Yesterday, Today, Forever-

Thanks to Jennifer Schlick, Winter Woman , for the photo. It's not the shed in the story, but I love this barn. Reminds me of days we lived in Massachusetts! This is the true story of George Phillips of Meridian, Mississippi, who was going to bed when his wife told him that he'd left the light on in the shed. George opened the door to go turn off the light but saw there were people in the shed in the process of stealing things. He immediately phoned the police, who asked "Is someone in your house?" and George said no and explained the situation. Then they explained that all patrols were busy, and that he should simply lock his door and an officer would be there when available. George said, "Okay," hung up, counted to 30, and phoned the police again. "Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people in my shed. Well, you don't have to worry about them now because I've just shot them all." Then he hung up. Within five min...

He came to me in the midst of the storm. My little boat tossing and fighting each wave. HE held out HIS Hand and said, "Peace, be still." I looked on HIS face and knew, "HE WILL save." I yielded command of the sinking ship, And with patient, powerful, perfect control, Steering the vessel, HE changed its course! Visions of home now filled my soul! I'd thought all was hopeless, that I'd surely die, But HE stilled the torment, allayed all my fears! With mercy, compassion HE stayed by my side, And tenderly wiped away all my tears! He'll do the same for you, oh my friend! He is as close as just calling His Name! You've nothing to lose! Just give Him your SELF, You'll have eternal life as your gain! Karin Ristau

One joyful life, Suddenly and unexpectedly, Faces many challenges, changes and losses, Perception clouded by pain and grief, Flashbacks from a deep, dark time, Cynicism and pessimism shatter her serenity, Negativity and angry thoughts go off like a jack-in-the-box, Oppression too heavy to resolve alone, Seeking an infusion of hope, encouragement and direction, Desperately holding on; clinging. Some friends feel awkward, Overwhelmed by the passion and depth of her emotions, Can’t identify, have pain of their own, Create cruel boundaries, disheartening distance and withdraw. Display cold and indifferent objectivity, Devise labels for her character, Scratch their heads in spiritual concern, Take back all their human affection, Their very friendship, Their intimacy when most needed. Rejection increases her pain. Broken, betrayed and humbled, She takes refuge at the foot of the cross! It is Jesus Christ, her Redeemer, her Lord, her Friend, Who understands her best, as always! HE lifts the c...

All the trees are dusted Sugared, crisp and white. Fence posts look like snow cones; Candy lane delight! Dazzling ‘sicles dangle! Every child’s temptation! Who of us has never tried Wonderland’s creations? Crystal roses on the windows Sparkling, gleaming, purest joy! One warm breath; they disappear! Enchanting every girl and boy! Forts of snow with ammunition! How the memories remain! Lying down to make snow-angels. Could I live it once again? Oh, that chisel of the north wind Carves artistic frozen snowscapes Razor sharp its curved edges Cut across the silent lakes. Cold and hard like diamonds Glistening in the brilliant sun! Winter days! Impressive! Splendid! But this cold is no more fun. Karin Ristau Special thanks to Evi , Keeping Up With Yesterday and Doris , Beck Bulletin, for the use of their photos!

Psalm 1 1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Check this out and get a copy for your favorite teen Everyone working with youth should read this book and should make it available for every teenager to read! The tenth anniversary of this horrific shooting tragedy at Columbine is April 20th, 2009. We will remember! Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott are Rachel Joy Scott’s divorced parents. Respectfully and poignantly they tell the story of their personal and family’s struggles and victories as they dealt with the loss of their beloved Rachel, the 1st student of 13 killed. Though she has died, her story of faith in Jesus Christ speaks and influences lives in ever widening circles. It is an inspiring story about God’s grace and love in the lives of all affected. Particularly moving and revealing are Rachel’s journal pages and drawings showing this young girl’s spiritual journey of faith. Her thoughts, as well as her faith, are so mature for someone her age. She was a beautiful ordinary life-loving 17 year old, who had an extraordinary God,...

He's the new retiree and she still works. After a long day at work she comes home and asks, "So, hon, what have you been doing all day? He answers readily, "Oh, nothing." She says, "You did that yesterday!" He indignantly replies, "Well, I wasn't finished!!"