Yesterday, Today, Forever-

Link to above story here Standing to worship in reverence and awe. A flood of tears streamed down my face; What amazing love in His eyes I saw! His arms outstretched as if to say, “I love you!”  And suddenly I could see! He died for ALL on that cruel cross; But He would have died for only me! Karin Ristau

This little cross I now hold in my hand, Is not a luck charm or fine jewelery. It is a symbol of love and great sacrifice! God’s Son spilled His life-blood on Calvary. On a rugged and cruel, a hideous cross Christ suffered rejection and agony; Salvation is free, but it cost Him His life. What a symbol of hope for you and for me! “It is finished,” He cried  as He stretched out His arms. Now all those in bondage can be truly set free. Unlovely, unworthy, saved by mercy and grace! Yes, the cross is a symbol of victory. Karin Ristau

What a story! Be blessed! Nick Vujicic :: Attitude is Altitude :: No Arms, No Legs, No Worries

Ken and Melissa and their three! Please help me to  welcome our daughter-in-law Melissa  to blogland!   She started her blog today at  Melissa's MOMents !   We are so proud of her  as she and our son  face the challenges of living with  her diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis  and together raising three beautiful children,  the youngest of which is autistic.  We love you and keep you in our prayers!

Picture of a painting in our Recreation Auditorium LORD Help me To remember  that if I shut my brother  or sister out of my heart, I am shutting out You, automatically. Help me To realize  that I cannot possibly worship you Until I have attempted  to reconcile and restore all relationships. Help me To never break the bridge of forgiveness Over which I must travel to you. Help me To cancel all the debt that is owed to me, As you cancel mine. Help me To understand that I have no right To vengeance or a lifetime of resentment. Help me To extend forgiveness not grudgingly, But graciously. Help me To realize that I jeopardize  my own forgiveness When I withhold it from others. Help me To be obedient To your orders for me. Help me To choose to cover an offense  and always promote love, Not separation. Help me To reconstruct and build A new and better relationship. Father, help me To be as generous with others As you have been with me. Karin Ristau

God grant me the serenity  to accept the people I cannot change,  the courage to change the one I can,  and the wisdom to know it's ME.

Thanks Betsy from Joyful Reflections This photo is from the Dogwood Tree in their yard! There is a legend that at the time of crucifixion the dogwood had been the size of the oak and other forest trees. So firm and strong was the tree that it was chosen as the timber for the cross. To be used thus for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the tree, and Jesus nailed upon it, sensed this. In His gentle pity for all sorrow and suffering Jesus, it is told, said to the tree: " Because of your regret and pity for My suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross. Henceforth it shall be slender and bent and twisted and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross--two long and two short petals. And in the center of the outer edge of each petal there will be nail prints, brown with rust and stained with red, and in the center of the flower will be a crown of thorns, and all who see it will remember." The pink dogwood is said ...