Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. 2 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (NRSV)
ABCS &123S This ABCS & 123S PAGE has: Unless otherwise noted, the author is unknown for the selections on this site.
A lthough things are not perfect B ecause of trial or pain C ontinue in thanksgiving D o not begin to blame E ven when the times are hard F ierce winds are bound to blow G od is forever able H old on to what you know I magine life without His love J oy would cease to be K eep thanking Him for all the things L ove imparts to thee M ove out of "Camp Complaining" N o weapon that is known O n earth can yield the power P raise can do alone Q uit looking at the future R edeem the time at hand S tart every day with worship T o "thank" is a command U ntil we see Him coming V ictorious in the sky W e'll run the race with gratitude X alting God most high Y es, there will be good times and bad, but Z ion waits in glory where no one’s ever sad!
A Friend.... (A)ccepts you as you are (B)elieves in "you" (C)alls you just to say "HI" (D)oesn't give up on you (E)nvisions the whole of you (even the unfinished parts) (F)orgives your mistakes (G)ives unconditionally (H)elps you (I)nvites you over (J)ust "be" with you (K)eeps you close at heart (L)oves you for who you are (M)akes a difference in your life (N)ever Judges (O)ffers support (P)icks you up (Q)uiets your fears (R)aises your spirits (S)ays nice things about you (T)ells you the truth when you need to hear it (U)nderstands you (V)alues you (W)alks beside you (X)-plain things you don't understand (Y)ells when you won't listen and (Z)aps you back to reality
A lways put God first in your life.
B e a true friend and you will have many friends.
C ount and thank God for your many blessings daily.
D iscipline yourself. Decide to make your life count.
E dify and encourage others consistently.
F ollow great leaders and then become one.
G ive liberally and joyfully of your time, talents and means.
H ave an attitude of gratitude.
I nvert any negatives thrown your way. Turn them into positives.
J ourney through life one step and one day at a time.
K eep written goals set ahead. Make specific plans to accomplish them.
L ove and forgive everybody.
M aximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.
N ever, never, never give up!
O pen the door wide when opportunity knocks.
P ractice patience. Promote peace.
Q uit bad habits by replacing them with good habits.
R ead God's Word and other profitable material every chance you get.
S hare the Gospel whenever and wherever possible.
T ake time to appreciate everything and everyone God has given to you.
U se your God given common sense.
V isualize your dreams and stretch to reach for them
W atch, listen and pray without ceasing.
X amine your motives on a regular basis.
Y ield to the Holy Spirit when He prompts you.Z oom in on God's real purpose for your life.
1. You shall not worry, for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities. 2. You shall not be fearful, for most of the things you fear will never come to pass. 3. You shall not carry grudges, for they are the heaviest of all life's burdens. 4. You shall face each problem as it comes. You can only handle one at a time anyway. 5. You shall not take problems to bed with you, for they make very poor bedfellows. 6. You shall not borrow other people's problems. They can better care for them than you. 7. You shall not try to relive yesterday for good or ill, it is forever gone. Concentrate on what is happening in your life and be happy now! 8. You shall be a good listener, for only when you listen do you hear ideas different from your own. 9. You shall not become "bogged down" by frustration, for 90% of it is rooted in self-pity and will only interfere with positive action. 10. You shall count your blessings, never overlooking the small ones, for a lot of small blessings add up to a big one. The Second Ten Commandments 1. Thou shall not worry, for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities. 2. Thou shall not be fearful, for most of the things we fear never come to pass. 3. Thou shall not cross bridges before you come to them, for no one yet has succeeded in accomplishing this. 4. Thou shall face each problem as it comes. You can only handle one at a time anyway. 5. Thou shall not take problems to bed with you, for they make very poor bedfellows. 6. Thou shall not borrow other people's problems. They can better care for them than you can. 7. Thou shall not try to relive yesterday for good or ill, it is forever gone. Concentrate on what is happening in your life and be happy now! 8. Thou shall be a good listener, for only when you listen do you hear ideas different from your own. It is hard to learn something new when you are talking, and some people do know more than you do. 9. Thou shall not become "bogged down" by frustration, for 90% of it is rooted in self-pity and will only interfere with positive action. 10. Thou shall count thy blessings, never overlooking the small ones, for a lot of small blessings add up to a big one Author Unknown
Since thinking has much to do with what your life becomes, you might consider the following suggestions: 1. Stop depreciating yourself. There is a lot that is right in you. Empty your mind of failure thoughts and mistakes and start seeing yourself as a competent person. 2. Eliminate self-pity thoughts. Start thinking of what you have, instead of dwelling on what you may have lost. List your assets of personality and talent. 3. Quit thinking constantly of yourself. Think of others. Actually go out and look for someone who needs the kind of help you can give, and then give it freely. You will not maintain a continuing flow of abundance if your thoughts are only of yourself. 4. Remember the words of Goethe: "He who has a firm will molds the world to himself." Almighty God put a tough power into human beings called the will. Use it. 5. Have a goal and put an achievable timetable on it. 6. Stop wasting your mental energy on gripes and post-mortems, and start thinking about what to do now. Amazing things happen when you think constructively. 7. Every morning and every evening articulate these words aloud: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 8. Every day say three times: "This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it" (adapted from Psalms 118:24). 9. Think and practice joy every day. 10. Get enthusiasm; think enthusiasm; live enthusiastically!
1) Count your blessings. 2) Today, and every day, deliver more than you are getting paid to do. 3) Whenever you make a mistake or get knocked down by life, don’t look back at it too long. 4) Always reward your long hours of labor and toil in the very best way, surrounded by your family. 5) Build this day on a foundation of pleasant thoughts. 6) Let your actions always speak for you, but be forever on guard against the terrible traps of false pride and conceit that can halt your progress. 7) Each day is a special gift from God, and while life may not always be fair, you must never allow the pains, hurdles, and handicaps of the moment to poison your attitude and plans for yourself and your future. 8) Never again clutter your days or nights with so many menial and unimportant things that you have no time to accept a real challenge when it comes along. 9) Live this day as if it will be your last. 10) Beginning today, treat everyone you meet, friend or foe, loved one or stranger, as if they were going to be dead at midnight. 11) Laugh at yourself and at life. 12) Never neglect the little things. 13) Welcome every morning with a smile. 14) You will achieve your grand dream, a day at a time, so set goals for each day – not long and difficult projects, but chores that will take you, step by step, toward your rainbow. 15) Never allow anyone to rain on your parade and thus cast a pall of gloom and defeat on the entire day. 16) Search for the seed of good in every adversity. 17) Realize that true happiness lies within you. from “A Better Way to Live” by Og Mandino
1. TODAY I WILL NOT STRIKE BACK.... if someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is unkind, I will not respond in a like manner. 2. TODAY I WILL ASK GOD TO BLESS MY 'ENEMY' If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual. I understand "enemy" could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker or stranger. 3. TODAY I WILL BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT I SAY.... I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I do not spread gossip. 4. TODAY I WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE... I will find ways to help share the burden of another person. 5. TODAY I WILL FORGIVE.... I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way. 6. TODAY I WILL DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE, BUT I WILL DO IT IN SECRET... I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another. 7. TODAY I WILL TREAT OTHERS THE WAY I WISH TO BE TREATED... I will practice the golden rule. "Do Unto others as I would have them do unto me"- with EVERYONE I encounter. 8. TODAY I WILL RAISE THE SPIRITS OF SOMEONE WHO IS DISCOURAGED... My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the difference to someone who is wrestling with life. 9. TODAY I WILL NURTURE MY BODY... I will eat less... I will eat only healthy foods. I will thank God for my body. 10. TODAY I WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY... I will spend a little more time in prayer today. I will begin reading something spiritual or inspirational; I will find a quiet place (at some point during this day) and listen to God's voice. These lines were penned by a young pastor in Africa and tacked to a wall in his house.
1. Wake Up - Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice & be glad in it" Psalms 118:24 2. Dress Up - The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart" I Sam 16:7 3. Shut Up - Say nice things & learn to listen. God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul" Proverbs 13:3 "Gossip betrays confidence avoid men who talk too much" Proverbs 20:19 "Listen to advice, accept instruction and in the end, you will be wise" Proverbs 19:20 4. Stand Up - For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10 5. Look Up - To the Lord. "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13 6. Reach Up - For something higher. Always try to better yourself. 7. Lift Up - Your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING" Philippians 4:6
Many people know the opening lyrics to "The Twelve Days of Christmas." But few know that behind the somewhat silly counting song is essential Christian doctrine. The song was composed by Catholics in England during the 16th century, who were forbidden by law to practice their Catholic faith. The only legal church in England was the state church. To teach their children basic doctrine, they used nonsense songs that would not raise the suspicions of the non-Catholics around them, but would remind the children of their faith. The explanation of the twelve days is below. On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me The first day of the Christmas celebration is counted from December 26, the day after Christmas, to January 6, the traditional day for celebrating the coming of the wise men to worship Jesus, also called the day of "Epiphany."
A partridge in a pear tree The mother partridge will lure enemies away from her nest of defenseless chicks in order to protect them. She will literally risk her life for her children. The partridge in this song is a hidden reference to Christ, who declared, "I lay down my life for the sheep" John 10:14-15. Jesus himself uses a bird analogy in Matthew 23:37: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. The pear tree symbolizes the cross, a literary usage called metonymy, whereby a thing is signified by a part or a whole of that thing. Jesus was crucified on a "tree," Paul says Gal. 3:13; that is, a cross made out of a tree.
Two turtle doves The turtle doves stand both for the two testaments in the Bible, but also, according to some traditions, the two turtle doves offered at Jesus' dedication in the Temple when he was twelve Lev. 12:8; Luke 2:24. All of the temple sacrifices are symbolic of the one sacrifice Christ made by giving his life as a just payment for the sins of all Heb. 10:1-10.
Three French Hens French Hens were very expensive during the 16th century, and thus are symbolic of the three costly gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh given by the wise men Matt. 2:10-11. An alternate significance is symbolism depicting the value of the three Christ virtues, faith, hope, and charity (sacrificial love) 1 Cor. 13:13. Other forms of the song use the French Hens to symbolize the three persons of the trinity.
Four Calling Birds The Calling Birds stand for the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. John 20:30-31.
Five Golden Rings The Rings stand for the first five books of the Old Testament, the "law of Moses" so often referenced in scripture, the "Torah" as they are called by Jews. The Torah tells the story of man's fall into sin and reconciliation through the Messiah. Luke 24:25-27.
Six Geese A-laying Eggs are an almost universal symbol of new life. The "laying" geese, therefore, stand for the six days of creation Gen. 1:31-2:2.
Seven Swans a Swimming The swans symbolize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit listed in Romans 12:6-8: We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously, if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Eight Maids A-milking The maids who milked the cows were the least of the servants in a home. Their job symbolized Christ's faithfulness even to us who don't deserve his love Rom. 5:1-5. The eight maids stand for the eight "beatitudes" or blessings listed in Matthew 5:3-10: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Nine Ladies Dancing The nine ladies remind us of the nine "fruits of the Spirit" described in Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Ten Lords A-leaping Lords established the law in their own jurisdictions. The Lords stand for the Ten Commandments Ex. 20:3-17, which are holy and good, by which we should live, and by which we are justly condemned because of our sin Gal. 3:10-28.
Eleven Pipers Piping The Pipers remind us of the eleven original apostles who did not forsake the faith Acts 1:13 as Judas did in betraying Christ John 17:12; and through whom the good news of the gospel was preached "to the whole world" Matt. 28:19; Rom. 10:18-21. Twelve Drummers Drumming The Apostles' Creed is one of the earliest "confessions" of faith that summarize the basic teachings of biblical Christian faith. Orthodox confessions are not meant to add to or replace scripture, but to summarize its teachings. They can be recited at will to remind us of the basics of the Christian faith. The Drummers "set the pace," reminders of what we believe by symbolizing the twelve doctrines summarized in the Apostles' Creed: I believe in God the Father, maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, we crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day he rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. He shall return to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, The holy Christian church, the communion of saints, The forgiveness of sins, The resurrection of the body, And life everlasting. by Gretchen Passantino
1. Pray 2. Go to bed on time. 3. Get up on time so you can start the day unhurried. 4. Say "No" to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health 5. Delegate tasks to capable others. 6. Simplify and get your life uncluttered. 7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.) 8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places. 9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together. 10. Take one day at a time. 11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern find out what God would have you to do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation ... forget it. 12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases. 13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc., 14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble. 15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday. 16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line. 17. Get enough exercise. 18. Eat right. 19. Get organized so everything has its place. 20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life. 21. Write thoughts and inspirations down. 22. Every day, find time to be alone. 23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray. 24. Make friends with Godly people. 25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand. 26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you, Jesus!" 27. Laugh. 28. Laugh some more! 29. Take your work seriously, but yourself not at all. 30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can). 31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most). 32. Sit on your ego. 33. Talk less; listen more. 34. Slow down. 35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe. 36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
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