Riddle - sent in by DQ

Subject: RIDDLE .......

Only 5% of Stanford University graduates figured it out! Can you answer all seven of the following questions with the same word?

1. The word has seven letters...
2. Preceded God...
3. Greater than God...
4. More Evil than the devil...
5. All poor people have it...
6. Wealthy people need it...
7. If you eat it, you will die...

Story from Diane

This story was shared by Diane B. Thank you. It is a very good one.

A 92 Year Old Pastor
While watching a little TV on Sunday (instead of going to church), I watched a church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age.

After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down, he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gait to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak...

"When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50-odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heartbreak and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me... the only thing that would comfort was this verse...

"Jesus loves me this I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
We are weak but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me...
The Bible tells me so.

When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his foot steps as he shuffled back to his chair. I don't believe I will ever forget it.

A pastor once stated, "I always noticed that it was the adults who chose the children's hymn "Jesus Loves Me" (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best.

Senior version of "Jesus Loves Me"
Here is a new version just for us who have white hair or no hair at all. For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all you others, check out this newest version of Jesus Loves Me.

JESUS LOVES ME
Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow,
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.

(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME.
YES, JESUS LOVES ME.
YES, JESUS LOVES ME,
FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.

Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go,
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.

(CHORUS)

When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song,
Telling me in words so clear,
"Have no fear, for I am near."

(CHORUS)

When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love.

(CHORUS)

I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.

(CHORUS)

Poem - Written by Beverly H.

During Beverly's trip to Hawaii to visit her son and his family last November, she took time to enjoy God's nature. Here's what she wrote about those times:

"Early in the morning I would wake up and 'sneak' out of the sleeping household and head to the beach (about a 17 min walk) - the first rays of morning would light the sky as I was walking and I would be greeted on the beach with an amazing sunrise day after day. See below for the poem I composed during those mornings."

 The pictures were also taken by Beverly during some of those mornings.

KAILUA MORNING SUNRISE by Beverly H.

Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii ~ November 2011

I walked with God the other day
by the gently rolling sea
I watched him paint the morning sky
brilliant colours - just for me.

We wandered on as the day grew bright
Watched the waves reflect the sun
And I marveled at God's wondrous love
As a new day had begun.

I thanked Him for His presence
I felt He held me by my hand
and I enjoyed each precious moment
as we walked barefoot in the sand.

I've read the Bible stories
how he came to earth as man
Born in a humble stable
here to fill redemptions plan.

What a thrill to humble Shepherds
as they heard those Angels sing
Knowing Heaven was rejoicing
as they welcomed Christ our King.

I've marvelled at His wondrous grace
his death upon that tree
That simple folks like you and me
might live eternally.

As I walked back home mid the wakening world
I heard 'Seasonal' Music play
And I felt sad that many folks today
forget the Christ in Christmas Day.

The sky was clouding over
and as gentle rain began
I prayed I might always have faith
To share our Saviour's plan.

The sky grew dark behind me
some threatening clouds did roll
Then in the sky, a rainbow
this promise warmed my soul.

I knew that God, no matter what
has us ever in His care.
And He will always listen
When we go to Him in Prayer.

So let's help keep Christ in Christmas
Lets be faithful to the end.
May we all be filled with Christian love
knowing Jesus as our friend.

Story - sent in by Jerrie Lou W.

This was Friday afternoon on Wood Lake

Well, it was warmer so after a few things I had to do earlier, plus Bob had to put the motor top back on too, we were able to go fishing at 3:30. But it was a futile adventure fish wise!!

But I saw the most amazing sort of reflection in the trees. I am thinking the lake was pretty calm, just these sort of geometric sort of waves. The sky was blue with a few cotton ball clouds, the sun was at an angle behind us towards the beach, with a very good reflection of the beach in the water, with a bit of a golden touch. I thought I saw water running up and down all the branches on this brown almost dead looking tree. At the base it looked like water was just pouring down, all silvery and motion. All the trees had this silvery stream going up and down the branches. We were fairly close and I could see almost vertical lines of light shimmering in front of the trees—like a mirror refection almost—maybe like a prism?? It was awe inspiring anyway!!! I wondered if a good photographer—well anyone with a camera, could capture that?

So with that thought of the maker of all light, I wish you all a wonderful Easter week end.
Love, JL