July 31, 2011
TEXAS BEER JOINT SUES CHURCH OVER LIGHTNING STRIKE
Drummond's Bar began construction on an expansion of their building to increase their business. In response, the local Baptist church started a campaign to block the bar from expanding with petitions and prayers. Work progressed right up until the week before the grand reopening when lightning struck the bar and it burned to the ground.
After the bar burned to the ground as a result of the lightning strike, the church folks were rather smug in their outlook, bragging about "the power of prayer," until the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church "was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building, either through direct or indirect actions or means." I
In its reply to the court, the church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building's demise. The judge read through the plaintiff's complaint and the defendant's reply, and at the opening hearing he commented, "I don't know how I'm going to decide this, but it appears from the paperwork that we have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer and an entire church congregation that now does not."
[forwarded by Sally Hunter]
today'sTHOT============================
If we are what we eat, I'm cheap, fast, and easy.
=======================================
PASS IT ON!
Yeah, you can send this Funny to anybody you want. And, if you're REAL nice, you'll tell them where you got it! www.mikeysFunnies.com=============================== In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
July 23, 2011
Tim Tebow
You football fans will love this story!! (Others also) Wonder how many other stars could have been.
Pam knows about the pain of considering abortion.
More than 21 years ago, she and her husband, Bob, were serving as missionaries to the Philippines and praying for a fifth child. Pam contracted amoebic dysentery, an infection of the intestine caused by a parasite found in a contaminated food or drink. She entered into a coma and was treated with strong antibiotics before they discovered she was pregnant. Doctors urged her to abort the baby for her own safety and told her that the medicines had caused irreversible damage to her baby. She refused the abortion and cited her Christian faith as the reason for her hope that her son would be born without the devastating disabilities physicians predicted.
The doctors "didn't think of it as a life, they thought of it as a mass of fetal tissue," Pam said.
While pregnant, Pam nearly lost their baby four times but refused to consider abortion. She recalled making a pledge to God with her husband, "If you will give us a son, we'll name him 'Timothy,' and we'll make him a preacher."
Pam ultimately spent the last two months of her pregnancy in bed and, eventually, gave birth to a health baby boy August 14, 1987.
Pam's youngest son is indeed a preacher. He preaches in prisons, makes hospital visits, and serves with his father's ministry in the Philippines.
He also plays football. Pam's son is Tim Tebow.
Last year, the University of Florida's star quarterback, became the first sophomore in history to win college football's highest award, the Heisman Trophy. Tim's notoriety and the family's inspiring story have given Pam numerous opportunities to speak on behalf of women's centers across the country.
She was the keynote speaker at the Oct. 23, 2008, benefit banquet for two Louisville ministries. A Woman's Choice Resource Center offers such services as free pregnancy tests, post-abortion counseling, adoption information, and material support. Nicole's Place is a companion ministry that provides support services for women in need.
Several Louisville-area Kentucky Baptist churches and Long Run Baptist Association help support both ministries.
A Woman's Choice board chairman, John Schmitt, reported at the banquet that in the 20 years since the resource center opened, 4,500 children have been saved from abortion -- 400 in this year alone.
Speaking of the thousands of lives saved, Pam Tebow said, "That just blows my mind. Every little baby you save matters."
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
July 10, 2011
THE RULES OF RURAL NEW YORK
Having lived in rural Upstate New York, I had to send this on.
Yes, there is a huge state beyond New York City and it is called Upstate New York. It has some beautiful large cities and is also full of MANY, MANY small towns and abundant farm land which we call Rural New York.
Here is someone's take on "Rural New York" and it's quite accurate.
THE RULES OF RURAL NEW YORK ARE AS FOLLOWS: Listen up City Slickers!
1. Pull your droopy pants up. You look like an idiot.
2. Turn your cap around straight... your head isn't crooked.
3. Let's get this straight; it's called a 'dirt road' No matter how slow you drive, you're going to get dust on your Lexus. Drive it or get out of the way. I drive a pickup truck because I want to.
4. They are cattle. They're live steaks. That's why they smell funny to you. But they smell like money to us. Get over it. Don't like it? I-90 and I-81 go west and south... use em.
5. So you have a $60,000 car... we're impressed. We have $250,000 combines to harvest corn and soybeans that are driven only 3 weeks a year.
6. So every person in rural New York waves. It's called being
friendly. Try to understand the concept.
7. If that cell phone rings while an 8-point buck and 3 does are coming in, we WILL shoot it out of your hand. You better hope you don't have it up to your ear at the time.
8. Yeah, we eat meat, taters and gravy, beans and biscuits, and homemade pie. You really want sushi and caviar? It's available down at Jim's bait shop.
9. The 'Opener' refers to the first day of deer season. It's a religious holiday held the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
10. We open doors for women. That is applied to all women, regardless of age.
11. No, there's no 'vegetarian special' on the menu. Order steak or chicken. Or, you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the 2 pounds of ham and turkey.
12. When we fill out a table, there are three main dishes: meats, vegetables, and breads. We use three spices... salt, pepper, and ketchup. Oh, yeah... We don't care what you folks in Chicago call that stuff you eat... IT AIN'T REAL CHILI !!
13. You bring 'coke' into my house... it better be brown, wet and served over ice.
14. You bring 'Mary Jane' into my house, she better be cute, know how to shoot, drive a truck, and have long blonde hair.
15. The Syracuse Orangemen and high school football are as important here as the Giants and the Jets and more fun to watch.
16. Yeah, we have golf courses. But don't hit the water hazards... it spooks the fish.
17. Colleges? We have them all over. We have Cornell University, Ithaca College, Syracuse U., Colgate, the SUNY system, Community Colleges, and Voc-techs. They come outta there with an education plus a love for God and Country, and they still wave to every-body when they come home for the
holidays.
18. Turn down that blasted car stereo! That thumpity-thump crap ain't music anyway. We don't want to hear it any more than we want to see your boxers. (Refer back to #1.)
19. Four inches of snow isn't a bliz-zard...it's a flurry. Drive in it like you got some sense, and DON'T take all our bread, milk, and eggs off the grocery shelves. This ain't Alaska! Worst case... you may have to live a whole day without croissants. Anyway... the pickups with snowplows will have you out the next day.
20. If you've never been here, come visit our friendly folks and enjoy our spectacular scenery... lakes, farmland, great fishing and hunting, wineries, museums, lots of history. Take a boat ride on the Erie Canal. Check out Niagara Falls, and the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains.
21. By the way, if you want to talk to God in New York... it's a local call.
A true New Yorker will send this on!!!
HAVE A GREAT DAY!
FROM RURAL NEW YORK WITH LOVE
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
June 19, 2011
CHURCH SMILE MAKERS
Church
One Sunday morning, a mother went in to wake her son and tell him it was time to get ready for church, to which he replied, 'I'm not going.'
'Why not?' she asked.
I'll give you two good reasons,' he said. '(1), they don't like me, and (2), I don't like them.'
His mother replied, 'I'll give YOU two good reasons why YOU SHOULD go to church.
(1) You're 59 years old, and (2) you're the pastor!'
The Picnic
A Jewish Rabbi and a Catholic Priest met at the town's annual 4th of July picnic. Old friends, they began their usual banter.
'This baked ham is really delicious,' the priest teased the rabbi. 'You really ought to try it. I know it's against your religion, but I can't understand why such a wonderful food should be forbidden! You don't know what you're missing. You just haven't lived until you've tried Mrs. Hall's prized Virginia Baked Ham. Tell me, Rabbi, when are you going to break down and try it?'
The rabbi looked at the priest with a big grin, and said, 'At your wedding.'
The Usher
An elderly woman walked into the local country church. The friendly usher greeted her at the door and helped her up the flight of steps, 'Where would you like to sit?' he asked politely.
'The front row please,' she answered.
'You really don't want to do that,' the usher said 'The pastor is really boring.'
'Do you happen to know who I am?' the woman inquired. 'No.' he said. 'I'm the pastor's mother,' she replied indignantly.
'Do you know who I am?' he asked. 'No.' she said. 'Good,' he answered.
Show and Tell
A kindergarten teacher gave her class a 'show and tell' assignment. Each student was instructed to bring in an object to share with the class that represented their religion. The first student got up in front of the class and said, 'My name is Benjamin and I am Jewish and this is a Star of David.'
The second student got up in front of the class and said, 'My name is Mary. I'm a Catholic and this is a Rosary.'
The third student got in up front of the class and said, 'My name is Tommy. I am Methodist, and this is a casserole.'
The Best Way To Pray
A priest, a minister and a guru sat discussing the best positions for prayer, while a telephone repairman worked nearby.
'Kneeling is definitely the best way to pray,' the priest said.
'No,' said the minister. 'I get the best results standing with my hands outstretched to Heaven.'
'You're both wrong,' the guru said. 'The most effective prayer position is lying down on the floor.'
The repairman could contain himself no longer. 'Hey, fellas,' he interrupted. 'The best prayin' I ever did was when I was hangin' upside down from a telephone pole.'
The Twenty and the One
A well-worn one-dollar bill and a similarly distressed twenty-dollar bill arrived at a Federal Reserve Bank to be retired. As they moved along the conveyor belt to be burned, they struck up a conversation. The twenty-dollar bill reminisced about its travels all over the country.
'I've had a pretty good life,' the twenty proclaimed. 'Why I've been to Las Vegas and Atlantic City , the finest restaurants in New York , performances on Broadway, and even a cruise to the Caribbean '
'Wow!' said the one-dollar bill. 'You've really had an exciting life!'
'So tell me,' says the twenty, 'where have you been throughout your lifetime?'
The one dollar bill replies, 'Oh, I've been to the Methodist Church , the Baptist Church , the Lutheran Church .'
The twenty-dollar bill interrupts, 'What's a church?'
Goat for Dinner
The young couple invited their elderly pastor for Sunday dinner. While they were in the kitchen preparing the meal, the minister asked their son what they were having. 'Goat,' the little boy replied.
'Goat?' replied the startled man of the cloth, 'Are you sure about that?'
'Yep,' said the youngster. 'I heard Dad say to Mom, 'Today is just as good as any to have the old goat for dinner.'
Lord, keep Your arm around my shoulder and Your hand over my mouth!
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
Who is your Daddy
A seminary professor was vacationing with his wife in Gatlinburg, TN. One morning, they were eating breakfast at a little restaurant, hoping to enjoy a quiet, family meal. While they were waiting for their food, they noticed a distinguished looking, white-haired man moving from table to table, visiting with the guests. The professor leaned over and whispered to his wife, 'I hope he doesn't come over here.' But sure enough, the man did come over to their table.
'Where are you folks from?' he asked in a friendly voice.
' Oklahoma ,' they answered.
'Great to have you here in Tennessee,' the stranger said. ‘What do you do for a living?' 'I teach at a seminary, ‘he replied.
'Oh, so you teach preachers how to preach, do you? Well, I've got a really great story for you.' And with that, the gentleman pulled up a chair and sat down at the table with the couple.
The professor groaned and thought to himself, ‘Great ... Just what I need ...another preacher story!'
The man started, 'See that mountain over there? (Pointing out the restaurant window). Not far from the base of that mountain, there was a boy born to an unwed mother. He had a hard time growing up, because every place he went, he was always asked the same question, 'Hey boy, who’s your daddy?' Whether he was at school, in the grocery store or drug store, people would ask the same question, 'Who's your daddy?'
He would hide at recess and lunch time from other students. He would avoid going in to stores because that question hurt him so bad. 'When he was about 12 years old, a new preacher came to his church. He would always go in late and slip out early to avoid hearing the question, 'Who's your daddy?' But one day, the new preacher said the benediction so fast that he got caught and had to walk out with the crowd.
Just about the time he got to the back door, the new preacher, not knowing anything about him, put his hand on his shoulder and asked him, 'Son, who's your daddy?'
The whole church got deathly quiet. He could feel every eye in the church looking at him. Now everyone would finally know the answer to the question, 'Who's your daddy?'
'This new preacher, though, sensed the situation around him and using discernment that only the Holy Spirit could give, said the following to that scared little boy... 'Wait a minute! I know who you are! I see the family resemblance now, You are a child of God.' With that he patted the boy on his shoulder and said, 'Boy, you've got a great inheritance. Go and claim It.'
'With that, the boy smiled for the first time in a long time and walked out the door a changed person.. He was never the same again. Whenever anybody asked him, 'Who's your Daddy?' he'd just tell them, 'I'm a Child of God....’’
The distinguished gentleman got up from the table and said, 'Isn't that a great story?' The professor responded that it really was a great story!
As the man turned to leave, he said, 'You know, if that new preacher hadn't told me that I was one of God's children, I probably never would have amounted to anything!' And he walked away.
The seminary professor and his wife were stunned He called the waitress over & asked her, 'Do you know who that man was -- the one who just left that was sitting at our table?'
The waitress grinned and said, 'Of course. Everybody here knows him. That's Ben Hooper. He's governor of Tennessee.'
Someone in your life today needs a reminder that they're one of God's children.
'The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of God stands forever.' ~~Isaiah
YOU'RE ONE OF GOD'S CHILDREN.
HAVE A GREAT DAY.
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
11/10/2010
Sack Lunches
I put my carry-on in the
luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned
seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm
glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will
get a short nap,' I thought.
Just before take-off,
a line of soldiers came down the aisle and
filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding
me. I decided to start a conversation.
'Where are you
headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to
me.
'Petawawa. We'll be there for two
weeks for special training, and then we're being
deployed to Afghanistan
After
flying for about an hour, an announcement was
made that sack lunches were available for five
dollars. It would be several hours before we
reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch
would help pass the time...
As I reached for my
wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if
he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems
like a lot of money for just a sack lunch.
Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks.
I'll wait till we get to base.'
His friend agreed.
I looked around at the
other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked
to the back of the plane and handed the flight
attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a
lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my
arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with
tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in
Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for
him.'
Picking up ten
sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the
soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and
asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or
chicken?'
'Chicken,' I replied,
wondering why she asked. She turned and went to
the front of plane, returning a minute later
with a dinner plate from first class.
'This is your thanks.'
After we finished
eating, I went again to the back of the plane,
heading for the rest room.
A
man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to
be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me
twenty-five dollars.
Soon after I returned
to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down
the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he
walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but
noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my
side of the plane. When he got to my row he
stopped, smiled, held out his hand and said, 'I
want to shake your hand.' Quickly unfastening my
seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand.
With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier
and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought
me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never
forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was
heard from all of the passengers.
Later I walked to the
front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A
man who was seated about six rows in front of me
reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He
left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.
When we landed I
gathered my belongings and started to deplane.
Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man
who stopped me, put something in my shirt
pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a
word. Another twenty-five dollars!
Upon entering the
terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their
trip to the base.
I walked over to
them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It
will take you some time to reach the
base.
It
will be about time for a sandwich.
God
Bless You.'
Ten young
men left that flight feeling the love and
respect of their fellow travelers.
As I walked briskly to
my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe
return. These soldiers were giving their all for
our country. I could only give them a couple of
meals. It seemed so little...
A veteran is someone
who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank
check made payable to 'The United States of
America ' for an amount of 'up to and
including my life.'
That is Honor, and
there are way too many people in this country
who no longer understand
it.'
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
11/08/2010
RECALL NOTICE:
The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.
Some of the symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.
The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.
The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.
P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'!
PASS ALONG TO YOUR CHRISTIAN FRIENDS & FAMILY
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
11/04/2010
Subject: Computer vs Car
At a recent computer expo (COMDEX) Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated, 'If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon.'
In response to Bill's comments, General Motors issued a press release stating:
If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics (and I just love this part ):
1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash...Twice a day.
2. Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car.
3. Occasionally your car would die on the motorway for no reason. You would have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this..
4. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.
5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive - but would run on only five percent of the roads.
6. The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single 'This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation' warning light.
I love the next one!!!
7. The airbag system would ask, 'Are you sure?' before deploying.
8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.
9. Every time a new car was introduced car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.
10. You'd have to press the 'Start' button to turn the engine off
PS - when all else fails, you could call 'customer service' in some foreign country and be instructed in some foreign language how to fix your car yourself!
LOL!!!!!!!
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
9/23/2010
THE CHRISTMAS PAGENT
You do not have to be a parent to enjoy this!
The Christmas Pageant
My husband and I had been happily
married (most of the time)
for five years
but hadn't been blessed with a baby.
I decided to do some serious
praying and promised God
that if he would give us a
child,
I would be a perfect mother,
love it with all my heart
and raise it with His word
as my guide.
God answered my prayers
and blessed us with a son.
The next year God blessed us
with another son.
The following year,
He blessed us with
yet another son.
The year after that we
were blessed with a daughter.
My husband thought we'd
been blessed right into poverty.
We now had four children,
and the oldest was only
four years old.
I learned never to ask God
for anything unless I meant it.
As a minister once told me,
"If you pray for rain,
make sure you carry an umbrella."
I began reading a few verses
of the Bible to the children
each day as they lay in their cribs.
I was off to a good start.
God had entrusted me
with four children and
I didn't want to disappoint Him.
I tried to be patient the day
the children smashed
two dozen eggs on
the kitchen floor searching
for baby chicks.
I tried to be understanding...
when they started a hotel for
homeless frogs in the spare bedroom,
although it took me nearly two hours
to catch all twenty-three frogs.
When my daughter poured
ketchup all over herself and
rolled up in a blanket to see
how it felt to be a hot dog,
I tried to see the humor
rather than the mess.
In spite of changing over
twenty-five thousand diapers,
never eating a hot meal
and never sleeping for more
than thirty minutes at a time,
I still thank God daily for my children.
While I couldn't keep my promise
to be a perfect mother -
I didn't even come close...
I did keep my promise
to raise them in the Word of God.
I knew I was missing the mark
just a little when I told
my daughter we were going
to church to worship God,
and she wanted to bring
a bar of soap along to
"wash up" Jesus, too.
Something was lost
in the translation when
I explained that
God gave us everlasting life,
and my son thought it was
generous of God to give
us his "last wife."
My proudest moment came
during the children's
Christmas pageant.
My daughter was playing Mary,
two of my sons were shepherds
and my youngest son was a wise man.
This was their moment to shine.
My five-year-old shepherd
had practiced his line,
"We found the babe wrapped
in swaddling clothes."
But he was nervous and said,
"The baby was wrapped
in wrinkled clothes."
My four-year-old "Mary" said,
"That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly.
That's dirty, rotten clothes."
A wrestling match broke out
between Mary and the shepherd
and was stopped by an angel,
who bent her halo and lost
her left wing.
I slouched a little lower
in my seat when Mary
dropped the doll representing
Baby Jesus, and it bounced
down the aisle crying,
"Mama-mama."
Mary grabbed the doll,
wrapped it back up
and held it tightly as
the wise men arrived.
My other son stepped forward
wearing a bathrobe
and a paper crown,
knelt at the manger
and announced,
"We are the three wise men,
and we are bringing gifts
of gold,
common sense
and fur."
The congregation
dissolved into laughter,
and the pageant
got a standing ovation.
"I've never enjoyed a Christmas
program as much as this one,"
laughed the pastor,
wiping tears from his eyes.
"For the rest of my life,
I'll never hear the
Christmas story without
thinking of
gold,
common sense
and fur."
"My children are my pride
and my joy and my greatest
blessing," I said as I dug
through my purse for an aspirin.
Jesus had no servants,
yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree,
yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines,
yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army,
yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles,
yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime,
yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb,
yet He lives today.
Feel honored
to serve such a Leader
who loves us.
GOD BLESS YOU
ALL!!!
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
9/4/2010
11 rules your kids did not and will not learn in school
(Bill Gates speech)
Rule 1:
Life is not fair - get used to it!
Rule 2:
The world doesn't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3:
You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
Rule 4:
If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.
Rule 5:
Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.
Rule 6:
If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7:
Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 8:
Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9:
Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.
Rule 10:
Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11:
Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
8/15/2010
Senior Blues?
$5.37." That's what the kid behind the counter at Taco Bell said to me. I dug into my pocket and pulled out some lint and two dimes and somethingthat used to be a Jolly Rancher. Having already handed the kid a five-spot, I started to head back out to the truck to grab some change, when the kid with the Elmo hairdo said the harshest thinganyone has ever said to me.He said, "It's OK. I'll just give you the senior citizen discount."I turned to see who he was talking toand then heard the sound of changehitting the counter in front of me."Only $4.68," he said cheerfully.I stood there stupefied. I am 54, noteven 60 yet. A mere child! Senior citizen? I took my burrito and walked out tothe truck, wondering what was wrong with Elmo. Was he blind? As I sat in the truck, my blood began to boil.Old? Me? I'll show him, I thought. I opened the door and headed back inside. I strodeto the counter, and there he was waitingwith a smile.Before I could say a word, he held up something and jingled it in front of me,like I could be that easily distracted!What am I now? A toddler?"Dude! Can't get too far without yourcar keys, eh?"I stared with utter disdain at the keys. I began to rationalize in my mind. "Leaving keys behind hardly makes a man elderly!It could happen to anyone!"I turned and headed back to the truck. I slipped the key into the ignition, but it wouldn't turn.What now?I checked my keys and tried another. Still nothing. That's when I noticed thepurple beads hanging from my rearview mirror. I had no purple beads hanging from my rearview mirror.Then, a few other objects came into focus. The car seat in the back seat. Happy Meal toys spread all over the floorboard. A partially eaten doughnut on the dashboard. Faster than you can say ginkgo biloba,I flew out of the alien vehicle.Moments later I was speeding out of the parking lot, relieved to finally be leaving this nightmarish stop in my life. That is when I felt it, deep in the bowelsof my stomach: hunger! My stomach growled and churned, and I reached to grab my burrito, only it was nowhereto be found.I swung the truck around, gatheredmy courage, and strode back into therestaurant one final time.There Elmo stood, draped in youth and black nail polish. All I could think was, "What is the world coming to?"All I could say was, "Did I leave my food and drink in here?" At this point I was ready to ask a Boy Scout to help me back to my vehicle, and thengo straight home and apply for Social Security benefits.Elmo had no clue. I walked back out to the truck, and suddenly a younglad came up and tugged on my jeansto get my attention. He was holdingup a drink and a bag. His mother explained, "I think you left this in mytruck by mistake."I took the food and drink from the little boy and sheepishly apologized.He offered these kind words, "It's OK. My grandfather does stuff like this allthe time."All of this is to explain how I got a ticket doing 85 in a 40. Yes, I wasracing some punk kid in a Toyota Prius. And, no, I told the officer, I'mnot too old to be driving this fast.As I walked in the front door, my wife met me halfway down the hall. Ihanded her a bag of cold food anda $300 speeding ticket. I promptly sat in my rocking chair and covered up my legs with a blankey.The good news was I had successfully found my way home.
-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- READ BELOW !Just in case you weren't feeling tooold today - - -
The people who are starting college this fall were born in 1991.They are too young to rememberthe space shuttle blowing up.Their lifetime has always included AIDS.The CD was introduced two yearsbefore they were born.They have always had an answeringmachine.They have always had cable.Popcorn has always been microwaved.They never took a swim and thought about Jaws.They don't know who Mork was orwhere he was from.They never heard, "Where's the Beef?", "I'd walk a mile for a Camel ," or "deplane, Boss, de plane."They don't have a clue how to use atypewriter.Pass this on to the other old fogieson your list.Notice the larger type? That's for those of us who have troublereading.P.S. Save the earth. It's the only planetwith chocolate.
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
7/30/2010
Jesus and the Myth Busters
Have you checked Myth Busters out? If not, Myth Busters is a show on Discovery Channel that basically tackles urban legends, internet rumors, movie scenes and the like with the scientific method to test their validity.
One of my favorites was Shark Week, when they answered critical questions like:
* Can sharks detect a struggling fish?
* Does chili powder repel sharks?
* Will a pack of sharks ignore you if you play dead?
* Could you reach a shark's eye while inside its mouth?
These are questions that go through my mind pretty much every time I stick more than a toe in the ocean.
Then there are other key questions in life that they examine. For example,
* Can you cut down a tree with a machine gun?
* Can you hold a conversation with someone while falling at terminal velocity?
And of course, many many myths are 'busted' - even though at face value that seemed to make sense.
In other words, you definitely shouldn't believe everything you see or hear.
Now, I'm for sure no Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, who use their great special effects training and common sense to help keep the story straight, but I have one myth that I would like to 'bust' for you right now. Here is the question for the week:
Is Jesus Christ a mythical figure?
Important question - wouldn't you say? If Jesus is just a made up figure designed to impose control and power over weak-minded fools, then I would like to know. By the same token, if Jesus Christ is a real historical figure, then based on what He claimed it would be shear madness to simply dismiss Him as "another religious dude."
Those that believe Jesus is a myth on par with Bigfoot, unicorns, and the Flying Spaghetti Monster base their perspective largely on the concept that Jesus Christ is a copycat Sun god who shares key elements from dozens of 'gods' before Him. For example, they point to themes like virgin birth, star in the east, 12 disciples, death on the Cross, resurrection etc. as the same storylines that have been attributed to many so called 'gods' before Jesus' time. So there never really was a flesh and blood person in the 1st Century that walked on water, healed the sick and resurrected from the dead.
OK, so now we have our myth. But let's look at the evidence.
The fact of the matter is that we have four eyewitness accounts of Jesus' existence that were written within a generation of His time on earth. The New Testament books, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are considered some of the most reliable historical documents in the world.
And here are a few other things to consider:
The Encyclopedia Britannica uses over 20,000 words to describe Jesus, which is more than Aristotle, Cicero, Alexander, Julius Caesar, Buddha, Confucius, Mohammed, or Napoleon.
Sorry, but the pretty doggone smart folks at the Britannica generally do their homework before they use 20,000 words about someone who 'might be' a myth.
Eleven of Jesus' disciples were tortured and murdered for spreading the message of Jesus. Wait - they would all die for something they knew to be a lie?
The gospel message of Jesus spread from a band of 12 men in a tiny region of Israel to thousands of people across thousands of miles to Rome in just 30 years. Wait, an entire civilization being duped by an obvious copycat religion?
Plus we have non-Biblical references to Jesus coming from Roman historians, government officials, and even the Jewish literature of that time. Wait one more time, the people that wished Jesus was a myth write about Him? Not a great way to get rid of a copycat Sun god - wouldn't you say?
Finally:
* There are over 5000 historical source documents to support the validity of the New Testament, much more than any other ancient book. All the Gospels were published within the lifetimes of eyewitnesses, and yet there's no record of anyone ever proving them false.
* The Romans tried for 250 years to stamp out Christianity before accepting it as their state religion. By that time the books of the New Testament had been a published fact for two centuries.
* The Bible recounts a 6000 year history of God first saying He'll do something and then doing it. You know them as prophecies, and non-Christian history books document their fulfillment all over the place.
Why?
Because the idea of Jesus being a myth is a myth that in my opinion is more easily busted than proving that a jet engine really can't fly a Chevy.
The biggest question you should ask is:
Is Jesus Christ really who He claimed to be - which is God in the flesh and the Savior of the world? This is a question that has already been confirmed - now all you need to do is confirm your place in heaven by trusting in Jesus alone as your only hope of salvation.
Head: What you need to know about this truth
The Jesus Christ who is described n the Bible is definitely not a myth. He is God in the flesh and the Savior of the world.
Heart: What you need to feel about this truth
Feel confident that your faith in Jesus Christ is not a leap into the dark, it is a step into the light. There is more proof of His existence than any other ancient figure.
Hands: What you need to do about this truth
Bring up a conversation with friends who don't have a relationship with Jesus using the facts from this week's Soul Fuel. It's a great way to share your faith!
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
7/20/2010
What Love means to a 4-8 year old . .
Slow down for three minutes to read this. It is so worth it. Touching words from the mouth of babes. A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, 'What does love mean?' The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined See what you think:
'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.
So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.'
Rebecca- age 8
'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.'
Billy - age 4
'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.'
Karl - age 5
'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.'
Chrissy - age 6
'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.'
Terri - age 4
'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.'
Danny - age 7
'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more.
My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss'
Emily - age 8
'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.'
Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)
'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,'
Nikka - age 6
(we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)
'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.'
Noelle - age 7
'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.'
Tommy - age 6
'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.
He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.'
Cindy - age 8
'My mommy loves me more than anybody
You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.'
Clare - age 6
'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.'
Elaine-age 5
'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.'
Chris - age 7
'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.'
Mary Ann - age 4
'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.'
Lauren - age 4
'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.' (what an image)
Karen - age 7
this one
'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross.'
Mark - age 6
'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.'
Jessica - age 8
And the final one
The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.
Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.
When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said,
'Nothing, I just helped him cry'
When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need. Take 60 seconds and give this a shot!
Heavenly Father, please bless all my friends in whatever it is that You know they may be needing this day! And may their life be full of Your peace, prosperity and power as he/she seeks to have a closer relationship with You. Amen.
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
6/21/2010
YOU
KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2010 when...
1. You accidentally
enter your PIN on the microwave.
2. You haven't
played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list
of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of
three.
4. You e-mail the
person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for
not staying in touch with friends and family is that they
don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in
your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is
home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial
on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen
8. Leaving the house
without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first
20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic
and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in
the morning and go on line before getting your
coffee
11. You start
tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12 You're reading
this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you
know exactly to whom you are going to forward this
message.
14. You are too busy
to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually
scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this
list
~~~~~~~~~~~AND FINALLY~~~~~ ~~~~~~~
NOW U R LAUGHING
at
yourself.
Go on, forward this to your friends.
You know you want to.
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
3/29/2010
STATISTICS DON'T LIE!!!
How to stay safe in the World today!
Where IS the Safest Place?
1. Avoid riding in automobiles
because they are responsible for
20% of all fatal accidents.
2. Do not stay home because
17% of all accidents occur in the home.
3. Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks
because 14% of all accidents
occur to pedestrians.
4.. Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water
because 16% of all accidents involve
these forms of transportation.
5. Of the remaining 33%,
32% of all deaths occur in Hospitals.
So, above all else, avoid hospitals.
But. . ..
You will be pleased to learn that only .001%
of all deaths occur in worship services in church,
and these are usually related to previous physical
disorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the safest
place for you to be at any given point in time is at
church! And . . . Bible study is safe too!
The percentage of deaths
during Bible study is even less.
So,
Attend church,
and read your Bible
IT WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE!
GOD BLESS YOU!!!
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
3/16/2010
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER
by Erma Bombeck
( written after she found out she was dying from
cancer )
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the
earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the
day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it
melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was
stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried
much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the
fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about
his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer
day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and
more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical,
wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy,
I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment
growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a
miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later.
Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love you's", more "I'm sorry's".
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute
-- look at it and really see it, live it, and never give it back.
STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!
Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's
doing what
Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do
love us.
These are the colors that represent the different cancers.
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
3/12/2010
BIRTH CERTIFICATES
Birth Certificates show that we were born
A Death Certificate shows that we died
Pictures show that we lived!
Have a seat . . . Relax . . . And read this slowly.
I Believe...
That just because two people argue,
it doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue,
it doesn't mean they do love each other.
I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if
we understand that friends change.
I Believe...
That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while
and you must forgive them for that.
I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow, even over
the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.
I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time
to become the person I want to be.
I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with
loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I Believe...
That we are responsible for what
we do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe...
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.
I Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I Believe..
That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time..
I Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you
when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I Believe...
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had
and what you've learned from them and less to do
with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I Believe...
That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others.
sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I Believe...
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
but, we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find
out a secret. It could change your life Forever.
I Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same
thing and see something totally different.
I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of
hours by people who don't even know you.
I Believe...
That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.
I Believe...
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
I Believe...
That you should send this to all of the people that you believe in, I just did.
'The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
they just make the most of everything.'
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
3/4/2010
Forrest Gump Goes To Heaven
The day finally arrived. Forrest Gump dies and goes to Heaven.
He is at the Pearly Gates, met by St. Peter himself. However,
the gates are closed, and Forrest approaches the gatekeeper.
St. Peter said, 'Well, Forrest, it is certainly good to see you.
We have heard a lot about you...I must tell you, though, that
the place is filling up fast, and we have been administering
an entrance examination for everyone. The test is short, but
you have to pass it before you can get into Heaven.'
Forrest responds, 'It sure is good to be here, St. Peter, sir.
But nobody ever told me about any entrance exam. I sure hope that
the test ain't too hard. Life was a big enough test as it was.'
St. Peter continued, 'Yes, I know, Forrest,
but the test is only three questions......
First: What two days of the week begin with the letter T?
Second: How many seconds are there in a year?
Third: What is God's first name?'
Forrest leaves to think the questions over.
He returns the next day and sees St. Peter, who waves him up,
and says, 'Now that you have had a chance to think the questions
over, tell me your answers'.
Forrest replied, 'Well, the first one -- which two days
in the week begins with the letter 'T'?
Shucks, that one is easy. That would be Today and Tomorrow.'
The Saint's eyes opened wide and he exclaimed, 'Forrest, that
is not what I was thinking, but you do have a point, and I guess
I did not specify, so I will give you credit for that answer.
How about the next one?' asked St. Peter.
'How many seconds in a year? Now that one is harder,'
replied Forrest, but I thunk and thunk about that, and
I guess the only answer can be twelve.'
Astounded, St. Peter said, 'Twelve? Twelve?
Forrest, how in Heaven's name could you come
up with twelve seconds in a year?'
Forrest replied, 'Shucks, there's got to be twelve:
January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd, April 2nd,....'
'Hold it,' interrupts St. Peter. 'I see where you are going
with this, and I see your point, though that was not quite what I had in mind....but I will have to give you credit for that one
too! Let us go on with the third and final question.
Can you tell me God's first name?'
'Sure,' Forrest replied, 'it's Andy.'
'Andy?' exclaimed an exasperated and frustrated St Peter.
'Ok, I can understand how you came up with your answers to my
first two questions, but just how in the world did you come up
with the name Andy as the first name of God?'.
'Shucks, that was the easiest one of all', Forrest replied.
'I learnt it from the song, 'ANDY WALKS WITH ME, ANDY TALKS
WITH ME, ANDY TELLS ME I AM HIS OWN.'
St. Peter opened the Pearly Gates,
and said: 'Run Forrest, run.'
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
1/14/2010
The Cab Ride
I arrived at the address and honked the horn.
After waiting a few minutes, I walked to the door and knocked...
'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice.
I could hear something being dragged across the floor.
After a long pause, the door opened.
A small woman in her 90's stood before me.
She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it,
like somebody out of a 1940's movie.
By her side was a small nylon suitcase.
The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years.
All the furniture was covered with sheets.
There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters.
In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.
'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said.
I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.
She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.
She kept thanking me for my kindness.
'It's nothing', I told her..
'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated'.
'Oh, you're such a good boy', she said.
When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked,
'Could you drive through downtown?'
'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly..
'Oh, I don't mind,' she said.
'I'm in no hurry.
I'm on my way to a hospice'.
I looked in the rear-view mirror.
Her eyes were glistening.
'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice..
'The doctor says I don't have very long.
' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.
'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.
For the next two hours, we drove through the city.
She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.
We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived
when they were newlyweds.
She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once
been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.
Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner
and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.
As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said,
'I'm tired. Let's go now'.
We drove in silence to the address she had given me.
It was a low building, like a small convalescent home,
with a driveway that passed under a portico.
Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up.
They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move.
They must have been expecting her.
I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door.
The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.
'How much do I owe you?'
she asked, reaching into her purse.
'Nothing,'
I said
'You have to make a living,' she answered.
'There are other passengers,' I responded.
Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug.
She held onto me tightly.
'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said.
'Thank you.'
I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light..
Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life...
I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift.
I drove aimlessly lost in thought.
For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk.
What if that woman had gotten an angry driver,
or one who was impatient to end his shift?
What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once,
then driven away?
On a quick review,
I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.
We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.
But great moments often catch us unaware - beautifully
wrapped in what others may consider a small one.
PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY
WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID ~BUT~THEY WILL
ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM
FEEL.
You won't get any big surprise
in 10 days if you send this to ten people. But,
you might help make the world a little kinder
and more compassionate by sending.
it on and
reminding us that often it is the random acts of
kindness that most benefit all of
us.
Thank you, my
friend...
Life
may not be the party we hoped for, but while we
are here we might as well dance.
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
12/24/2009
My Wish for You in 2010
May peace break into your home and may thieves come to steal your debts.
May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills.
May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips!
May happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy
May the problems you had, forget your home address!
In simple words ............
May 2010 be the best year of your life!!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
12/18/2009
A really beautiful story!
A man from Norfolk , VA called a local radio station to share this on
Sept 11th, 2003, TWO YEARS AFTER THE TRAGEDIES OF 9/11/2001.
His name was Robert Matthews. These are his words:
A few weeks before Sept. 11th, my wife and I found out we were going to
have our first child. She planned a trip out to California to visit her
sister. On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant my
wife a safe trip and be with her. Shortly after I said 'amen,' we both
heard a loud pop and the car shook violently. We had blown out a tire. I
replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her
flight.. both very upset, we drove home.
I received a call from my father who was retired NYFD. He asked what my
wife's flight number was, but I explained that we missed the flight.
My father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the
southern tower. I was too shocked to speak. My father also had more news
for me; he was going to help. 'This is not something I can't just sit by
for; I have to do something.'
I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he had never
given his life to Christ. After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made
up. Before he got off of the phone, he said, 'take good care of my
grandchild. Those were the last words I ever heard my father say; he
died while helping in the rescue effort.
My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered quickly
became anger. I was angry at God, at my father, and at myself. I had
gone for nearly two years blaming God for taking my father away. My son
would never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ,
and I never got to say good-bye.
Then something happened. About two months ago, I was sitting at home
with my wife and my son, when there was a knock on the door. I looked
at my wife, but I could tell she wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the
door to a couple with a small child.
The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake Matthews.. I
told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and said, 'I never got the
chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son.'
He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center
and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had
been caught under debris. He then explained that my father had been the
one to find his wife and free her. My eyes welled up with tears as I
thought of my father giving his life for people like this. He then said,
'there is something else you need to know.'
His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talked
to him and led him to Christ. I began sobbing at the news.
Now I know that when I get to Heaven, my father will be standing beside
Jesus to welcome me, and that this family would be able to thank him
themselves
When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew, in honor of
the man who gave his life so that a mother and baby could live.
This story should help us to realize this: God is always in control.
We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never know this side
of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control.
Please take time to share this amazing story. You may never know the
impact it may have on someone. God doesn't call the qualified, He
qualifies the called.
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures Forever.
Psalm 136:1
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
12/05/2009
The Law of the Garbage Truck
One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane and going at an appropriate speed, when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy...and I mean, he was really friendly.
So I asked, “Why did you just do that? That guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!”
That was when my taxi driver taught me what I now call “The Law of the Garbage Truck.”
He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Now, here’s the trick...do not take it personally!
Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Do not take their garbage and spread it to others at work, at home, or on the streets.
The bottom line is this: Successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So, love the people
who treat you right and pray for the ones who don't. Maybe someday, garbage will be illegal!
Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!
Have a blessed, garbage-free day!
What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters compared to what lies within us.
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
11/04/2009
This is thought provoking.
To all my family & friends I want to
thank you for your time.
ONCE YOU READ THIS
YOU WILL UNDERSTAND!
A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door.
It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams.
There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.
Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday." Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.
"Jack, did you hear me?"
"Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said.
"Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," Mom told him.
"I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said.
"You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said
"He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important...Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.
As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.
The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time.
Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture....Jack stopped suddenly.
"What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked.
"The box is gone," he said
"What box?" Mom asked.
"There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,'" Jack said.
It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser fa mil y had taken it.
"Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."
It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died Returning home from work one day Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read.
Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. "Mr. Harold Belser" it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package.. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside.
"Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch.
Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved:
"Jack, Thanks for your time! -Harold Belser."
"The thing he valued most was...my time"
Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant asked.
"I need some time to spend with my son," he said.
"Oh, by the way, Janet, thanks for your time!"
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away,"
Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.
1. At least 2 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.
2 . At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
4. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
5.. You mean the world to someone.
6. If not for you, someone may not be living.
7. You are special and unique.
8. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you trust God to do what's best, and wait on His time, sooner or later, you will get it or something better.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still come from it..
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.
11. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
12. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
13 . Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know and you'll both be happy ..
14. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.
Send this all the people you care about, if you do so, you will certainly brighten someone's day and might change their perspective on life...for the better.
To everyone,
" Thanks for your time".
In His Love
Pastor Steve Blanchard
