God is to Me
~Submitted by Ruthie aka SweetRuthie~

He is my Savior! I know him as Dad, my hero a great redemer.. God, created all things, and said it is good... He died on the cross for me, my friends, my family, and the people that are still looking for his love, he takes the believers home, to his house to be with him till us believers come home to.. Jesus said "I am the way the truth and the light, no one comes to the Father except though me!" If you are not a born again christian, or want to know about jesus... please e-mail me!

~Submitted by Olivia aka Draineofemotion~

"When I was a child. I used to try so hard to be what people wanted to be. And I guess part of me stil tries today. But I used to attend church every Sunday but my family never went it was just me. ( This was when I was in gradeschool. ) And even thougt I had many friends within the church there was a group of kids who would always make fun of me and say that my family didn't love me or God enough to come to church every Sunday. So after about a year of this I gave up on triing to get them to stop, and slowly started going to church less and less. But then when I got into Middle school they had this club call Younglife. That is completly devoted to learning about God with people who want to be there with you. Other teenagers. The teacher that lead the club I didn't really get along with but as time progressed. I earned so much knowledge bout God through this teacher I became so attached to these stories that I would go out and search more into them on my own. Now I'm totally into pleasing God and serving him. I pray to him as much as I can. And I try to have more then a asking relationship with him. I ask him to come on adventrues with me, run with me, cry with me, and I ask him to help me lead people to him. I know it sounds werid. But I feel that over the past threee years I have become so close to God that I feel I know him. I have  this one friend who's dad is a pastor. So I can find out almost anything I want to about God or clear up things that don't make sense to me. So he realy helps me out alot. Just to know that there is someone who is close by whenever I need him."

~Submitted by Laura aka Lil_Laura_Kitty~

I love God with all of my heart. I feel like my relationship with Him grows stronger and stronger everyday. I try to spread the word of God and show other people that you don't have to hide your faith. God knows that there are bad people and good people. Bad people will try to make fun of you or make you feel bad about your beliefs. Good people will support you. God will also support you. Whenever you feel pressured to do something that you know isn't right just remember that God is watching you. Stay away from bad temptations and pray for God to make you stronger. Here's my story. For most of my life, I was very depressed. I felt hopeless and hated myself. Alot of bad things happened, but I won't go into all of that because its personal. I had always believed in God, but I didn't have such a close relationship with Him. Then about 3 years ago, I started praying. I pray every night. Gradually, my life got better and better. I do believe that God has a plan for everyone. I am not mad at Him for the bad things that happened to me in the past. I realize that if they had not happened then I wouldn't where I'm at today or the person that I am today. I had a very sad childhood, my high school years were far from the best years of my life, my parents are now divorced, and one of my brothers is a drug addict. I come from a very disfunctional family where I was always considered the weird one. I have now realized that I am the normal one despite what they told me. I am a strong person with very high morals. I thank God for taking care of me and showing me the light.



Dear child, Despite your silence, I have heard your soul weeping. Why have you been so unhappy? Have you forgotten my everlasting love for you? child, you are mine. Why have you not called my name sooner?If you seek me, I will answer. I am your counselor, ready to instruct you and show you which path to take. when you come to me,I will embrace you and silence all your fears. Just remember that I am here to hold you close and dry your tears. I will always be right beside you. Not only am I your father, but your best friend. Do not be afraid to ask for my mercy and forgiveness. I know that its hard to live on earth, so I understand when you fall down once in awhile, ask me for help, and I will pick you up and carry you.No one loves you more than I do. When you feel alone, remember I am beside you. When you feel helpless, remember I offer myself to you. When you feel lost, remember I will lead you. and when you feel forgotten, remember that you are my child and I will love you unconditionally. It is never too late to come home. I will be here waiting, ready to embrace you. I will leave the light on for you. Forever with you, God

Where did God come from?

Taken from http://www.carm.org/questions_God.htm

We can only partially comprehend the notion of God's existence. To do so, we must use human concepts to speak of God: "without beginning or end"; "eternal"; "infinite", etc. The Bible says that He has always existed: " . . . even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God" (Psalm 90:2). And, "Your throne is established from of old; Thou art from everlasting" (Psalm 93:2). Quite simply, God has no beginning and no end. So, where did God come from? He didn't. He always was.
To us, the notion of time is linear. One second follows the next, one minute is after another. We get older, not younger and we cannot repeat the minutes that have passed us by. We have all seen the time lines on charts: early time is on the left and later time is on the right. We see nations, people's lives, and plans mapped out on straight lines from left to right. We see a beginning and an end. But God is "beyond the chart." He has no beginning or end. He simply has always been.
Also, physics has shown that time is a property that is the result of the existence of matter. Time exists when matter exists. Time has even been called the fourth dimension. But God is not matter. In fact, God created matter. He created the universe. So, time began when God created the universe. Before that, God was simply existing and time had no meaning (except conceptually), no relation to Him. Therefore, to ask where God came from is to ask a question that cannot really be applied to God in the first place. Because time has no meaning with God in relation to who He is, eternity is also not something that can be absolutely related to God. God is even beyond eternity.
Eternity is a term that we finite creatures use to express the concept of something that has no end -- and/or no beginning. Since God has no beginning or end, He has no beginning. This is because He is outside of time.

Footprints In The Sand
Author Unknown

One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand:
one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back, at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life,
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times of his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it:
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied:
"My son, My precious child, I love you and I would never leave you,
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."

No artist on the earth could ever paint
Like Jack Frost of window pane fame,
Of mountains and valleys and lofty clouds,
And pathways through the maze.

Have you ever studied the heavens,
When the stars were shining bright,
Watching the galaxies and all their brilliance,
While stars fall through the night?

Did you ever watch an eagle,
As it soars in outer space,
It seems to float to hither and yon,
A thing of beauty and of grace ?

Just think about the northern lights,
As they race across the sky,
Why, it's awesome, yes it's awesome,
In the night as they race on by,

To watch a storm approaching,
Seeing clouds fight way up high,
Some rolling this way, some rolling that,
And suddenly the centers eye?

Friend you don't know what you're missing,
When you let the world pass by,
Take time to often look about,
At what God has made and why.



(person)- 'Our Father which art in heaven...'
(God)---Yes?
(person)- Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.
(God)---But you called me.
(person)-Called you? I didn't call you. I'm praying. "Our Father which art in heaven..."
(God)---There you did it again.
(person)-Did what?
(God)---Called me. You said, "Our Father which art in heaven." Here I am...What's on your mind?
(person)-But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like getting a duty done.
(God)---All right. Go on.
(person)-"Hallowed be thy name..."
(God)---Hold it. What do you mean by that?
(person) By what?
(God)---By "hallowed be thy name"?
(person)-It means... it means... Good grief, I don't know what it means. How should I know? It's just a part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean?
(God)---It means honored, holy, wonderful.
(person)-Hey, that makes sense. I never thought about what "hallowed" meant before. "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
(God)---Do you really mean that?
(person)-Sure, why not?
(God)---What are you doing about it?
(person)-Doing? Nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control of everything down here like you have up there.
(God)---Have I got control of you?
(person)-Well, I go to church.
(God)---That isn't what I asked you. What about your bad temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend your money---all on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read?
(person)-Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at the church.
(God)---Excuse me. I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you, for example.
(person)-Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others.
(God)---So could I.
(person)-I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to, you know, be really free.
(God)---Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together, you and I. Some victories can truly be won. I'm proud of you.
(person)-Look, Lord, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does. "Give us this day, our daily bread."
(God)---You need to cut out the bread. You're overweight as it is.
(person)-Hey, wait a minute! What is this, "Criticize me day"? Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups.
(God)---Praying is a dangerous thing. You could wind up changed, you know. That's what I'm trying to get across to you. You called me, and here I am. It's too late to stop now. Keep praying, I'm interested in the next part of your prayer...(pause).
Well, go on.
(person)-I'm scared to.
(God)---Scared? Of what?
(person)-I know what you'll say.
(God)---Try me and see.
(person)-"Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."
(God)---What about Ann?
(person)-See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories about my family. She never paid back the debt she owes me. I've sworn to get even with her!
(God)---But your prayer? What about your prayer?
(person)-I didn't mean it.
(God)---Well, at least you're admitting it. But it's not much fun carrying that load of bitterness around inside, is it?
(person)-No. But I'll feel better as soon as I get even. Boy, have I got some plans for that neighbor. She'll wish she had never moved into this neighborhood.
(God)---You won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet. Think of how unhappy you already are. But I can change all that.
(person)-You can? How?
(God)---Forgive Ann. Then I'll forgive you. Then the hate and sin will be Ann's problem and not yours. You will have settled your heart.
(person)-Oh, you're right. You always are. And more than I want to revenge Ann, I want to be right with you....(pause)...(sigh). All right. All right. I forgive her. Help her to find the right road in life, Lord. She's bound to be awfully miserable now that I think about it. Anybody who goes around doing the things she does to others has to be out of it. Someway, somehow, show her the right way.
(God)---There now! Wonderful! How do you feel?
(person)-Hmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all. In fact, I feel pretty great! You know, I don't think I'll have to go to bed uptight tonight for the first time since I can remember. Maybe I won't be so tired from now on because I'm not getting enough rest.
(God)---You're not through with your prayer. Go on.
(person)-Oh, all right. "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
(God)---Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.
(person)-What do you mean by that?
(God)---Don't turn on the TV when you know the laundry needs to be done and the house needs to be picked up. Also, about the time you spend coffee-ing with your friends, if you can't influence the conversation to positive things, perhaps you should re-think the value of those friendships. Another thing, your neighbors and friends shouldn't be your standard for "keeping up". And please don't use me for an escape hatch.
(person)-I don't understand the last part.
(God)---Sure you do. You've done it a lot of times. You get caught in a bad situation. You get into trouble and then you come running to me, "Lord, help me out of this mess, and I promise you I'll never do it again." You remember some of those bargains you tried to make with me?
(person)-Yes, and I'm ashamed, Lord. I really am.
(God)---Which bargain are you remembering?
(person)-Well, there was the night that the children and I were home alone. The wind was blowing so hard I thought the roof would go any minute and tornado warnings were out. I remember praying, "Oh, God, if you spare us, I'll never skip my devotions again."
(God) --Did you?
(person)-I'm sorry, Lord, I really am. Up until now I thought that if I just prayed the Lord's Prayer every day, then I could do what I liked. I didn't expect anything to happen like it did.
(God)---Go ahead and finish your prayer.
(person)-"For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever." Amen
(God)---Do you know what would bring me glory? What would really make me happy?
(person)-No, but I'd like to know. I want now to please you. I can see what a mess I've made of my life. And I can see how great it would be to really be one of your followers.
(God)---You just answered the question.
(person)-I did?
(God)---Yes. The thing that would bring me glory is to have people like you truly love me. And I see that happening between us. Now that some of these old sins are exposed and out of the way, well, there is no telling what we can do together.
( person ) - Lord, let's see what we can make of me, OK? Amen!

The Eye of God - Submitted by Kaykay2008
This photo is very rare one, Taken by NASA.
This kind of event occurs once in 3000 years.
THIS IS A PICTURE NASA TOOK WITH THE HUBBLE TELESCOPE CALLED "THE EYE OF GOD".

There once was a man named George Thomas, pastor in a small New England town One Easter Sunday morning he came to the Church carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by the pulpit. Eyebrows were raised and, as if in response, Pastor Thomas began to speak..."I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming toward me swinging this bird cage On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright. I stopped the lad and asked, "What you got there, son?" "Just some old birds," came the reply.

"What are you gonna do with them?" I asked.

"Take 'em home and have fun with 'em," he answered. "I'm gonna tease 'em and pull out their feathers to make 'em fight. I'm gonna have a real good time." "But you'll get tired of those birds sooner or later. What will you do?"

"Oh, I got some cats," said the little boy. "They like birds. I'll take 'em to them."

The pastor was silent for a moment. "How much do you want for those birds, son?"

"Huh?? !!! Why, you don't want them birds, mister. They're just plain old field birds. They don't sing. They ain't even pretty!"

"How much?" the pastor asked again.

The boy sized up the pastor as if he were crazy and said, "$10?"

The pastor reached in his pocket and took out a ten dollar bill. He placed it in the boy's hand. In a flash, the boy was gone.

The pastor picked up the cage and gently carried it to the end of the alley where there was a tree and a grassy spot Setting the cage down, he opened the door, and by softly tapping the bars persuaded the birds out, setting them free.

Well, that explained the empty bird cage on the pulpit, and then the pastor began to tell this story.

One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting. "Yes, sir, I just caught the world full of people down there. Set me a trap, used bait I knew they couldn't resist. Got 'em all!"

"What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked.

Satan replied, "Oh, I'm gonna have fun! I'm gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other, how to hate and abuse each other, how to drink and smoke and curse. I'm gonna teach them how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really gonna have fun!"

"And what will you do when you get done with them?" Jesus asked. "Oh, I'll kill 'em," Satan glared proudly. "How much do you want for them?" Jesus asked.

"Oh, you don't want those people. They ain't no good. Why, you'll take them and they'll just hate you. They'll spit on you, curse you and kill you. You don't want those people!!"

"How much?" He asked again.

Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, "All your blood, tears and your life."

Jesus said, "DONE!"

Grabbing a Rescue Line
by Thomas C. Fowler

After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the church's pastor slowly stood up, walked over to the pulpit and, before he gave his sermon for the evening, briefly introduced a guest minister who was in the service that evening.

In the introduction, the pastor told the congregation that the guest minister was one of his dearest childhood friends and that he wanted him to have a few moments to greet the church and share whatever he felt would be appropriate for the service.

With that, an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit and began to speak, "A father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific Coast," he began, "when a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to shore. The waves were so high, that even though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright, and the three were swept into the ocean as the boat capsized."

The old man hesitated for a moment, making eye contact with two teenagers who were, for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat interested in his story. The aged minister continued with his story, "Grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most excruciating decision of his life: to which boy he would throw the other end of the life line. He only had seconds to make the decision. The father knew that his son was a Christian and he also knew that his son's friend was not. The agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of waves.

"As the father yelled out, 'I love you, son!' he threw out the life line to his son's friend. By the time the father had pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beneath the raging swells into the black of night. His body was never recovered."

By this time, the two teenagers were sitting up straight in the pew, anxiously waiting for the next words to come out of the old minister's mouth.

"The father," he continued, "knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus, and he could not bear the thought of his son's friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus. Therefore, he sacrificed his son to save the son's friend. How great is the love of God that He should do the same for us. Our heavenly Father sacrificed His only begotten Son that we could be saved. I urge you to accept His offer to rescue you and take a hold of the life line He is throwing out to you in His service." With that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence filled the room.

The pastor again walked slowly to the pulpit and delivered a brief sermon with an invitation at the end. Within minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old man's side. "That was a nice story," politely started one of the boys, "but I don't think it was very realistic for a father to give up his only son's life in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian."

Well, you've got a point there," the old man replied, glancing down at his worn Bible. A big smile broadened his sorrowed face, and he once again looked up at the boys and said, "It sure isn't very realistic, is it? But I'm standing here today to tell you that story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up His Son for me. You see .... I was that father and your pastor is my son's friend."

Jesus Christ is the way

When I think about the hour
Then I know what I must do

When I think about
what God has done for me

I will open up my heart
to everyone I see and say
Jesus Christ is the way

No one knows the day
nor the hour
may be morning, night or noon.

But just rest assured
time will be no more
when He comes it will be soon.

I will open up my heart
to everyone I see and say
Jesus Christ is the way.

Its true. You never know when He's coming back so live your life like he's coming back tomorow. Make sure to spread His word especially to those that you care about. Never hide your love for Him.

Sometime people say that their is no proof that God exists, but the proof is all around us. He made the world a beautiful place and gave us the eyes to see it. He made such delicious fruits and gave us tongues to taste them. He gave us voices so that we could sing and ears so that we could hear the music. He gave us the sense of touch so we could feel what its like to be loved when someone gives us a kiss or a hug. He gave us emotions so that we could know what its like to be in love the same way that he loves us. God loves you, and if you don't love Him back then you are missing out on everything because in the end, He is all that matters. So don't wait until you get old to go to church and praise Him. Do it now, and be proud of your Heavenly Father, and he will be proud of you too.

MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH
WRITTEN BY CECIL FRANCES ALEXANDER

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colours,
He made their tiny wings.

The rich man in his castle,
The poor man at his gate,
God made them, high or lowly,
And ordered their estate.
The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning,
That brightens up the sky;

The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one.
The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows where we play,
The rushes by the water,
We gather every day;--

He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell,
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.

Here is another poem that I really like alot.

IT'S IN THE VALLEYS I GROW
-Written by Jane Eggleston-

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It's then I have to remember
That it's in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God's love
And would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it's in the valleys I grow.

I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan's loss.

Forgive me Lord, for complaining
When I'm feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it's in the valleys I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.

Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But it's in the valleys I grow!

Its important to pray every night so you can have a strong relationship with God.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name. 

 Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done, 
in earth, as it is in heaven 

 Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgiven our debtors. 

 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil: 

For thine is the kingdom, 
and the power, and the glory forever.
Amen

 For if ye forgive men their trespasses,
 your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 

 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses,
neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 

Matthew 6: 9-15

THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE

Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life, ever! There were times when I wondered if I would make it to today; but I did! And because I did I'm going to celebrate!

Today, I'm going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had so far: the accomplishments, the many blessings, and, yes, even the hardships because they have served to make me stronger. I will go through this day with my head held high, and a happy heart.

I will marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts: the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds. Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice.

Today, I will share my excitement for life with other people. I'll make someone smile. I'll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone I don't even know.
 
Today, I'll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down. I'll tell a child how special he is, and I'll tell someone I love just how deeply I care for her and how much she means to me.

Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don't have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me. I'll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in God and his Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine.

And tonight, before I go to bed, I'll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens. I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures.

As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow, I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life. And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child, excited with expectation because I know tomorrow is going to be the best day of my life, ever!

Psalms 23

  The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.

  He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths 
of righteousness for His name's sake.

 Yea, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: 
for thou art with me; 
thy rod and thy staff
they comfort me.

 Thou preparest a table before me 
in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup Runneth over.

 Surely goodness and mercy
shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Lil_Laura_Kitty, l0v3d, Silent_Voice437, HalleS, Draineofemotion, SweetRuthie
If you would like to Your Name to be Listed Here to show that you love God. Please Bolt Note Lil_Laura_Kitty. :)

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