Jesus’ Resurrection: Fact or Fiction?

Written by Rusty Wright

At Easter, some might wonder what all the fuss is about. Who cares? What difference does it make if Jesus rose from [...]]]> A movie about Jesus and the facts why Jesus had to die. Plus an article showing the evidence that Jesus was resurrected.

Jesus’ Resurrection: Fact or Fiction?

Written by Rusty Wright

At Easter, some might wonder what all the fuss is about. Who cares? What difference does it make if Jesus rose from the dead?

It makes all the difference in the world. If Christ did not rise, then thousands of believers have died as martyrs for a hoax.

If he did rise, then he is still alive and can offer peace to troubled, hurting lives.

Countless scholars–among them the apostle Paul, Augustine, Sir Isaac Newton and C.S. Lewis–believed in the resurrection. We need not fear committing intellectual suicide by believing it also. Where do the facts lead?

Paul, a first-century skeptic-turned believer, wrote that “Christ died for our sins…he was buried…he was raised on the third day…he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve (Disciples). After that, he appeared to more than five hundred…at the same time, most of whom are still living.” Consider four pieces of evidence:

1. The explosive growth of the Christian movement. Within a few weeks after Jesus was crucified, a movement arose which, by the later admission of its enemies, “upset the world.” What happened to ignite this movement shortly after its leader had been executed?

2. The Disciples’ changed lives. After Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, most of the Disciples fled in fear. Peter denied three times that he was a follower of Jesus. (The women were braver and stayed to the end.) Yet ten out of the eleven Disciples (Judas committed suicide) were martyred for their faith. According to traditions, Peter was crucified upside down; Thomas was skewered; John was boiled in oil but survived. What turned these cowards into heroes? Each believed he had seen Jesus alive again.

3. The empty tomb. Jesus’ corpse was removed from the cross, wrapped like a mummy and placed in a solid-rock tomb. A one-and-a-half to two-ton stone was rolled into a slightly depressed groove to seal the tomb’s entrance.

A “Green Beret”-like unit of Roman soldiers guarded the grave. Sunday morning, the stone was found rolled away, the body was gone but the graveclothes were still in place. What happened?

Did Christ’s friends steal the body? Perhaps one of the women sweet-talked (karate-chopped?) the guards while the others moved the stone and tiptoed off with the body. Or maybe Peter (remember his bravery) or Thomas (Doubting Thomas) overpowered the guards, stole the body, then fabricated–and died for–a resurrection myth.

These theories hardly seem plausible. The guard was too powerful, the stone too heavy and the disciples too spineless to attempt such a feat.

Did Christ’s enemies steal the body? If Romans or Jewish religious leaders had the body, surely they would have exposed it publicly and Christianity would have died out. They didn’t, and it didn’t.

The “Swoon Theory” supposes that Jesus didn’t really die but was only unconscious. The expert Roman executioners merely thought he was dead. After a few days in the tomb without food or medicine, the cool air revived him.

He burst from the 100 pounds of graveclothes, rolled away the stone with his nail-pierced hands, scared the daylights out of the Roman soldiers, walked miles on wounded feet and convinced his Disciples he’d been raised from the dead. This one is harder to believe than the resurrection itself.

4. The appearances of the risen Christ. For 40 days after his death, many different people said they saw Jesus alive. Witnesses included a woman, a shrewd tax collector, several fishermen and over 500 people at once. These claims provide further eyewitness testimony for the resurrection.

As a skeptic, I realized that attempts to explain away the evidences run into a brick wall of facts that point to one conclusion: Christ is risen.

The above does not constitute an exhaustive proof, rather a reasoned examination of the evidence. Each interested person should evaluate the evidence and decide if it makes sense. Of course, the truth or falsity of the resurrection is a matter of historical fact and is not dependent on anyone’s belief. If the facts support the claim, one can conclude that he arose. In any case, mere intellectual assent to the facts does little for one’s life.

A major evidence comes experientially, in personally receiving Jesus’ free gift of forgiveness. He said, “I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him (or her).”

Worth considering?

©1997 Rusty Wright. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Who’s Got the Body?

Written by Rusty Wright and Linda Raney Wright

Who cares? What difference does it make if Jesus rose from the dead? It makes all the [...]]]> Movi or rightly spelt movie that will show why we celebrate Easter. A Christian movie that tells the story of Easter and about Jesus’ death.

Who’s Got the Body?

Written by Rusty Wright and Linda Raney Wright

Who cares? What difference does it make if Jesus rose from the dead? It makes all the difference in the world. If Christ did not rise, then thousands of Christians have lived and died for a hoax.

If, however, He did rise, then He is still alive and can act now to straighten out our chaotic world. Facts always speak louder than opinions. Let’s take a look at some of the historical evidence for the resurrection and see where the facts lead.

One preliminary consideration: countless scholars–among them, the apostle Paul, St. Augustine, Sir Isaac Newton and C. S. Lewis–believed in the resurrection. We need not fear committing intellectual suicide by accepting it also.

Paul wrote that “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, He was raised on the third day. He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now. {1}

Consider also these four pieces of evidence:

1. The Explosive Growth of the Christian Church

Within a few weeks after the crucifixion a movement arose which, by the later admission of its enemies, “upset the world.” {2} Something happened to ignite this movement a very short time after its leader had been executed. What was it?

2. The Changed Lives of the Disciples

After Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, most of the disciples were frightened. Peter, for instance, denied Christ three times (twice to two servant girls!) Yet 10 out of the 11 disciples were martyred for their faith. Peter was crucified upside down; Thomas was skewered; John was boiled in oil but survived. Something had happened to revolutionize these men’s lives. Each believed he had seen the risen Christ.

3. The Empty Tomb

Jesus’ dead body was removed from the cross, wrapped in graveclothes like a mummy, covered with 100 pounds of aromatic spices and placed in a tomb.{3} The tomb had been hewn out of rock{4} and apparently contained only one cavern.{5}An extremely large stone{6} was rolled into a slightly depressed groove at the tomb’s entrance.{7} Some have conservatively estimated the weight of the stone at one-and-a-half to two tons.

A crack “Green Beret” unit of Roman soldiers was placed out front to guard the grave.{8} The military discipline of the Romans was so strict that severe corporal and often capital punishment awaited the soldier who left his post or failed in his duty.{9}Sunday morning, the stone was found rolled away, the body was gone, but the graveclothes were still in place.{10} What happened?

Some say that Christ’s friends stole the body. This means that either one of the women sweet-talked the guards while the other two moved the stone and tip-toed off with the body, or else guys like Peter (remember how brave he was) and Thomas (how easily convinced he was) overpowered the guards, stole the body, and fabricated a myth.

These theories hardly seem plausible. The guard was too powerful, the stone too heavy, and the disciples, not yet experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit were too spinelesss to attempt such a feat.

Others say that Christ’s enemies stole the body. Yet if the Romans or Jews had the body, they would have exposed it publicly and Christianity would have died out. They didn’t and it didn’t.

Then there is the “swoon theory,” that Christ didn’t really die but was only unconscious. The expert Roman executioners merely thought He was dead. After a few days in the tomb, without food or medicine, the cool air revived Him. Then, according to this theory, He burst from the 100 pounds of graveclothes, rolled away the stone with His nail-pierced hands, scared the daylights out of the Roman soldiers, walked miles on wounded feet, and convinced His disciples that He’d been raised from the dead. This one is harder to believe than the resurrection itself.

In other words, if Jesus was put to death, who’s got the body? All that we do have is an empty tomb.

4. The Appearances of the Risen Christ

For 40 days after His death, Christ was reported to be seen alive on earth. Some say these were hallucinations, but do the accounts show that?

Only certain high-strung and imaginative types of people usually have such psychic experiences. Yet a woman, a stubborn tax collector, several fisherman and more than 500 people at one time claimed they saw Him. Hallucinations are very individualistic–contrasting with the fact that over 500 people saw the same thing at the same time and place.

Two other facts undermine the hallucination idea. Such imaginations are usually of expected events, yet the disciples had lost hope after the crucifixion. Also, psychic phenomena usually occur in cycles, but the appearances came in no set patttern.{11}

Attempts to explain away the appearances run into a brick wall of facts. The facts point to one conclusion: Christ is risen.

The above does not constitute an exhaustive proof, but rather a reasoned examination of the evidence. We must each consider and evaluate the evidence ourselves to determine the truth of the resurrection claim. (Of course, the truth or falsity of the resurrection is a matter of historical fact and is not dependent on any individual’s belief.)

If the facts support the claim, then we can conclude that He arose. In any case, a mere intellectual assent to the facts does nothing for one’s life.

A major evidence comes experientially, in personally receiving Christ as Savior and Lord. Jesus said, “Behold I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him.”{12}

Care to give Him a try?

Notes

1. 1 Corinthians 15:3-6.

2. Acts 17:6.

3. John 19:38-40.

4. Eusebius of Caesarea. Theophania; quoted in Latham, Henry. The Risen Master. (Cambridge: Deighton, Bell, and Co., 1904). pp. 87,88; quoted in McDowell, Josh. Evidence That Demands a Verdict. (San Bernardino, CA.: Campus Crusade for Christ, Inc., 1972). p. 209.

5. Ibid.

6. Mark 16:4.

7. Holloman, Henry W. “An Exposition of the Post Resurrection Appearances of Our Lord” (Unpublished Th. M. Thesis: Dallas Theological Seminary, May, 1967). p. 38, quoted in McDowell, op. cit. p. 216.

8. Matthew 27: 65,66.

9. McDowell, op. cit. pp. 218-224.

10. Matthew 28:1-6; Mark 16:1-6; Luke 24:1-3; John 20:1-11.

11. Anderson, J. N. D. The Evidence for the Resurrection. (Chicago: Inter-Varsity Press, 1968). pp. 20-23.

12. Revelation 3:20.

A Short Story

There was once a rich man, who dressed in purple and the finest linen, and feasted in great magnificence every day. At his gate, covered with sores, lay a poor man named Lazarus, who would have been glad to satisfy his hunger with the scraps from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs used to come and lick his sores. One day the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, where he was in torment; he looked up, and there, far away, was Abraham with Lazarus close beside him.

“Abraham, my father,” he called out, “take pity on me! Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water, to cool my tongue, for I am in agony in this fire.” But Abraham said, “Remember, my child, that all the good things fell to you while you were alive, and all the bad to Lazarus; now he has his consolation here and it is you who are in agony. But that is not all: there is a great chasm fixed between us; no one from our side who wants to reach you can cross it, and none may pass from your side to us.”

“Then, father,” he replied, “will you send him to my father’s house, where I have five brothers, to warn them, so that they too may not come to this place of torment?” But Abraham said, “They have Moses and the prophets; let them listen to them.” “No, father Abraham,” he replied, “but if someone from the dead visits them, they will repent.” Abraham answered, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets they will pay no heed even if someone should rise from the dead.” (Luke 16: 19-31, New English Bible)

©1976 Rusty Wright and Linda Raney Wright. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

What do you think about when you think of peace? Do you think of peace as freedom from turmoil and strife? The peace we are talking about does not mean that you will be in a place where there is no turmoil or strife. It’s the [...]]]> How Do I Find Peace? by Wilma Watson

What do you think about when you think of peace? Do you think of peace as freedom from turmoil and strife? The peace we are talking about does not mean that you will be in a place where there is no turmoil or strife. It’s the kind of peace that places you in a position where those things no longer affect you.

Wouldn’t it be great to live in a world without hatred, war and terror?  Growing up, I became the ‘peacemaker’ in our family. My mum and dad had a love-hate relationship. Add nine children and you have World War III! Even to this day I hate seeing people fight. I’m so grateful that I have a loving husband and fighting is not on our agenda.

My husband and I spent many years in Ethiopia helping people rise to a new level. We worked in a very remote area southwest of the capital city, Addis Ababa. Towards the end of our stay, tribal war broke out. Seeing firsthand the destruction of peoples’ lives and homes is devastating, particularly as we knew and loved many of those murdered.

There is now peace between the tribes involved because many have found inner peace. They have found a clear ‘Roadmap to Peace’. How did they do this? They were introduced to someone who is called the ‘Prince of Peace‘. His name is Jesus.

According to the Bible, Jesus said before he returned to his Father in Heaven, “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives.”

What DO YOU think about when you think of peace? Do you think of peace as freedom from turmoil and strife? Actually, the primary and basic idea of the word ‘peace’ in the Bible is completeness, soundness and wholeness. Is that what you long for? Jesus loves you and wants to bless you with completeness, soundness and wholeness!

You can rise to a new spiritual level and obtain inner peace today. The peace we are talking about does not mean that you will be in a place where there is no turmoil and strife. It’s the kind of peace that places you in a position where those things no longer affect you.

Click here for a short movie called, ‘Living Free’ and you’ll discover how you can obtain inner peace now!

 How do I get [...]]]> Most people at some stage in life think about Heaven, the afterlife and death.  Questions arise like, “What will happen when I die?”  “What is after death?”  “How do we get to Heaven?”  “Is there life after death?” “Is there a Heaven?”  “Where is Heaven?”  “Is Heaven real?”

 How do I get to Heaven?

In the movie ‘Your Destiny Your Choice’, Ryan gave little thought to life after death until he faced death…he was afraid! When his sister Nicky comes to visit in hospital, she shows him a computer program that could make him sure of his destiny. Will Ryan choose a new spiritual destiny?

Have you travelled to another country? Whether you have travelled overseas or not, we are all on a journey, because life is like a journey!

Just as we need a passport and visa to confirm our citizenship and our right to enter an earthly country, we need to become citizens of Heaven to have the right of entry into Heaven.

How to get to Heaven

To find the answer, we need to go to a very reliable source – the Bible

God’s goodness will get you to Heaven.

God wants you to go to Heaven more than you do. You get into Heaven by God’s grace not by what we do.  The Bible confirms this: “You have been saved by God’s grace through believing.  You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God.”  (Ephesians 2:8)

God has made a way for you to have eternal life.

The Bible says, “God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.”  (John 3:16)

What is eternal life?

The Bible says, “This is eternal life: that people know you, the only true God, and that they know Jesus Christ, the One you sent.”  (John 17:3)

Eternal life doesn’t just begin when you die. It begins with having a personal relationship with Jesus now. “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” 

God wants to bless you both now and in the afterlife.

The Bible says, “God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on.  God has something stored up for you in heaven.”  (1 Peter 1:3-4)

 You can be sure of your citizenship in Heaven today!

 Click here for a short movie called, ‘Your Destiny Your Choice’.  It will show you how you can be sure of a place in Heaven when you die.

The ten ‘Living Free’ movies were born out of a passion and 43 years of ministry experience, including several years as a missionary in Ethiopia with my husband, Bill.  The Ethiopians shared with their friends and families the freedom they had found in Christ and many thousands were [...]]]> MY STORY – Wilma-Grace Watson

The ten ‘Living Free’ movies were born out of a passion and 43 years of ministry experience, including several years as a missionary in Ethiopia with my husband, Bill.  The Ethiopians shared with their friends and families the freedom they had found in Christ and many thousands were saved from the penalty and power of sin.

I HAVE A PASSION

There are those who are extremely passionate about saving the planet.  I’m extremely passionate about saving people! Why?  Because that is God’s heart!  He wants everyone to be saved and grow in their relationship with Him.

I believe that one of the main reasons why we do not share with our friends and family the freedom we have received is because we haven’t fully understood what Jesus did for us.  We haven’t learnt to walk in the complete freedom God has provided!

If we were to fully grasp the freedom we have, we would be really eager to share what we have been freely given!!

As we share with you in session three, faith requires action.  In order to pay for the movies, I worked 60 hours a week.

I’m on the right!  As a retired nurse, I was able to return to the work force by looking after a 95 year old lady in her home.

MOVIES TO BE IN SEVERAL LANGUAGES

Prayer Australia produced the movies with other languages in mind, so that the voice-over and text on-screen could be changed.  In order to produce the movies in other languages, Prayer Australia needs financial assistance.

Your donation in AUD to this project will be greatly appreciated.($1AUD is around $1USD).

Enjoy,

Wilma-Grace Watson
Prayer Australia Director

Help Support YDYC:

DOWNLOADS:

All movies can be viewed or downloaded FREE in MP4 zip file format.

However, should you wish to have the movies for a DVD player, to avoid crashing the servers due to the file size, Prayer Australia, the producers of the movies, will send you a DVD pack (2 DVD’s) with all 10 MOVIES for a donation of AUD $120. ($1AUD is around $1USD).

Please fill out the Form below for Prayer Australia to express post to you a DVD. Upon completion, you browser window will be redirected to PayPal to complete the donation.

[contact-form-7]

Financial Assistance Kits May Be Available: Prayer Australia does not want anyone to miss out because of finances. If you or your organization are in need of a DVD but are unable to make a donation of $120, please contact us online.

Normally when I think about companionship, I think of the kind you see between aging couples, I think of tartan knee rugs, cups of tea and crocheted jumpers for the grandkids. You know, just pottering around the house together until one of us finally kicks the bucket.

When [...]]]> “Companionship – What does it look like?”

Normally when I think about companionship, I think of the kind you see between aging couples, I think of tartan knee rugs, cups of tea and crocheted jumpers for the grandkids. You know, just pottering around the house together until one of us finally kicks the bucket.

When some women think of companionship they think of strolls along the beach.

I’m not sure if this is how you think of companionship but there’s something you need to understand about your man. We are risk takers. We like driving fast and jumping out of planes and buying Harley Davidson motorcycles.

 Most men will never truly ‘grow up’. 

Sure I’ve taken on the responsibilities of adulthood, I’m a husband, a father and a productive member of society but no matter how mature I am I still want to go play paintball and shoot someone at point blank range.

Now as usual I’m speaking in generalities, some of the best times I share with my wife are the times we share a picnic, lie on the grass listening to music and just getting back in touch with each other on a romantic level. But this is more like that growing old together kind of companionship I mentioned earlier. Not the kind I’m trying to communicate here.

John Eldredge wrote a book entitled ‘Wild at Heart’; in it he states that every man has three underlying needs in life. These are a battle to fight, a beauty to rescue and an adventure to live.

It’s true, we men crave risk and we crave adventure, we get so bored with the mundane grind of daily life.

As John says in his book there are no little boys who want to grow up to be really nice guys. They all want to be firemen or astronauts. I can’t help notice that these are professions that are inherently risky and full of adventure.

The world we live in today is becoming more and more risk averse. The very nature of boys is under threat because boys naturally like to be rough, take risks and stomp around.

We spend all our time telling little Johnny to stop that, don’t climb that and get down from there. Poor little Johnny is only doing what God created him to do. He’s trying to live a life full of adventure! Be careful not to squash that in your
boys and in your man.

We need it desperately and if we don’t get it we can turn to other unsavoury things to fill the void… 

More on that later!

There is an advertisement for tyres on television at the moment where all the cars are those carnival bumper cars, the voiceover states, “we all want to live in a safer world, where life’s little mishaps can be fixed with a simple wave”. I hate that ad. I actually don’t want to live in a safer world, how boring that would be. I want to do something dangerous! Something that would be a great story for the grandkids! Imagine a granddad with no stories to tell, what a travesty!

Unfortunately risk takers are no longer celebrated in modern culture; If at all possible they are diagnosed with some disorder and given personality destroying drugs. We seem to be trying to remove all possibility of negative consequences from our lives but we need to take some risks in life or we become destined to live a meaningless existence.

It’s no accident that the vast majority of people who play video games are male and it’s also no accident that the most popular ones are filled with guns, killing and fast cars.

Men are bored pushing paper at work and helping around the house at night. Video game addiction is a growing concern and so it should be. Boys are growing into men who are still playing games into their forties! Could it be they simply need to ‘get a life’? I mean that in all sincerity, by ‘get a life’ I mean get some adventure.

I mentioned earlier that men can turn to unsavoury things to fill the void. Video games are ok as a past time but they can ruin relationships if there is an addiction involved. Pornography, alcohol and gaming are the most common but there can be many others. They give him a sense of adventure, there’s risk involved and, well, I hesitate to say it but you should be used to me by now, it can just be more exciting than life at home. This is in no way an excuse for his poor choices or his poor behaviour…

 I’m simply suggesting that we were created to live a life of adventure and if this need isn’t fulfilled in a Godly way within a loving relationship then it may get fulfilled in other more destructive ways.

Its true men want adventure but it’s equally true that they want to share that adventure with someone! You and he were created to share a journey together that is unique, God inspired and adventurous. Do something crazy with your man!

Start taking some leaps of faith and see where you could end up. What you are actually doing is allowing him to become adventurous, and in the process you’re creating great memories together through the power of companionship.

Watch it revitalise your relationship, watch his youthful energy begin to return and you’ll be surprised that as you do more fun stuff together your ability to communicate will increase dramatically along with a hundred other benefits. He will talk to you like he has never talked before if you can get his blood going on the adventure of a life time, or should that be a life time of adventure?

Companionship isn’t something for old age when the kids have grown up and moved away. Companionship is a powerful force that can keep your relationship vital and growing today.

‘How to Enjoy Life With Your Companion‘ | Understanding Your Man Series – Part 5
Written by Mark Paul.

Women have been said to speak approximately 20,000 words per day while men only 7,000. This [...]]]> I against my better judgement am setting out to reveal some secrets about men that will perhaps help women understand why the cricket is so much more important than whatever it is you are trying to say. Here goes…

Women have been said to speak approximately 20,000 words per day while men only 7,000. This statistic has been widely accepted as truth and it has given comedians the world over unlimited material to fill their shows. One of my personal favourites is this one: “Getting a word in edgewise when two women are talking is like trying to thread a sewing machine while the motor is running”. Hilarious! Unfortunately the science is flawed. The notion that women talk more than men is today regarded as a myth. It was originally made popular by Louann Brizendine when she wrote a book entitled “The Female Brain”. She revealed some time after the book was published that the numbers came from an “unreliable” study. Subsequent studies have suggested that in fact men and women share an average of about 16,000 words per day each! Fancy that, men talk as much as women!

So if we all speak the same amount of words in a day why is communication so difficult between men and women in
relationships?

It’s true that men and women are fundamentally different but it’s never more starkly polarised than when you look at how men and women deal with problems and how they communicate those problems. I could spend the remainder of this article telling witty anecdotes about everyday communication between men and women but I want to focus on how men deal with problems which will hopefully give you a further understanding of why he wont open up to you and why he would rather watch cricket or some other sport!

Does this conversation sound familiar?

Roslyn: “We’re going to the shops today because we need X, Y and Z, then we’re going here to get this and then there to get that, ok?”

Mark: “Sure thing babe, and by the way you’re beautiful and I love you”.

We then get in the car mere hours later…

Mark: “So, where are we headed?”

Roslyn: “To the shops”

Mark: “Why?”

Roslyn: “I told you all this before if you had bothered to listen! I hate having to tell you everything twice!”

Are men like this because what you say is boring to us? No way ladies we simply crave the headlines. If you give us too much detail we get
all lost and confused.

All we really need to know is “You. Me. Shops. Today”. That’s almost too much for one sitting!

Women are great multi taskers while men specialise in linear thought or simply put; one thing at a time! 

From my experience women are adept at having numerous conversations at once; I have witnessed conversations between groups of women that have traversed innumerable topics in the course of only a few minutes! It’s a phenomenon!

When I want to share with my wife the things that are bothering me about work or some other issue I’m dealing with, often in a busy
family life we will have these discussions whenever there is a spare moment, I have discovered that my multi-tasking wife can do about three other things at the same time as listening to me.

It annoys me because I feel like she’s not interested unless she gives me her undivided attention. (One thing at a time). She’s annoyed
because she has to stop what she’s doing to listen when she knows full well that she could have completed six other jobs during that time. (Multi-tasking). I try to have these conversations during a time when she doesn’t need to be doing all the other things so she can look me in the eye and non-verbally communicate that she is listening.

Even though I understand that she can multi task I still feel like she’s not interested if she’s not giving me her focussed attention. 

Be careful you don’t silently make him feel that you’re not interested or he may stop communicating the important things altogether.

Men have a lot of hidden worries that they don’t share with other people. Those hidden thoughts can sometimes take up a lot of mental space so when seemingly irrelevant details come through the filter they are discarded.

It’s not that we don’t listen to you, we really do, oftentimes there are other issues going on inside us and we don’t have the additional space to store the details. 

When my two pre-teen daughters come to me with their broken toys for fixing I have trained them to tell me about it and then write it on a list that I keep in the kitchen with the note pad and pens. They are learning that I am always working off a list other wise I simply won’t remember.

My wife makes lists for me. You should try it with your man, tell him the headlines then write it down on a list somewhere in the kitchen,
preferably close to where the food is kept. He may need a little encouragement to look at the list proactively but there is a much greater chance he will remember what you’ve asked of him if it is on a list.

I mentioned that men have a lot of hidden worries that they don’t share with other people. This is a huge part of being a man and the crux
of this article. It’s something that women often don’t appreciate. You may feel excluded from your man’s heart because he won’t “open up”. 

Hopefully what I say next will help you understand that he’s not shutting you out as much as he is problem solving the way God intended.

As usual there is always balance in these things and men desperately need to open up to their women and share things because that’s a healthy and important part of a loving and trusting relationship; however God made men this way. It’s something I have observed to be very difficult for some women to grasp. This is because God made women to talk through their problems and discuss them with other people, usually a girlfriend or a group of girlfriends. Every detail of the problem is up for grabs, every angle is analysed, and she
thrashes that problem around until she gets her answer and in the process grows closer to the girls she took along for the ride. She’s a relational being.

Men do the exact opposite! They go silent. They retreat into a mental space where they internally grapple with the problem until they solve it, make a decision about it and then they come back out and move forward with their plan.

It’s that problem solving, ‘gotta come through’ type of thing that we have discussed in previous articles.

A lot of men feel condemned for not being able to communicate how they feel. If you can remember that he needs time alone to
process then you can actually help him by encouraging him to go surfing, to the gym, play a game of golf, go for a motor bike ride or even to go camping for a night alone.

If he spends his time well, when he returns he will have much greater clarity and will be able to communicate with you clearer than you
could have ever imagined.

When you push him too soon he will clam up, get angry, push you away and then he’ll feel terrible and you’ll feel even more alone.

I agree with you ladies, cricket is an awful sport, it’s boring and stupid but it may just be the alone time he’s craving to mentally sort out the things that have been worrying him.

‘Men and Womens Differences‘ | Understanding Your Man Series – Part 4
Written by Mark Paul.

That’s right. Sex.

It’s ubiquitous and we men love sex so much that we agree whole heartedly that [...]]]> What do Men want in a Women? If I asked you, or your friend, or your neighbour or pretty much anyone else on the planet what is mans greatest need? You know what the answer would be!

That’s right. Sex.

It’s ubiquitous and we men love sex so much that we agree whole heartedly that it is indeed our greatest need in the hopes that we will get more of it. Is it really true though? I say no.

Before we begin let’s take a quick look at need. We need oxygen, water, food, clothing and shelter. These are the five basic survival needs that are the same all over the world.

I need a cup of tea in the morning. Believe me, this is a real need! But when looking at need by definition it’s not really a need is it? It’s more of a want or a desire because I can live without it.

There are men right now, all over the world that do not have sex and they still function in the world, they may be celibate for spiritual reasons, religious reasons or purely physiological reasons but they still function and they still survive. So does that mean sex is just a want or a desire for men similar to a cup of tea in the morning? No way, let’s just slow down a bit!

I believe sex really is a genuine need for men, I have no dispute there; it’s just the order of priority I have a problem with and if you’re going to understand your man a little better you need to know what I’m about to tell you.

Mans second greatest need is sex. Mans greatest need… drum roll please… is respect!

” R. E. S. P. E. C. T! “

Respect shows him he is valued and he is worthy of the responsibility of manhood. 

It literally explodes inside him; it lifts his head and pushes out his chest. You can put courage into your man and become the catalyst he needs to launch his life. 

The world needs men desperately to roll their sleeves up and set about changing the world. Just look at the sheer number of fatherless children even in our own nation. Look at all the girls desperate for a father figure doing crazy things for boys in an effort to find their own worth. We need our men to rise up and be the fathers and husbands they were created to be. Giving your man more sex is not going to empower him for greatness.

Respect is the number one need a man has if he is to become the champion that God wants him to be. 

Boy I hated saying that! Honesty really hurts sometimes! Seriously though, let’s look at this for a moment. If a man lacks respect he becomes a shadow of himself, his self worth is eaten away and his ego becomes emaciated. He becomes an empty shell, empty of desire, purpose and hope. Without sex he gets grumpy. See the difference?

We have discussed in previous articles mans need to be a problem solver, to ‘come through’ and how encouragement is like food for his soul. His ability to be all he can be and to become the confident, strong and able man that God has designed him to be is fuelled by the respect he can earn from the people close to him.

Respect is empowering. When a man garners respect, especially from his wife, it provides an empowerment that drives him to do his best and be his best. 

When a woman truly respects her man it gives him a sense that he can do anything.

Now, at this point a little balance is required.  A man who is constantly craving female attention has a need that he is trying to satisfy in the wrong place. God is the only one who can ever truly meet your mans needs, but God has set the marriage relationship in place for a very good reason. Respect in a marriage empowers a man in a way that nothing else on earth can!

When a woman belittles her man, especially in front of other people it shatters him so deeply it’s hard to even articulate. It breaks him in a way that can sabotage his entire future!

 When she truly respects him for who he is, he will literally move any mountain to succeed.

I can almost hear some of you thinking “There is actually nothing to respect when it comes to the man in my life”. It’s a sad truth that some of us men are totally unworthy of any true respect.

Some men are guilty of the most horrendous acts of cruelty and selfishness, so much so that respect for some of you may be such a big stretch from where you find yourself right now that it may seem impossible.

Here’s a tip that may help to get you started if you have one of those men.

Respect his office. What I mean is that you can start by respecting the fact that he holds the position of husband.

Even if he doesn’t respect you! You respect him because of his title not his talent. 

It’s the lowest level of respect. The kind of respect you give to a police officer sitting at the bottom of a hill with a speed camera. You may not like what he is doing but you can still respect him as an officer of the law.

Your husband has been given a Godly role as husband. Start by respecting his office. As the journey progresses you will soon find things he does that you are able to respect. Then finally you may just find yourself being able to respect him for who he is. That’s the highest level of respect.

It’s a journey you both go on together, it can be a long journey, filled with pot holes but it’s also one of the most fulfilling.

Now that you know your mans greatest need you can relax a little about that other need… if he’s a bit grumpy, try a little tenderness if you know what I mean, but more importantly, always remember that respect is not just a song for the
ladies, it’s a favourite of the men too!

‘What Men Want‘ | Understanding Your Man Series – Part 3
Written by Mark Paul.

It’s a shocking revelation I know, especially seeing as I am a man. It’s the women drivers that are the subject of our derision, they are the ones to be belittled behind the wheel yet here I am accused [...]]]> Words of encouragement & Managing Disagreements

I have been accused of not being a good driver!

It’s a shocking revelation I know, especially seeing as I am a man. It’s the women drivers that are the subject of our derision, they are the ones to be belittled behind the wheel yet here I am accused of falling short of my very manhood. Yes it’s that serious!

I suppose if forced to have one of those rare moments of personal honesty, I could see that maybe there’s some merit to the accusation… I mean, I have crashed more cars than you’ve probably owned. Even so, I can’t help but be deeply affected by this. We men use driving as a metaphor for life; if I cannot drive I cannot live!

With the knowledge of my failures in hand I set about searching for absolution, I looked for an opinion I could hang my hope on but the more I searched the more evidence I found mounting against me. The cascade of firing synapses finally came crashing down on me and all the memories came flooding back. I will recount a few of those memories here for you, my already long-suffering reader.

I remember my own brother’s white knuckles leaving permanent indents on my dashboard. I remember catching a friend phantom breaking on the passenger side. I have memories of my friends gathering in small groups, whispering in hushed tones and then the conversation stopping when I entered the room. That last one may not be related though…

There is of course one timeless cliché that is able to bring any husband and wife to the very brink of divorce almost every time. You guessed it, it’s the driving disagreement. “He won’t stop for directions”; “she can’t read the map”. It’s such a tired old cliché that I’m tired just writing it down!

The funny thing about clichés though is that they have an annoying habit of being very accurate to real life, so when you come across one you should try to give it a moment of your time to see if it has anything new to tell you.

Why are driving disputes such a minefield of aggression and misunderstanding?

After reading my introduction it should come as no surprise that I have had many disagreements in the car with my wife; we still have them after 15 years of marriage and will probably continue to have them. I now understand that in my case the main reason for these disagreements is simple, it’s because of my inability to concentrate for more than 0.3 seconds and that scares her… half to death…

So why are these driving disagreements so frequent and so often the most aggressive disagreements we have with our spouses?

There is a very simple and elegant truth to it and it can be summed up in one statement: I may not be a great driver, but I don’t like to be told. It hurts my feelings.

Of course I won’t tell you it hurts my feelings, I’m way too manly for that but here’s the thing, secretly I want you to believe in me and I want you to tell me how good I’m doing. Remember, driving is a metaphor for life.

There’s no great hidden revelation here. It’s a simple and often overlooked truth, God made men with a fundamental desire to ‘come through’. We have a spiritual birthright which drives us to achieve outcomes, to get us there, to make it work and ultimately to be held responsible for the outcomes of our lives, and those of our families. He made women to be the ‘help-mete’. It’s an old word found in Genesis 2:18 and it simply means helper. He has been given a grand adventure by God and she is called to help him. This is to come alongside him and to join in with him, and to be an integral part of, that great adventure! So many times he treats her like she’s a spectator when she was called to play a very important role.

If you want my advice, get alongside your man, tell him he’s doing great and mean it. Then watch him change before your eyes and rise up to become everything God called him to be. There is a strength that pours into a man’s soul when he is encouraged. He will move mountains for the woman that believes in him! It’s one of his greatest needs and can only come from his ‘help-mete’. Will it fix his driving? Sorry, probably not. It doesn’t fix mine, but there are much more important things in life than driving skills.

Oh, and by the way, he probably won’t tell you, but secretly he’ll love you for it!

‘Men Need Encouragement‘ | Understanding Your Man Series – Part 1
Written by Mark Paul.

Pregnancy is a happy time for most women right? I remember our excitement when we had our first baby, we were [...]]]> Men are problem solvers, when faced with brokenness they often like to ‘fix’ it. Girls, if you’ve ever had trouble getting your man to listen, then this one’s for you…

This is ‘How Men Think‘.

Pregnancy is a happy time for most women right? I remember our excitement when we had our first baby, we were married at 21 and made a conscious decision to have children young so we would get our lives back earlier and still be young enough to enjoy them. Now, I realise that once you start pulling at the threads of that kind of logic it really doesn’t take long before its completely threadbare but we were young, we knew better than everyone else so leave me alone!

At 24 we were having children; our first was going to be Jessikah or Josiah depending on the sex but in reality this first baby was never meant to be. I know from first hand experience how miscarriage can be a very traumatic experience both physically and mentally because I had to stand by and watch my wife endure it. It’s a difficult thing to deal with at any age but as immature 24 year olds it was tough. It was one of the first moments in my life when I had the acute feeling of needing to be ‘the man’ in a real life situation and to be honest I felt totally inadequate, underprepared and just downright lost. I couldn’t fix Roslyn no matter how hard I tried. When I look back at that time it is so clear to me that one of the God ordained parts of manhood was trying desperately to assert itself. The need to fix things!

Men are problem solvers and our first impulse when faced with brokenness is often to fix it.

Broken things desperately need fixing! This is clearly the heart beat of God as He sent His Son to earth to fix broken humanity in the ultimate sacrifice.

The next year we got our Jessikah and the journey of parenthood had begun. Our next child came three years later and when she was born we named her Chloe.

Jessikah is 11 years old now with a little 8 year old sister and it seems that we have the perfect little family. Yes there is a lot of estrogen in our house. Yes some days I lose count of the different moods and yes, some moods I don’t even know the name of! But it’s ok because in a house with three women my need to fix things is well and truly met.

We men really do like to fix stuff.

We fix cars, well I don’t. That’s why God invented mechanics, but I do fix a LOT of broken toys, my girls think that Dad and a tube of super glue can change the world! I keep telling them it’s not true but they just keep breaking more toys.

A few years ago we decided it was time for me to make things final and get… ‘The Snip’!

We had been planning on this for a number of years but the timing or the money or some other thing always put it off till later.

No small measure of this postponement was due to my unwillingness to have another man, well… You understand.

Late last year we had a pretty big scare when we had a breakage in the ‘protection’ department and I literally felt my world closing in around me, we were to my reasoning, lucky when the cycles of nature had their way and I felt that all was as it should be in the world again. Nevertheless I became very motivated and made the booking for the snip the very next day! As my appointment with permanent contraception was beginning to loom large on the horizon I came home from work to one of the most surreal conversations I’ve ever had.

“I’m late”.

“Come again?”

“I’m late”.

“Late for what?”

“You’re not listening, I’m LATE”

“Oh, that kind of late. But you got your period”

“Yeah but now I’m late this month”

“Um… Maybe your just late, these things happen don’t they?”

“Mark! I haven’t been late in 7 years.” <Insert tears>

In a strange parallel, the helpless feeling I had when Roslyn miscarried was the same helpless feeling I had when faced with her surprise pregnancy. There was nothing I could do to ‘fix’ her.

A few weeks later I was holed up on the couch after my ‘surgery’ clutching bags of frozen peas on the very same weekend that her morning sickness arrived in full force!

I can report that we are now very happy about our new little addition, we are having a boy and his name will be Josiah.

So what can you learn about your man from this story?

Even though I couldn’t fix the problem which made me very frustrated, I began to realise that in fact Roslyn didn’t need to be fixed, she just needed me to listen.

I was able to switch off my brains solution centre and just begin to hear her. When your partner begins to share her struggles, your first instinct will most likely be to try and fix the problem.

This is why you offer advice and then get annoyed when she keeps talking about it. She may even have heard you say something like this – “I told you what you need to do! If you don’t want to do it then what else can I do?”

Men and women really are different but the synergy that comes when a man and a woman come together and really listen to each other is truly amazing.

Woman – let your man know that by simply listening he is helping you fix the problem.

If you can remember this when all you want is for him to listen then you and he can begin to communicate on a much leveller playing field, he will begin to realise that it’s not always about the solution, sometimes its about hearing and understanding, and you can forgive him if he goes into fix-it mode because you realise that he’s only trying to help and to come through for you. It’s the way God made him!

‘How Men Think‘ | Understanding Your Man Series – Part 2
Written by Mark Paul.

The light of day always follows after the dark night!

I try so hard to be good for you But I keep [...]]]> Are you a family caregiver? Love one with Demensia or Alzheimers? Suffer from stress and memory loss? Caregiver Depression? Then this poem and quote is for you

The light of day always follows after the dark night!

TRAPPED by Wilma Watson

I try so hard to be good for you
But I keep forgetting what to do
I don’t want to be such a burden to all
Who tenderly care for me lest I fall

Inside I’m crying as I see myself go
Deep in confusion, I really don’t know
How to get out of this deep hole I’m in
I feel trapped and now getting so very thin

“Can anyone help me”, “Where are you?”, I cry
I hate to be left lest alone I die
But maybe dying might be my way out
Of this awful dilemma which I don’t know about
I’ll then be healed of this terrible thing
That has caused me to suffer so deep within

A CARERS REWARD by Wilma Watson

How I need God’s help to proceed
I don’t like what has come to me
I get frustrated and angry as I see my love one
Change gradually on the inside to become
Someone I don’t recognise at all
Surely this is not my mother who stood so tall

The grief and guilt has taken its toll
And it feels like my life is now on hold
I comfort myself as I’ve come to see
What you sow you reap, it will surely be

Susan Boyle must have shed many tears
Caring for mother through her frail years
Susan now reaps what she has sown
With joy, her singing is well known
She’s an example to all and it gives us a clue
That what we sow, we’ll reap in joy too

Having cared for those who suffer with Alzheimer and Dementia, I want to acknowledge, through poetry, the pain and stress of both the carer and the person who feels trapped.
Remember the light of day always follows after the dark night!
Quote:

“He (God) helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4

God loves you and sees your pain. This free online cartoon flash presentation will show you how much he loves you!

At times I’m so discouraged With problems of the day I fail to see the small things That are along the way.

When troubles overwhelm me It’s [...]]]> Summary: Discouraged? Facing challenges? Short poem encouraging you when facing a problem to reflect on the small things – the small blessings of life.

Small Things

At times I’m so discouraged
With problems of the day
I fail to see the small things
That are along the way.

When troubles overwhelm me
It’s then my nerves may fray
That’s when I need to take the time
To simply sit and pray.

Reflecting on God’s many gifts
It makes me so aware
Of all the joy in little things
Around me everywhere!

I must try to remember
Though problems come my way
Not to miss the small things
And the beauty of the day.

Anonymous

This could be the best day of your life! God, the Creator of the Universes, wants to help you in your time of need. Click here for a cartoon flash presentation and discover how much he loves you.

Some people SIT - some people TRY Some people LAUGH - some people CRY Some people WILL - some people WON’T Some people DO - some people DON’T

Some people believe and develop a plan Some people [...]]]> Summary: Poem about choices. Poetry about the choices of life. My life is – my life; my choices.

Some People

Some people SIT - some people TRY
Some people LAUGH - some people CRY
Some people WILL - some people WON’T
Some people DO - some people DON’T

Some people believe and develop a plan
Some people doubt, never thinking they can
Some people face hurdles and give it their best
Never back down when faced with a test.

Some people complain of their miserable lot
Some people are thankful for all they have got
And when it’s all over, when it comes to an end
Some people lose and some people win.

We all have a choice, we all have a say
We are spectators in life, or we get in and play
Whichever we choose, how we handle life’s game
The choices are ours; no one else is to blame.

Anonymous

Make a wise choice today!
Click here for a cartoon flash presentation that will help you be all you can be.

Like the vastness of the sea, God’s love covers me… His love washes over me Like the gentle waves on a calm day, Lapping softly at my feet.

As the sun [...]]]> THE WONDER OF GOD’S LOVE
by Michelle Archbell

Who can understand God’s love?
Who can measure the depths of it?
It is beyond understanding!

Like the vastness of the sea, God’s love covers me…
His love washes over me
Like the gentle waves on a calm day,
Lapping softly at my feet.

As the sun rises over the horizon;
So God’s unfailing love rises over me every morning.
I rest in the quiet acceptance of his love.

In the stillness of the morning;
God’s loves settles over me;
His loving kindness never changes;
It is as constant as the waves of the sea.

Immerse me in Your love O God;
Overshadow me; all of me;
That I may dwell
In the wonder of Your love forever…

God loves you so much. Discover how to tap into his love through a cartoon flash presentation.

Parenting is seasonal and sequential and with every new season parents need to change hats. Parenting styles, ideas and tips…

No one can parent a six month old baby the way they parent a teenager. This may sound overly simplistic but it is incredible [...]]]> Parents Guide on How to Parent by Garry Mac

Parenting is seasonal and sequential and with every new season parents need to change hats. Parenting styles, ideas and tips…

No one can parent a six month old baby the way they parent a teenager. This may sound overly simplistic but it is incredible how many parents seem to suffer from lack of clarity when it comes to the season they are in and the style of parenting it demands.

The Nurse Hat

When your little bundle of joy comes home there is no chance they will steal the car, take illicit drugs, or start hanging out with a bad crowd. There is just a lot of sleeping, eating and awake time when you would like to be sleeping. This phase of parenting lays a strong foundation within a child of deep security, safety and connectedness to parents. There are a lot of tricks that can make this season a little easier but every family needs to find their own equilibrium of what works for them.

The Disciplinarian Hat

No one can deny that there is a point when a child’s own independent WILLl starts to really kick in. This is usually around the time when they start walking but it varies from child to child. This is when the real work of parenting begins in earnest.

Some kids are incredibly compliant and require very little in the way of correction in order to learn to respect and honour the authority of a parent. However, many others are incredibly WILFUL and so (like it or not) it JUST WILL be a battle of the WILLS for a few really important years. Of course parents will be wearing the Teachers Hat a lot during this season too but it is often a surprise to a lot of people how much focus must be on discipline during the toddler season. Any child who does not learn to honour and respect parental authority will ultimately struggle to honour and respect other forms of authority.

The Teacher Hat

In a world of hard core internet pornography easily streamed in high definition to a phone handset, parents need to step up and teach their kids about life early. As a child graduates out of the toddler season and into what is meant to be the innocence of childhood. The parenting hat needs to read TEACHER more than any other during this season.

Child hood is when parents can fill kids up with wisdom and understanding about what lies ahead. In the years getting closer to the teen years parenting ought to be full of discussions about what to expect as a teenager and how to handle every situation. One of the best things you can do for your child is involve them in serving the community and expose them (in measured fashion) to society fallouts.

The Coach Hat

It is very difficult to play ‘catch up’ on past seasons once a child hits puberty. If a parent fails to teach a toddler to honour authority and how to be respectful in disagreements the teen years can be tough for everyone. If parents fail to teach their kids about the real world and expose them to the real ‘fallout’ firsthand, teens can be unprepared to face the very real challenges and temptations of the season of youth.

The lead up to seasons is vital but so too is the HAT change of parenting into the teen years. Teens simply do not need their parents primarily wearing the DISCIPLINARY HAT as they face the peer pressures and insecurities of the superficial teen universe. They need the constant encouragement of a COACH who believes in them.

Teens neither need Mum and dad to be wearing the TEACHERS HAT all the time lecturing them on everything. The smart parent will understand the power of older mentors and position their teen around the right people.

The teenage years are that slow journey from childhood or dependence into independence.
It is a time when your teen can rest in the knowledge that you are there to help them succeed in life.

The Friend Hat

Hopefully in all seasons families can remain the very best of friends. However, for any parent there can be nothing greater that to see their child grow to become a functioning, mature and independent adult who they just like to spend time with. Parents need to change Hats here and let their child run their life the way they see fit and just enjoy the friendship.
Hopefully this short article might help you just a little in your parenting journey so when that time eventually comes your kids still like you.

Article can be read in full in the Go Magazine.

If you weren’t able to effectively change hats in your parenting journey and now feel guilty, struggling to know how to handle your child’s behaviour. God loves you and has made a wonderful provision to remove all your guilt and shame. Discover how in a cartoon flash presentation.

It’s a beautiful story that shows how much God loves and [...]]]> I love this quote: “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” This story of a man and his dog will be one of those moments that will take your breath away.

It’s a beautiful story that shows how much God loves and cares for us. Click here and see how much God loves you.

A Father, a Daughter and a Dog by Catherine Moore

“Watch out! You nearly broad sided that car!” My father yelled at me. “Can’t you do anything right?”

Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to challenge him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes. I wasn’t prepared for another battle.

“I saw the car, Dad. Please don’t yell at me when I’m driving.”

My voice was measured and steady, sounding far calmer than I really felt.

Dad glared at me, then turned away and settled back. At home I left Dad in front of the television and went outside to collect my thoughts…. dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo my inner turmoil. What could I do about him?

Dad had been a lumberjack in Washington and Oregon. He had enjoyed being outdoors and had reviled in pitting his strength against the forces of nature. He had entered gruelling lumberjack competitions, and had placed often. The shelves in his house were filled with trophies that attested to his prowess.

The years marched on relentlessly. The first time he couldn’t lift a heavy log, he joked about it; but later that same day I saw him outside alone, straining to lift it. He became irritable whenever anyone teased him about his advancing age, or when he couldn’t do something he had done as a younger man.

Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, he had a heart attack. An ambulance sped him to the hospital while a paramedic administered CPR to keep blood and oxygen flowing.

At the hospital, Dad was rushed into an operating room. He was lucky; he survived. But something inside Dad died. His zest for life was gone. He obstinately refused to follow doctor’s orders. Suggestions and offers of help were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors thinned, then finally stopped altogether. Dad was left alone..

My husband, Dick, and I asked Dad to come live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh air and rustic atmosphere would help him adjust.

Within a week after he moved in, I regretted the invitation. It seemed nothing was satisfactory. He criticized everything I did. I became frustrated and moody. Soon I was taking my pent-up anger out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue.

Alarmed, Dick sought out our pastor and explained the situation. The clergyman set up weekly counselling appointments for us. At the close of each session he prayed, asking God to soothe Dad’s troubled mind.

But the months wore on and God was silent. Something had to be done and it was up to me to do it.

The next day I sat down with the phone book and methodically called each of the mental health clinics listed in the Yellow Pages. I explained my problem to each of the sympathetic voices that answered in vain.

Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed, “I just read something that might help you! Let me go get the article..”

I listened as she read. The article described a remarkable study done at a nursing home. All of the patients were under treatment for chronic depression. Yet their attitudes had improved dramatically when they were given responsibility for a dog.

I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon.. After I filled out a questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. The odour of disinfectant stung my nostrils as I moved down the row of pens. Each contained five to seven dogs. Long-haired dogs, curly-haired dogs, black dogs, spotted dogs all jumped up, trying to reach me. I studied
each one but rejected one after the other for various reasons too big, too small, too much hair. As I neared the last pen a dog in the shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down. It was a pointer, one of the dog world’s aristocrats. But this was a caricature of the breed.

Years had etched his face and muzzle with shades of gray. His hip bones jutted out in lopsided triangles. But it was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me unwaveringly.

I pointed to the dog. “Can you tell me about him?” The officer looked and then shook his head in puzzlement. “He’s a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him. That was two weeks ago and we’ve heard nothing. His time is up tomorrow.” He gestured helplessly.

As the words sank in I turned to the man in horror, “You mean you’re going to kill him?”

“Ma’am,” he said gently, “that’s our policy. We don’t have room for every unclaimed dog.”

I looked at the pointer again. The calm brown eyes awaited my decision. “I’ll take him,” I said. I drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me.. When I reached the house I honked the horn twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch… “Ta-da! Look what I got for you, Dad !” I said excitedly.

Dad looked and then wrinkled his face in disgust. “If I had wanted a dog I would have gotten one. And I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it! I don’t want it” Dad waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house.

Anger rose inside me. It squeezed together my throat muscles and pounded into my temples. “You’d better get used to him, Dad. He’s staying!”

Dad ignored me.. “Did you hear me, Dad?” I screamed. At those words Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed and blazing with hate. We stood glaring at each other like dualists, when suddenly the pointer pulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad and sat down in front of him. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw..

Dad’s lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw Confusion replaced the anger in his eyes. The pointer waited patiently. Then Dad was on his knees hugging the animal.

It was the beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named the pointer Cheyenne. Together he and Cheyenne explored the community. They spent long hours walking down dusty lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew and Cheyenne lying quietly at his feet.

Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years. Dad’s bitterness faded, and he and Cheyenne made many friends. Then late one night I was startled to feel Cheyenne’s cold nose burrowing through our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night. I woke Dick, put on my robe and ran into my father’s room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the night.

Two days later my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyennelying dead beside Dad ‘s bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favorite fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad ‘s peace of mind.

The morning of Dad ‘s funeral dawned overcast and dreary. This day looks like the way I feel, I thought, as I walked down the aisle to the pews reserved for family. I was surprised to see the many friends Dad and Cheyenne had made filling the church. The pastor began his eulogy. It was a tribute to both Dad and the dog who had changed his life.

And then the pastor turned to Hebrews 13:2. “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

“I’ve often thanked God for sending that angel,” he said.

For me, the past dropped into place, completing a puzzle that I had not seen before: the sympathetic voice that had just read the right article…Cheyenne’s unexpected appearance at the animal shelter, his calm acceptance and complete devotion to my father and the proximity of their deaths. And suddenly I understood. I knew that God had answered my prayers after all.

Life is too short for drama or petty things, so laugh hard, love truly and forgive quickly. Live While You Are Alive. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time.

God answers our prayers in His time……..not ours..

Kauai, 2003. A 14-foot tiger shark bursts through the waves and tears off 13-year-old Bethany Hamilton’s left arm. She loses 60 percent of her blood, and faces the end of her pro surfing dreams. Three months later, the unstoppable young [...]]]> Soul Surfer: A Thought-Provoking Film for the Whole Family By Meg Korpi and Rusty Wright

Kauai, 2003. A 14-foot tiger shark bursts through the waves and tears off 13-year-old Bethany Hamilton’s left arm. She loses 60 percent of her blood, and faces the end of her pro surfing dreams. Three months later, the unstoppable young teen is surfing competitively again.

If you’re looking for inspiration to thrive in tough times or to appreciate life more fully, Soul Surfer – the movie based on Hamilton’s brush with death and remarkable comeback – will knock your socks off. The Sony Pictures release, starring AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, and Carrie Underwood opens across North America April 8^th.

Fantastic Surfing, Tough Competition, Heart-stopping Tragedy, Strong Character

The film’s breathtaking surfing footage and heart-pounding athletic competition will entertain sports enthusiasts. But Bethany’s true story of gut-wrenching tragedy, driven character, and hard-won victory is what makes Soul Surfer worth seeing.

Pre-attack, Bethany (Robb) is a lighthearted kid and skilled surfer. (At 13, she ranked #2 among 18-and-under females in the USA.) After the attack, Bethany emerges as poised and determined, with a well-grounded spirit. Where does a 13-year-old gain the fortitude to overcome a missing limb and rebuild athletic prowess, while remaining surprisingly good-spirited?

Why This? Why Me?

After the attack, Bethany struggles with the mundane (ever try slicing a tomato with one hand?), the profound (how could God allow this?), and the young-teen weighty (will a boy ever like her with only one arm?). But in addition, as a champion surfer, driven by love of the sport, Bethany confronts the likely loss of her career: How could she possibly paddle a surfboard, one-armed, through the impact zone (roughest part of the surf), much less re-conquer championship surfing maneuvers?

“I don’t need easy; I just need possible“

But a love of God also drives Bethany. Her youth group leader, Sarah Hill (Underwood), helps her gain perspective after the tragedy. Gradually, Bethany learns to rely on the biblical assurance: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘…plans for good and not for harm, to give you a future and a hope.’”

At the film’s NYC premiere, director Sean McNamara offered insight. “Her faith was amazing, I watched her overcome adversity and [attribute it to her] faith in Jesus Christ … I’d been through years of Catholic school, but it’s different when you actually see someone walk the walk and talk the talk.”

With remarkable determination, Bethany decides to tackle surfing again. She seeks her father’s help. “It’s not going to be easy,” he cautions.

“I don’t need easy,” replies Bethany. “I just need possible.”

Inspiring Role Model

This film will not please moviegoers who expect dark drama and gore from a shark-attack film. Skeptics will likely scoff at the portrayal of Bethany’s resilience and positive attitude as too good to be true. In fact, the filmmakers appear to have toned down the real Bethany’s indomitable spirit for fear audiences would find her unbelievable. “They tried to portray her as being sad in the hospital,” Bethany’s brother Noah told us, “but she wasn’t like that. She was always upbeat.”

Good teen role models are hard to come by. Thirteen-year–olds who inspire adults to act more courageously are virtually unheard of. If you’re humble enough to accept that admirable and wise-beyond-their-years youth do exist (and we’ve met one), you could learn a lot from this movie – no matter what your age.

Soul Surfer is thought-provoking PG entertainment. The Hamilton family’s strong faith is portrayed as integral to the characters, not preachy. The shark-attack scene shouldn’t upset the squeamish. We found the movie hard to leave in the theater, and instead carried it in our heads for days, reflecting on the individuals’ choices, wisdom and character.

Some of the real Bethany’s insights are so selfless and profound they are indeed hard for the rest of us to understand. She once said,

“If I can help other people find hope in God, then that is worth losing my arm for.”

View a cartoon flash presentation and see how you too can find hope in God!

Amazing. Grace.

Meg Korpi studies character development and ethical decision-making through the Character Research Institute in Northern California. She holds a PhD from, and formerly taught at, Stanford University.

Rusty Wright is an author and lecturer who has spoken on six continents. He holds Bachelor of Science (psychology) and Master of Theology degrees from Duke and Oxford universities, respectively. www.RustyWright.com

My Angel Story – by Wilma Watson.

I’ve said many times, “You’re an angel.” What I mean is, you have really helped me and I [...]]]> Are angels real? Is there an angel of love? Is there an angel of the light? Are we protected by angels? Was it an angel who rescued me?

My Angel Story – by Wilma Watson.

I’ve said many times, “You’re an angel.” What I mean is, you have really helped me and I appreciate you.

Today we have angel mania. People are fascinated with ‘angels’. Perhaps we are longing for someone or something to relieve our pain and rescue us. I sure needed rescuing. This is my angel story…

Just months after I was married in my mid-twenties, I was all alone in the dark traveling on a mule in a very isolated area in the middle of Africa. Hyenas were circling around me and, without some intervention, I knew I was in trouble.

Now I can hear you saying to yourself, “What on earth was she doing in the middle of Africa alone in the dark?”

My husband, Bill, and I arrived by small plane on a dirt remote airstrip in south-west Ethiopia. I was providing medical assistance, while Bill was involved in educating the people. Although we faced many challenges during our 15 years there, it was very rewarding.

One of those challenging times was when I needed medical help and the plane was not available to take me to the nearest doctor. We had to go overland instead! The problem was that there were no roads, only walking tracks.

As Bill had a motorbike before going to Ethiopia, one of the first things he did when we arrived was have a motorbike flown in. I believed him when he said he could use a bike on the walking tracks!

What normally would take two and a half days by foot, to reach an American medical doctor, took us one and half by motor bike. Actually, for most of the first day I walked while Bill struggled to keep the bike upright!

Not long into our journey we discovered that due to the rain runoff from the mountain terrain, plus the heavy traffic of cattle and people, the sides of the trail were too narrow and deep for a bike. As Bill was continually stopping the bike to shovel his way through, I decided it was easier and quicker for me to walk.

After the doctor’s report though, Bill insisted that for my return, I not walk during the final stage over the steep, difficult mountain terrain. A mule was hired and Bill arranged for an Ethiopian who knew the tracks and spoke English to escort me. Sensing that the bike could take longer on the difficult sections than the mule, Bill decided to go ahead, expecting me to catch up to him.

The mule ride, however, took longer than anticipated. It was late in the afternoon and fearing the possibility of having to spend the night in an unknown Ethiopian hut, I decided to run the mule so I could get back before dark. Unfortunately, my Ethiopian escort was unwilling or unable to keep up with me, hence I rode alone.

Everyone, including animals, go into their huts after dark due to the hyenas. It was now dark and hyenas were beginning to circle around me. Alone along the way, I discovered that there were many walking tracks to choose from and now the foreboding fear of taking the wrong track and being lost gripped me.

I called out to God for help and immediately the mule came to a stop and refused to move forward (as the saying goes: “stubborn as a mule”). It was as if someone or something was standing in its way. I could see in the moonlight that there was definitely nothing there, so I released my hold on the reins and the mule turned itself around. It was as if the mule was being led! We travelled back along the track a distance and then the mule took a sharp turn onto another track. Could it have been an angel that led me and the mule home that night? I believe so!

There are a few things I have learnt about angels. Although in the Bible we read of times where they have been given the ability to reveal themselves in the form of human bodies, in the book of Hebrews they are described as ‘spirits’. “What are the angels, then? They are spirits who serve God and are sent by him to help those who are to receive salvation.”

Angels were created by God to be his helpers.

In God’s kingdom there are good angels. God is love, therefore his helpers are angels of love – they perform loving actions.

In Satan’s kingdom there are bad angels. The Bible says Satan robs, kills and destroys. He seeks to deceive us into believing that the bad angels are good for us! “Satan can disguise himself to look like an angel of light!” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

I needed rescuing from a dark, dangerous situation in the middle of Africa, but in reality we all need recuing from the darkness of Satan’s kingdom. The Bible says God wants to “rescue you out of the darkness and gloom of Satan’s kingdom and bring you into the kingdom of his dear Son.” (Colossians 1:13)

God loves you and wants to set you free. Click here to view a cartoon flash presentation that will show you how God can rescue you!

The strongest human drives are sex and hunger. Marketing campaigns seek to use either one or both in promoting their goods because they know sex and food sell.  They also look [...]]]> We often use the expression “It’s heaven!” when describing an ultimate experience. None of us really know exactly what Heaven is really like.  Except…

The strongest human drives are sex and hunger. Marketing campaigns seek to use either one or both in promoting their goods because they know sex and food sell.  They also look for terms that describe the ultimate experience – like Heaven.

We often use the expression “It’s heaven!” when describing an ultimate experience, but none of us really know exactly what the after life and Heaven are really like.

Even though it is impossible for us to fully comprehend what Heaven is like, we can go to a trusted source who has experienced it.

Jesus Christ is a trustworthy spiritual authority. When you examine the evidences of Jesus’ resurrection, you’ll be convinced too that he can be trusted. If Jesus died and came back from the dead, then surely he could accurately tell us what death and the afterlife are like.

So let’s examine what Jesus and the Bible say about Heaven?

Jesus indicated that the after life in Heaven will be relational, enjoyable and eternal.

What does Jesus say about each of these characteristics of Heaven?

1. Jesus indicated that the afterlife in Heaven will be relational

   Jesus defined life in Heaven when he said,”Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent.” (John 17:3).

   Eternal life involves getting to know God!

2. Jesus indicated that the afterlife in Heaven will be enjoyable

   Eternal life with God will be a joy that defies description and exceeds our imagination.

   John, Jesus’ disciple, wrote, “He (God) will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain. (Revelation 21:4)

3. Jesus indicated that the afterlife in Heaven will be eternal

   “God said that he gave us eternal life and that this life comes to us from his Son. And so, if we have God’s Son, we have this life. But if we don’t have the Son, we don’t have this life.

   Eternal life is life that will never end. Image that? Death is not annihilation but a separation from the physical body – with our spirits living on forever.

   What most of us are interested in is not “What happens to people when they die?” but “What will happen to me when I die?”

You can be sure of where you go when you die!

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”  (Hebrew 4:16)

This Bible verse tells us that we are to come to God’s throne boldly in time of need.

Do you have a need?

There are some internalised tendencies that cause people to be timid and fearful when approaching God.

Firstly, we tend to focus on our weaknesses, shame and sin, but God’s throne is where we find all the mercy and grace we need.

People are also timid in coming to God because they tend to think that God is a God of Karma and he’ll treat them with what they deserve. (Karma ensures that when you do good things, you’ll receive goodness in return, and if you do bad or sin, you’ll receive badness in return.)

While preparing this article a lady asked me, “What are you doing?” “I’m writing an article on Heaven,” I explained. “Oh”, she replied, “I’m not good enough to go to Heaven!”

None of us are good enough to go to Heaven. We go to Heaven when we believe because of God’s grace.

We read previously that God sits on a throne of grace!  Grace means undeserved, unmerited blessing or favour. 

God does not want to give you what you deserve. He wants to bless you with all that you need in this life and in the afterlife!

When you feel most sinful and unworthy and are sure you don’t deserve help, that’s the time to come boldly to God’s throne of grace – not the throne of Karma and futility.

My God will never treat you and me according to what we deserve, but only according to the richness of his wonderful grace. This resembles a doorway that invites us to go in.

Secondly, other people don’t come boldly to God when in need because deep down, they feel that they don’t need God.

Some believe that if they live a ‘good’ life they will go to Heaven. Living the good life means different things to different people. Some people believe that the good life is attainable through the simple pleasures of life, the compassionate deeds you perform, the personal goals you achieve and the relationships you nurture.

I have asked others what they mean by a ‘good’ life and they indicate that living a ‘good’ life is following a set of morals.

The fact is, the Bible says we cannot earn our way into Heaven.

Humans, without the Spirit of God, would be like fish out of water, with no capacity to live in and enjoy Heaven.

John chapter 3, verse 5-6, is clear: “I tell you for certain that before you can get into God’s kingdom, you must be born not only by water, but by the Spirit. Humans give life to their children. Yet only God’s Spirit can change you into a child of God.” 

God, in his love, has made provision through Jesus’ death on the cross for all to become his child and have eternal life.

You can be sure of eternal life and your place in Heaven today. Click here to find out how!

My friend from university, who also is now my sister-in-law, went to live in [...]]]> I grew up in a Thai-Chinese family, which is also Buddhist. I was naturally Buddhist as well, and became very devoted to Buddha’s teachings. Because I believed in reincarnation, I wanted to follow Buddha’s way of getting out of that cycle.

My friend from university, who also is now my sister-in-law, went to live in Australia where she became a Christian. It raised many questions in my mind, because I wondered why she’d made that decision, or perhaps if she’d been influenced by others.

When the time was right, I came to Australia to study, and have been living with her and her relatives, who are all Christian. The more we discussed Christianity, the more questions I had and the more I thought I couldn’t accept it was true. I knew that if I accepted everything about Jesus, it meant that everything I’d invested to earn merit in Buddhism, was worth nothing.

There was a lot of information about Jesus available to me at that time, particularly the historical evidences and medical reliability for the records of Him in the Bible, and these things helped me accept He is real.

I had been told that Jesus came to live and die on the cross just to cleanse our sins. That was very hard to believe for a devout Buddhist, because of our belief in karma. Karma ensures that when you do good things, you’ll receive goodness in return, and if you do bad or sin, you’ll receive badness in return. No one can help you out with their own goodness, or erase your sins, because karma is a law. Therefore, the idea that Jesus really came to die for me too, was the hardest thing for me to believe – it seemed too easy just to accept Jesus, and then your sins would be cleansed.

With my struggle, I knew the only way I could believe it is if I knew God existed, so I prayed to God to ask Him to reveal Himself to me. Not long after my request, I was on the bus to university, and so were the usual people, whom I never talked with. While I had been thinking, the lady who sat behind me suddenly leaned close to me and whispered in my ears the unforgettable words “Jesus loves you.” I was stunned for a while, and then asked her to repeat what she said to me. She said “Jesus loves you” for the second time. I asked her why she told me so. She pointed to the sky and replied, “He told me to say that to you.” It was just amazing to me, because it was what I wanted to know from Him.

One night soon afterwards I asked Jesus to come into my life. Without knowing about my decision, my husband also prayed that night, and asked Jesus into his life. I accepted Jesus Christ with all my heart, soul, and intellect, and my life and attitudes have been changing gradually towards a more biblical view, as I learn more and more.

You too can discover how much Jesus loves you.  Click here for a Thai cartoon presentation.  Click here for an English cartoon presentation.

In your hand is power and might; and it is in your hand to make great, and to give strength to all.  

1 [...]]]>

I praise you forever, O LORD! You are great and powerful, glorious, splendid, and majestic. Everything in heaven and earth is yours, and you are king, supreme ruler over all.  

In your hand is power and might; and it is in your hand to make great, and to give strength to all.  

1 Chronicles 29:10-13

Philippians 4:6-7 

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving me your peace. I give all [...]]]>

“Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7 

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving me your peace. I give all my anxieties and concerns to you (be specific) because I know that you will care for me. 

Thank you for blessing me today as I choose to think on things that are positive and pure.

1 Peter 2:24 

“God’s promise came true, just as the prophet Isaiah had said, “He healed our diseases and made us well.”

Isaiah 41:13 

Lord Jesus, today I am feeling afraid about (tell him your fear). I give this to you and ask that you take me by the right hand and [...]]]>

“I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand, and tells you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I will help you.’”

Isaiah 41:13 

Lord Jesus, today I am feeling afraid about (tell him your fear). I give this to you and ask that you take me by the right hand and help me.

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can fight against the devil’s evil tricks.”

Ephesians 6:11 

Thank you Jesus that [...]]]> This prayer will help you depend on Jesus and in so doing protect you from the devil’s attacks. This is how you put on the armor of God. 

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can fight against the devil’s evil tricks.”

Ephesians 6:11 

Thank you Jesus that your truth frees me from sin and its consequences. Help me to recognize the deceptions and lies of the evil one so I can replace them with your truth. 

Thank you Jesus that others will see your good and holy nature through all I do and say today. Fill me with your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 

Thank you Jesus for directing my steps as I depend on your power today. Help me to show others your love and share with them how they can know your peace. 

Thank you Jesus for promising to care for me when I trust you. Replace my fears and doubts with your faith as I ask you to help me with the challenges I face today (be specific).  

Thank you Jesus that your salvation is blessing me with your goodness in every area of my life – healing, providing, protecting and delivering me from sin. 

Thank you Jesus for your Word. It is written in the Bible that you triumphed over all the powers of darkness when you died on the cross, and through your blood, I will overcome today. 

Ephesians 6:10-18, John 8:32, Galatians 5:22, Acts 1:8, Mark 11:22-23, 

Acts 4:12, Revelation 12:11, Colossians 2:15

“These weapons can break down every proud argument against God and every wall that can be built to keep men from finding him. With these weapons I can capture rebels and bring them back to God, and change [...]]]> God’s weapons to pull down strongholds in people’s minds are: Jesus’ name, his blood and his Word. 

“These weapons can break down every proud argument against God and every wall that can be built to keep men from finding him. With these weapons I can capture rebels and bring them back to God, and change them into men whose heart’s desire is obedience to Christ.”

2 Corinthians 10:5 TLB 

Father, your Word says that you want everyone to turn from their sins. 

I thank you that I can use your mighty weapons to destroy everything that would try to stop (name individuals) from seeing your truth. 

I take these mighty weapons now and declare that your Word says, (insert their names) have been purchased through your blood. 

In Jesus’ name, I destroy every reasoning, belief system, negative thought and attitude, including every bit of pride that is stopping (their names) from knowing you. 

Thank you Jesus for replacing every deceptive thought with your truth and for leading them to yourself. 

2 Corinthians 4:4, 2 Peter 3:9, Revelation 5:9, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 

Here is an additional special promise you can claim if you are praying for your children. 

“I will fight your enemies, and will save your children.”

Isaiah 49:25b 

God, you have promised in your Word to fight for me and save my children. I claim this promise for my children today, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thank you for freely giving me your peace, in exchange for anxiety. Your love, in exchange for fear. Your joy, in exchange for heaviness. Your faith, in exchange for doubt. Your strength, in exchange for weariness. 

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for supplying my needs today from your abundant resources. 

Thank you for freely giving me your peace, in exchange for anxiety. Your love, in exchange for fear. Your joy, in exchange for heaviness. Your faith, in exchange for doubt. Your strength, in exchange for weariness. 

Lord Jesus, your Word tells me that the same Spirit that raised you from the dead dwells in me. I need your power to help me to be in the world, but not of the world. 

I yield myself to you and ask the Holy Spirit to enable me to be efficient, creative and honest. Help me to work today with integrity, diligence, self-control, faithfulness and forgiveness. 

Your Word also declares that, if I lack wisdom, I can ask you and you will give it generously. I need your wisdom today, Lord Jesus, to enable me to make correct choices. 

In the Name of Jesus I forbid the enemy’s schemes that would rob me of productive time by attacking me emotionally, mentally, physically or financially and claim your protection in every area of my life. 

Help me to sow seeds of life, bringing encouragement and edification to those I meet. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for opening opportunities to share your love today. 

Jeremiah 32:17, Daniel 11:32, Hebrews 10:19, Philippians 4:19, 

Romans 8:11, 1 John 2:15, James 1:5, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, 

Ephesians 3:20

Mark 11.25 

Heavenly Father, you are kind and forgiving, and you always love me. Help me to love others with the same love that you have shown me. 

Matthew 6:10 

Lord Jesus, may your will be done in every area of my life. 

Cause me to HEAR your voice today for your Word says, “My sheep hear my voice, and they [...]]]>

“May your Kingdom come; may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  

Matthew 6:10 

Lord Jesus, may your will be done in every area of my life. 

Cause me to HEAR your voice today for your Word says, “My sheep hear my voice, and they follow me.” 

Open my EYES that I may clearly see wonderful things in your Word. 

Set a guard over my MOUTH O Lord, and keep a watch over the door of my lips. 

Whatever my HANDS find to do, help me to do it with all my might. 

Help me obey your Word, for it says to love you with all my HEART. I love you Jesus and desire to follow your principles in my life today. 

John 10:27 KJV, Ephesians 1:17, Psalm 119:18.TLB, Psalm 141:3, Ecclesiastes 9:10, Matthew 22:37

Strengthen him/her by your great power that he/she will be encouraged and keep going what ever happens – always full of your joy.

I give thanks to you dear Father for (your Pastor, [...]]]>

I pray dear Heavenly Father, that (your Pastor or Missionary) will sense your presence and be given wisdom, understanding and discernment today.

Strengthen him/her by your great power that he/she will be encouraged and keep going what ever happens – always full of your joy.

I give thanks to you dear Father for (your Pastor, their spouse and children). Hedge them from every attack of the enemy. I claim that everything they set their hands to do shall prosper and that they be kept in health.

Colossians 1:9-11, 3 John 2, Psalms 1:3

CLAIM A PROTECTED CHURCH

CLAIM A LOVING CHURCH

CLAIM A WORSHIPPING CHURCH

CLAIM A UNIFIED CHURCH

CLAIM A GIVING CHURCH

CLAIM A FRUITFUL CHURCH

Click here for a cartoon gospel presentation that you can email your friends.

Father, your Word says that you do not want anyone to be lost, but for everyone to turn from their sins.

I thank you that [...]]]> Daily pray the Bible based prayer below for your unsaved friends and family
so that they can also obtain a personal relationship with God.

School Jokes

Dear Dad, $chool i$ really great. I am making lot$ of friend$ and $tudying very hard. With all my $tuff, I $imply can`t think of anything I need, $o if you would like, you can ju$t $end me a card, a$ I would love to hear from [...]]]>

School Jokes

A Letter Home

Dear Dad, $chool i$ really great. I am making lot$ of friend$ and $tudying very hard. With all my $tuff, I $imply can`t think of anything I need, $o if you would like, you can ju$t $end me a card, a$ I would love to hear from you.

Love, Your $on.

The Reply:

Dear Son, I kNOw that astroNOmy, ecoNOmics, and oceaNOgraphy are eNOugh to keep even an hoNOr student busy. Do NOt forget that the pursuit of kNOwledge is a NOble task, and you can never study eNOugh.

Love, Dad

Workplace Joke

Don’t Think

A terrific explosion occurs in a gunpowder factory, and once all the mess has been cleared up the inquiry begins. One of the few survivors is pulled up to make a statement. “Okay Simpson,” says the investigator, “you were near the scene, what happened?”

“Well, it’s like this. Old Charley Higgins was in the mixing room, and I saw him take a cigarette out of his pocket and light up.”

“He was smoking in the mixing room?” the investigator said in stunned horror, “How long had he been with the company?”

“About 20 years, sir”

“20 years in the company, then he goes and strikes a match in the mixing room, I’d have thought it would have been the last thing he’d have done.”

“It was, sir.”

For Better or Worse

Darling,” said the swooning man to his new bride. “Now that we are married, do you think you will be able to live on my small income?”

“Of course, dearest, no trouble,” she said. “But what will you live on?”

Penny for Your Thoughts

One night a wife found her husband standing over their baby’s crib. Silently she watched him.

As he stood looking down at the sleeping infant, she saw on his face a mixture of emotions: disbelief, doubt, scepticism.

Touched by this unusual display and the deep emotions it aroused, with eyes glistening she slipped her arm around her husband.

“A penny for your thoughts,” she said.

“It’s amazing!” he replied. “I just can’t see how anybody can make a crib like that for only $46.50.”

The best jokes have been chosen especially for you from: http://jokes.christiansunite.com

Email us if you have a good clean joke to share. We would love to hear from you.

Upon entering a little country store, the stranger noticed a sign warning, “Danger! Beware of dog!” posted on the glass door. Inside, he noticed a harmless old hound dog asleep on the floor beside the cash register.

“Is that the dog folks are supposed to beware of?” he [...]]]> Animal Jokes

Beware of Dog

Upon entering a little country store, the stranger noticed a sign warning, “Danger! Beware of dog!” posted on the glass door. Inside, he noticed a harmless old hound dog asleep on the floor beside the cash register.

“Is that the dog folks are supposed to beware of?” he asked the owner.

“Yep, that’s him,” came the reply.

The stranger couldn’t help but be amused. “That certainly doesn’t look like a dangerous dog to me. Why in the world would you post that sign?”

“Because,” the owner explained, “Before I posted that sign, people kept tripping over him.”

Cross-eyed Rottweiler

A man took his Rottweiler to the vet and said to the vet: “My dog’s cross-eyed, is there anything you can do for it?”

“Well” said the vet “lets have a look at him”

So he picks the dog up and has a good look at it’s eyes.

“Well” says the vet “I’m going to have to put him down”

“Just because he’s cross-eyed?” says the man.

“No, because he’s heavy” says the vet.

Kids Jokes

Little Johnny

Little Johnny watched, fascinated, as his mother gently rubbed cold cream on her face. “Why are you rubbing cold cream on your face, Mommy?” he asked.

“To make myself beautiful,” said his mother.

A few minutes later, she began removing the cream with a tissue.

“What’s the matter?” asked Little Johnny. “Giving up?”

The Weigh Scale

Two kids went into their parents bathroom and noticed the weigh scale in the corner. “Whatever you do,” cautioned one youngster to the other, “Don’t step on it!”

“Why not?” asked the sibling.

“Because every time mom does, she lets out an awful scream!”

The Earthworm

My daughter-in-law Alma and grandson Eddy were digging for fishing bait in my garden. Uncovering a many-legged creature, Eddy proudly dangled it before his mother.

“No, honey, he won’t do for bait,” his mother said. “He’s not an earthworm.”

“He’s not?” Eddy asked, his eyes wide. “What planet is he from?”

The best jokes have been chosen especially for you from: http://jokes.christiansunite.com

Email us if you have a good clean joke to share. We would love to hear from you.

The psychology instructor had just finished a lecture on mental health and was giving an oral test. Speaking specifically about manic depression, she asked, “How would you diagnose a patient who walks back and forth screaming at [...]]]> Enjoy the jokes or joke about school, sport, animals, love, kids, husbands, wives, and the workplace.

Psychologically Speaking

The psychology instructor had just finished a lecture on mental health and was giving an oral test. Speaking specifically about manic depression, she asked, “How would you diagnose a patient who walks back and forth screaming at the top of his lungs one minute, then sits in a chair weeping uncontrollably the next?”

A young man in the rear raised his hand and answered, “A basketball coach?”

The Jokes Get Better

The Barbie Dolls

A man was driving home one evening and realized that it was his daughter’s birthday and he hadn’t bought her a present. He drove to the mall and ran to the toy store and he asked the store manager “How much is that new Barbie in the window?”

The Manager replied, “Which one? We have, ‘Barbie goes to the gym’ for $19.95 …

‘Barbie goes to the Ball’ for $19.95 …

‘Barbie goes shopping for $19.95 …

‘Barbie goes to the beach’ for $19.95…

‘Barbie goes to the Nightclub’ for $19.95 …

and ‘Divorced Barbie’ for $375.00.”

“Why is the Divorced Barbie $375.00, when all the others are $19.95?” Dad asked surprised.

“Divorced Barbie comes with Ken’s car, Ken’s House, Ken’s boat, Ken’s dog, Ken’s cat and Ken’s furniture.”

The Jokes Get Even Better

Thru a child’s eyes

It was late at night and Heidi, who was expecting her second child, was home alone with her 3 year old daughter, Katelyn. Heidi started to go into labor and called 911.

Due to a power outage at the time, only one paramedic was able to respond to the call.

The house was very, very dark, so the paramedic asked Katelyn to hold a flashlight high over her mommy so he could see while he helped deliver the baby.

Very diligently, Katelyn did as she was asked. Heidi pushed and pushed, and after a little while Connor was born. The paramedic lifted him by his feet, and spanked him on his bottom. Connor began to cry.

The paramedic then thanked Katelyn for her help, and asked the wide-eyed 3 year old Katelyn what she thought about what she had just witnessed.

Katelyn quickly responded, “He shouldn’t have crawled in there in the first place. Spank him again.”

The best jokes have been chosen especially for you from: http://jokes.christiansunite.com

Email us if you have a good clean joke to share. We would love to hear from you.

Or click on your country’s flag on the right for the flash cartoon network in your language.

Life [...]]]> Click on one of the cartoons below for answers to the following questions:

• Searching for answers to life?
• Are you sure of your destiny?
• Does anyone really care?
• Wish you could start again?

Or click on your country’s flag on the right for the flash cartoon network in your language.

Life is full of questions. Some are simple to answer. Others can be more challenging – like life’s questions:

1. How can I be sure of my final destiny?
2. How can I find purpose in my life?
3. How can I deal with past mistakes?
4. Is there anyone who really cares about me?

What is life’s answer? The answers to life lie in knowing that:

You Were Created to be a Child of Destiny

Would you like to be sure of your destiny? Destiny’s Child is a pop group but you too can become a child of destiny! According to pop artist Guy Sebastian, “This website will help you find your destiny and become the person you were meant to be.”

You Were Created for a Purpose

Have you ever asked yourself, “Is there a purpose for me being here on earth?” Or “Is there any meaning to life?” If you have asked these questions you are not alone. Millions of people around the world are searching for the meaning of life every day.

Only in God, our creator, can we discover the true meaning and purpose for life.

Without God life makes no sense. God created you for a purpose.

You Were Created to be Loved

The Bible says God loves and cares about you. You matter to God. He will not only give meaning and purpose to your life but will help you make a fresh start.

The free cartoon network flash presentation will give you answers to life and help you be all you can be.

การ์ตูนจะช่วยให้คุณเข้าใจว่าคุณจะมั่นใจในจุดหมายปลายทางของชีวิตคุณและเปลี่ยนมาเป็นทุกอย่างที่คุณจะเป็นได้ได้อย่างไร ขอให้คุณสนุกกับตัวการ์ตูนเหล่านี้ และขอให้คุณมีวันที่ดีค่ะ

ภาพการแสดงเฟลชแนวการ์ตูน

เริ่มต้นด้วยการคลิกที่รูปการ์ตูนรูปใดรูปหนึ่งข้างล่างนี้สำหรับคำตอบของคำถามเหล่านี้ แสวงหาคำตอบให้ชีวิตคุณหรือ? สุดท้ายไปไหนคุณแน่ใจแล้วหรือ? มีใครสนใจฉันจริงๆ บ้างไหม? หวังอยากเริ่มต้นไหมหรือ?

สุดท้ายไปไหนคุณเลือกได้! เหตุผลที่เราได้เลือกใช้รูปการ์ตูนในเว็บนี้เนื่องจากว่าการ์ตูนเป็นภาษาที่ไม่ว่าใครก็สามารถเข้าใจได้และต่างก็ชื่นชอบ ในการส่งสารนั้นบางครั้งถ้อยคำอย่างเดียวก็ไม่เพียงพอ แต่รูปวาดการ์ตูนนั้นสื่อความหมายได้เป็นอย่างดี

ตัวการ์ตูนนั้นก็เป็นภาษาสากลเช่นกัน เรามีจุดประสงค์ที่จะแปลเว็บไซต์นี้ไปสู่หลายๆ ภาษา เพื่อที่คุณจะสามารถส่งอีเมล์ภาพแสดงเฟลชแนวการ์ตูนนี้ไปให้กับเพื่อนๆ และญาติพี่น้องของคุณในภาษาของพวกเขาได้ค่ะ

เราได้ใช้ศิลปะการ์ตูนเพราะเราต้องการทำให้เรื่องของจิตวิญญาณนั้นเข้าใจได้ง่ายขึ้น และทำให้ดูสนุก ฟิล สเปรทท์ ซึ่งเป็นผู้วาดการ์ตูนให้กับเว็บ ydyc.org แสดงความเห็นว่า “มีคนเคยบอกว่าการ์ตูนนั้นทำให้คนหัวเราะแค่ 5 วินาที แต่ใช้เวลาคิดตั้ง 5 นาที” เราเชื่อมั่นว่าตัวการ์ตูนของเราจะทำให้คุณเป็นอย่างนั้น!

หากคุณต้องการการ์ตูนเรื่องเซ็กซ์ คุณมาผิดที่แล้ว

—流行歌手, 盖伊˙塞巴斯蒂安

漫画能帮助你明白怎样能肯定你的命运‚‚ 变作你想作成的人 ‚ 快来享受这儿的漫画美术‚把握美好的今天!

闪光漫画网络

这网上的动画演示将清楚地告诉你有一位上帝爱你并有能力满足你的需要

请点击以下其中一款漫画绘图‚从下列问题中寻找答案:寻索生命的答案? 要肯定自己的命运? 有谁真正关心我? 宁愿一切能从新开始?

你的命运由你自己选择! 闪光漫画网络由一连串漫画展示‚ 引领你进入必须步骤而达致明智选择。 我们选择漫画图像的原因‚ 是因为漫画是一个人人能懂和喜悦的语言。 有些要点单靠文字不足表达‚

而漫画绘图却恰可传达!

漫画人物也是万国性的! 我们的目的是把整个网络翻译成各种文字‚ 这样你就可以把14页漫画网络用各地的文字电邮给朋友和亲人。

我们尝试使漫画美术展现灵性事物的精简和趣味‚ 漫画家腓˙西鲱在ydyc.org曾这样说: “漫画能使人大笑五秒钟‚却沉思五分钟。”

我们深信漫画人物能帮助你做到这一点。

Artista Pop, Guy Sebastian

Las historietas le ayudaran a entender como puede estar seguro de su destino final y como alcanzar su maximo potencial. Disfrute las caricaturas y tenga un gran dÌa!

Historietas Animadas [...]]]> Esta pagina de historietas animadas le ayudara a encontrar su destino final y a convertirse en la persona que deberÌa ser.

Artista Pop, Guy Sebastian

Las historietas le ayudaran a entender como puede estar seguro de su destino final y como alcanzar su maximo potencial. Disfrute las caricaturas y tenga un gran dÌa!

Historietas Animadas (Flash)

Empiece haciendo clic en una de las caricaturas de abajo para contestar las siguientes preguntas.  Esta buscando respuestas en la vida? Esta seguro de su destino final? A alguien realmente le
importa? DesearÌas comenzar de nuevo?

Su destino depende de su decision! La razon por la que hemos escogido las caricaturas es porque las caricaturas hablan todos los idiomas y todos pueden entenderlas y disfrutarlas. Para
demostrarlo, algunas veces las palabras solas no son suficientes pero una caricatura comunica!

°Las caricaturas son universales! Y nuestro interes es ponerlas en muchos idiomas, ya que pensamos que asÌ usted podra escribir y enviarle a sus familiares o amigos presentaciones
rapidas en su propio idioma.

Usando el arte de las caricaturas queremos presentar su vida espiritual como simple y graciosa. Phil Spratt, el caricaturista de ydyc.org comento que las caricaturas pueden hacer que una persona se rÌa por 5 segundos y piense por 5 minutos.  Tenemos confianza en que estas caricaturas le van a ayudar a hacer justamente eso!

Si estas buscando caricaturas pornograficas, estas en el lugar equivocado!

KARTUN-KARTUN INI AKAN MENOLONG ANDA UNTUK MENGERTI BAGAIMANA MEMASTIKAN TUJUAN HIDUP ANDA. KARAKTER-KARAKTER DALAM KARTUN INI MENGILUSTRASIKAN BAGAIMANA MENCAPAI KEMAMPUAN MAKSIMUM ANDA.

KARTUN BERGERAK

MULAI DENGAN KLIK PADA SALAH SATU GAMBAR [...]]]> “SITUS KARTUN INI AKAN MENOLONG ANDA MENEMUKAN TUJUAN HIDUP DAN MENJADI SESEORANG SEPERTI YANG ANDA DAMBAKAN” Pop Artist, Guy Sebastian

KARTUN-KARTUN INI AKAN MENOLONG ANDA UNTUK MENGERTI BAGAIMANA MEMASTIKAN TUJUAN HIDUP ANDA. KARAKTER-KARAKTER DALAM KARTUN INI MENGILUSTRASIKAN BAGAIMANA MENCAPAI KEMAMPUAN MAKSIMUM ANDA.

KARTUN BERGERAK

MULAI DENGAN KLIK PADA SALAH SATU GAMBAR KARTUN DI
BAWAH INI UNTUK MENDAPATKAN JAWABAN DARI PERTANYAAN BERIKUT INI: ANDA MENCARI JAWABAN UNTUK HIDUP? APAKAN ANDA SUDAH PASTI DENGAN TUJUAN HIDUP ANDA? ADAKAH SESEORANG YANG PERDULI? ANDA BERHARAP UNTUK DAPAT MEMULAI KEMBALI?  

TUJUAN HIDUP ADALAH PILIHAN ANDA! JARINGAN
ALASAN MENGAPA KAMI MEMILIH GAMBAR-GAMBAR
KARTUN KARENA KARTUN ADALAH BAHASA YANG DAPAT
DIMENGERTI DAN DINIKMATI OLEH SEMUA ORANG. DALAM
MENGEMUKAKAN SEBUAH MAKSUD TERTENTU, TERKADANG
KATA-KATA TIDAKLAH CUKUP. GAMBAR-GAMBAR KARTUN DAPAT BERKOMUNIKASI!

KARAKTER-KARAKTER KARTUN JUGA SANGAT UMUM! TUJUAN KAMI ADALAH UNTUK MENTERJEMAHKAN WEBSITE INI KE DALAM BEBERAPA BAHASA AGAR SUPAYA ANDA DAPAT MENGIRIMKAN PRESENTASI KARTUN BERGERAK INI LEWAT EMAIL UNTUK SAHABAT-SAHABAT DAN KERABAT ANDA DALAM BAHASA MEREKA.

DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN SENI KARTUN,  KAMI BERTUJUAN MEMBUAT SESUATU MENJADI MUDAH DAN MENYENANGKAN. PHIL SPRATT, SEORANG KARTUNIS DI ydc.org

BERKOMENTAR,DIKATAKAN BAHWA KARTUN MEMBUAT ORANG TERTAWA SELAMA 5 DETIK DAN BERPIKIR SELAMA 5 MENIT. KAMI PERCAYA KARAKTER-KARAKTER KARTUN AKAN MENOLONG ANDA MELAKUKAN HAL YANG SAMA.

Die Cartoons werden dir helfen zu verstehen, wie du dir sicher sein kannst, dass du den Sinn in deinem Leben gefunden hast und wie du das Beste [...]]]> “Diese Cartoon Webseite wird dir helfen deinen Sinn im Leben zu finden und die Person zu werden, die Gott in dir sieht“
- Popartist, Guy Sebastian

Die Cartoons werden dir helfen zu verstehen, wie du dir sicher sein kannst, dass du den Sinn in deinem Leben gefunden hast und wie du das Beste in deinem Leben erreichen kannst.

Flash Cartoon Präsentation

Klicke auf eine der unten angezeigten Cartoonzeichnungen, um eine der folgenden Fragen beantwortet zu bekommen: Suche nach Antworten auf dein Leben? Was ist der Sinn im Leben? Sorgt sich jemand wirklich um mich? Wünschtest du noch einmal neu anfangen zu können?

Wohin du mit deinem Leben gehst ist deine Entscheidung! Der Grund warum wir Cartoonbilder gewählt haben, ist der, dass Cartoons eine Sprache sprechen, die jeder versteht und mag. Manchmal genügen Worte nicht, um etwas wichtiges richtig auszudrücken. Aber ein Cartoon spricht für sich!

Cartoon Charaktäre sind universell! Es ist unser Wunsch diese Webseite in viele Sprachen zu übersetzen, damit du deinen Freunden und Bekannten die Cartoon Flash Präsentation in ihrer Landessprache zuschicken kannst.

Wir haben versucht unsere Aussage verständlich und fun zu machen indem wir Cartoons benutzen. Phil Spratt, einer unserer Karikaturisten sagt dazu: „Es wird gesagt, dass Cartoons Menschen 5 Minuten zum Lachen und 5 Minuten zum Nachdenken bringen.“ Wir glauben, dass unsere Cartoon Charaktäre dir dazu helfen werden.

Falls du nach Carton Sex suchst, dann bist du hier am falschen Platz.!!

Les BD t’aideront a comprendre comment tu peux être sûr(e) de ta destinée et comment atteindre le potentiel que Dieu t’a donné. Éclates-toi avec les BD et passes une bonne journée!

マンガを使って、創造主なる神様がいかにあなたを愛しておられあなたのすべての必要を満たす力を持っておられるかについて、分かりやすく説明します。マンガ・アートをお楽しみください。今日という日が、あなたにとって素晴らしい日となりますように！ FLASHアニメーション・ネットワーク

以下の疑問に対する答えをご覧になるには、どれでもお好きなマンガ絵から一つ選んでクリックしてください。プレゼンテーションが始ります――。人生の答えをお探しですか？　自分の運命を確信していますか？　あなたのことを本当に心配してくれている人はいますか？　人生を一からやり直したいですか？

あなたの運命はあなたが選ぶもの！Flashアニメーション・ネットワークは、あなたが賢明な選択肢に到達するまでの過程において必要なステップが互いにリンクされた複数のマンガによるプレゼンテーションです。わたしたちがマンガ絵を選んだ理由は、マンガは誰もが理解し楽しめる共通語だからです。ある内容を伝えようとするとき、言葉だけでは足りないことがあります。そんなとき、マンガ絵が役に立つのです！

マンガのキャラクターもマンガ同様に万国共通語です！わたしたちは、あなたがお友だちや親戚に自国語で書かれた14ページにわたるマンガ・ネットワークをメールすることができるよう、ウェブサイトを多くの言語に翻訳することを目指しています。

わたしたちはマンガ・アートを利用して、スピリチュアルな内容をシンプルで楽しいものとして提示することを目指してきました。cartoons-ydyc.orgを手掛けたマンガ家フィル・スプラット氏は、こんなことを言っています――。「マンガは、人を５秒間笑わせ、５分間考えさせるといわれている」。わたしたちは、マンガ・キャラクターでまさにそれを実現できるものと信じています！

Posts Related to Cartoon Flash Presentation - JapanesePoem about God’s love

THE WONDER OF GOD'S LOVE by Michelle Archbell Who can understand God’s love? Who can measure the depths of it? It is beyond understanding! Like [...]]]> 「このウェブサイトは、あなたが運命を見いだし、本当の自分になるために役立つでしょう」――ガイ・セバスチャン（ポップアーティスト）

マンガを使って、創造主なる神様がいかにあなたを愛しておられあなたのすべての必要を満たす力を持っておられるかについて、分かりやすく説明します。マンガ・アートをお楽しみください。今日という日が、あなたにとって素晴らしい日となりますように！


FLASHアニメーション・ネットワーク

以下の疑問に対する答えをご覧になるには、どれでもお好きなマンガ絵から一つ選んでクリックしてください。プレゼンテーションが始ります――。人生の答えをお探しですか？　自分の運命を確信していますか？　あなたのことを本当に心配してくれている人はいますか？　人生を一からやり直したいですか？

あなたの運命はあなたが選ぶもの！Flashアニメーション・ネットワークは、あなたが賢明な選択肢に到達するまでの過程において必要なステップが互いにリンクされた複数のマンガによるプレゼンテーションです。わたしたちがマンガ絵を選んだ理由は、マンガは誰もが理解し楽しめる共通語だからです。ある内容を伝えようとするとき、言葉だけでは足りないことがあります。そんなとき、マンガ絵が役に立つのです！

マンガのキャラクターもマンガ同様に万国共通語です！わたしたちは、あなたがお友だちや親戚に自国語で書かれた14ページにわたるマンガ・ネットワークをメールすることができるよう、ウェブサイトを多くの言語に翻訳することを目指しています。

わたしたちはマンガ・アートを利用して、スピリチュアルな内容をシンプルで楽しいものとして提示することを目指してきました。cartoons-ydyc.orgを手掛けたマンガ家フィル・スプラット氏は、こんなことを言っています――。「マンガは、人を５秒間笑わせ、５分間考えさせるといわれている」。わたしたちは、マンガ・キャラクターでまさにそれを実現できるものと信じています！

— 流行歌手, 蓋伊˙塞巴斯蒂安

漫畫能幫助你明白怎樣才能肯定你的命運‚‚ 變作你想作成的人 ‚ 快來享受這兒的漫畫美術‚‚ 把握美好的今天!

閃光漫畫網絡

請點擊以下其中一款漫畫繪圖‚從下列問題中尋找答案: 尋索生命的答案? 要肯定自己的命運? 有誰真正關心我? 寧願一切能從新開始?

你的命運由你自己選擇! 閃光漫畫網絡由一連串漫畫展示‚

引領你進入必須步驟而達致明智選擇。 我們選擇漫畫圖像的原因‚ 是因為漫畫是一個人人能懂和喜悅的語言。 有些要點單靠文字不足表達‚ 而漫畫繪圖卻恰可傳達!

漫畫人物也是萬國性的! 我們的目的是把整個網絡翻譯成各種文字‚ 這樣你就可以把14頁漫畫網絡用各地的文字電郵給朋友和親人。

我們嘗試使漫畫美術展現靈性事物的精簡和趣味‚ 漫畫家腓˙西鯡在 ydyc.org曾這樣說: 「漫畫能使人大笑五秒鐘‚卻沉思五分鐘。」 [...]]]> 「就在這個漫畫網頁‚ 能幫助你從中尋找你的命運‚ 變作你真正想成為的人。」

— 流行歌手, 蓋伊˙塞巴斯蒂安

漫畫能幫助你明白怎樣才能肯定你的命運‚‚ 變作你想作成的人 ‚ 快來享受這兒的漫畫美術‚‚ 把握美好的今天!

閃光漫畫網絡

請點擊以下其中一款漫畫繪圖‚從下列問題中尋找答案: 尋索生命的答案?
要肯定自己的命運? 有誰真正關心我? 寧願一切能從新開始?

你的命運由你自己選擇! 閃光漫畫網絡由一連串漫畫展示‚

引領你進入必須步驟而達致明智選擇。 我們選擇漫畫圖像的原因‚ 是因為漫畫是一個人人能懂和喜悅的語言。 有些要點單靠文字不足表達‚ 而漫畫繪圖卻恰可傳達!

漫畫人物也是萬國性的! 我們的目的是把整個網絡翻譯成各種文字‚ 這樣你就可以把14頁漫畫網絡用各地的文字電郵給朋友和親人。

我們嘗試使漫畫美術展現靈性事物的精簡和趣味‚ 漫畫家腓˙西鯡在 ydyc.org曾這樣說: 「漫畫能使人大笑五秒鐘‚卻沉思五分鐘。」 我們深信漫畫人物能幫助你做到這一點
。

CONTENTS

Intro: START HERE! - A WISE CHOICE!   

(Bill says, “It’s a story of ‘How I met your mother”. you can have a personal relationship with God too and discover his plans for [...]]]> Retold by Carolyn Tobias. Carolyn is the second daughter to Bill and Wilma Watson producers of this website. She lives in USA with her husband who is a professional drummer.

(Bill says, “It’s a story of ‘How I met your mother”. you can have a personal relationship with God too and discover his plans for your life. To discover how, click here.)

What should have felt like an elated homecoming was clouded with weariness as Bill, now 31 years, was bleary-eyed from his Ethiopian Air flight from Addis Ababa to Singapore. The five hour layover was tempered by the fact he now had one more “to-do” on his list – replacing the watch that had broken sometime during the previous leg of his journey. The air conditioning of the well manicured mall was preferred to the dense humidity of outside, so that at least would be one benefit of enduring the task of shopping. Bill couldn’t help but feel the target of “tourist” on his back as he debated the necessity of braving the multiple jewelry stores. Five hours to kill alone only added to the predominant thoughts of loneliness that consumed him over the recent months. Energized by his ministry to the Ethiopian people, these past five years, he now faced the stark, obvious void of companionship at the end of each long day.

Brought back into the now with the haggling of merchants, Bill realized he had been staring at a case of watches and offering little feedback to the clerk who was touting the features of each one. Strictly dictated by his budget Bill pointed to a watch.

Wilma was just weeks away from Bible School graduation. It was the last “to-do” on her list of accomplishments in preparation for nursing abroad. She had heard some missionaries speak in her small farming community near Heywood, Victoria at the age of twelve and had been so deeply moved she vowed to give her life to serve Jesus where ever he would take her. This memory was matched only with a vivid dream at age sixteen, when she awoke in the night and knew beyond a doubt God had spelled out his plan. She would do nursing and Bible training, get married and serve her Jesus among the people of Ethiopia. Passionate and determined, it was this goal that had driven Wilma through her teens and years of schooling.

The satisfaction of being so close to the end of her Bible School was exciting. The life of the party, Wilma had always been in the midst of the action. A busy social calendar was all part in parcel of making her journey of life “fun” and was no distraction to her focused goal…until now.

The buzz around campus was the big BBQ pool party slated for this weekend. Final papers were in, exams were done and everyone was in unwind mode. Before the dreaded packing and scattering across state lines, the campus social committee had organized the event of the year. Without question Wilma would be there. It was a party after all. Steve was athletic and handsome. He would be there too!

“You buy Sir?…good price, good price,” the ceaseless sales pitch brought Bill back to reality. Standing in front of a neatly kept jewelry stall, his eyes drifted from the watches to a nearby ring counter. The astute salesman noticed his distraction, and upped his sales pitch. “I give you good deal. You buy watch and get ring for your lady too?”

Coming out of the salesman’s mouth, the thought that brought a reassuring calm to his loneliness seemed all too real and quite absurd. But as Bill brought his attention back to the watches and picked up the obvious choice, based solely on functionality and budget, he turned the watch over and noticed the inscription on the back of the watch which read “Rebekah.” That calm he felt swelled to peace and Bill knew the familiar prompting of God speaking in his thoughts. “Buy the watch and an engagement ring. Just as I led Isaac to Rebekah in the Bible I will lead you to your bride.”

Decision made. Bill returned to the departure gate to await his boarding call, a new watch on his wrist and a modest white gold diamond ring in his coat pocket close to his heart.

Music, laughter, the sizzle of the BBQ and the occasional bomb dive in the pool followed by the squeal of the ladies sun bathing on the sidelines… the day had all the ingredients for a perfect graduation party. When Steve approached Wilma at the punch bowl and gently directed her to some deck chairs in the shade and on the outskirts of the commotion, Wilma didn’t think anything of it. She had enjoyed many conversations and mild flirtations with Steve over the past year.

“Wilma, are you going home tomorrow to celebrate the holidays with your family?” Steve asked.

“No, actually some of the girls and I are going to Port Campbell to spend a week at the beach. But after that I’ll be home,” Wilma casually answered.

It seemed odd to Wilma that Steve was distracted and somber as he spoke of plans of traveling home the next morning. “Something on your mind Steve?” Wilma probed.

“Actually yes,” Steve began. “I’ve been praying a lot about my future. The bottom line is I really like to spend it with you…”

The rest of the sentence trailed off as Wilma’s dance around the reality of marriage and her future abruptly ended in this head-on “reality check.” As Steve continued on what he thought was God’s plan for him and how that included Wilma, a flood of emotions bombarded her. For sure she heard about every third word until Steve came to the punch line. “I really believe you are the one for me. How would you feel about growing our relationship and moving to Adelaide to be my wife?”

Steve, now red-faced from lack of oxygen and talking so fast, finally breathed and took notice of a somewhat shocked Wilma looking back at him. After what seemed like endless minutes of silence, Steve took Wilma’s hand. “Wilma?” he said looking into her eyes.

It was now Wilma’s turn to remind herself to breathe. She looked into Steve’s serious face and knew this was not something she could brush off in laughter and gaiety. She felt flattered and romanced; this handsome man was inviting her to join him and all the perks of big-city life in Adelaide. Trying to get a grip on her emotions, Wilma prayed a quick SOS to God. Steve could have chosen any girl and he’d chosen her. Wilma returned Steve’s attentive look with a smile. “Steve, I don’t know what to say,” the moment the words left her mouth Wilma heard a whisper in her mind, “Ask if he’d be prepared to work and live in Ethiopia.” Again the prompting came, “Ask him about Ethiopia.” “Steve, you’re a great guy and any girl here would jump at such an offer. But I need to ask you something,” Wilma’s heart was beating so loud she could barely focus. Was she about to blow this proposal?

“Sure Wilma, you can ask me anything,” Steve answered.

“Do you see yourself living and helping the needy in Ethiopia?” Wilma asked.

Somewhat shocked at the relevance of the question, Steve remembered hearing Wilma talk of Ethiopia before but thought his proposal was a solution that could afford her the opportunity to send money to help those in need. “Well, no. I know how much Ethiopia means to you, but we could send money to help the needy.” His answer was honest and also clarifying.

“Sorry Steve, we can’t pursue a relationship, I know God has a purpose for me that includes nursing and helping people in Ethiopia.” It felt like a huge door slammed. Awkward silence followed and as Steve kissed Wilma’s cheek and left, Wilma made a beeline for another drink and a group of friends to distract her from the second guessing and questioning…what have I done?

Bill looked forward so much to being with friends and family. “Jan, that roast lamb was amazing, you’re not just beautiful but a good cook as well! Sure you didn’t mean to marry the best looking twin?” Bill’s praises to his sister-in-law were as genuine as his dig at his identical twin brother Alan. It was a breath of fresh air for Bill to be himself around family. Giving his brother a hard time was Bill’s way of letting Alan know he missed him. And being twins, the banter and bad jokes were of course reciprocated. After a perfect evening of home-cooked food, the prospect of turning in for the night on a comfortable bed – without a bed bug in sight – was very appealing.

“What time are you headed out in the morning?” Alan asked.

“Well, I plan to give Jan plenty of time to make my sausage and egg breakfast and then hit the road by 9 a.m.” Bill replied with a wink to Jan.

“I tell you what Bill,” Jan responded. “I’ll trade you a cooked breakfast for a favor. Since you’ll pass through Victor Harbour would you mind stopping by the Adelaide Bible College to say hi to a nursing friend of mine? She’s finishing up there this week.”

“For you Jan dear, anything…but with a guaranteed breakfast, absolutely!”

A friend of Bill’s was delayed at the London airport and with time on his hands, thought of Bill and thanked God for leading Bill to his wife that day!

Bill pulled into the campus of Adelaide Bible College and approached a young woman exiting the building. “G’day, I’m looking for Wilma Hopkins, could you…” The words barely left his mouth and the lady turned “Wilma? Oh sure.” Hollering through the door, “Wilma, there’s a cute guy here to see you.” Bill, now a bright shade of red, tried to remain calm as he could hear Wilma shush the heckling as she walked out the doors.

“Hi, I’m Wilma,” came the response from the vivacious woman with a big smile. As calmly as he could muster, Bill set to deliver on his promise.

“Hi, I’m Bill, I believe you know my sister-in-law Jan Watson. She asked me to send her greetings and congratulations on completing your schooling here.”

“WOW, how sweet of Jan. I miss her. We were nursing together before she got married. How is she?”

“She’s great, I was just with them a couple of days ago. Alan and Jan are looking to move to Mt Evelyn, here’s their information if you’d like to reconnect.”

“Thank you Bill for taking time to bring this by, I’m just getting packed up to leave but I’ll be sure to write to Jan as soon as I can.”

Wilma tried to down play the quick and courteous exchange with “the cute guy” to all her friends who teased her incessantly the rest of the day, for word within the college had quickly spread that Bill had been in Ethiopia and they were well aware of Wilma’s future goals.

Uncomfortable obligations over, Bill reviewed the remaining destinations on his list. During Bill’s time in Australia the head of the mission had organized speaking appointments. Bill had borrowed no dream machine and he’d have his younger brother Colin take a look at the car over the holidays before returning it. It was getting late in the day and Bill had not eaten since breakfast. The internal debate on whether to stop for a bite to eat or refuel the car was reaching a climax. Rural Victoria had few options for either dining or service stations, so he would look for the next opportunity.

Feeling refreshed after a quick bite, Bill couldn’t help but admire the flock of galahs against the cloudless blue sky as he drove. “God, I’m amazed at how beautiful you created this landscape and I’m trusting you for every day.” Bill spoke in prayer like God was riding in the passenger seat.

The car gave a sputter as it crossed a pair of railroad tracks, rounded a bend and came to a stop. A pine tree wind break led to an orchard heavy with fruit and a clearing with a quaint white farm house. Bill walked up the front steps and was welcomed by the smell of homemade bread and jam.

The farm belonged to Donald and Dorothy Hopkins. The couples had a sincere love for Jesus and were thrilled to hear every detail of Bill’s mission work in Ethiopia. They looked forward for Bill to meet their friends and share with them also. Mrs. Hopkins had seven of her brood of nine married or away at school and just couldn’t see this undernourished bachelor leave her home without some good rest. Mr. Hopkins felt perhaps taking care of the lad was his contribution to missionary service, since God had called him to missions in his youth and had chosen the path of farming instead. Whatever the motivation, Bill could hardly refuse the insistent invitation to return to the farm in Drumborg and celebrate the holidays with the Hopkins family after his final speaking arrangement was fulfilled in Geelong.

“Will you be taking the Great Ocean Road?” Mrs. Hopkins asked.

“Yes, most likely,” Bill replied.

“Would you mind on your way back picking up our daughter? She’s holidaying with some friends in Port Campbell and you’d be saving us a trip.” Mrs. Hopkins thought out loud.

“I’d be happy too, Bill responded “It’s the least I can do.”

Details exchanged, refueled and with a basket full of food for the road, Bill was ready to leave and eager to get his last meeting done so he could return to this warm home. Rest sounded so good. As he pulled away and the farmstead became the postcard in his review mirror, Bill smiled at the tenderness of God to take care of his every need.

The turnout at Geelong had been very encouraging. Bill had even received some pledged support for Ethiopia. Relief washed over him as he drove back along the Great Ocean Road, again marveling at the majesty of the ocean cliffs and blue on blue horizon. The Port Campbell beach house was easy to find and Bill walked up to the open screen door to pick up the Hopkins’ daughter as promised. “Hello?” Bill called. The ability to recollect names was a gift Bill was grateful for, for a name was about all the speech he could muster in the shock of who came to the door. “Wilma Hopkins?”

“Hi,” Wilma responded, both pleasantly surprised and enjoying the coincidence.

“It’s me, Bill – we met at Victor Harbour?”

“Yes, of course. What are you doing here?”

“Your parents asked me to pick you up.”

“You’re my ride home?” The fun reunion of sorts was a catalyst for the re-telling of events of the past several weeks, the sharing of prayers prayed and the revelation of God’s sovereign hand in shaping two lives.

Just one hour into their two and a half-hour drive Bill announced, “I’m going back to Ethiopia in six months time, will you join me?” Both had a confirming peace that only God could have orchestrated their coming together. When Wilma said, “Yes”, Bill excitedly announced that he already had the engagement ring!

We make our decisions then our decisions turn around and make us. - Source unknown

Quotes From the Heart by Jerry E. Tobias

A collection of thoughts and observations about principles, purpose, people and priorities.

Quotes From the Heart by Jerry E. Tobias

A collection of thoughts and observations about principles, purpose, people and priorities.

Click here for a cartoon flash presentation that will help you make a wise decision.

Quotes From the Heart on Priorities

Being rightly related is more important than being right.

Your values are more important than your valuables.

The people impacted by the plan are more important than the plan.

Attitude is more important than aptitude.

The size of your heart is more important than the size of your home.

Meaningful relationships are more important than meaningless things.

Listening with your heart is more important than listening with your head.

The relational value of a meal together is more important than the nutritional value of that meal.

The days ahead of you are more important than the days behind you.

The wisdom you leave your children is more important than any wealth you might leave them. The lives you affect are more important than the things you collect.

What you do with your gifts and talents is more important than what gifts and talents you have.

How those around you rate your character is more important than how your bank rates your credit.

Understanding and acceptance are more important to your spouse than agreement.

A heart at peace is more important for your health than a handful of prescriptions.

Quotes are from our daughter’s father in law. Jerry E. Tobias. Thanks Jerry for your collection of thoughts and observations about life.