Can We Talk About It!

Don't just pray it, Live it.

2010-09-23T10:45:00.001-05:00

"Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates. (Deuteronomy 6:6-7 Msg)"

Ever had a (duh!) Ah-Ha!! moment? I have them all the time when it comes to teaching my children in the way that they should go! Makes me most thankful for the sisters and brothers that have come along side our children, helping us to teach them as we all grow.

So, last night I found a paper on the kitchen counter (in the fruit bowl no less, really!) that states:

"Memorizing and reciting the Apostles' Creed will be the Honor step for earning the Intro to our Church Unit."

Ah-Ha!! Time (or past time maybe) to get on with teaching the Creeds of our faith to our daughter. Thought I'd share just how the beginning to that sort of worked out this morning.

Me: Do you understand what the Apostles Creed is and how we got it?
Jewel: Mom, I don't know who that Calvin guy is!!
Me: LOL!!

See her Stars teacher had written: "He descended into hell. (see Calvin)"

Ah-Ha!! Um, yes we have some other lessons to do with her also! But am thinking we'll just start with her knowing the Creeds before we dive into learning about “that guy Calvin...”

This is my favorite version of the Apostles’ Creed in song by Rich Mullins; which is his original version. If you have teenagers they probably would like the 3rd Day version better.

The Means By Which Christians Achieve Victory

2010-09-08T14:20:00.001-05:00

"Then he said to me, "This is what the LORD says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies. (Zechariah 4:6)"

~ Clarke's Commentary: "This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel - This prince was in a trying situation, and he needed especial encouragement from God; and here it is: Not by might, (of thy own), nor by power, (authority from others), but by My Spirit - the providence, authority, power, and energy of the Most High. In this way shall My temple be built; in this way shall My Church be raised and preserved. No secular arm, No human prudence, No earthly policy, No suits at law, shall ever be used for the founding, extension, and preservation of My Church. But the spirit of the world says, "These are all means to which as we must have recourse; otherwise the cause of God may be ruined." Satan, thou liest!! (Clarke's Commentary)"

<< 2 Corinthians 10:4 >> "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."

~ Barnes' Notes on the Bible: * For the weapons of our warfare - The means by which we hope to achieve our victory. * Are not carnal - Not those of the flesh. Not such as the people of the world use. They are not such as are employed by conquerors; nor are they such as people in general rely on to advance their cause. We do not depend on eloquence, or talent, or learning, or wealth, or beauty, or any of the external aids on which the people of this world rely. They are not such as derive advantage from any power inherent in themselves. Their strength is derived from God alone.

* But mighty through God - Margin, "to." They are rendered mighty or powerful by the agency of God. They depend on him for their efficacy. Paul has not here specified the weapons on which he relied; but he had before specified them 2 Corinthians 6:6-7, so that there was no danger of mistake. The weapons were such as were furnished by truth and righteousness, and these were rendered mighty by the attending agency of God. The sense is, that God is the author of the doctrines which we preach, and that he attends them with the agency of his Spirit, and accompanies them to the hearts of people. It is important for all ministers to feel that their weapons are mighty only through God. Conquerors and earthly warriors go into battle depending on the might of their own arm, and on the wisdom and skill which plans the battle.

The Christian goes on his warfare, feeling that however well adapted the truths which he holds are to accomplish great purposes, and however wisely his plans are formed, yet that the efficacy of all depends on the agency of God. He has no hope of victory but in God. And if God does not attend him, he is sure of inevitable defeat.

* To the pulling down of strongholds - The word rendered here as "strongholds" (ὀχύρωμα ochurōma) means properly a fastness, fortress, or strong fortification. It is here beautifully used to denote the various obstacles resembling a fortress which exist, and which are designed and adapted to oppose the truth and the triumph of the Christian's cause. All those obstacles are strongly fortified. The sins of his heart are fortified by long indulgence and by the hold which they have on his soul. The wickedness of the world which he opposes is strongly fortified by the fact that it has seized on strong human passions; that one point strengthens another; that great numbers are united. The idolatry of the world was strongly fortified by prejudice, and long establishment, and the protection of laws, and the power of the priesthood; and the opinions of the world are entrenched behind false philosophy and the power of subtle argumentation. The whole world is fortified against Christianity; and the nations of the earth have been engaged in little else than in raising and strengthening such strongholds for the space of 6,000 years. The Christian religion goes forth against all the combined and concentrated powers of resistance of the whole world; and the warfare is to be waged against every strongly fortified place of error and of sin. These strong fortifications of error and of sin are to be battered down and laid in ruins by our spiritual weapons.“ (Barnes)

<< 2 Corinthians 6-13 >> in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.

"For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)"

Spurgeon ~ “Satan hindered us.”

2010-08-10T17:05:00.001-05:00

“Satan hindered us.”

~1Thessalonians 2:18

Since the first hour in which goodness came into conflict with evil, it has never ceased to be true in spiritual experience, that Satan hinders us. From all points of the compass, all along the line of battle, in the vanguard and in the rear, at the dawn of day and in the midnight hour, Satan hinders us.

If we toil in the field, he seeks to break the ploughshare; if we build the wall, he labours to cast down the stones; if we would serve God in suffering or in conflict-everywhere Satan hinders us.

He hinders us when we are first coming to Jesus Christ. Fierce conflicts we had with Satan when we first looked to the cross and lived. Now that we are saved, he endeavours to hinder the completeness of our personal character.

You may be congratulating yourself, “I have hitherto walked consistently; no man can challenge my integrity.” Beware of boasting, for your virtue will yet be tried; Satan will direct his engines against that very virtue for which you are the most famous.

If you have been hitherto a firm believer, your faith will ere long be attacked; if you have been meek as Moses, expect to be tempted to speak unadvisedly with your lips. The birds will peck at your ripest fruit, and the wild boar will dash his tusks at your choicest vines.

Satan is sure to hinder us when we are earnest in prayer. He checks our importunity, and weakens our faith in order that, if possible, we may miss the blessing. Nor is Satan less vigilant in obstructing Christian effort. There was never a revival of religion without a revival of his opposition.

As soon as Ezra and Nehemiah begin to labour, Sanballat and Tobiah are stirred up to hinder them. What then? We are not alarmed because Satan hindereth us, for it is a proof that we are on the Lord’s side, and are doing the Lord’s work, and in His strength we shall win the victory, and triumph over our adversary.

Thou, O LORD

2010-08-09T18:26:00.001-05:00

<< Psalm 3 (WBT) >>

LORD, how are they multiplied that trouble me? Many are they that rise up against me.

Many there are who say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.

But Thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of my head.

I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Selah.

I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me on all sides.

Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for Thou hast smitten all my enemies upon the cheek bone; Thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

Salvation belongeth to the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

Spurgeon ~ With blasting, With Mildew & With Hail

2010-08-04T08:34:00.001-05:00

“I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the labours of your hands.” ~Haggai 2:17
How destructive is the hail to the standing crops, beating out the precious grain upon the ground! How grateful ought we to be when the corn is spared so terrible a ruin! Let us offer unto the Lord thanksgiving.
Even more to be dreaded are those mysterious destroyers-smut, bunt, rust, and mildew.

These turn the ear into a mass of soot, or render it putrid, or dry up the grain, and all in a manner so beyond all human control that the farmer is compelled to cry, “This is the finger of God.”

Innumerable minute fungi cause the mischief, and were it not for the goodness of God, the rider on the black horse would soon scatter famine over the land. Infinite mercy spares the food of men, but in view of the active agents which are ready to destroy the harvest, right wisely are we taught to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.”

The curse is abroad; we have constant need of the blessing. When blight and mildew come they are chastisements from heaven, and men must learn to hear the rod, and him that hath appointed it.

Spiritually, mildew is no uncommon evil. When our work is most promising this blight appears. We hoped for many conversions, and lo! a general apathy, an abounding worldliness, or a cruel hardness of heart!

There may be no open sin in those for whom we are labouring, but there is a deficiency of sincerity and decision sadly disappointing our desires. We learn from this our dependence upon the Lord, and the need of prayer that no blight may fall upon our work.

Spiritual pride or sloth will soon bring upon us the dreadful evil, and only the Lord of the harvest can remove it. Mildew may even attack our own hearts, and shrivel our prayers and religious exercises. May it please the great Husbandman to avert so serious a calamity.

Shine, blessed Sun of Righteousness, and drive the blights away.

Spurgeon ~ So She Gleaned

2010-08-02T16:30:00.001-05:00

"So she gleaned in the field until even."

~Ruth 2:17

Let me learn from Ruth, the gleaner. As she went out to gather the ears of corn, so must I go forth into the fields of prayer, meditation, the ordinances, and hearing the word to gather spiritual food. The gleaner gathers her portion ear by ear; her gains are little by little: so must I be content to search for single truths, if there be no greater plenty of them.

Every ear helps to make a bundle, and every gospel lesson assists in making us wise unto salvation. The gleaner keeps her eyes open: if she stumbled among the stubble in a dream, she would have no load to carry home rejoicingly at eventide. I must be watchful in religious exercises lest they become unprofitable to me; I fear I have lost much already-O that I may rightly estimate my opportunities, and glean with greater diligence.

The gleaner stoops for all she finds, and so must I.

High spirits criticize and object, but lowly minds glean and receive benefit. A humble heart is a great help towards profitably hearing the gospel. The engrafted soul-saving word is not received except with meekness.

A stiff back makes a bad gleaner; down, master pride, thou art a vile robber, not to be endured for a moment.

What the gleaner gathers she holds: if she dropped one ear to find another, the result of her day's work would be but scant; she is as careful to retain as to obtain, and so at last her gains are great. How often do I forget all that I hear; the second truth pushes the first out of my head, and so my reading and hearing end in much ado about nothing!

Do I feel duly the importance of storing up the truth? A hungry belly makes the gleaner wise; if there be no corn in her hand, there will be no bread on her table; she labours under the sense of necessity, and hence her tread is nimble and her grasp is firm; I have even a greater necessity, Lord, help me to feel it, that it may urge me onward to glean in fields which yield so plenteous a reward to diligence.

Community - Then and Now

2009-03-25T04:35:00.000-05:00

As a child I grew up in a small backwoods town. If you drove through it you wouldn't even believe that we considered it a "town" and might even chuckle at the thought. We had, I think maybe about 300 people in our little town. My family lived on about a hundred acres, so our neighbors needless to say were not "just next door."

However, everyone seemed to know each other, or at least the adults did ~aka~ the "elders" - when you were twelve years old didn't everyone over forty or so seem old? Anyways, being a child, I didn't know it yet but we were a community not just a little town tucked away in the backwoods.

In our little community, as it pertained to anything that happened outside of one's home, there was none of the "that's not my kid nor my brother, so I'm not intervening" type attitudes that we often see today. Everyone made it their business to be mindful of all the other community members, especially the younger ones; even when a new kid popped up on occasion [probably visiting, but hey they might stay] they'd keep "one good eye" on him or her too. And if one of those "young-ones" looked to be "up to something" and it didn't seem to be settling quite right with them [the elders/wise ones] they didn't care whose young-one it was they'd intervene in some manner or the other.

Yep, we young folks were not so fond of our noisy "elders" [at least back then that is] they always seemed to ruin our grandest of plans! They "bossed" us, even when we didn't exactly know who they really were, they knew us often by name but when not, by parents name i.e. "That's Jimmy Barnes kid over there throwing them there rocks." I use Mr. Barnes kid as an example cause I'd of never been guilty of throwing rocks mind you; I might have missed my target via that method! ;-)

They were a real pain, or so we thought, with their meddling, minding our business, giving long lectures, unwanted [now known to be pearly] advice and even ratted us out to our parents sometimes! I mean really we had a most difficult time getting ourselves into much mischief in that one cart town!

Not to mention they were always picking on, I mean keeping an eye on me because I was pretty adept at mischief, usually the harmless type which they loved to laugh about, but sometimes -- you know like if Mary Jane pulled her puppy's tail, or one of the larger kids was picking on a smaller one -- I was prone to get involved and had no fear calling a cease your fire command or it's a dual with me you mean bully!

Nonetheless, if I only called for one well that might have been Okay, but those nosy elders had come to learn that I rarely backed down from my stance in defending those considered to be our weaker community citizens. Yep, I'd be ready to battle it out for sure [all seventy-five spit-fire pounds of me that is – did I mention I was also a tiny little elf looking child]. Hey, in all fairness, I did give them an option to stop being a bully; by nature I do not like strife. I've always strongly preferred getting along with all, peace and love over war, both - then and now. I was a determined one when it came to "justice" for the underdog though – then and still now.

Any whom - Getting on to the point – How many of us did not moan and groan earlier on that we'd never be like Mom, or Dad, or Sally Sue's parents or so-in-so…in moments of resentment at their all knowing ways?

Nonetheless, over the years I have come to realize most every young person's worst fear "Oh my goodness, I've become just like them!" Well golly, I'm more often than not, so glad that I did! :-)

Most of the time this resemblance, to my former community elders, it's a good thing......but sometimes -- you know like when an all grown-up Mary Jane is still pulling the puppy's tail, or when it appears that bigger people are just being outright mean bullies to little people -- I can become like that twelve year old spit-fire of a girl from yesteryear; desiring to help save or defend the weak and hence find myself wanting to call the cease fire command or it's a dual.

And thankfully, although the community has changed, even the new community has community elders around that notice when the [all be them well intending] younger folks are up to something that "doesn't settle quite right" with them.

I'm also thankful that I've learned from many of them that I'm much better off seeking their experienced counsel, before I go grabbing tigers by the tail or challenging the bullies to a dual at dawn...... And am even more thankful that there are still many that have not adopted the new and growing attitude of this world - "that's not my kid nor my brother, so I'm not getting involved or intervening" in any manner – that is as it pertains to me and my family anyways.

Yep, who'd of ever thought it - That we'd someday be grateful for the eyes, ears and even the [unmerited] advice of our concerned community, both – Then and Now.

I AM...

2009-01-24T15:16:00.001-06:00

"I am the bread that gives life!" (John 6:35 -- His discourse with the multitude.).

Constant exercise of faith in Christ, is the most important and
difficult part of the obedience required from us, as sinners seeking
salvation. When by his grace we are enabled to live a life of faith in
the Son of God, holy tempers follow, and acceptable services may be
done. God, even his Father, who gave their fathers that food from
heaven to support their natural lives, now gave them the true Bread for
the salvation of their souls. Coming to Jesus, and believing on him,
signify

the same. Christ shows that he is the true Bread; he is
to the soul what bread is to the body, nourishes and supports the
spiritual life. He is the Bread of God. Bread which the Father gives,
which he has made to be the food of our souls. Bread nourishes only by
the powers of a living body; but Christ is himself living Bread, and
nourishes by his own power. The doctrine of Christ crucified is now as
strengthening and comforting to a believer as ever it was. He is the
Bread which came down from

heaven. It denotes the Divinity of
Christ's person and his authority; also, the Divine origin of all the
good which flows to us through him. May we with understanding and
earnestness say, Lord, evermore give us this Bread. (see also John 6:36-46)

"I am the light for the world!" Follow me, and you wont be walking in the dark." (John 8:12 -- Christ's discourse with...)

Christ is the Light of the world. God is light, and Christ is the
image of the invisible God. One sun enlightens the whole world; so does
one Christ, and there needs no more. What a dark dungeon would the
world be without the sun! So would it be without Jesus, by whom light
came into the world. Those who follow Christ shall not walk in
darkness. They shall not be left without the truths which are necessary
to keep them from destroying error, and the directions in the way of
duty,

necessary to keep them from condemning sin. (see also John 8:17-20)

"I am the gate for the sheep." (John 10:7 -- Christ the Door.)

Many who hear the word of Christ, do not understand it, because they
will not. But we shall find one scripture expounding another, and the
blessed Spirit making known the blessed Jesus. Christ is the Door. And
what greater security has the church of God than that the Lord Jesus is
between it and all its enemies? He is a door open for passage and
communication. Here are plain directions how to come into the fold; we
must come in by Jesus Christ as the Door. By faith in him as the

great
Mediator between God and man. Also, we have precious promises to those
that observe this direction. Christ has all that care of his church,
and every believer, which a good shepherd has of his flock; and he
expects the church, and every believer, to wait on him, and to keep in
his pasture. (see also John 10:10-18)

"I am the good shepherd. ...and I give up my life for my sheep." (John 10:14-15 -- Christ the good Shepherd.)

Christ is a good Shepherd; many who were not thieves, yet were
careless in their duty, and by their neglect the flock was much hurt.
Bad principles are the root of bad practices. The Lord Jesus knows whom
he has chosen, and is sure of them; they also know whom they have
trusted, and are sure of Him. See here the grace of Christ; since none
could demand his life of him, he laid it down of himself for our
redemption. He offered himself to be the Saviour; Lo, I come. And the
necessity

of our case calling for it, he offered himself for the
Sacrifice. He was both the offerer and the offering, so that his laying
down his life was his offering up himself. From hence it is plain, that
he died in the place and stead of men; to obtain their being set free
from the punishment of sin, to obtain the pardon of their sin; and that
his death should obtain that pardon. Our Lord laid not his life down
for his doctrine, but for his sheep. (see also John 10:19-21)

"I am the one who raises the dead to life! Everyone who has faith in me will live, even if they die." (John 11:25 -- Christ arrives at...)

Here was a house where the fear of God was, and on which his
blessing rested; yet it was made a house of mourning. Grace will keep
sorrow from the heart, but not from the house. When God, by his grace
and providence, is coming towards us in ways of mercy and comfort, we
should, like Martha, go forth by faith, hope, and prayer, to meet him.

When Martha went to meet Jesus, Mary sat still in the house; this
temper formerly had been an advantage to her, when it put her at
Christ's feet

to hear his word; but in the day of affliction, the
same temper disposed her to melancholy. It is our wisdom to watch
against the temptations, and to make use of the advantages of our
natural tempers. When we know not what in particular to ask or expect,
let us refer ourselves to God; let him do as seemeth him good. To
enlarge Martha's expectations, our

Lord declared himself to be the
Resurrection and the Life. In every sense he is the Resurrection; the
source, the substance, the first-fruits, the cause of it. The
redeemed soul lives after death in happiness; and after the
resurrection, both body and soul are kept from all evil for ever.

When
we have read or heard the word of Christ, about the great things of the
other world, we should put it to ourselves, Do we believe this truth?
The crosses and comforts of this present time would not make such a
deep impression upon us as they do, if we believed the things of
eternity as we ought. When Christ our Master comes, he calls for us. He

comes
in his word and ordinances, and calls us to them, calls us by them,
calls us to himself. Those who, in a day of peace, set themselves at
Christ's feet to be taught by him, may with comfort, in a day of
trouble, cast themselves at his feet, to find favor with him. (see also John
11:33-46)

"I am the way, the truth, and the life! ...Without me, no one can go to the Father." (John 14:6 -- Christ comforts...)

Here are three words, upon any of which stress may be laid. Upon the
word troubled. Be not cast down and disquieted. The word heart. Let
your heart be kept with full trust in God. The word your. However
others are overwhelmed with the sorrows of this present time, be not
you so. Christ's disciples, more than others, should keep their minds
quiet, when everything else is unquiet. Here is the remedy against this
trouble of mind, to Believe.

By believing in Christ as the
Mediator between God and man, we gain comfort. The happiness of
heaven is spoken of as in a father's house. There are many mansions,
for there are many sons to be brought to glory. Mansions are lasting
dwellings. Christ will be the Finisher of that of which he is the
Author or Beginner; if he have prepared the place for us, he will
prepare us for it. Christ is the sinner's Way to the Father and to
heaven, in his person as God manifest in the flesh, in his atoning
sacrifice, and as our Advocate. He is

the Truth, as fulfilling
all the prophecies of a Savior; believing which, sinners come by him
the Way.

He is the Life, by whose life-giving Spirit the dead in sin
are quickened. Nor can any man draw nigh God as a Father, who is not
quickened by Him as the Life, and taught by Him as the Truth, to come
by Him as the Way. By Christ, as the Way, our prayers go to God, and
his blessings come to us; this is the Way that leads to rest, the good
old Way. He is the Resurrection and the Life. All that saw Christ
by faith, saw the Father in Him. In the light of Christ's doctrine,
they saw God as the Father of lights; and in Christ's miracles, they
saw God as the God of power. The holiness of God shone in the spotless
purity of Christ's life. We are to believe the revelation of God to man
in Christ; for the works of the Redeemer show forth his own glory, and
God in him. (Jn 14:12-17)

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener." (John 15:1 -- Christ The True Vine)

Jesus Christ is the Vine, the true Vine. The union of the human and
Divine natures, and the fullness of the Spirit that is in him, resemble
the root of the vine made fruitful by the moisture from a rich soil.
Believers are branches of this Vine. The root is unseen, and our life
is hid with Christ; the root bears the tree, diffuses sap to it, and in
Christ are all supports and supplies. The branches of the vine are
many, yet, meeting in the root, are all but one vine; thus all true Christians,
though in place and opinion distant from each other, meet in Christ.
Believers, like the branches of the vine, are weak, and unable to stand
but as they are borne up. The Father is the Husbandman. Never was any
husbandman so wise, so watchful, about his vineyard, as God is about
his church, which therefore must prosper. We must be fruitful. From a
vine we look for grapes, and from a Christian we look for a Christian
temper, disposition, and life. We must honor God, and do good; this
is bearing fruit. The unfruitful are taken away. And even fruitful
branches need pruning; for the best have notions, passions, and humors, that require to be taken away, which Christ has promised to
forward the sanctification of believers, they will be thankful, for
them.

The word of Christ is spoken to all believers; and there is a
cleansing virtue in that word, as it works grace, and works out
corruption. And the more fruit we bring forth, the more we abound in
what is good, the more our Lord is glorified. In order to
fruitfulness, we must abide in Christ, must have union with him by
faith. It is the great concern of all Christ's disciples, constantly to
keep up dependence upon Christ, and communion with him. True Christians
find by experience, that any interruption in the exercise of their
faith, causes holy affections to decline, their corruptions to revive,
and their comforts to droop. Those who abide not in Christ, though they
may flourish for awhile in outward profession, yet come to
nothing. The fire is the fittest place for withered branches; they are
good for nothing else. Let us seek to live more simply on the fulness
of Christ, and to grow more fruitful in every good word and work, so
may our joy in Him and in his salvation be full. (see also John 15:9-17)

Prayer and Good Stewardship

2008-10-14T16:49:00.001-05:00

Good stewardship is not only the giving, earning, or use of our money, but it is also
the use of our abilities, the use of our time, and the care we give to our family as well as others.

One thing I would like to make mention of first is to please be sensitive of the children in your presence when you are speaking about current events. One big mistake we seem to make as a society is to watch too many news bulletins and violence on TV instead of spending that time in prayer. It is of the upmost importance to realize that our children can hear and feel all of the drama flowing from our television sets. If we all would spend more time in prayer, instead of watching news and other programs on the TV, that prayer would help to bring peace to our families, our nation's leaders and the world in general.

"My advice is that, first of all, there should be prayers offered for everyone – petitions, intercessions and thanksgiving – and especially for political as well as spiritual leaders, kings, and those in positions of authority, so that we may be able to live religious and reverent lives in peace and quiet." (2 Timothy 2:2; 14-26) [2001, Tommy Lane]

So let us pray for those in authority all over the world, that they may not disturb the peace of our world, "so that we may be able to live religious and reverent lives in peace and quiet." (2 Timothy 2:2)

Instead of focusing on the dreadful stuff that is going on all around us in the media and in some of our own lives, let us keep our focus on God... Let's choose not to waste time on worry, fear and dread, nor on TV newscasts and programs that propel such, but spend time in prayer.

Spending time in prayer, both individually and with your family is of vital importance to the spiritual well being of ourselves as well as that of our family members. If a Christian family does not pray together, it may be at risk spiritually. I understand that some families may think of it as too difficult to pray together because
some family members may not want to pray together or because they are coming and going at various hours. Therefore, they lay claim to difficulty in finding a time when all or most of the family are all home and cooperative. Families uniting and making firm decisions, in this time of our nation's instability, to pray together as a family every day may well prove to be an important part of our saving that which we claim to value most.

How to begin: Choose a room where there will be no distractions, a room in the house where others will not be coming and going. Make a set time for the prayer and begin. Even if you are the only person in your family who wants to pray, continue to pray on your own, in a designated place that your partner and children and/or other relatives/household members are (clearly) aware is open to joining should they so choose. In time, they very well may decide to join you. I recently heard of a family that decided to pray together at 10pm every night. Every night everything comes to a stop at 10pm and they pray together. Even if the phone rings while they pray they do not answer it. Those who know the family know they begin to pray at 10pm and that there is no point in phoning after 10pm on any day. Their family prayer comes first. That is just an example. Find a time to suit your family. [2001, Tommy Lane]

As well as finding a designated time for your family, you may also need to find a manner of praying that fits with the needs of your family. Prayer should uplift us (as well as others) and help us to rise above the burdens we all carry. Remember when Jesus suffered his agony in Gethsemane. (Matthew 26:37) "And being in agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground." — Luke 22:44. At first, he prayed for his burden to be lifted from him. However, through the power of prayer, he found strength to face His cross and then he was able to say, "Not my will but yours be done." If our prayers are to work, they should be ones that uplift ourselves, our family and other Christians to the Lord, so that our families as well as our sisters and brothers in the body of Christ, as a whole, may be aided in facing the many difficulties of daily life.

Therefore, I urge you to find a way of praying that will do this for your family. There are many excellent prayer books available in religious bookshops, but you should also consider using some Bible scriptures as part of the family prayer time. Reading the Bible in not simply saying or reading its words, it is meant for us to meditate on, to live on the (every) Word of God as we go about our day as well as when in prayer. The words of the Bible were handed down to us in order to move us closer to God as well as to draw the Holy Spirit to us and hence has many beautiful scriptures that can be used during prayer.

Additionally, if you are not praying for our country, please wake up and pray every day for the body of Christ, our country, our world and its peace. I am convinced (as many of you are also) that if enough people prayed together, on a daily basis, the course of world history could be changed for the greater good of all humanity. In general, as Christians, it is saddening to know we do not believe strongly enough in the power of prayer… but the hour to embrace that belief with strong conviction is now truly upon the Christian body.

A perfect example of the power of prayer can clearly be seen in the following incident-a true testimonial by Dr. David Jeremiah.

"While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, I traveled every two weeks by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This required camping overnight halfway. On one of these trips, I saw two men fighting in the city. One was seriously hurt so I treated him and witnessed to him about the Lord Jesus Christ. I then returned home without incident. Upon arriving in the city several weeks later, I was approached by the man I had treated earlier. He told me he had known that I carried money and medicine. He said, "Some friends and I followed you into the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We waited for you to go to sleep and planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. Just as we were about to move into your campsite, we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards. I laughed at this and said, "I was certainly all alone out in the jungle campsite." The young man pressed the point, "No sir, I was not the only one to see the guards. My five friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone." At this point of my church presentation in Michigan, one of the men in the church stood up and interrupted me. He asked, "Can you tell me the exact date when this happened?" I thought for a while and recalled the date. The man in the congregation then gave his side of the story. He stated, "On that night in Africa it was day here. I was preparing to play golf. As I put my bags in the car, I felt the Lord leading me to pray for you. In fact, the urging was so great that I called the men of this church together to pray for you. Will all those men who met to pray please stand?" The men who had met that day to pray together stood. . . there were 26 of them!"
(Dr. David Jeremiah's story about prayer was published in Prayer: The Great Adventure)

The following is a simple prayer that I ran across and thought might be helpful:

"Lord, hold our political leaders, our military, spiritual leaders and their families as well as our own families in your all knowing and loving hands. Protect them as they attempt to lead and protect us. Bless them and their families abundantly for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen."

In closing, I would like to point out that someone must be the head of a home… in a Christian home with a healthy relationship; this is known to be the husband. When a Christian man leads his home with love and kindness, he will most often not find any tremendous resistance from his Christian wife. Love and kindness in a Christian home include praying with your family… with your wife… with your children and teaching them how to pray. It also includes teaching your children to love and respect the Word of God... this job does not fall solely on the church-it begins at home. These are not 'minor' activities, as some might mistakenly believe, they are vitally important to the nurturance… growth… and the continuation of a healthy existence within the family as well as each members (individual) lives. Additionally, for some families, during this current age of never ceasing daily trials… it may even mean the continuation of a family co-existing in the same household all together.

If a bit of guidance is needed in learning how to lead your home in prayer you might like to review the scriptures below or for guidance on leading in your marriage - like Jesus would– click here. Additionally, you may want to consider seeking the advice of a trusted Christian leader in your church or community.

Romans 8:26-27; John 14:16; 1 Corinthians 4:5;
as believers we are not left to our own resources to cope. Even when we do not know the right words to pray, the Holy Spirit prays with and for you, and God answers. With God helping you to pray you do not need to be afraid to come before Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for you "in harmony with God's own will." Then when and as you bring your request to God, trust that He will always do what is best.

Lord, teach us to pray…
Luke 11:1-13
In Luke 11:2-13 notice the order in this prayer. First Jesus praised God. Then he made his requests. Praising God puts us in the right frame of mind to tell him about our needs. All too often, our prayers are more like a shopping list rather than a conversation with God. These verses focus on three aspects of prayer: its
content (11:2-4), our persistence (11:5-10) and Gods faithfulness (11:11-13)

References: NLT 2oo4, 2^nd Ed. Life Application Study Bible

Middle Tennessee Idealist Network & Nashville Nonprofit Organizations Meetup

2008-04-19T09:32:00.003-05:00

The Middle Tennessee Idealist Network and Nashville Nonprofit Organizations Meet-up event is Scheduled for May 10th at 2:30 PM in Brentwood at the COURTYARD by MARRIOTT.

This event will bring together corporation leaders, nonprofit leaders, volunteers, practical dreamers, professionals, students, policymakers, and many others for a time of sharing and networking.

You will also be delighted to know that Mrs. Colette Bercu has agreed to be our guest speaker. Colette is a passionate and articulate speaker who is very sought after... She is the founder of Free For Life Ministries, her organization is fighting human trafficking and the sex slavery of children worldwide. Colette will be sharing with us how she was called to get into the fight against the growing epidemic of human trafficking and more specifically the exploiting of children. She and her husband, Dan, now serve in 6 countries, are proven and devoted leaders in advocating for the victims of this appalling crime... A crime that has happened right here in our own city as well.

It will truly provide to be a special day and a memorable treat having Colette as our guest speaker as well as to combine this event with their Nashville Nonprofit Organizations Meet-up network...

You will definitely want to be at this event! :-)

Everyone will get a chance to share a little about what they are
working on, interested in, or needs that they have.

You are welcome to bring others with a
similar interest. Please RSVP to let us know if you are coming, but
come anyway even if you aren't sure you can make it until the last
minute. All are welcome.

Please feel encouraged to contact us with any questions that you may have.

Please join us to Learn, Share and Make connections beyond your network—across industries, divisions, organizations and foundations.

The Middle Tennessee Idealist Network partnering with the Nashville Nonprofit Organizations Meet-up Will Bring Together the Leaders of Today to Share with Our Leaders of Tomorrow Turning Practical Dreams Into Action!

Be sure to join us on May 10th at 2:30 PM and Don’t Forget Your Business Cards! ;-)

Please Advance Register Today for This Free Networking event either by the link below.

http://care.events.live.com/

This is an opportunity to meet and network with an uncommon group of quality people who value the gift of life, friendship and humanity. People who laugh, love, enjoy life and aspire to help others to live life as well as their career passions to the fullest. People who are striving to live a life of integrity, while sharing, volunteering and promoting one another, their causes, careers, and organizations along the way.

Please mark your calendars for this event.

Bring your business cards, any materials you'd like to share and a desire to help one another in the true spirit of networking.

Please Register Today. This will be a free networking event.

http://care.events.live.com/

This meeting is for:

Any and All individuals 18 years And Older who are interested in Networking and helping one another in Success.

Please, No Children-because we do love them dearly, we have an obligation to express that this is an adult only event.

Location:
Courtyard by Marriott-Brentwood
103 Eastpark Drive, Brentwood, TN 37027

Date and time:
Saturday, May 10, 2008
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Hosted by:
Marilyn Magallanes & Dan Bercu

Contact number:
(615) 656-4540

a Reason, a Season, a Lifetime

2008-04-17T13:44:00.005-05:00

April 17

a reason, a season or a lifetime

I received this messages from a FaceBook friend and thought it was really nice...

Your response will be interesting. Pay attention to what you read.

After you have finished reading it, you will know the reason it was sent to you...

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.

Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.

They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.

They may teach you something you have never done.

They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.

Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a Reason, a Season or a Lifetime.

Marilyn M.

TTTC is interviewing New Board Members Visit our Homepage today to learn more. www.TeachThemToCare.org

Can we talk about the Child Next Door?

2008-02-22T21:46:00.007-06:00

Child Watch^® Column

By Marian Wright Edelman

A CHILD NEXT DOOR MAY NEED YOUR HELP

When four sisters were discovered dead in a Southeast
Washington, D.C., rowhouse on January 9, the community and
city were shocked. According to newspaper reports, the girls' bodies
had been decomposing for many weeks before their discovery.
Compounding the tragedy is the fact that for the better part of
a year, numerous agencies in the District of Columbia were aware
of disturbing signs that the children were in danger. But no one was
successful in reaching out to the children or their mother to prevent
this appalling calamity. The girls' mother, Banita Jacks, 33, has been
charged in their murders.

This case is a loud alarm bell for all of us and serves as a reminder
that in cities and smaller communities across the nation, there are
children, sometimes just next door, who need our help. Neighbors
suspecting something was wrong could have been more aggressive
in inquiring about their well-being. Several local agencies failed to
persist to get help and follow up on what was happening to the children.

Sadly this case is not unique. Many thousands of children have
died or been grievously abused or neglected in communities in
every region of our country.

Every 36 seconds a child is confirmed as abused or neglected.
Many of these children remain invisible to those who could help them.

How do we stop the neglect and abuse? We start with the understanding
that protecting our children is everyone's responsibility, and not solely
that of public social service agencies.

Caring vigilance—child watching—should be the watch word for all of us.

As individuals, we can begin by reaching out to relatives and neighbors
struggling to care for children—even when familial tension makes that uncomfortable. Get help for a child you believe is being abused or neglected.
Become a foster parent or adoptive parent. Offer to give a break to grandparents
who have taken in their grandchildren by caring for the children several days
a month. Volunteer to stand up for an abused or neglected child as a
court-appointed special advocate. Be a mentor to a child who is still at
home or in foster care. Contribute your time or money to a program
that helps prevent family crises or protects and treats children when abuse
has occurred.

We must get our own faith and community-based organizations to do more.
Educate your congregation about protecting children and take action to help.
Find ways to support parents who need help. Offer space in your facility for
special events. Make sure that children in foster care are involved in your
youth activities. Arrange for scholarships to colleges or universities with
which you are affiliated. Support national, state and local policy initiatives
that will keep children safe and in permanent families. If just a fraction of
the faith congregations in our nation found an adoptive or foster care family
for a child, we wouldn’t have children alone in the world without loving
families.

Employers can also make valuable contributions. They can make sure their leave policies recognize the needs of foster and adoptive parents. They can provide internships and longer term employment for youths in foster care. Businesses also can adopt local agencies or groups that serve children who have been abused or neglected.

Just as important, we must push for significant improvements in our child welfare agencies, our courts, and our schools to better protect children in communities throughout our nation. And we must invest in the health care and mental health and early childhood development programs that will help give our children a healthy start in life.

As a memorial to the Jacks girls and for the sake of millions of other neglected and abused children, all of us must recognize that keeping children safe is everybody’s business.

Marian Wright Edelman is President of the Children's Defense Fund
and its Action Council whose Leave No Child Behind^® mission is to ensure
every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe
Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood
with the help of caring families and communities.

Talking About Facebook & Networking...

2008-02-20T02:00:00.001-06:00

In case you missed the tele-seminar with Mari Smith about how to use Facebook to grow your network, the replay is available at:
http://www.jimdonovan.com/tele-seminars-archive.html

While you're there, be sure to register to be notified about upcoming free business and personal growth tele-seminars.

Talking About Shrinking!

2008-02-13T10:24:00.000-06:00

SHRINKING BACK
by Gail Rodgers

We met in Starbucks. She was just passing through town and it was a treat to get together in person. As usual, we jumped in at the deep end and wanted to share what God was teaching us these days. As she raised requests I suggested we pray. Quietly, with open eyes, I asked God to meet the needs of her life.

We talked more and then she said she wanted to pray for me. With not so quiet a voice and with eyes pressed closed and hands grasping mine she lifted her heart to our Heavenly Father.

And I felt my heart shrink back. Could she pray a little quieter or a little less intensely? I am ashamed to say I felt a twinge of embarrassment enter my heart.

Very shortly after that God put a book in my pathway that challenged just this very thing in my life. In essence I was denying Christ. I thought of Peter and how easy it was for him to deny Jesus on that night of Jesus' death. Then in my own devotions I read these words:

"For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with him.

But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." Hebrews 10: 38-39

It took me by surprise that I could find myself in that same position as Peter found himself in ..... only I was in Starbucks where there was no threat at all to my faith or my life.

How good God is to reveal the very nature of our hearts to us when we feel we are being "faithful" followers. What a challenge it is to grow in our boldness in following our Lord and Savior.

Today, whether you are a quiet Christian, a bold witness, or somewhere in between why not join me in asking God to fill you with a greater boldness and more courage to stand in persevering faith... one never knows when in this world we will be called upon to stand firm. We need to be determined not to shrink back. God will help us as we ask Him to.

Heavenly Father,

Forgive me for shrinking back when You call me to boldness. May my heart be ever more courageous to stand for You. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Questions: Have you ever felt your heart shrink back from standing boldly for Jesus?

Are you willing to ask Him today for a courageous and bold heart to stand for Him always?

Please feel encouraged to call or email me if you need to talk about it...
God Bless,
Marilyn M.
615-656-4540

Talking About Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck!

2008-02-06T11:03:00.000-06:00

Fast Money Secrets! Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck with Jim Donovan
Jim is hosting a FREE Tele-Seminar,
interviewing Mari Smith of "Facebook Fortunes".
Next Tuesday, Feb 11, at 9:00 PM (est)

You can register here:
http://www.jimdonovan.com/tele-seminar.html

----------------------------------------------

New York Classes: Course 858MNY Section A
Increase Your Income Now!

Are you tired of living paycheck to paycheck? Are you ready to stop worrying and free yourself of financial stress? Here's your chance to learn several fast and simple ways to increase your income immediately, without mortgaging your home or quitting you job.

Internationally renowned author and seminar leader Jim Donovan will provide you with easy-to-follow strategies so you can create the life of your dreams!

You will learn about:

* 8 types of businesses that will provide you with instant income
* Setting up an easy-to-run eBay business
* Creating a cash machine with skills you already have
* The ins and outs of network marketing
* Packaging your knowledge to cash in on the information boom
* And much, much more.
---------------------------------------------

Jim Donovan is an author and seminar leader. His books have been published in 22 countries, with titles including "Handbook to a Happier Life." "This Is Your Life, Not A Dress Rehearsal," "Reclaim Your Life," "Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck," and "Don't Let an Old Person Move Into Your Body." He has also created audio programs entitled "Make More Sales," "This is Your Life, Not a Dress Rehearsal," "Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck," "Successful Self-Publishing (ebook & audio)," and "How to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book." Since 1991, he has published Jim's Jems, an internationally syndicated newsletter. Jim's articles regularly appear in newspapers and magazines, and on various websites.

Talking About Failure!

2008-02-05T09:17:00.000-06:00

""This week, let's spend some time looking at how we can "fail forward." If we're going to fall, we should pick something up while we're down!

"The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked." Proverbs 24:16

LET'S LITERALLY LEARN FROM FAILURE. Let's use it as an acryomn:

F - FAILURE is a part of life.

It is a part of everyone's life. If you have failed, you are NOT alone!

We all have to admit to ourselves more times than we'd like to that we've been failures since we've become Christians. We don't have to live the Christian life very long before we understand that we are going to fail. Some of us have failed miserably! Some of us have failed publicly, others have failed privately, or secretly, but we know we've failed. And we know the shame that accompanies failure.

There are all kinds of ways people fail. Some fail in their careers, others fail as parents or see their marriages fail. We fail in different pursuits. We can fail serving God, some fail morally or spiritually.

Someone has said, "Failure is not a crime. Failure to learn from failure is.""

--Walter Wriston

Talking About is there a difference in a Non-Trusted "Friend" and a "Acquaintance"???

2008-02-03T12:39:00.000-06:00

In listening to a motivational CD the other day the topic was discussed
about friends... Who are your Friends? Trusted Friends and the difference.

I tell you this because it really got me to wondering, although I am even guilty of it myself, do we through the word Friend around lightly?

I know that I may often call someone a friend when I probably should say acquaintance. It is not intentional-just a habit of using the incorrect word.

In the CD this Leader stated that he told his protégé that there are "Friends" and there are "Trusted Friends" and one should know the difference. The protégé stated that he only wanted to have "Trusted Friends" but the Leader responded, "No Son, No one wants to be that lonely".

Thinking and rethinking over this leaves me wondering:
Could someone who you do not trust really be called a "Friend"?
Would that person be considered an "Acquaintance"??
Or is there really a difference in a Non-Trusted "Friend" and Acquaintance???

---------------
To Your Success,
Marilyn A. Magallanes
http://www.CustomizingWellness.com
http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/mamm1
http://www.marilyn-magallanes.us
http://www.MySpace.com/mamm1
http://www.SuperCenterPLUS.com
http://www.YouTube.com/mamm11
http://www.TeachThemToCare.org/helpwanted.aspx
http://www.MySpace.com/tttcare
http://www.CanWeTalkAboutThat.Wordpress.com
http://www.eSnips.com/user/marilyn

talking about listening...

2008-02-02T20:23:00.000-06:00

"Nothing I say this day will teach me anything.
So if I'm going to learn, I must do the listening" - Larry King

Talking About A Strong Women!! How Can You Understand & Lead Her??

2008-01-26T05:49:00.000-06:00

A GOOD PLACE TO START IS By Knowing This...

And ACCEPTING IT! CAN WE TALK ABOUT IT???

Talking About... Life Just Is Not!

2008-01-24T01:56:00.000-06:00

Talking About Tomaca!

2008-01-13T11:30:00.000-06:00

As you all have probably figured out by now, I love writing about other peps...but more than that I love giving credit were it is due.

Do you ever click on the links people put in their posts? Hmmm, it not you might just be missing the delightful talents of the other members here and a chance to get to know them better...This morning I started browsing my emails from MLPF after breakfast; discovering Tomaca...

Wow!!! is all I can say; a very beautiful lady with an amazingly beautiful voice...

Not only is Tomaca (to-may-sha) (who is also a MLPF member) fascinatingly talented, she knows how to pick her background music... the saxophonist in her music is amazing! Click on over an give this pretty lady a listen; If you don't you have no idea the blessing you will be missing... www.Tomaca.net

Talking About Networking Help Please For Autism!

2008-01-06T23:29:00.001-06:00

Dear Family, Friends, Partners and Associates...

Please read the message below that come from the founder (and a friend) of
The Autism Solution Center. Laura started this center out of her home living room and has worked tirelessly to assist those in need. Through my nonprofit resources at http://GuideStar.org I personally not only verified the organizations 501(c)(3) status but that the majority of funding is Not being paid out in salaries to employees... in 2005 and 2006 Laura did not even receive a salary for her 40+ hours worked a week. From my own research(ASC tax records) I also discovered that she forwent any monetary reimbursement whatsoever and that the largest majority of funds were used to establish more appropriate facilities for the families that it serves as well as programs for those families.

If you would Please take the time to assist with a mere $1.00 Laura states
it could help them to win their Funding!

It is my hope that you will open your heart and a few moments of your time
to helping with such an admirable and charitable mission. This is a Tax
Deductible Donation.

It is also my hope that you will forward this on to your own network of
Family, Friends, Partners and Associates.

To Your Success,
Marilyn A. Magallanes
http://TeachThemToCare,org

This is Laura's message to me that I am sharing with you:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Laura Corby
Sent: Sunday, January 06, 2008 7:54 PM
To: MARILYN MAGALLANES
Subject: Hello Marilyn! Could Use Some Networking Help Please
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope I am not overstepping my bounds by sending this. I have always been
told to ask when I need help, and we do need help, so here's my request:

Autism Solution Center, Inc. is in parade magazine's contest called
America's Giving Challenge. They are looking at networking skills basically,
and a $50k prize goes to the winning nonprofit organization.

If ASC wins, this could fund a full-time Neurological Music Therapist for the
children, for one entire year at the center.

The Challenge begins December 13 at 3pm EST
and will close January 31 at 3:00pm EST.

To succeed at the Challenge, the objective is to get as many unique people
as we can to donate to our cause. It's not the amount, it's the number of
unique donors that will win this for us, so lots of $1 donors can make a
HUGE difference! Duplicate donations from the same individual will only be
counted once. Basically, 500 - $1 donations in this contest are better than
3 - $200 donations, as they are looking at the number of unique givers, not
the total amount raised.

Please click the link below to participate (even just $1.00 !!) , or pass
this along to your network of friends TODAY to help ASC win the $50,000
Parade Magazine Giving Challenge!

PLEASE CONSIDER HELPING and passing this along to those you know!

Here's the link:
http://www.networkforgood.org/pca/Badge.aspx?badgeId=109085

Thank you for any help you are willing to offer!
I thank you, as do the families we serve.

Sincerely,

Laura Corby, Founder/CEO
Autism Solution Center, Inc.
9282 Cordova Park Road
Cordova, TN 38018
(901) 758-8288

http://www.autismsolutioncenter.com
Please visit our website and sign our guestbook!
We appreciate your feedback!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals!

Autism Is Epidemic!
Currently, 1 in every 150 individuals is diagnosed with Autism.

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation.
Your character is what you really are, while your reputation
is merely what others think you are.

I would rather live my life as if there is a God,
and die to find out there isn't, than live my life
as if there isn't, and die to find out there is.

Talking About LUNACY!!! Veto of Health Care For Children of Low-Income Parents!!!

2008-01-01T13:18:00.000-06:00

Nine million children in America, almost 90% living in working households and a majority in two-parent families, are still uninsured. Millions more are under-insured. Every 41 seconds another baby is born without health insurance.

This is LUNACY an utter outrage in the richest nation on earth!

The Most Civilized (?) and Wealthiest Nation in the World cannot afford to provide Health Care for its poorest citizens and Yet We Are Providing Health Insurance For Each and Every Iraqi???

Do not get me wrong, I am not trying to communicate that we should begin withholding assistance to the less fortunate and under privileged of other countries... only that we need to take care of our own as well, and starting with our most helpless -our future leaders of this country -our own children!!!

Please Join Me and the Thousands of Others who are Raising Our Voices on Behalf of the AMERICAN Children who can Not Vote, Lobby, or Speak for Themselves...

Please take the time to "care"; Educate yourself on this issue and Take action TODAY!

How?

Watch the videos
Read more at the Children's Defense Fund Web Site
Most Importantly Take just 5 minutes & Sign the Petition by Clicking Here!

Thank You!!! Marian Wright Edelman For The Work That You Do!!!
You hold my highest respect... Not only would I be delighted to see my daughter(s) grow-up to become a woman like you; But also for my Son(s) to bring home (marry) a woman like you! Thank you for being and setting a "public" example of truth and light that I can share with them in today's so often dim world... you inspire us... to dream, to act, to preserver, to never give up hope!

Talking About Looking To The Sky & Stars

2007-12-30T16:50:00.000-06:00

there just aren't that many stars that shine anymore... makes me thankful... to have the few in my life that really do... for those of you that twinkle brighter than all the others... it is not by mistake or chance... it is by purpose! Thank you for being such great friends, listening to my babbling, and being there when it matters most... Happy New Years Me Amigo's y Amiga's my wish for you is that in 2008 God will bestow upon you the Biggest Blessings your life has yet to see!
Love,
Marilyn

Spreading Christmas Joy-A Better Celebration (year round)

2007-12-24T10:17:00.000-06:00

Thanks again to my new found mentor Vincent Wright for putting this idea out there:

If everyone did this, not just on our forum-say in their own communities, imagine how much Christmas joy we could spread Year Round!

Here is my First commitment to that... I do plan on making more commitments such as this to my community this year...

My Linkedin Power Forum Certificate For

A Better Celebration (year round)

PART I

On behalf of wishing everyone a MERRY Christmas and Prosperous, Happy New Year in 2008, I wish to help My Linkedin Power Forum members BE MERRY by offering them 1 hour of weight-loss planning consultation, 1 hour health/wellness planning/consultation, 1 hour of web site planning/building assistance/consultation, 1 hour consultation on "parenting " challenges, or 1 hour of SEO consultation: to one MLPF member per month January to December.

PART II

This offer is for single parents (moms or dads) * living in the United States that would not ordinarily be able to purchase said services due to budget constraints.

Physical Proof thereof will not be asked for, but I do request that you operate on the "honor" system. Selected candidates personal information will remain confidential from public. However, their name and the fact that they were selected may be shared with the MLPF moderators.

PART III

Please send expression of interest through my website at http://teachthemtocare.org/contactus.aspx stating your desire to participate, which service you would like a certificate for, and the month that you believe you would like to participate. Your name and telephone number must be included. Please provide specific questions on the service you'd like to receive, so that when we speak I can have already identified or worked up a plan of "specific" information to better benefit you. Please, if your questions do not already clarify, tell me "why" you would like a consultation on this service.

Issued by Marilyn A. Magallanes and good until 12-31-2008

___________________________________________________

* Offer expires monthly and must be used in the month selected.

* The need to be living in the US is because I do not possess "knowledge" of foreign markets, their challenges, laws, nor the ability to telephone another country.

To Your Success-God Bless,
Marilyn A. Magallanes
Customized Wellness Solutions™ Provider

"Promoting the Wellness of America One Health Professional At a Time"
http://CustomizingWellness.com

http://SuperCenterPLUS.com
be sure to check out the Health & Nutrition Section

http://TeachThemToCare.org/aboutus.aspx
http://Marilyn-Magallanes.us

http://MySpace.com/mamm1
http://YouTube.com/mamm11
http://Can-We-Talk-About-It.BlogSpot.com

http://LinkedIn.com/in/mamm1

Top 7 Things You Need to Know About Business and Social Networking

2007-12-23T21:19:00.000-06:00

Top 7 Things You Need to Know About Business and Social Networking
By Vincent Wright

Truman's Take: Bredesen's Bunker...Take Cover, blasting is about to begin!

2007-12-21T20:47:00.000-06:00

Truman's Take: Bredesen's Bunker...Take Cover, blasting is about to begin!

Talking About-Can You DIGG It?

2007-12-19T00:14:00.000-06:00

Can You DIGG It???

Introducing The King of the Yahoo! Groups

Stan Relihan Interviews Vincent Wright on Connections!!!

Okay, me Amigo's y Amiga's lets Talk it up! You all have got to learn more about the "why" behind my (online) stalkings of this Fabulous One of a Kind Mentor and Chief Encouragement Officer, Vincent Wright!

As I am too lazy to re-create the wheel... I believe in learning from those who have gone before me and Vincent is a definite top choice for study... just join any of his groups, grab some popcorn, sit back and learn... then be sure to share your next bag with a friend so that they can learn from the Best as well!

Cause unless your going to share your popcorn I'd advise you just put it away! ;-))
Sorry my friends-that is an inside joke, not a command, and you'll have to join (MLPF) to get the inside scoop on it!

Vincent Wright is a prominent Blogger, Recruiter & Career Coach, a leading ‘Social Network Catalyst’ - and the ‘King of the Yahoo! Groups’

Creator of more than 200 networking discussion groups, including MyLinkedInPowerForum (MLPF), one of the largest groups dedicated to users of LinkedIn, Vincent has also embraced other networking platforms, such as Facebook & Ning . He is with out a doubt amazing and this Pod Cast is A Must Listen.

http://connections.thepodcastnetwork.com/2007/12/16/connections-015-king-of-the-yahoo-groups/

All Righty Then, Listen Now, and Show some love - vote for this podcast TODAY-time is of the essence ! ! !

This week, Vincent shared with us some of his valuable insights on How to Network More effectively, including ‘Nettiquette’ (how to behave in different networking environments) - and the importance of ensuring your profile is free of spelling errors.

Whether you’re a veteran networker, or a ‘newbie’ - this is essential listening for anyone wanting to maximize the success of their networking efforts.

Some of Vincent’s many sites include:

MyLinkedinPowerForum.com (Yahoo)
MyLinkedinPowerForum.net (Facebook)
MyLinkedinPowerForum.org (Ning)
www.DirectoryOf LinkedinGroups.com
www.DirectoryOfLinkedinModerators.com
www.LinkedinBusinessDiscussionIndex.com

All Righty Then, Listen Now, and Show some love - vote for this podcast TODAY-time is of the essence ! ! !

To Your Success-Be Blessed!

Volunteer Opportunity: Community-Program Research Volunteers-Phase One - Teach Them To Care - A Middle Tennessee Non-Profit Organization

2007-09-23T17:11:00.000-05:00

Volunteer Opportunity: Community-Program Research Volunteers-Phase One - Teach Them To Care - A Middle Tennessee Non-Profit Organization

Person of The Week

2007-03-25T00:23:00.000-05:00

02_FEB_07_ABC_DFW_...

Hosted by eSnips

Supporting and welcoming our solders who are returning home...

Talking About A Great Nonprofit Society...

2007-02-15T22:57:00.000-06:00

With a 23 year history and over 3,500 members, the Society for Nonprofit Organizations is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit management support organizations in the country.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, The Society provides its members with products and services that help them to accomplish their missions more effectively.

Every member receives:
* Nonprofit Magazine with concise articles
* Available Grants delivered monthly via email
* Job Postings at NonprofitCareers.org
* Searchable Archive of 700+ articles
* Discounted Courses in nonprofit management (online)
* Discounted Books from Fieldstone Publications
* Discounted D&O Insurance from Monitor Liability (Organizational Members Only)

Join the Society for Nonprofit Organizations Today - Advance Through Sharing!

Marilyn

Talking About Dirty Secrets...

2007-02-12T00:08:00.000-06:00

By Steve Manzi
Been holding them in for years. Can't refrain any longer. Must disclose the truths that are burning inside. Never before spoken out loud, they are...
"The Five Dirty Secrets of Capital Campaigns."
Read them once; commit them to memory; and then destroy this before anyone else sees it...
Read the full Article.

Talking About Losing...

2007-02-11T20:57:00.000-06:00

"You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back." -Barbara DeAngelis

Talking About The Power of Just A Few...

2007-02-10T11:29:00.000-06:00

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."--Margaret Mead--

God Bless
Marilyn

Talking About Hunger...

2007-02-06T22:17:00.000-06:00

Here's a truer than life quote that I ran across today...

"There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread." --Mother Teresa

God Bless,

Marilyn

Talking About One Red PaperClip!

2007-02-02T21:52:00.000-06:00

one red paperclip

This is a Must read absolutely incredible "trading" success journey!

In this article you will read of how one amazing young man
trades his way from one red paper clip to house in only a year's time!

Kyle, You Are Truly an Inspiration to others...
Link to one red paperclip

Happy reading & God Bless,
Marilyn

http://ttt-care.spaces.live.com/

http://www.Marilyn-Magallanes.us

http://www.TeachThemToCare.org

C.J. Talking About...Nonprofit-Board Work Can Boost Your Career

2007-02-01T22:30:00.000-06:00

Career Journal Article Clips from:
Nonprofit-Board Work Can Boost Your Career
...according to Brooke Mahoney, executive director of New York City-based Volunteer Consulting Group and founder of boardnetusa.org, a service that links executive volunteers and nonprofits in need.

...Serving on a nonprofit board offers several advantages for executives. It can help them to keep their skills sharp and spirits up and to develop new contacts and job leads...
Join Before You Need To...
...She says executives should view serving on boards as their "board career" and develop strategies that will help them enhance their professional career and make a contribution to the nonprofit's mission...
Read the full Article at
Nonprofit-Board WorkCan Boost Your Career
By Gene J. Koprowski
God Bless,
Marilyn

Talking About... Girl-Friends

2007-01-30T01:49:00.000-06:00

What would most of us do without our sisters, our confidants?

Like shopping, lunching and traveling with our girlfriends?

Let's celebrate each other for each other's sake!

Someone will always be prettier.

Someone will always be smarter.

Their house will be bigger.

They will drive a better car.

Their children will do better in school.

And their husband will help with more things around the house.

So let it go, and love you and your circumstances.

Think about it.

The prettiest woman in the world can have hell in her heart.

And the most highly favored woman on your job may be unable to have children.

And the richest woman you know, she's got the car, the house, the clothes....might be lonely.

And the word says if "I have not Love, I am nothing."

So, again, love you.

Love who you are.

Look in the mirror in the morning and smile and say:

"I am too blessed to be stressed and too anointed to be disappointed!"

"Winners make things happen. Losers let things happen."

Be Blessed ladies and pass this on to encourage another woman.

"To the world you might be one person,
but to one person you just might be the world"!

Marilyn
http://www.Marilyn-Magallanes.us
http://www.TeachThemToCare.org

New Logo for TTTC - A Middle Tennessee Non-Profit

2006-12-23T03:08:00.000-06:00

Our New Logo was created by Kevin Long-owner of Packet8 Internet Phone Service, and presented to TTTC as a gift.

Promoting Values Essential To Life...

Charitable Interest Survey

2006-12-19T02:08:00.000-06:00

http://teachthemtocare.org/survey_one.aspx

Get Involved - Help Needed

2006-12-16T12:26:00.000-06:00

WE NEED YOUR HELP

We Need Volunteers That Can:

* Help with Building the Organizations Web Pages
* Writing/editing our Business Plan
* Training Program
* Developing an Organization Members Program
* Develop an Advisory Committee
* Developing and Launching initial Mentoring Programs
* Grant request writing
* Corporate Fundraising
http://teachthemtocare.org/Documents/Application%20for%20Volunteer.doc

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* Donors to

***********************

Any & All Volunteers who would like to lend their expertise;
if you have any skills that you believe would benefit our organization please fill out a form even if your particular area of interest is not listed in our Help Wanted Section. http://teachthemtocare.org/helpwanted.aspx

WE ARE BUILDING OUR TEAM FROM THE GROUND UP AND PRESENTLY
ARE IN NEED OF ADVISERS, RESEARCHERS, BOARD MEMBERS AND Various Types of VOLUNTEERS, the volunteer positions listed do Not represent all of our volunteer needs.

TO FILL THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:
**************************************
Board Members
job description - these are Volunteer Positions - general board chairs/seats need to be filled.

http://teachthemtocare.org/Documents/Application%20for%20Board%20Member.doc

***************************************
President / Chairperson
Job Description - this is a Volunteer Position

General Responsibilities The President is responsible for ensuring that the Board of Directors and its members: · are aware of and fulfill their governance responsibilities; · comply with applicable laws and bylaws; · conduct board business effectively and efficiently; · are accountable for their performance; (please see explanation 1)In order to fulfill these responsibilities, and subject to the organization's bylaws, the President presides over meetings, proposes policies and practices, sits on various committees, monitors the performance of Directors and Officers, submits various reports to the board, to donors, and to other "stakeholders"; proposes the creation of committees; appoints members to such committees; and performs other duties as the need arises and/or as defined in the bylaws.

Accountability The President is accountable to the Board of Directors or Members as specified in the bylaws. The President may delegate specific duties to the Chief Executive Director, Board members and/or committees as appropriate; however, the accountability for them remains with the President.

explanation 1: This description uses the word "ensure" to convey the intent that accountability for the specified responsibilities lies with the President but it is not necessarily the President who carries out the activity. Indeed, we expect that many of these responsibilities will be delegated to board committees, staff, or others including experts retained for a specific purpose. The word "ensure" is not intended to imply any additional source of legal duties beyond those that are required by law.
http://teachthemtocare.org/Documents/Application%20for%20Board%20President.doc

****************************************
Secretary of the Board of Directors
Job Description - this is a Volunteer Position

General Responsibilities Organizations are required by law and by custom to maintain certain records for several purposes, including: * accurate recollection of decisions;* determination of eligibility to vote; * continuity of policies and practices; and * accountability of directors and officers.The Secretary is responsible for ensuring that accurate and sufficient documentation exists to meet legal requirements, and to enable authorized persons to determine when, how, and by whom the board's business was conducted. In order to fulfill these responsibilities, and subject to the organization's bylaws, the Secretary records minutes of meetings, ensures their accuracy, and availability, proposes policies and practices, submits various reports to the board, maintains membership records, fulfills any other requirements of a Director and Officer, and performs other duties as the need arises and/or as defined in the bylaws. (see explanation 1)

Accountability The Secretary is accountable to the Board of Directors (if elected or appointed by them) or Members. (If elected by the membership at a members meeting) as specified in the bylaws. Through the Board of Directors, certain duties of the Secretary may be delegated to the Executive Director, Board members and/or committees as appropriate; however, the accountability for them remains with the Secretary.

* Explanation 1: This description uses the word "ensure" to convey the intent that accountability for the specified responsibilities lies with the Secretary but it is not necessarily the Secretary who carries out the activity. Indeed, we expect that many of these responsibilities will be delegated to board committees, staff, or others including experts retained for a specific purpose. The word "ensure" is not intended to imply any additional source of legal duties beyond those that are required by law.

* Explanation 2: Minutes should have enough information to help absent directors and members understand what issues were discussed and what decisions were made. Some lawyers advise that in certain circumstances, minutes should include summary of discussion, rationale for decision, names of those participating in the discussion, and the roll call, noting any declared conflicts of interest. These circumstances: are if the matter is contentious, if board members dissent, if there is any concern about exposure to liability, or if a board member has a conflict of interest.
http://teachthemtocare.org/Documents/Application%20Board%20of%20Directors_Secretary.doc

**************************************
We Also Need Volunteers That Can:
Help with Building the Organizations Web Pages
Writing/editing our Business Plan
Training Program
Developing an Organization Members Program
Develop an Advisory Committee
Developing and Launching initial Mentoring Programs
Grant request writing
Corporate Fundraising
Any & All Volunteers who would like to lend their expertise

"Teach Them To Care" is a registered Non-Profit organization, please visit us at http://www.teachthemtocare.org/ or http://www.TeachThemToCare.org/helpwanted.aspx and lend us your support in your preferred method.

Public Policy

2006-05-02T13:01:00.001-05:00

feel free to get this topic started by clicking on comments

The Environment

2006-05-02T13:01:00.000-05:00

get this topic started by clicking on comments

Society

2006-05-02T12:59:00.000-05:00

get this topic started by clicking on comments

Current Events

2006-05-02T12:55:00.000-05:00

The hottest topic in the news seems to be the current immigration issues.

Can we talk about that?

Please post your polite but candid view on this dilemma.

101 Fabulous Freebies

2006-04-26T01:06:00.000-05:00

If you thought that the golden age of free stuff ended when the dot-com bubble burst, guess again. Check out PC Worlds article, 101 Fabulous Freebies. These are the real deal--no hobbled half-products or demos that time out after 30 days.
http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,124883,pg,16,00.asp

Can We Talk About It!

Don't just pray it, Live it.

The Means By Which Christians Achieve Victory

Spurgeon ~ “Satan hindered us.”

Thou, O LORD

Spurgeon ~ With blasting, With Mildew & With Hail

Spurgeon ~ So She Gleaned

Community - Then and Now

I AM...

Prayer and Good Stewardship

Middle Tennessee Idealist Network & Nashville Nonprofit Organizations Meetup

a Reason, a Season, a Lifetime

a reason, a season or a lifetime

Can we talk about the Child Next Door?

Child Watch® Column

By Marian Wright Edelman

Talking About Facebook & Networking...

Talking About Shrinking!

Talking About Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck!

Talking About Failure!

Talking About is there a difference in a Non-Trusted "Friend" and a "Acquaintance"???

talking about listening...

Talking About A Strong Women!! How Can You Understand & Lead Her??

Talking About... Life Just Is Not!

Talking About Tomaca!

Talking About Networking Help Please For Autism!

Talking About LUNACY!!! Veto of Health Care For Children of Low-Income Parents!!!

Talking About Looking To The Sky & Stars

Spreading Christmas Joy-A Better Celebration (year round)

Top 7 Things You Need to Know About Business and Social Networking

Truman's Take: Bredesen's Bunker...Take Cover, blasting is about to begin!

Talking About-Can You DIGG It?

Volunteer Opportunity: Community-Program Research Volunteers-Phase One - Teach Them To Care - A Middle Tennessee Non-Profit Organization

Person of The Week

Talking About A Great Nonprofit Society...

Talking About Dirty Secrets...

Talking About Losing...

Talking About The Power of Just A Few...

Talking About Hunger...

Talking About One Red PaperClip!

C.J. Talking About...Nonprofit-Board Work Can Boost Your Career

Talking About... Girl-Friends

New Logo for TTTC - A Middle Tennessee Non-Profit

Charitable Interest Survey

Get Involved - Help Needed

Public Policy

The Environment

Society

Current Events

101 Fabulous Freebies

Child Watch^® Column