Wendy's Christmas Wish List at World Vision Gift Catalogue
Canada's most meaningful gifts
November 12, 2010
November 1, 2010
Fair Trade Sports Balls by Fair World
www.blessingscoffeebreak.com
Welcome to Fair World Sports Balls for Kids! Certified Fair Trade Sweatshop Free No Child Labour Football Rugby Soccer Basketball Volleyball
Fair Trade Sports Balls by Fair World
October 30, 2010
God Will Use An Ass
Ok! You gotta love God's sense of humour. In the bible, there are lots of stories about people who refuse to do what God has asked them to do and the consequences are usually pretty bad for that person. For instance when God asked his prophet Jonah
to go to the people of Ninevah and tell them to change their wicked ways, he not only refused, he actually ran away in the opposite direction and put out to sea.
On the ship, a great storm arose and the captain knowing there was someone on board who shouldn't be there, asked that person to step forward. Jonah went shaking before the crew and confessed he had refused God's command. He asked them to toss him in the sea but they started rowing instead. The storm got even worse so they finally threw him overboard. He landed in the belly of a large whale where he stayed for three days before being spit out and walking all the way back to Ninevah.
Finally God's request was answered to the letter and the people of Ninevah heard the message and changed their evil ways to good. Jonah even then wasn't aware of the consequences of not obeying God immediately and began grumbling about it all to God. God argued with Jonah and asked him to think about the people of Niniveh who all would have died if his message wasnt' delivered properly. Did you notice we hear no more about Jonah after this in the bible?
My favourite story however is the one about Balaam and his lowly donkey (ass in the old bibles). King Balak had sent his men to prophet Balaam to ask him to come and curse Israel. God had told Balaam to get ready to go but not to go with the men until he had heard further from Him. Well Balaam saddled up his ass and started to go with the men before God had told him the rest of His orders.
"That night God came to Balaam and said, "If these men have come to ask you to go with them, get ready and go, but do only what I tell you." ... God was angry that Balaam was going, and as Balaam was riding along on his donkey, accompanied by his two servants, the angel of the Lord stood in the road to bar his way. 23 When the donkey saw the angel standing there holding a sword, it left the road and turned into the fields. Balaam beat the donkey and brought it back onto the road. 24 Then the angel stood where the road narrowed between two vineyards and had a stone wall on each side. 25 When the donkey saw the angel, it moved over against the wall and crushed Balaam's foot against it. Again Balaam beat the donkey. 26 Once more the angel moved ahead; he stood in a narrow place where there was no room at all to pass on either side. 27 This time, when the donkey saw the angel, it lay down. Balaam lost his temper and began to beat the donkey with his stick. 28 Then the Lord gave the donkey the power of speech, and it said to Balaam, "What have I done to you? Why have you beaten me these three times?" 29 Balaam answered, "Because you have made a fool of me! If I had a sword, I would kill you." 30 The donkey replied, "Am I not the same donkey on which you have ridden all your life? Have I ever treated you like this before?" "No," he answered. 31 Then the Lord let Balaam see the angel standing there with his sword; and Balaam threw himself face downward on the ground. 32 The angel demanded, "Why have you beaten your donkey three times like this? I have come to bar your way, because you should not be making this journey. 33 But your donkey saw me and turned aside three times. If it hadn't, I would have killed you and spared the donkey." 34 Balaam replied, "I have sinned. I did not know that you were standing in the road to oppose me; but now if you think it is wrong for me to go on, I will return home." 35 But the angel said, "Go on with these men, but say only what I tell you to say." So Balaam went on with them."
God asked Balaam to bless Israel and nothing else. Balaak wanted him to curse Israel and nothing else. God asked Balaam to do something exactly how it should have been done for a purpose. Israel was blessed three times that day and Balaak and his army were given doomsday prophecies about their future.
I myself over a period of about ten years have been kept in the belly of the whale. Praying and repenting, waiting on the Lord, rejoicing and singing and also watching TV ministries. Sometimes a word from God has come from a scripture on TV which I will look up in my bible and gain great insight by or a song playing on a ministry show will get me crying and praising God. EWTN
and the Catholic Daily Mass on Vision TV has sustained me many times since I can't go to mass each week, and the sermons have done me good. I was watching an episode of "Touched By An Angel
" and the song playing was Wayne Watson
's "For Such A Time As This". Esther 4:14. That song brought me back to Jesus by an amazing journey.
The other day someone said to me I don't believe those preachers on TV when they say they can heal over the airwaves, or they say you will get a blessing if you give a donation. I said now wait just a minute. I myself have personally been healed after praying with TV pastors or their prayer partners and I myself have "planted seed when I had a need and watched it multiply" through TV Ministries. It is the Holy Spirit working with Jesus and the Father who heals, delivers and blesses here on earth. We are just the vessels they use. Jesus said "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." I am living proof of this fact. I beleive and I receive.
God is the same yesterday, today and forever. God has used an ass in the past to speak through and I believe He still uses asses today as well. After all He is using me. Thank you Lord.
to go to the people of Ninevah and tell them to change their wicked ways, he not only refused, he actually ran away in the opposite direction and put out to sea.On the ship, a great storm arose and the captain knowing there was someone on board who shouldn't be there, asked that person to step forward. Jonah went shaking before the crew and confessed he had refused God's command. He asked them to toss him in the sea but they started rowing instead. The storm got even worse so they finally threw him overboard. He landed in the belly of a large whale where he stayed for three days before being spit out and walking all the way back to Ninevah.
Finally God's request was answered to the letter and the people of Ninevah heard the message and changed their evil ways to good. Jonah even then wasn't aware of the consequences of not obeying God immediately and began grumbling about it all to God. God argued with Jonah and asked him to think about the people of Niniveh who all would have died if his message wasnt' delivered properly. Did you notice we hear no more about Jonah after this in the bible?
My favourite story however is the one about Balaam and his lowly donkey (ass in the old bibles). King Balak had sent his men to prophet Balaam to ask him to come and curse Israel. God had told Balaam to get ready to go but not to go with the men until he had heard further from Him. Well Balaam saddled up his ass and started to go with the men before God had told him the rest of His orders.
"That night God came to Balaam and said, "If these men have come to ask you to go with them, get ready and go, but do only what I tell you." ... God was angry that Balaam was going, and as Balaam was riding along on his donkey, accompanied by his two servants, the angel of the Lord stood in the road to bar his way. 23 When the donkey saw the angel standing there holding a sword, it left the road and turned into the fields. Balaam beat the donkey and brought it back onto the road. 24 Then the angel stood where the road narrowed between two vineyards and had a stone wall on each side. 25 When the donkey saw the angel, it moved over against the wall and crushed Balaam's foot against it. Again Balaam beat the donkey. 26 Once more the angel moved ahead; he stood in a narrow place where there was no room at all to pass on either side. 27 This time, when the donkey saw the angel, it lay down. Balaam lost his temper and began to beat the donkey with his stick. 28 Then the Lord gave the donkey the power of speech, and it said to Balaam, "What have I done to you? Why have you beaten me these three times?" 29 Balaam answered, "Because you have made a fool of me! If I had a sword, I would kill you." 30 The donkey replied, "Am I not the same donkey on which you have ridden all your life? Have I ever treated you like this before?" "No," he answered. 31 Then the Lord let Balaam see the angel standing there with his sword; and Balaam threw himself face downward on the ground. 32 The angel demanded, "Why have you beaten your donkey three times like this? I have come to bar your way, because you should not be making this journey. 33 But your donkey saw me and turned aside three times. If it hadn't, I would have killed you and spared the donkey." 34 Balaam replied, "I have sinned. I did not know that you were standing in the road to oppose me; but now if you think it is wrong for me to go on, I will return home." 35 But the angel said, "Go on with these men, but say only what I tell you to say." So Balaam went on with them."
God asked Balaam to bless Israel and nothing else. Balaak wanted him to curse Israel and nothing else. God asked Balaam to do something exactly how it should have been done for a purpose. Israel was blessed three times that day and Balaak and his army were given doomsday prophecies about their future.
I myself over a period of about ten years have been kept in the belly of the whale. Praying and repenting, waiting on the Lord, rejoicing and singing and also watching TV ministries. Sometimes a word from God has come from a scripture on TV which I will look up in my bible and gain great insight by or a song playing on a ministry show will get me crying and praising God. EWTN
and the Catholic Daily Mass on Vision TV has sustained me many times since I can't go to mass each week, and the sermons have done me good. I was watching an episode of "Touched By An Angel" and the song playing was Wayne Watson's "For Such A Time As This". Esther 4:14. That song brought me back to Jesus by an amazing journey.The other day someone said to me I don't believe those preachers on TV when they say they can heal over the airwaves, or they say you will get a blessing if you give a donation. I said now wait just a minute. I myself have personally been healed after praying with TV pastors or their prayer partners and I myself have "planted seed when I had a need and watched it multiply" through TV Ministries. It is the Holy Spirit working with Jesus and the Father who heals, delivers and blesses here on earth. We are just the vessels they use. Jesus said "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." I am living proof of this fact. I beleive and I receive.
God is the same yesterday, today and forever. God has used an ass in the past to speak through and I believe He still uses asses today as well. After all He is using me. Thank you Lord.
October 16, 2010
The Economy Of Heaven Should Be Transferred To Earth
What is the economy of heaven. There is no cash, credit, coin or debit there. There is no need of money, yet we are told many stories of heaven being a place where things are happening just like they are here on earth. There is a mansion being built with many rooms. There is a Capitol City the new Jerusalem in heaven and you could be made the mayor of more than one city, so we know there are others as well. There is a great banquet being prepared and also the angels in heaven have great celebratory parties whenever a sinner here on earth comes to know Christ. Therefore there is a need for items required to create homes, decorate them, food to be supplied for parties and banquets, linens, clothing and other items we purchase here on earth every day. People will want to look their best as well so I presume we will have the best of beauty salons and barbershops etc. in heaven too! How will all this work with no money? Easy...
To each is given a talent, skill and desire to create as we are made in the image of God. He is the talented artist and skilled artisan who created us, our world, our universe and the heavens as well! He desires for us to be as creative as He is with our talents and skills. He supplies all our needs and in turn we return the favour by supplying the needs of those around us according to our talents and skills.. Let us imagine that you are a Salon owner and you love making people look great. New style, cut and colour for the client and you feel good using your creative skills. People come in and you are happy, people go out and they are happy!
See it's easy...the same principal would apply to a carpenter, designer, decorator, teacher, anyone at all.
To each is given a talent, skill and desire to create as we are made in the image of God. He is the talented artist and skilled artisan who created us, our world, our universe and the heavens as well! He desires for us to be as creative as He is with our talents and skills. He supplies all our needs and in turn we return the favour by supplying the needs of those around us according to our talents and skills.. Let us imagine that you are a Salon owner and you love making people look great. New style, cut and colour for the client and you feel good using your creative skills. People come in and you are happy, people go out and they are happy!
See it's easy...the same principal would apply to a carpenter, designer, decorator, teacher, anyone at all.
October 6, 2010
Angioplasty for All - Home
Please support our lawsuit for discrimination against people with Multiple Sclerosis. Angioplasty procedures are performed every day in Canadian hospitals for all kinds of patients except those with MS. We have a case. We will win. We do need your help. Join our $20/Month club today! Thanks & Blessings Wendy
Angioplasty for All - Home
Angioplasty for All - Home
The Wizard of Oz & Purgatory
This is the story of Purgatory
. Some believe it is the place we go when we die if we are not in a 'state of grace'. The word actually means 'place of cleansing or purifying'. A lot of people have never heard of Purgatory or do not believe in it. I can honestly say I was one of those people at one time. However, the older I get and the closer I get to God through His Son Jesus Christ, I know that I am not worthy to stand in His presence in the state my soul is in today. Yes I have been forgiven and set free by the power of His love, but daily, my struggle with sin never stops. I wear a dirty and ragged gown today and I don't know what would happen to me if I were to arrive at the Pearly Gates right now. I am definitely going to need some cleaning up before I see God and gaze on the Perfect Beauty of His Son Jesus. I beleive this is where Purgatory comes in. I want to be shiny when I see Him face to face. Jesus said "In my father's house there are many rooms, I go and prepare a place for you". This is my story of this place.
(Earth)
A chaotic whirlwind picks up a farmhouse in Kansas, with a young girl, Dorothy, and her dog, Toto inside. The house drops in a strange land thousands of miles away. Greeted by the little people she is happy to find she is in a safe place but what she really wants is to return to her home. The little people cannot help them so they call for the Good Witch Glenda to provide the answer. She tells Dorothy to walk the yellow brick road until she comes to the Emerald City where the Wizard of Oz can be found and he will be able to get her home. Dorothy sets off on the golden bricks and along the way meets up with three friends who also think the Wizard may be able to help them with their problems as well. Scarecrow needs some brains, Tin Man a heart and Lion more courage. Along the road the Wicked Witch puts forks, turns and twists in their pathway,but they persevere through it all and continue following the yellow brick road towards their goal. When they finally see the Emerald City far in the distance and know it is within their reach, they start to run in hope of arriving faster. Alas the Wicked Witch has foreseen their eagerness and puts the dreaded Sleeping Poppies in the meadow and they fall into a deep sleep. All now seems lost for sure.
(Heaven)
Glenda the Good Witch sends a lovely snowfall down onto them all and when they awake they see the most magnificent sight in the distance. The Emerald City covered in rare gems, shining brightly in the sun, a very wonderful place. They are all overjoyed to know that they are nearer than ever to the Wizard and even hear the laughing and singing of the people of Oz.
Happily they reach the Big Gates to the city but are shocked when they do not find a very warm welcome. They inform the gatekeeper that Glenda the Good Witch had sent them to see the Wizard for his help and were finally let inside the doors. They could not beleive how beautiful the city was and how big! People everywhere smiling and singing, laughing and working, preparing for a very large celebration.
(Purgatory as a place in Heaven) (Jesus said "In my father's house are many rooms I go and prepare a place for you")
The weary travellers found much here was different than before. Colours and sounds were more vibrant. Singing and music everywhere. They were taken by a horse who changed to all colours of the rainbow to the Beauty Parlour to freshen up. Polished, primped, curled, shampooed & shined, they looked wonderful! Everyone agreed that they were now ready to actually see the Wizard. With great fear and trepidation, full of respect and awe they summoned up all their courage and approached the throne of the Wizard of Oz. He appeared to be a very frightening character who did not want them to speak but listen! He ordered them to finish off the wicked witch and only then could they come into the kingdom. Needless to say they were greatly intimidated but also determined to do the work requested of them. Many dark days passed while they fought the evil witch trying to kill them but they won out in the end. They melted the evil one down and brought the broomstick to the Wizard as proof of the victory they obtained. Once the Wizard was revealed to be the professor from Kansas, and told that all along they themselves had the power to prevail over evil, they were granted the wishes of their hearts. Home for Dorothy & Toto, brains for Scarecrow, Heart for Tin Man and courage for Lion. Complete and utter happiness for all! I beleive this is Heaven.
. Some believe it is the place we go when we die if we are not in a 'state of grace'. The word actually means 'place of cleansing or purifying'. A lot of people have never heard of Purgatory or do not believe in it. I can honestly say I was one of those people at one time. However, the older I get and the closer I get to God through His Son Jesus Christ, I know that I am not worthy to stand in His presence in the state my soul is in today. Yes I have been forgiven and set free by the power of His love, but daily, my struggle with sin never stops. I wear a dirty and ragged gown today and I don't know what would happen to me if I were to arrive at the Pearly Gates right now. I am definitely going to need some cleaning up before I see God and gaze on the Perfect Beauty of His Son Jesus. I beleive this is where Purgatory comes in. I want to be shiny when I see Him face to face. Jesus said "In my father's house there are many rooms, I go and prepare a place for you". This is my story of this place. (Earth)
A chaotic whirlwind picks up a farmhouse in Kansas, with a young girl, Dorothy, and her dog, Toto inside. The house drops in a strange land thousands of miles away. Greeted by the little people she is happy to find she is in a safe place but what she really wants is to return to her home. The little people cannot help them so they call for the Good Witch Glenda to provide the answer. She tells Dorothy to walk the yellow brick road until she comes to the Emerald City where the Wizard of Oz can be found and he will be able to get her home. Dorothy sets off on the golden bricks and along the way meets up with three friends who also think the Wizard may be able to help them with their problems as well. Scarecrow needs some brains, Tin Man a heart and Lion more courage. Along the road the Wicked Witch puts forks, turns and twists in their pathway,but they persevere through it all and continue following the yellow brick road towards their goal. When they finally see the Emerald City far in the distance and know it is within their reach, they start to run in hope of arriving faster. Alas the Wicked Witch has foreseen their eagerness and puts the dreaded Sleeping Poppies in the meadow and they fall into a deep sleep. All now seems lost for sure.
(Heaven)
Glenda the Good Witch sends a lovely snowfall down onto them all and when they awake they see the most magnificent sight in the distance. The Emerald City covered in rare gems, shining brightly in the sun, a very wonderful place. They are all overjoyed to know that they are nearer than ever to the Wizard and even hear the laughing and singing of the people of Oz.
Happily they reach the Big Gates to the city but are shocked when they do not find a very warm welcome. They inform the gatekeeper that Glenda the Good Witch had sent them to see the Wizard for his help and were finally let inside the doors. They could not beleive how beautiful the city was and how big! People everywhere smiling and singing, laughing and working, preparing for a very large celebration.
(Purgatory as a place in Heaven) (Jesus said "In my father's house are many rooms I go and prepare a place for you")
The weary travellers found much here was different than before. Colours and sounds were more vibrant. Singing and music everywhere. They were taken by a horse who changed to all colours of the rainbow to the Beauty Parlour to freshen up. Polished, primped, curled, shampooed & shined, they looked wonderful! Everyone agreed that they were now ready to actually see the Wizard. With great fear and trepidation, full of respect and awe they summoned up all their courage and approached the throne of the Wizard of Oz. He appeared to be a very frightening character who did not want them to speak but listen! He ordered them to finish off the wicked witch and only then could they come into the kingdom. Needless to say they were greatly intimidated but also determined to do the work requested of them. Many dark days passed while they fought the evil witch trying to kill them but they won out in the end. They melted the evil one down and brought the broomstick to the Wizard as proof of the victory they obtained. Once the Wizard was revealed to be the professor from Kansas, and told that all along they themselves had the power to prevail over evil, they were granted the wishes of their hearts. Home for Dorothy & Toto, brains for Scarecrow, Heart for Tin Man and courage for Lion. Complete and utter happiness for all! I beleive this is Heaven.
The Sheep or The Goat Line
Have you ever stood in line at the grocery store and decided the line you were in wasn't moving fast enough so you moved to another one? I have done this myself and every single time the second line was the slowest! I should have stayed where I was in the first place. This reminds me of the story Jesus tells us of the choice between the sheep and the goat line from The Message Bible Matthew Chapter 25:31-46.
31 "When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. 32 Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, 33 putting sheep to his right and goats to his left. 34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. 35 And here's why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, 36 I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.' 37 "Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? 38 And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' 39 40 Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me - you did it to me.' 41 "Then he will turn to the 'goats,' the ones on his left, and say, 'Get out, worthless goats! You're good for nothing but the fires of hell. 42 And why? Because - I was hungry and you gave me no meal, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was homeless and you gave me no bed, I was shivering and you gave me no clothes, Sick and in prison, and you never visited.' 44 "Then those 'goats' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn't help?' 45 "He will answer them, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me - you failed to do it to me.' 46 "Then those 'goats' will be herded to their eternal doom, but the 'sheep' to their eternal reward."
Which line will you be in?
31 "When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. 32 Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, 33 putting sheep to his right and goats to his left. 34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. 35 And here's why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, 36 I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.' 37 "Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? 38 And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' 39 40 Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me - you did it to me.' 41 "Then he will turn to the 'goats,' the ones on his left, and say, 'Get out, worthless goats! You're good for nothing but the fires of hell. 42 And why? Because - I was hungry and you gave me no meal, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was homeless and you gave me no bed, I was shivering and you gave me no clothes, Sick and in prison, and you never visited.' 44 "Then those 'goats' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn't help?' 45 "He will answer them, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me - you failed to do it to me.' 46 "Then those 'goats' will be herded to their eternal doom, but the 'sheep' to their eternal reward."
Which line will you be in?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)