No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is apiece of the Continent, a part of the main. John Donne
No true test of civilization is, not the census, nor the size of cities, nor the corps, but the kind of man that the country turns out. Ralph Waldo Emerson
To seek the society of others and to shun it are two blameworthy extremes in the devotion of those who live in the world. St. Francis de Sales
God is the judge of all social systems. -- Oscar Romero
Civilization is always in danger when those who have never learned to obey are given the right to command. Fulton John Sheen
Therefore, as opportunity offers, let us work for the good of all, especially of the household of the faith. Galatians 6:10
We have the gospel of Jesus Christ which transforms society, not just glues all the bits together. Elaine Storkey
Just Another Mountain by Jami Slocum
"Yes, we will have struggles in this world. That's what John 16:33 says. But as this song says, God is in control. And what John 16:33 also says is "Take heart, for I have overcome the world!" My favorite line in this song is "How Your grace fills me with hope." Yes, we will have mountains to climb in this lifetime, but God will help us to reach the mountaintop." - coolram52
Prayer Request Like a woman in labor the tiny island nation of Japan has had over 700+ earthquakes since March 22th,2011.
C.S. Lewis writes "The divine art of miracle is not an of suspending the pattern to which events confirm but to feeding new events into the pattern. God shapes the world by prayer. As believers let us feed new events into this pattern through prayer.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Matthew 5:7
He that demands mercy and shows none ruins the bridge over which he himself is to pass. Thomas Adams
When adverse circumstances suddenly arise My children should immediately get "into faith" [love] rather than "into fear".
...."'In righteousness you will be established; You will be far from oppression, for you will not fear; And from terror, for it will not come near you. If anyone fiercely assails you it will not be from Me. Whoever assails you will fall because of you. Behold, I Myself have created the smith who blows the fire of coals and brings out a weapon for its work; And I have created the destroyer to ruin. No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,' declares the LORD".... Isaiah 54:14-17 NASB
...."For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind".... 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
Spiritual truth is discernable only to a pure heart, not to a keen intellect. It is not a question of profundity of intellect, but of purity of heart. Oswald Chambers
He (or she) who would be serene and pure needs but one thing--detachment. Meister Eckhart
There cannot be perfect transformation without perfect pureness. St. John of the Cross
Simplicity reaches out after God; purity discovers and ENJOYS him. Thomas a Kempis
Still to the lowly soul He doth Himself impart, And for his cradle and His throne Chooseth the pure in heart. John Keble
Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot counternance wrongdoing. Habakkuk 1:13
I am not judged by the light I have, but by the light that I refuse to accept! Oswald Chambers
Source (via mypansyeyes)
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:7
How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on.
I must say I find television very educational. The minute somebody turns it on, I go to the library and read a good book. Groucho Marx
For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude. Dennis Watley
Beauty is unbearable, drives us to despair, offering us for a minute the glimpse of an eternity that we should like to stretch out over the whole of time. Albert Camus
Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day. Do it! I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now! There are only so many tomorrows. Pope Paul VI
Stop For One Minute - Laura Matthews (Beautiful song)
When you consider your own mortality, what typically is your response? Take time to read the passages below about God's promises to believers concerning death and eternity. How do these passages change your thoughts about death and mortality?
EXPLORATION Victory over death-- Psalm 23:4; 116:15; Isaiah 25:8; John 5:24; Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; Revelation 21:4
This is the first, day of the rest of your life Cause even in the dark you can still see the light...
Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living! Amanda Bradley
People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.
Elizabeth Kubler Ross
Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.
Mary Anne Radmacher
Everyone remembers the children's song "This Little Light Of Mine." This is Addison Road's variation of that song. What a fantastic composition! It's from their album "Stories." I love the lines "May you live each day with no regret, make the most of every chance you get." And remember what Matthew 5:16 says: "Let your light shine before others."
TAKE AWAY POINTS TO CONSIDER
Then God commanded, "Let there be light--and light appeared. Genesis 1:3
The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." Isaiah 9:2
There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it. Edith Newbolt Wharton The Lord does not shine upon us, expect when we take His WORD as our light! John Calvin
Christ came to reveal what righteousness really is, for nothing will do expect righteousness, and no other conception of righteouness will do except Christ's conception of it -- his method and secret. Matthew Arnold
Rosemary grows on friable loam soil with good drainage in an open sunny position, it will not withstand water logging and some varieties may be susceptible to frost. This herb grows best in neutral to alkaline conditions pH (pH 7–7.8) with average fertility.
Garden To Do List March We’ll soon know if March is going to come in like a lamb and go out like a lion or the reverse. Time will tell. What I do know is that even though the weather can still be wintry,
From: I Yun Hse Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 11:02 AM Subject: A letter from Sendai
Things here in Sendai have been rather surreal. But I am very blessed to have wonderful friends who are helping me a lot. Since my shack is even more worthy of that name, I am now staying at a friend's home. We share supplies like water, food and a kerosene heater. We sleep lined up in one room, eat by candlelight, share stories. It is warm, friendly, and beautiful.
During the day we help each other clean up the mess in our homes. People sit in their cars, looking at news on their navigation screens, or line up to get drinking water when a source is open. If someone has water running in their home, they put out a sign so people can come to fill up their jugs and buckets.
It's utterly amazingly that where I am there has been no looting, no pushing in lines. People leave their front door open, as it is safer when an earthquake strikes. People keep saying, "Oh, this is how it used to be in the old days when everyone helped one another."
Quakes keep coming. Last night they struck about every 15 minutes. Sirens are constant and helicopters pass overhead often.
We got water for a few hours in our homes last night, and now it is for half a day. Electricity came on this afternoon. Gas has not yet come on. But all of this is by area. Some people have these things, others do not. No one has washed for several days. We feel grubby, but there are so much more important concerns than that for us now. I love this peeling away of non-essentials. Living fully on the level of instinct, of intuition, of caring, of what is needed for survival, not just of me, but of the entire group.
There are strange parallel universes happening. Houses a mess in some places, yet then a house with futons or laundry out drying in the sun. People lining up for water and food, and yet a few people out walking their dogs. All happening at the same time.
Other unexpected touches of beauty are first, the silence at night. No cars. No one out on the streets. And the heavens at night are scattered with stars. I usually can see about two, but now the whole sky is filled. The mountains are Sendai are solid and with the crisp air we can see them silhouetted against the sky magnificently.
And the Japanese themselves are so wonderful. I come back to my shack to check on it each day, now to send this e-mail since the electricity is on, and I find food and water left in my entranceway. I have no idea from whom, but it is there. Old men in green hats go from door to door checking to see if everyone is OK. People talk to complete strangers asking if they need help. I see no signs of fear. Resignation, yes, but fear or panic, no.
They tell us we can expect aftershocks, and even other major quakes, for another month or more. And we are getting constant tremors, rolls, shaking, rumbling. I am blessed in that I live in a part of Sendai that is a bit elevated, a bit more solid than other parts. So, so far this area is better off than others. Last night my friend's husband came in from the country, bringing food and water. Blessed again.
Somehow at this time I realize from direct experience that there is indeed an enormous Cosmic evolutionary step that is occurring all over the world right at this moment. And somehow as I experience the events happening now in Japan, I can feel my heart opening very wide. My brother asked me if I felt so small because of all that is happening. I don't. Rather, I feel as part of something happening that much larger than myself. This wave of birthing (worldwide) is hard, and yet magnificent.
Thank you again for your care and Love of me,
With Love in return, to you all.
Prophecy in the News: SUPER MOON
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. Psalm 27:5
Upon This Rock I Shall Build My Church
I don't know about you but I'm always looking for God in the small stuff. For example you may or may not recall but on September 4, 2010 - A 7.1 magnitude shake struck Christchurch, causing an estimated NZ$4 billion in damage, making it the most destructive quake since 1931. There were no deaths and only two serious injuries.
Then on February 22, 2011 - A 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Christchurch, killing at least 65 people and caused widespread damage because it was shallow and close to the city centre.
And then sadly on 3/11/11 the capital city of the Moyagi Prefecture, Sendai, Japan suffered a 9.0 earthquake and tsunami.
Yesterday after reading this letter from Sendai; I began thinking about what the Japanese name Sendai name means in English? According to Wikipedia: Sendai in Japanese means "a thousand generations."
In the Old Testament it is written:
"Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands." Deuternomy 7:9
"He remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded, for a thousand generations. "Psalm 105:8
The city of Sendai also has the nickname"City of Trees" because they have about 60 zelkova trees planted on Jōzenji Street and Aoba Street.
Well, I don't know about you but I've never even heard of zelkova trees. But according to Wikipedia.com in the summer months the Sendai Tanabata Festival is held. In winter the Zelkova trees are decorated with thousands of lights for thePageant of Starlight lasting through most of December.
For anyone enjoys the study of botany and possibly bible prophecy the nameZelkova actually derives it name from the native name of Z. carpinifolia in one of the Kartvelian languages, as shown by the Georgian name meaning "rock." Zelkova trees are often used for making rock-hard and durable bars for building and furniture.
In the Gospel of Matthew, the word tells us that our Lord and Savior Jesus designates Peter as “the Rock” upon which he will build his Church:
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.”-Matthew Chapter 7:24-25
But "what exactly does the word “rock” mean in a Jewish/Scriptural context? After careful Scriptural study, Protestants might want to think twice before ignoring the preeminent authority that Scripture confers upon Peter. For in Scripture, “the Rock” is identified with shelter/refuge, strength, security, the foundation of an altar to God, the place of sacrifice to God, a stumbling block to the stubborn and disobedient, life-giving water (foreshadowing baptism?), the source of life and existence, salvation, the divine, Yahweh Himself, and Christ Himself." *1.
In the New Testment it is written:
“He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.”-Luke 6:48
“And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.”- 1 Cor 10:4
“And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.”-1 Pet 2:8
My brothers and sisters when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith and this will give you patience. Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need. (James 1:2-4)
Let us always remember that God allows tough situations in our lives in order to refine us and bring us closer to him. We should carefully approach these times (the end of the Church age) with a right attitude while continuallly seeking after wisdom from a holy God.
It's a cruel season that makes you get ready for bed while it's light out. ~Bill Watterson
An Elegant Master Bedroom Designer Albert Hadley used this four-poster, which the owners already had, to create a truly elegant master bedroom. Featured in the April 2009 issue of House Beautiful.
Eat Green for St. Patrick's Day Pick and choose a few dishes for a dinner overflowing with the Luck O' the Irish. These naturally green dishes are sure to brighten any St. Patrick's Day celebration.
May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields and, Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
How To Make Stews - Cooking Light Nothing says comfort food like a hearty bowl full of stew. Follow our steps and you will be well on your way to mastering these one-bowl ...
"The Middle East is afire with rebellion, Japan is imploding from an earthquake, and the battle of the budget is on in the United States, but none of this seems to be deterring President Obama from a heavy schedule of childish distractions..."
Christ the Redeemer Statue, Rio De Janiro Brazil What is President Obama doing this weekend? Well it seems that he and his family are headed to Rio De Janiro, Brazil for a brief family vacation of sightseeing.
MARCH MADNESS: MINUS LEADERSHIP The Bible provides ample confirmation of a key management principle People don't do what they hear; they do what they see. The example of the leader determines the experience of the people.
Remember: A nation's leadership determines the direction of the whole country. People do what people see." - John C. Maxwell Leadership Bible
TAKE AWAY POINTS TO CONSIDER
"Good leaders understand how to get the job done."
"Leaders are ordinary people with extraordinary determination."
"A good leader takes a little more than his share of blame; a little less than his share of credit." -- Arnold H. Glasgow
"Leadership is action, not position."-Donald H. McGannon
Where there is no vision, the people perish.~Proverbs 29:18
"Turn the past to the mercy of God, the present to his LOVE, and the future to his Providence. Saint Augustine of Hippo
"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:48
"Perfection is being, not doing; it is not to effect an act but to achieve a character." Fulton John Sheen
"They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds." Winston Churchill
"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Creation waits for Him to move. The revelation of the truth, Every eye will finally see. The perfect day will come at last. He will break the darkened glass. With everyone on bended knee, Maybe tomorrow, maybe in a hundred years.
The perfect day will come I know. When I will dance around the throne. With the angels, I will give Him praise. I will finally get to meet the who made joy complete. The perfect One on the perfect day. I am waiting for the perfect day.
The world I know will pass away. Only his love will remain. All His work will then be done. With his children gathered 'round, They will make a joyful sound, Giving glory to the risen Son. I'm just a dreamer and I am dreaming of the day.
I will keep my eyes focused on the prize. I will run to the One who has called me. Each new day begins singing songs to Him, hallelujah. You alone are holy. You alone are holy.
His presence sweeter than before, I won't be crying anymore. More of Him is all I need.
You alone are holy. You alone are holy. You alone are holy. Jesus, You are holy. You alone are holy. You alone are holy. You alone are holy. You alone are holy. You alone are holy. I am waiting for the perfect day.
Baking pasta with cheese on top creates a chewy and crispy topping kids will love. You can assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate it, then bake it right before dinner.
My heart aches for the Beautiful Land of Cherry Trees...
All Good Things Come from God
If the Lord doesn't build the house, the builders are working for nothing. If the Lord doesn't guard the city, the guards are watching for nothing. Psalm 127:1
A Prayer of Someone Far from Home
PSALM 120 When I was in trouble, I called to the Lord, and he answered me. Lord, save me from liars and from those who plan evil.
You who plan evil, what will God do to you? How will he punish you? He will punish you with the sharp arrows of a warrior and with burning coals of wood.
How terrible it is for me to live in the land of Meshech, to live among the people of Kedar. I have lived too long with people who hate peace. When I talk peace, they want war.
The Lord Guards His People
PSALM 121
I look up to the hills, but where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
He will not let you be defeated. He who guards you never sleeps. He who guards Israel never rests or sleeps. The Lord guards you. The Lord is the shade that protects you from the sun. The sun cannot hurt you during the day, and the moon cannot hurt you at night. The Lord will protect you from all dangers; he will guard your life. The Lord will guard you as you come and go, both now and forever.
Pray for the PEACE of Jerusalem
Psalm 122
I was happy when they said to me, "Let's go to the Temple of the Lord." Jerusalem, we are standing at your gates.
Jerusalem is built as a city with the buildings close together. The tribes go up there, the tribes who belong to the Lord. It is the rule in Israel to praise the Lord at Jerusalem. There the descendants of David set their thrones to judge the people.
There will be storms in life that we can't outrun. Just as Jesus didn't run from the cross, He won't run from us in those storms. Storms are difficult, frightening even; and we may want to run, but in doing so, we don't want to run from our Salvation. There is love in the storm, peace and hope. Isaiah 43:2
I JUST WANT TO BE CLOSER ....
Looking for a color in a shade of gray Looking for a love in a drop of rain Trying to find change in the old mundane Everything I do just feels the same Spending my life out in the desert Been gone so long feels like forever
I just want to be even closer to you I just want to be even closer I am yours, You can have all of me, anything, everything I just want to be even closer
A day without you is a thousand years A day without you is a million tears Tell me why do I run when I am in fear Why do I run when you are so near Spending my life out in the weather Been gone so long and I need some shelter
Where ever you go Where ever you are I just want to be there with you
Egg Garland Dyed in fresh spring hues, our egg chain makes a cheerful seasonal swag for a mantel mirror; the blown-out eggshells are light enough to loop across a doorway.
Decorating for Easter Easter Egg Wreath Symbols of rebirth in many cultures, eggs serve as the perfect star component in this festive wreath. To hollow out the eggs, working over a bowl, pierce one end of a raw egg with a pin. Pierce the other end, and use the pin to enlarge the hole slightly and break the yolk.
"Celebrate your success and stand strong when adversity hits, for when the storm clouds come in, the eagles soar while the small birds take cover”
"Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm”
"Life does not consist mainly, or even largely, of facts and happenings. It consists mainly of the storm of thought that is forever flowing through one's head.” Mark Twain
"The wise man in the storm prays to God, not for safety from danger, but deliverance from fear” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Storm Coming
Went to sleep last night and I woke up feeling right Daylight in my eyes and it seemed to be really bright I went to the window and I looked up in the sky I saw the angels coming but I knew it wasn't time to die I took a look around I saw the clouds begin to form I knew we must be near the end because the clouds come before the storm
I know the time is near Lightning and thunder will soon here
Storm comin' And it's coming our way Storm comin' And it might come today (look out, here it comes)
I know my days are numbered And I haven't got long to roam It seems like quite a while I've been feeling like I want to go home I'm just waiting for the day when Jesus will come and take me by the hand There's no need to worry, He's gonna take me to the promise land
I hope you'll be there too Jesus is waiting for you
Storm comin' And it's coming our way Storm comin' And it might come today (look out, here it comes)
Storm Comin' - The Wailin' Jennys
There will be storms in life that we can't outrun. Just as Jesus didn't run from the cross, He won't run from us in those storms. Storms are difficult, frightening even; and we may want to run, but in doing so, we don't want to run from our Salvation. There is love in the storm, peace and hope. Isaiah 43:2
Celebrate Meatless Mondays with these flavorful vegetarian recipes from around the world, including this four-star rated pasta dish with blanched green rapini, dabs of goat cheese, and a bit of lemon zest.
Brian Gluckstein's senior decorator, Michelle Hanna, leads us through her well-appointed home. Where others might have instinctively pared down in a 14-foot wide house, she layered it on with elaborate mantels, antiques, welcoming seating areas, handsome panel moulding and layers of luxurious fabrics. Learn her tips for renovating a layout, installing built-in storage, maximizing space and displaying treasures. Adding to her list of favourite things, Lynda Reeves shows off four more items that have caught her eye this year. Plus, H&H senior design editor Cameron MacNeil suggests affordable options to update an all-wood kitchen. Learn how a bit of paint, butcher block, lighting and fabric can take a dated kitchen from "then" to "now".
