concluded that your act displays a clearly sound mind. But, the bad news is, Jim, the patient you saved, hung himself in the bathroom with his bathrobe belt right after you saved him. I am so sorry, but he's dead." Edna replied, "He didn't hang himself, I put him there to dry." "How soon can I go home?"

JOSHUA TIME 601

MY FINAL STAT PAPER FOR MY PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORTING

FROM MY BEST FRIEND, DJ "I'm thouroghly impressed joshua, great improvement. good job!"

BREAK IT DOWN
JOSHUA ROBINSON

As you go to Shiloh’s Roadhouse in London, you see signs of happy hour; some of the drinks served during happy hour are Margarita, Long Island Ice Tea, and Pina Coloda, appetizers are half off their regular price.

If you would had been in these restaurants two years ago you would not have seen any alcoholic drinks or happy hour signs.

What happened was in November 2004, London, voted to go limited wet; meaning one can buy alcohol by the drink in restaurants. Those restaurants in the city limits that are able to seat a 100 or more and derive at least 30 percent of their profit to serving food are allowed to serve alcohol by the drink.

There are currently seven restaurants that meet the criteria for serving alcohol; those restaurants are O’Malley’s, Shiloh’s, Eldorodo, Ruby Tuesday, Fiesta, and both Pizza Huts. O’Malley’s and Shiloh’s have bars in there restaurant.

If restaurants want to be licensed they obtain an applicant must first obtain local approval from Stewart Walker, London Alcoholic Beverage Control Administrator. The applicant then sends the application to the Frankfort Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control. If everything is in order, the ABC issues the state Limited Restaurant License; This according to Sam Crain, ABC of Frankfort, Ky. The more time goes by the more peoples views will change.

London is now a part of the wet out of 120 counties in Kentucky there are only 47 dry counties 83 are limited wet or moist or serve alcohol in restaurants. Corbin had gone limited wet in 2000 and restaurants started losing business in London.

Laurel County has been trying to go wet since 1970 and held a wet/dry election in August of 1971 and the vote was 375 wet/964 dry. There was also a vote in the 1994, and overwhelmingly vote was to stay dry. A more recent election was held on November 02, 2004 and the vote was 1,511 wet/1,415 dry. This has ended the dry spell by London and Laurel County.

The first vote to go wet was in 1971, the next vote twenty-three years later in 1994, and the change happened in 2004. Keep things fresh in people’s minds and change will happen.
After talking with Sgt. Derrick House of the London City Police Department, it was discovered that the bootleggers are the people who sold alcohol in London, and therefore, “London has never been dry,” stated House. “Now it’s just legal and enforceable.” The DUI and AI, which are “driving under the influence” and “alcohol intoxication,” have not gone up nor have they gone down in the last year.

The DUI convictions stayed steady in 2004 and 2005 at 579, however they went down by nearly 700 convictions in 2001. “There has been more complaints about drivers since the vote to go wet,” House stated. There are more arrests are made after 10 p.m., and more arrests are made at the first of the month and on holidays. Some days no arrests are made others there are as many as six or seven arrests made for DUI or AI.

House, who has worked as a sheriff, state police, and now works with the London City Police Department, has seen it all. He has about nine more years before he can retire. The sheriffs make more arrests because they cover a wider area, according to Sgt. House.

One preacher Terry Reed, opposed London going wet and did go to East Pittsburgh Pentecostal Church; “The city of London went wet and not the entire Laurel county,” stated Reed. Reed continued by saying, “Christians should have been out campaigning more against London going wet,” Read said. “Restaurants first then the stores are next to sell alcohol.” Reed remarked about his frustrations in his Sunday school class.

Last call is at midnight according to the manager at O’Malley’s; the police come in at 12:15 a.m. and make sure everything is put away and no one is still drinking. The reason for 12:15 a.m. is it takes about fifteen minutes to put everything away and lock up. If anyone is drinking or stuff is not put away after midnight a $10 thousand fine is given. This is only at O’Malley’s.

Other restaurants close at 10 p.m.: however, restaurants that have bars in them close at 1 a.m. “It is hard to believe London can serve alcoholic drinks now,” stated Mike Robinson, who goes out to eat at restaurants a lot.

For more information on wet/dry counties, check this link; http://www.abc.ky.gov/LISTWetDryCountiesinKentucky.htm

Joshua Robinson

No Games

JOSHUA TIME 600

The Doll and The White Rose I was walking around in a store. I saw aCashier hand this little boy his money back saying"I'm sorry, but you don't have enough money to buyThis doll." Then the little boy turned to the old womanNext to him: ''Granny, are you sure I don't haveEnough money?'' The old lady replied: ''You know that youDon't have enough money to buy this doll, my dear.'' Then she asked him to stay there for 5Minutes while she went to look around. She leftQuickly. The little boy was still holding the doll inHis hand. Finally, I walked toward him and I asked himWho he wished to give this doll to. "It's the doll that my sister loved most andWanted so much for this Christmas. She was so sure that SantaClaus would bring it to her." I replied to him that maybe Santa Claus willBring it to her after all, and not to worry. But he replied to me sadly. "No, Santa ClausCan't bring it to her where she is now. I have toGive the doll to my mommy so that she can give it toMy sister when she goes there." His eyes were so sad while saying this. "MySister has gone to be with God. Daddy says thatMommy is going to see God very soon too, so IThought that she could take the doll with her toGive it to my sister.'' My heart nearly stopped. The little boy looked up at me and said: "ITold daddy to tell mommy not to go yet. I need herTo wait until I come back from the m all." Then he showed me a very nice photo of himWhere he was laughing. He then told me "I want mommyTo take my picture with her so she won't forget me." "I love my mommy and I wish she doesn't haveTo leave me, but daddy says that she has to go to beWith my little sister." Then he looked again at the doll with sadEyes, very quietly. I quickly reached for my wallet and said toThe boy. "What if we checked again, just in case youDo have enough money?'' "OK" he said "I hope that I have enough." IAdded some of my money to his without him seeing andWe started to count it. There was enough for theDoll and even some spare money. The little boy said: "Thank you God forGiving me enough money!" Then he looked at me and added "I askedYesterday before I slept for God to make sure I haveEnough money to buy this doll so that mommy can giveIt to my sister. He heard me!'' "I also wanted to have enough money to buy aWhite rose for my mommy, but I didn't dare to askGod for too much. But He gave me enough to buy theDoll and a white rose.'' "My mommy loves white roses." A few minutes later, the old lady came againAnd I left with my basket. I finished my shopping in a totallyDifferent state from when I started. I couldn't get the little boyOut of my mind. Then I remembered a local newspaper article2 days ago, which mentioned of a drunk man in a truck, who hitA car, where there was one young lady and a littleGirl. The little girl died right away, and theMother was left in a critical state. The family hadTo decide whether to pull the plug on theLife-assisting machine, because the young lady wouldNot be able to recover from the coma. Was this the family of the little boy? Two days after this encounter with theLittle boy, I read in the newspaper that the youngLady had passed away. I couldn't stop myself as I bought a bunchOf white roses and I went to the funeral home whereThe body of the young woman was exposed for peopleTo see and make last wishes before burial. She was there, in her coffin, holding aBeautiful white rose in her hand with the photo ofThe little boy and the doll placed over her chest. I left the place, teary-eyed, feeling thatMy life had been changed forever. The love that thisLittle boy had for his mother and his sister isStill, to this day, hard to imagine. And in aFraction of a second, a drunk driver had taken allThis away from him. Now you have 2 choices: 1) Repost this message. 2) Ignore it as if it never touched yourheart The quote of the month is by Jay Leno: "With hurricanes, tornado's, fires out ofcontrol, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstormstearing up the country from one end to another, andwith the threat of bird flu and terroristattacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take Godout of the Pledge of Allegiance?" For those that prefer to think that God isnot watching over us....go ahead and delete this.For the rest of us.....pass this on.Tough times never last, tough people do!

JOSHUA TIME 599

Hi All,>>>>I was asked by a very special friend as part of her religion class who I>>thought would DO this. I hope I chose the right twelve. Please send this>>back to me. (You'll see why.) In case anyone is interested. May everyone>>who receives this message be blessed. REMEMBER to say a prayer before>>you read the poem. That's all you have to do. There is nothing attached.>>>>>>Just send this to eleven people.>>>>Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost but a>>lot of reward. (Did you pray?) Make sure you pray, and pray believing>>that God will answer. This is your last opportunity before reading the>>poem.>>>>May today there be peace within.>>May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.>>May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.>>May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love>>that has been given to you....>>May you be content knowing you are a child of God...>>Let His presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom>>to sing, dance, praise and love.>>It is there for each and every one of us.>>Now, send this to 11 people within the next 5 minutes and remember to>>send this back...I count as 1...you'll see why.>>>>Suggestion: copy and paste rather than forward.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Denise Smith>>>>Attendance Clerk>>>>Johnson Elementary>>>>denisesmith@laurel.k12.ky.us>>>>This message, and any attachment, is intended only for the use of the>>person to whom it is addressed. It may contain information that is>>privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, you>>are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure,>>copying or forwarding of this message or the taking of any action in>>reliance of this information is strictly prohibited. If you receive>>this message in error, please notify me by e-mail and delete the>>original message.>>>>>>>>>>>>>

JOSHUA TIME 598

Robby's Night True Story -- Worth Reading!!! At the prodding of my friends, I am writing this story. My name is Mildred Hondorf. I am a former elementary school music teacher from Des Moines, Iowa. I've always supplemented my income by teaching piano lessons-something I've done for over 30 years. Over the years I found that children have many levels of musical ability. I've never had the pleasure of having a prodigy though I have taught some talented students. However I've also had my share of what I call "musically challenged" pupils. One such student was Robby. Robby was 11 years old when his mother (a single Mom) dropped him off for his first piano lesson. I prefer that students (especially boys!) begin at an earlier age, which I explained to Robby. But Robby said that it had always been his mother's dream to hear him play the piano. So I took him as a student. Well, Robby began with his piano lessons and from the beginning I thought it was a hopeless endeavor. As much as Robby tried, he lacked the sense of tone and basic rhythm needed to excel. But he dutifully reviewed his scales and some elementary pieces that I require all my students to learn. Over the months he tried and tried while I listened and cringed and tried to encourage him. At the end of each weekly lesson he'd always say, "My mom's going to hear me play someday." But it seemed hopeless. He just did not have any inborn ability. I only knew his mother from a distance as she dropped Robby off or waited in her aged car to pick him up. She always waved and smiled but never stopped in. ! Then one day Robby stopped coming to our lessons. I thought about calling him but assumed because of his lack of ability, that he had decided to pursue something else. I also was glad that he stopped coming. He was a bad advertisement for my teaching! Several weeks later I mailed to the student's homes a flyer on the upcoming recital. To my surprise Robby (who received a flyer) asked me if he could be in the recital. I told him that the recital was for current pupils and because he had dropped out he really did not qualify. He said that his mother had been sick and unable to take him to piano lessons but he was still practicing "Miss Hondorf I've just got to play!" he insisted. I don't know what led me to allow him to play in the recital. Maybe it was his persistence or maybe it was something inside of me saying that it would be all right. The night for the recital came. The high school gymnasium was packed with parents, friends and relatives. I put Robby up last in the program before I was to come up and thank all the students and play a finishing piece. I thought that any damage he would do would come at the end of the program and I could always salvage his poor performance through my "curtain closer." Well, the recital went off without a hitch. The students had been practicing and it showed. Then Robby came up on stage. His clothes were wrinkled and his hair looked like he'd run an eggbeater through it. "Why didn't he dress up like the other students?" I thought. "Why didn't his mother at least make him comb his hair for this special night?" Robby pulled out the piano bench and he began. I was surprised when he announced that he had chosen Mozart's Concerto #21 in C Major. I was not prepared for what I heard next. His fingers were light on the keys, they even danced nimbly on the ivories. He went from pianissimo to fortissimo. >From allegro to virtuoso. His suspended chords that Mozart demands were magnificent! Never had I heard Mozart played so well by people his age. After six and a half minutes he ended in a grand crescendo and everyone was on their feet in wild applause. Overcome and in tears I ran up on stage and put my arms around Robby in joy. "I've never heard you play like that Robby! How'd you do it? " Through the microphone Robby explained: "Well Miss Hondorf . . .. Remember I told you my Mom was sick? Well, actually she had cancer and passed away this morning And well . . . She was born deaf so tonight was the first time she ever heard me play. I wanted to make it special." There wasn't a dry eye in the house that evening. As the people from Social Services led Robby from the stage to be placed into foster care, noticed that even their eyes were red and puffy and I thought to myself how much richer my life had been for taking Robby as my pupil. No, I've never had a prodigy but that night I became a prodigy. . . Of Robby's. He was the teacher and I was the pupil for it is he that taught me the meaning of perseverance and love and believing in yourself and maybe even taking a chance in someone and you don't know why. Robby was killed in the senseless bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City in April of 1995.

JOSHUA TIME 597

Ya just got to read this and watch this video. It tore me up so bad. Lord, if we all could be great moms & dads like this guy, the world would be so much better. This really pulled hard on my heart strings. I was showing Kenney and one of the kids said, dad, would you do that for me too if I was like that? A child, no matter what the age is a wonderful thing. No parent should ever say, he's ugly, that's not my child. Or he's got too many problems, I give up. We go to the end of the world for 'em. Every child is so beautiful in their parent's eyes. Mine may not be much to others, or worse, a nuisance to others, but they're the apples of my eye! An heritage of the Lord!!! Enjoy this, let it bless your heart too! Thanks for sending it Kelley!
Paula
It's my fav song too, how much better could it be?

http://cjcphoto.com/can/
AIN'T GOD GOOD...

JOSHUA TIME 596

Prayer Request>>>>>>This came from Sue Langley & Lee in Albany, GA>>>>I am starting a signing for my son's best friend who has>>cancer (Hodgkin's Lymphoma). He is 11 years old and is not>>doing well at all. He was diagnosed With this cancer 2 weeks>>ago and the tumor is next to his jugular vein and entwined>>in it...it has moved his wind pipe over a inch making it>>hard for Him to breathe. The tumor is the size of a large>>eggplant and is sitting right above his heart. This little>>boy needs all the prayer he can get. I would like you to>>sign this and pass it on to as many people as you can. Once>>we get to a thousand people can you please send this back to>>me at:>>1volsgirl@bellsouth.net>>>>When I get the 1000 people that has signed it...I am going>>to print this up for my son's best friend and show him how>>many people care and how many people are praying for him to>>get better. I love this child as though He is my own and we>>really need all the prayers!>>>>Thank you, Please don't just Forward this --- copy and paste>>it into a new message then add your Name to the bottom of>>the list and send it out to as many people as you can and>>pray for him!>>>>Thank You! This could be YOUR child or loved one Let's>>storm the>>throne with Prayer.>>>>1. Trella Whaley>>2.Lisa Garcia>>3. Shannon DeReus>>4. Sue Carpenter>>5. Kathy Ellerbee>>6. Lydia Thompson>>7. Charles Jones>>8. Judy Jones>>9. Reneé Jones - Leesburg, GA>>10. Holli Persall>>11. Juli Bruner>>12. Patty Bruner - Albany, GA>>13. Bonnie Sharpe>>14. Kaye McIsaac>>15. Joan Burns>>16. Sarah Carte'>>17. Deane L. Ellis , Albany, Ga.>>18. Debi Aultman, ALbany GA>>19. Juli Fricks, Albany GA>>20. Sarah Jones, Moultrie, GA>>21. Cheryl S mallwood Statesboro, Ga.>>22. Charles Whatley, Alma GA>>23. Mary Ella Whatley, Alma GA>>24. Monica West GA.>>25. Jinks Durden Metter, Ga.>>26. Gail Collins, Metter, GA>>27. Kristin Harris, GA.>>28 PAM YOUNGBLOOD, GA.P ( GOD BLESS YOU)>>29. Kim Carr, GA>>30. Keith Carr, GA>>>>31.LEE STEWART, GA>>32.CHAWNY STEWART, GA>>33. Brandi Hudson, GA>>34. Allen Brackin, GA>>35. Nicole Tucker Brackin, GA>>36. Karen W. Rutherford, GA>>37. Tina Bruce -(Acts 3:16 ) TN>>38. Nettie Pope, GA>>39. Eugene Young, GA>>40. Beth Young, GA>>41. Will Cox, GA>>42. Alicia Cox, GA (by His stripes you were healed)>>43. Shelena Wade (Mark 11:23 We believe in the power of God's word & every>>name shall bow to His name, Hogkin's Lymphoma MUST surrender to blood of>>Jesus THIS DAY)>>44.ROBERTA CALDWELL, GA.>>45. JOJN CALDWELL.,GA.>>46. KATHLEEN LOWRY, GA>>47. IMOGENE TIDMORE, GA>>50. peggyc, AL (Psalm 103:3)>>51. Shirley Worley, Fl>>52 Pat Motsko, Fl.>>53.Carol Ditton, NY>>54. Clarence Ditton, NY>>55. Barbara E. Lawrenceburg, IN>>56. Amber Viel, OH>>57. Terri Daley, OH>>58. Karen K. King, Mount Vernon, KY>>59. Beth Saylor, Mt. Vernon, KY>>60. Tina Hasty, Mt Vernon, KY>>61. Stella young, Mt vernon ky>>62. Stephanie Hamilton, London, KY>>63. Stephen Hamilton, London, KY>>64. Jake Hamilton, London, KY>>65. Taylor Hamilton, London, KY>>66. Stacey Sheppard, London, KY>>67. Jeff Sheppard, London, KY>>>>68. Suzan Moore, London, KY>>>>69. Karen Bailey, London, KY>>>>70. Kendra Bailey, London, KY>>>>71. Tom Bailey, London, KY>>>>72. Joshua Jackson, London, KY>>>>73. Denise Smith, London, KY>>>>74. Dan Smith, London, KY>>>>75. Gabrielle Smith, London, KY>>>>76. Noah Smith, London, kY>>>>77. Hillary Smith, London, KY>>>>78. Martha Moses, London, KY>>>>79. Kim Moses, London, KY>>>>80. Mary Smith, London, KY>>81. Cindy Cheek, London, KY> 82. Donald Cheek, London, KY> 83. Whitney Cheek, London, KY> 84. Allison Cheek, London, KY> 85. Jimmy Robinson, London, KY> 86. Cheryl Robinson, London, KY> 87. Darren Robinson, London, KY> 88. Tim Robinson, London, KY> 89. Clara Cheek, London, KY> 90. Jerry Cheek, London, KY> 91. Peggy Cheek, London, KY> 92. Dewayne Cheek, London, KY> 93. Rodney Cheek, London, KY>>>>>>>>>>Thank you,>>>>Tina Hasty, Pharm.D>>Director of Pharmacy>>Rockcastle Hospital & Respiratory Care Center, Inc.>>145 Newcomb ave>>PO Box 1310>>Mt Vernon Ky 40456-1310>>t.hasty@rhrcc.org>>606-256-7738>>>>>>**********************************************************>>Confidentiality Notice: The information in this e-mail,>>including any attachments, is for the sole use of the>>intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential>>and legally privileged information. If you are not the>>intended recipient, any disclosure, copying,>>distribution or use of the contents of this>>information in any manner is strictly prohibited and>>may be unlawful.>>>>>>>>>>>>Stacey L. Sheppard>>>

JOSHUA TIME 595

Philippians 4:13 --- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, aloop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights calledEnemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs.But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine calledPerseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called Jesus, you will makeit to a place called Success.

Pass it on to ten people whom you want to seeblessed. Don't forget to send it back to the one who sent it to you.

JOSHUA TIME 594

JESUS>>>>This is something to think about. Pass it on to everyone you know.>>>>>> If Jesus Came to Your House>>>>>>If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two->>If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you'd do.>>Oh, I know you'd give your nicest room to such an honored Guest,>>And you would keep assuring Him you're glad to have Him there->>That serving Him in your own home is joy beyond compare.>>>>>>But-when you saw Him coming, would you meet>>Him at the door>>With arms outstretched in welcome to your heavenly>>Visitor?>>Or would you have to change your clothes before>>You let Him in?>>Or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they'd been?>>Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn't heard?>>And wish you hadn't uttered that last,loud,hasty>>word?>>>>>>Would you hide your worldly music and put some>>Hymn books out?>>Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you>>rush about?>>And I wonder---if the Saviour spent a day or two>>with you,>>Would you go right on doing the things you always do?>>Would you go right on doing the things you always>>say?>>Would life for you continue as it does from day to day?>>>>>>Would your family conversation keep up its>>usual pace?>>And would you find it hard each meal to say>>a table grace?>>Would you sing the songs you always sing, and>>Read the books you read?>>And let Him know the things on which your>>mind and spirit feed?>>Would you take Jesus with you everywhere>>You'd planned to go?>>Or would you, maybe, change your plans for>>Just a day or so?>>>>>>Would you be glad to have Him meet your very>>closest friends?>>Or would you hope they'd stay away until His>>Visit ends?>>Would you be glad to have Him stay forever>>on and on?>>Or would you sigh with great relief when He>>at last was gone?>>It might be interesting to know the things that>>you would do>>If Jesus Christ in person came to spend some>>time with you.>>>>