OK, so let's get it all out in the open right from the beginning

Posted by Glenn B. Miller

Hi there. I'm here on the invitation of one of the admins here named Tamara. So many people have been warm and welcoming from the moment I signed up. However, I've had a tough time accepting it and here's why. I'm not sure I really "fit." Tamara in describing this place pretty much made it sound like a bunch of misfits, but looking around, it sure doesn't seem that way. Quite the opposite in fact. By way of explanation I'm going to include Tamara and my initial exchange. (This is being done with her permission.) In case you don't know, http://deviantart.com is a site where all sorts of "art" gets displayed. I happen to be a contributing artist doing artistic nude work. Here is the link to my page, but remember you've been forewarned.

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MUSULMANES PUSHTUNS EN ALEMANIA

Posted by LUCY RIVERA

MUSULMANES PUSHTUNS EN ALEMANIA
FEBRERO

DIA 28

¿Qué tienen en común los alemanes y los afganos pushtuns? Hasta el final de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, los alemanes eran gente militar que usaba frecuentemente su poderoso ejército para conquistar. De igual manera, los pushtuns son reconocidos por sus destrezas militares. Ellos son los que en gran parte fueron los responsables de expulsar a los soviéticos de Afganistán y por traernos a los talibanes.

Actualmente el pueblo pushtun se encuentra en 10 diferentes países, incluyendo a 33 mil de ellos que viven en Alemania. Pero las viejas costumbres no mueren fácilmente. En los callejones de Frankfurt, Alemania, las autoridades de esa ciudad encontraron tres habitaciones que eran oficinas de los talibanes. Fueron abiertas en 1996 y cerradas en junio del año pasado. Según el “Financial Times” de Londres, una fuente europea anti-terrorista comenta que a pesar de los sucesos militares en contra de los talibanes en Afganistán, todavía tenemos que enfrentar la más seria amenaza para la paz mundial desde la crisis de los misiles cubanos.

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Virtual Relationships

Posted by Blake Higginbotham

By Blake Higginbotham

Re: Danger, Danger, Danger!

If you are wondering where this phrase came from, it was something that the Robot said on ‘Lost In Space.’ He said it when the Robinson Family was in danger, and more specifically when “Will Robinson” was in danger. Lost In Space, was a goofy sci-fi, primetime television program that my kids grew up watching. It had a certain appeal at the time, because it was a takeoff on a book and story, ‘Swiss Family Robinson.’ The only difference between the two was, ‘Lost In Space’ was set in space, and on a planet far away from Earth, and ‘Swiss Family Robinson’ was a about a family living life on a deserted island. It was a way to escape the troubles of our time, and to identify with what it might feel like to be lost in space, and somewhere other than Earth.

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Tomorrow

Posted by Dustin

Tomorrow is the start of a brand new day, brand new week, and a brand new month! Is it a surprise that it just happens to lay on a sunday? Lets kick it off right by hearing the word of God, I cant wait! Im lettin Jesus do his thing and plan everything!

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thank you

Posted by Wendell Boynes

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN THE LORD FOR THE COMMENTS YOU ALL HAVE MADE ON THE SONG MAY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU !!!

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Psalm 18:1-3

Posted by John Berriochoa

1 I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.

2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

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Psalm 144:1-2

Posted by John Berriochoa

1 Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

2 My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.

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Psalm 41:1-3

Posted by John Berriochoa

1 Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.

2 The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

3 The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.

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OCA Bible Study Gospel Of Luke

Posted by Dylan Stephens

Dear Friends

I pray that you have had some time to reflect as we have started the 40 days of Lent. We have reached what has been a long and prosperous journey through the life of Jesus told through the eyes of Luke. We will pick up this week studying Jesus' ressurection and ascension.

Learning Objectives:
Interpret the ressurection as a message from God
Retell the Emmaus story
Discuss the Emmaus meal as a type of a Communion meal
Write a creed consistent with the Gospel of Luke

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Another Saturday Night

Posted by Glenn B. Miller

Another Saturday night. Do I go to church in the morning or not? Sometimes I think I stay up late on Saturday so that I sleep in and make it a non issue. I miss my oldest daughter Rachael being here. For a brief while there we were church going buddies and I was almost getting back into the swing of things. But from what I read from her, she now is questioning her own walk for the first time and certainly not attending church in Toronto.

Then there is the issue of tithing. I very much believe in it because I know the impact it has on my own heart when I do. But work has been slow of late and I over extended myself... AGAIN. I wonder do I quit tithing to spend or do I spend because I quit tithing? Anyway, not having tithe money keeps me from going too. I know it shouldn't but there are so many things I "know" that go unacted upon. At very least there is a growing resolve to get back on the tithing horse that threw me.

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ALGUNAS COSTUMBRES DE ANO NUEVO

Posted by LUCY RIVERA

ALGUNAS COSTUMBRES DE AÑO NUEVO
ENERO
DIA 01
Hace 4000 años los babilonios tenían 11 días de celebración, que comenzaban cuando la primavera describía sus primeros trazos entre los jardines colgantes de Babilonia.
Los egipcios también recibían con algarabía las señales que preludiaban el nuevo año. Su rostro se tornaba festivo cuando llegaba el ansiado momento en que el río Nilo empezaba a crecer y el caudal se hacía propicio para la siembra. Entonces, la tierra era labrada con confianza en los tiempos venideros.

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"Our Pricesless Inheritance For 2009, Beyond the Reach of Change & Decay"

Posted by Ann Marie Rush

Fire tests the purity of silver & gold, but the Lord tests the heart. ~Proverbs 17:3
For you see, it take intense HEAT to purify gold & silver. Similarly, it often takes the HEAT of trials for the Christian to be purified. For through trials, God shows us what is in us, & clears out anything that gets in the way of complete trust in him. Yet Peter says, "These trials will show that your faith is GENUINE. For it is being tested as fire tests & purifies gold -- though your faith is far more precious than mere gold." (1 Peter 1:7)
So when tough times come your way in the New Year of 2009, realize that God wants to use them to REFINE your faith & purify your heart.

Therefore, O Lord says King David,... I know,..., that you EXAMINE our hearts & REJOICE when you find integrity there. ...

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What will happen in 2009?

Posted by Dean & GladysBeaty

PROSPECTS FOR 2009
By Rev. Dean Beaty 1/1/2009

What are the prospects of the year that’s ahead?
Some look for great things, while others face dread.
Some will see turmoil from those filled with hate.
Others look for Jesus; for Him we await.

There’s plenty of chaos that’s out of our hands;
Brought on by leaders who ignore God’s commands.
But we have God’s promise that He cares for His own.
So cheer up dear Christian, God’s still on the throne.

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My 21st Century Boaz

Posted by Pastor Narda Goodson, First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Are you a lady in waiting? Well, for those of you who are discouraged and worried about the biological clock ticking, you need to read this story...DREAMS DO COME TRUE !

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My Story

Posted by James



2008 what a year, and not so great for me. A few years ago my grandmother who raised me up passed away at our appartment, and sometime after that I moved north to Indiana and didnt really do what I had started out to and that was to make a life and let the past go. Last year I wasnt doing my goal, I was doing what I had to pay alot for, even almost my life. I started drinking, and not just a little drinking every weekend but more like everyday. I in the past had went to church and let Jesus in my heart, but when my mother like woman had left this earth I wasnt looking for help from god, but from the can. On May 10th 2008 I was at a night club till really late at night when they put me out onto a DUI Van which was to take me home. However the driver of this van put me out a few streets away from my home.

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DIEZ REGALOS PARA TI

Posted by LUCY RIVERA

DIEZ REGALOS PARA TI
ENERO
DIA 02
“El amor es sufrido, es benigno” 1 Corintios 13:4
1.- El regalo de Escuchar.
Pero realmente escuchar, sin interrumpir, bostezar, o criticar. Solo escuchar.
2.- El regalo del Cariño.
Ser generoso con besos, abrazos, palmadas en la espalda y apretones de manos, estas pequeñas acciones demuestran el cariño por tu familia y amigos.
3.- El regalo de la sonrisa.
Llena tu vida de imágenes con sonrisas, dibujos, caricaturas y tu regalo dirá: "me gusta reír contigo"
4.- El regalo de las notas escritas.
Esto puede ser un simple "gracias por ayudarme", un detalle como estos puede ser recordado de por vida Y CAMBIARLA A UN TAL VEZ.
5.- El regalo de un cumplido.
Un simple y sincero "te ves genial de rojo", "has hecho un gran trabajo" o "fue una estupenda comida" puede hacer especial un día.
6.- El regalo del favor.
Todos los días procura hacer un favor.

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Dean Beaty...

Posted by Dean & GladysBeaty

MY 66 YEAR HISTORY
By Dean Beaty 1/2/09

I often write of others who grace our family tree.
Of course I always do it with tact and dignity.
Sometimes within my poems I take some liberty.
But seldom do I ever think to speak of me.

There are so many stories. You’ve heard them all before.
Like when I shot my foot with a magnum forty-four.
Or when I lost my memory and got called in by the cops.
Or going against the rules, wearing socks with my flip flops.

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"Wise Words Are Equivalent to a Bubbling Brook"

Posted by Ann Marie Rush

Wise words are like deep waters;
of which - Wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook. ~Proverbs 18:4

And the New Century Version says, Spoken words can be like deep waters, but wisdom is like a flowing stream.
For the words of a good person give life,..., but the words of the wicked contain nothing but violence. ~Proverbs 10:11

Therefore, insensitivity makes a wound that heals slowly.
For if someone hurts your feelings intentionally, you know how to react. Because you know the source of the pain. But if someone accidentally bruises your soul, it's difficult to know how to respond. ...
Yet when you start to think about insensitive slurs, you realize they come from an infamous family whose father has breeded generations of pain.
For his name is Egotism (which means, Excessive reference to oneself; self-centeredness; selfishness; conceit; & vanity). And his children are, three sisters, disregard, disrespect, & disappointment.
These three witches have combined to poison countless relationships & break innumerable hearts. Of which, listed among their weapons are Satan's cruelest artillery, gossip, accusations, resentment, impatience, & on & on.

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you just LOST ONE!!!!

Posted by C®¥sT@L



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Where does prayer come in your life?

Posted by Dean & GladysBeaty

WHY DO YOU PRAY?
Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (King James Version)
By Rev. Dean Beaty 1/3/09

What brings you to God’s throne of grace,
To seek some wisdom from His face?
Is it when bowed down with care,
That you turn to God in prayer?

Do you meet just when you’re stressed,
Or have some sin that needs confessed?
Panic button type of prayer,
Doesn’t leave much time to spare.

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EL PUEBLO JUDIO EN NORUEGA

Posted by LUCY RIVERA

EL PUEBLO JUDÍO EN NORUEGA
ENERO
DIA 03
Es algo terrible ser odiado, perseguido y asesinado, y todo debido al grupo étnico de donde uno procede. Este ha sido el caso para los judíos durante 3 mil años. Persecución y discriminación en contra de ellos han sido las razones históricas para los judíos que han emigrado de su tierra y que se han establecido en otros lugares alrededor del mundo. Como resultado del holocausto y la exterminación de seis millones de judíos, miles de sobrevivientes y sus descendientes han emigrado del este de Europa hacia Israel, a los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica o hacia Europa occidental.
Cerca de 1,600 judíos viven en Oslo, Noruega. Más o menos la mitad de ellos están muy activos en las comunidades religiosas judías ahí. El verano pasado se vieron repetidos actos de persecución y violencia en contra de la sinagoga “Comunidad Religiosa Mosaica”. Amenazas y repetidos actos de vandalismo culminaron en disparos de fuego a la sinagoga, el pasado mes de septiembre.

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"Dynamite POWER in the NAME of Jesus"

Posted by Ann Marie Rush

The name of the Lord is a STRONG fortress; the godly run to him & are SAFE. ~Proverbs 18:10

The Message Bible says, God's NAME is a PLACE of protection -- good people can run there & be safe.

The New Webster's Dictionary defines the word strong as, Having physical power (which is the ability to do or act;... of which POWER is the ability to HAVE strength; MIGHT, or force).
Strong, is also defined as NOT easily broken; & firm.

And the word fortress means, A fortified place; or stronghold.


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To everyone Living in black and white REAL life in christ,

Posted by Fran Doyle

LORD! Keep us all under your SPOUT where your GLORY comes out "AMEN"

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EL PUEBLO DRUZO EN EUROPA

Posted by LUCY RIVERA

EL PUEBLO DRUZO EN EUROPA
ENERO
DIA 04
Helmet miró a su amigo Hakim, y arrugó sus cejas. “Hakim, ¿por qué vas a viajar en tren a Munich?” Hakim continuó empacando su maleta y respondió: “Voy a una reunión de la Sociedad Europea Druza. Hay sólo unos pocos de nosotros del Medio Oriente aquí solos en Europa. Si no logramos tener la oportunidad de conocernos, nuestra religión y cultura pueden extinguirse algún día.” Helmet replicó: “Pensé que eras musulmán”. Hakim le respondió: “Originalmente, nuestra religión tuvo la intención de ser un movimiento reformador dentro del Islam.”
Los adherentes a la religión druza viven mayormente en el Medio Oriente, específicamente en Líbano, Siria, Jordania e Israel. Adaptando algunas costumbres islámicas han desarrollado sus propias creencias para evitar ser perseguidos. Pero en Europa se enfrentan a diferentes desafíos. ¿Cómo mantener su cultura y religión vivas cuando son tan pocos en número? En febrero de 2005, los drusos se reunieron en Munich, Alemania para poder compartir los alimentos juntos, para danzar, orar, y especialmente, para conocerse unos a otros. Al igual que los musulmanes, los drusos creen que Jesús es sólo un profeta y no la puerta que los lleva a la vida eterna.

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Is God Your Heavenly Father?

Posted by Dean & GladysBeaty

GOD AS OUR FATHER
MATTHER 6:9 “Our Father which art in Heaven…”
By Rev. Dean Beaty 1/4/09
Dedicated to Mr. Bob Shoemaker, Champaign, Illinois

I had a dear old friend whose prayers you must applaud.
He started everyone by saying, “Father God.”
That’s not how I was taught, though I like his the best.
There’s such intimacy there when you go with a request.

Or just for, “one on one,” to meet in fellowship;
The Father and His child, what a great relationship.
Do you find God so, when you meet with Him in prayer?
A Father’s outstretched hand to lift your load of care.

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