http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic Notes from jcscowtown's Evernote Openbook: Jcscowtown-Public Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:32:35 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#7e0599f7-4725-4f3e-ac8a-3a235a27c877 Find 66 Books Of Bible Puzzle

There are the names of all the books of the Bible in these paragraphs (not counting 1's and 2's) See how many of the 69 you can find.
****
My name is Samuel Levit. I customized my name because people made remarks about me being related to the furniture company Sam Levitz. My son is named Odus. Don’t ask me to explain his name the story is too complex. Odus likes music. The other day he told me he had written the song of songs. He acts like it’s the next big hit, but it left me only lukewarm. I hope he finds something else to do. I also have a daughter named Diana. She is looking so hard for a job. A Diahann Brewster called yesterday to interview my daughter. Two women, with basically the same first name, talking together on the phone, that was a most confusing conversation let me tell you! The Brewsters own a tax preparation service next door to the Francophile Monastery. Father Eugene, Sister Mary Francis, and Johnson & Johnson are clients of theirs. Father Eugene is from Romanshire, Northern Ireland. He said he studied Greek in Corinth. I answered that he is a real pro! Verbs and nouns in the Greek are difficult to learn.
I asked Mr. Brewster for tax advice. He said that tips, alms, and donations were deductible, I just need a receipt. My brother Philipp asked if travel expenses were deductible. He just came back from the Holy land. He toured Judea. The tour guide, Timothy, said that it usually costs a lot of money to take side trips unexpectedly. The tour group had asked if they could see the historic sites of the Galatians, Colossians, and the Thessalonians. The tour guide said no, but the Ephesian site is open. Philipp said a hag gained access to his travel bag. “Philipp,” I answered, “did she get your camera?” He said he had it with him or she would have. Philipp said he would be in a jam, especially with mom, if that lady had taken the camera. That’s because it belongs to her.
Philipp told me about a souvenir shop he visited. He said he saw a pez, rabbi candy dispenser. Imagine th... ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:32:35 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#7e0599f7-4725-4f3e-ac8a-3a235a27c877 http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#cb3fb8cb-b97b-4941-8236-dfb7c421b98f When I Say I Am A Christian

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not shouting "I am saved."
I'm whispering "I was lost";
That is why I chose this way.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble,
And need someone to be my guide.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak,
And pray for strength to carry on.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed,
And cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are too visible,
But God believes I'm worth it.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches,
Which is why I speak His name.

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority;
I only know I'm loved.

Copyright 1989, Carol S. Wimmer ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:30:42 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#cb3fb8cb-b97b-4941-8236-dfb7c421b98f http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#ae66667b-3493-45f8-b095-054523dfb42b Use Me

Use me big or use me small, I said,
All the while believing it would be
Some ostensible, important place--
An elevated niche. But then instead,
He beckoned me away from dignity
To serve where men might see His face
And never mine.

Lord, raise some dias in the throng
Where fury crosses crowded ways--
There build Your theatre of hope
Where many ears may hear my song.
I'll teach ten-thousand tongues to praise
And add to the meaning greater scope.
Oh, use me splendidly!

It's strange I now hang by my hands
In crucifixion. Reason fails...
He gave me utter anonymity.
None see my sacrifice! The stands
Are empty now. These ugly nails
Were driven in obscurity--
A tragedy unseen.

I don't mind the dying, Lord,
But here, apart? Without impact??
No, please...give me a public stake
Much jeered and hooted, hatred stored
In some arena, scoffer packed...
Still You ordained that we must take
Our calvaries together, if apart.

- Calvin Miller ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:30:06 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#ae66667b-3493-45f8-b095-054523dfb42b http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#3ad7b00b-f3c9-490e-98ce-3aa0856fec7e Two Boxes

I have in my hands two boxes
Which God gave me to hold
He said, “Put all your sorrows in the black,
And all your joys in the gold.”
I heeded His words, and in the two boxes
Both my joys and sorrows I store
But though the gold became heavier each day
The black was as light as before.
With curiosity, I opened the black
I wanted to find out why
And I saw, in the base of the box, a hole
Which my sorrows had fallen out by.
I showed the hole to God, and mused aloud,
“I wonder where my sorrows could be.”
He smiled a gentle smile at me.
“My child, they’re all here with me.”
I asked, “God, why give me the boxes,
Why the gold, and the black with the hole?”
“My child, the gold is for you to count your blessings,
the black is for you to let go. ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:29:32 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#3ad7b00b-f3c9-490e-98ce-3aa0856fec7e http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#86dbfd80-2d75-413d-b367-2e2b5e5e1857 Twas A Sheep

Twas a sheep not a lamb that strayed away
In the parable Jesus told,
A grown up sheep that had gone astray
From the ninety and nine in the fold.

Out on the hillside, out in the cold,
'Twas a sheep the Good Shepherd sought
And back to the flock, safe into the fold
'Twas a sheep the Good Shepherd brought.

And why for the sheep should we earnestly long
And as earnestly hope and pray?
Because there is danger if they go wrong
They will lead the lambs astray.
For the lambs will follow the sheep, you know,
Wherever the sheep may stray
When the sheep go wrong it will not be long
Til the lambs are as wrong as they.

And so with the sheep we earnestly plead
For the sake of the lambs today
If a sheep is lost, what a terrible cost
Some lamb will have to pay.
Author Unknown ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:28:57 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#86dbfd80-2d75-413d-b367-2e2b5e5e1857 http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#40c5d53b-e6b6-477b-a941-233820525901 TV Guide

They lie on the table side by side
The Holy Bible and the T.V. Guide.
One is well worn and cherished with pride.
Not the Bible, but the T.V. Guide.
One is used daily to help folks decide.
No, not the Bible, but the T.V. Guide.
As the pages are turned, what shall they see.
Oh, what does it matter, turn on the T.V.
So they open the book in which they confide.
No, not the Bible, but the T.V. Guide.
The Word of God is seldom read.
Maybe a verse before they fall into bed.
Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be.
Not from reading the Bible, from watching T.V.
So then back to the table side by side,
Lie the Holy Bible and the T.V. Guide.
No time for prayer, no time for the Word,
The plan of Salvation is seldom heard.
But forgiveness of sin, so full and free,
Is found in the Bible, not on T.V. ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:28:04 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#40c5d53b-e6b6-477b-a941-233820525901 http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#526f030e-42d7-48d6-94de-d58d7fddc0d9 The Temple

A Builder builded a temple,
He wrought it with grace and skill;
Pillars and groins and arches
All fashioned to work his will.
Men said, as they saw its beauty,
"It shall never know decay;
Great is thy skill, O Builder!
Thy fame shall endure for aye"

A Mother builded a temple,
With loving and infinite care,
Planning each arch with patience,
Laying each stone with prayer.
None praised her unceasing efforts,
None knew of her wondrous plan,
For the temple the Mother builded
Was unseen by the eyes of man.

Gone is the Builder's temple,
Crumpled into the dust;
Low lies each stately pillar,
Food for consuming rust.
But the temple the Mother builded
Will last while the ages roll,
For that beautiful unseen temple
Was a child's immortal soul.

by Hattie Vose Hall ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:27:30 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#526f030e-42d7-48d6-94de-d58d7fddc0d9 http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#c59e7234-882b-4741-88ec-cfe59d7d38a8 The Saloon

The Saloon is sometimes called a Bar,
A Bar to heaven, a door to hell
Whoever named it, named it well...

A Bar to manliness and wealth
A door to want and broken health
A Bar to honor, pride, and fame
A door to grief and sin and shame
A Bar to hope, a Bar to prayer
A door to darkness and despair
A Bar to honored useful life
A door to brawling, senseless strife
A Bar to all that's true and brave
A door to every drunkard's grave
A Bar to joys that home imparts
A door to tears and aching hearts

A Bar to heaven, a door to hell
Whoever named it, named it well!

(written by a lifer in Joliet Prison)

Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has contentions? Who has complaints?
Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?
Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine.

Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly. At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things. Your heart will utter perverse things.

Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying:
""They have struck me, but I was not hurt.
""They have beaten me, but I did not feel it.
""When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?''
Proverbs 23.29-35

Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink arouses brawling, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Pr 20.1

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit. Eph 5.18

Better sleep with a sober cannibal than a drunken Christian. Herman Melville (Moby Dick)

He that drinks fast pays slow. Ben Franklin (Poor Richard's Almanac) ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:26:53 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#c59e7234-882b-4741-88ec-cfe59d7d38a8 http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#bc45c453-71c9-4f47-9e14-f5c1b185e844 The Kid

There was a kid who lived on my block,
A door or two away,
A fine young lad of five or so,
I saw him every day.

He would smile at me on my block,
As I went to work each day,
And he'd wave to me on Sunday,
As I went to church to pray.

How I wished he were a Christian,
That he knew our Lord divine,
And I really meant to tell him,
If I ever found the time.

But my days were filled with things to do,
And the years just rolled on by,
Then one night in the news I read...
Of a foolish man who died.

It said he overdosed on drugs,
They found him dead that day,
He had no purpose in his life,
So he threw it all away.

""Won't they ever learn?"" I muttered.
Then I read the dead man's name...
T'was the kid who lived on my block,
And I hung my head in shame.

I hadn't found the time to tell him
of the Lord -- I never tried --
As I passed him by each Sunday,
With my Bible at my side.

Is there a kid who lives on YOUR block,
Just a door or two away?
Do you think that Jesus loves him?
Did you pass him by today?

Don't you wish he were a Christian?
That he knew your Lord divine?
Then perhaps some day you'll tell him...
(If you ever find the time.)

Dedicated to Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF)
by WPT Bellgamin

]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:26:11 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#bc45c453-71c9-4f47-9e14-f5c1b185e844 http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#6cd52395-eeeb-4c14-a81c-01310a28a9d3 The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on his Tombstone
from the beginning... To the end.
He Noted that first came the date of his birth
and Spoke of the following date with tears,
but he Said what mattered most of all
was the dash Between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
that he spent alive on earth...
And now Only those who loved him
know what that little Line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we Own;
the cars.... The house... The cash.
What Matters is how we live and love
and how we Spend our dash.
So think about this long and Hard...
Are there things you'd like to change?
For You never know how much time is left.
(You Could be at "dash mid-range.")
If we could just Slow down enough to consider
what's true and Real, and always try
to understand the way other People feel.
And be less quick to anger, and Show appreciation more
and love the people in Our lives like we've never loved before.
If we Treat each other with respect,
and more often Wear a smile....
remember that this special dash
Might only last a while.
So, when your eulogy's
Being read with your life's actions to rehash...
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

Author unknown ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:23:54 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#6cd52395-eeeb-4c14-a81c-01310a28a9d3 http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#b5ceb643-4737-4aa0-96b4-67a0b15cb7e5 The Child

The child whispered,
“God, speak to me”
And a meadowlark sang
But the child did not hear.
So the child yelled,
“God, speak to me!”
And the thunder rolled across the sky
But the child did not listen.
The child looked around and said,
“God let me see you”
And a star shone brightly
But the child did not notice.
And the child shouted,
“God show me a miracle!”
And a life was born
But the child did not know.
So the child cried out in despair,
“Touch me God, and let me know you are here!”
Whereupon God reached down
And touched the child.
But the child brushed the butterfly away
And walked away unknowingly ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:23:23 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#b5ceb643-4737-4aa0-96b4-67a0b15cb7e5 http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#e8d90256-f5d0-428e-a3f7-f543c9494dca The Bible Poem

by George Rigby
Written in Damascus, Syria in 1941

Jump to biography
Introduction The Bible's Books are Sixty Six
The Spirit - their recorder;
Their stories - how they can transfix
So here they are - in order.


OLD Testament In GENESIS I will begin
With Adam, and with Eve
Who knew not any form of sin
'Til Satan did deceive.

Now EXODUS will tell us most
Of Moses - Man of God,
And how he led all Israel's host
When many miles they trod.

To LEVITICUS you have to turn
And read about the law;
The sacrifices which did burn
Unblemished - without flaw.

The next one tells of sin and shame
And how it all encumbers.
This book is good - here is its name
DEUTERONOMY - after NUMBERS.

Now JOSHUA was told to do
By vision - and by sound
To there and then remove his shoe
From off the Holy Ground.

JUDGES tells us - all forlorn
Of Samson and Delilah,
And how his lovely locks were shorn
His sight gone - nothing viler.

Then next, there comes a parting scene
The story - we all know as
The understanding love between
Naomi - RUTH - and Boaz.

First and second SAMUEL,
First and second KINGS :
They are a first class manual
And full of wondrous things.

First and second CHRONICLES now
Speak of one good Sire
Who gave his gold, and cedar bough
Hiram - King of Tyre.

In EZRA Six - and verse nineteen
A feast has been restored
The Israelites - it will be seen
Had God, their Lord, ignored.

Their story you will all recall
Concerning - NEHEMIAH
Who started on Jerusalem's wall
And built it - Higher and Higher.

In ESTHER there's a warning
And loudly - it is rung
For Haman was, one morning
On his own gallows - hung.

Faith is something hoped for
The evidence - not yet seen;
JOB had faith, with patience
And few - like him - there's been.

David wrote the book of PSALMS
And one day in his path
He slew a man, of brawny arms
Goliath - the giant of Gath.

King Solomon was very wise
The PROVERBS he did write.
To fame, and power, he did arise
Please read this book - tonight.

ECCLESIASTES, Five-verse one
Is very plainly put
So when you to God's house have gone
Remember - keep thy foot.

SONG OF SOLOMON, speaks of Love
So tur... ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:16:57 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#e8d90256-f5d0-428e-a3f7-f543c9494dca http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#9fe9f2ea-58b7-4716-9dfd-2f3c315bc775 Stuff

Here's to our things - our junk - our stuff!
No matter how much, there's never enough.
There's stuff in our drawers, stuff in our closets,
And empty containers for future deposits.

We've got stuff in the attic and in the garage
Jumbled together, the small with the large.
Broken or useless, in bags without measure
Kept for the time one will think it a treasure.

What is it with "stuff" that we hold it so dear,
That we cram it in there and jam it in here?
Our children share rooms until they are grown,
But most family's stuff has a room of its own!

The heap we amass in our own life's duration,
We solemnly bequeath to the next generation;
Who will stack up that stuff to such dizzying heights
That just walking by it would give one a fright!

How was the thought born upon this good earth
That the sum of our stuff is our measure of worth?
That all that we are is all that we own?
How very far from the truth we have grown!

Is it stuff that will save us? Can it forgive?
Does it validate the life that we live?
Can the contents of bags and boxes and closets
Affect the way God looks upon us?

Was He seeing this weakness, had He a clue,
When He proclaimed that in Heaven, "All things will be new!"?
When He comes in His glory, surely it will be clear
That our stuff is just junk - and we'll leave it all here!

© 1993 Sue Burns ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:15:39 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#9fe9f2ea-58b7-4716-9dfd-2f3c315bc775 http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#4a964826-b3f3-4282-8028-faf10294c5b2 Somebody

 · Somebody is very proud of you
· Somebody is thinking of you
· Somebody is caring about you
· Somebody misses you
· Somebody wants to talk to you
· Somebody wants to be with you
· Somebody hopes you are not in trouble
· Somebody is thankful for the support that you have provided
· Somebody wants to hold your hand
· Somebody hopes everything turns out alright
· Somebody wants you to be happy
· Somebody wants you to find him/her
· Somebody wants to give you a gift
· Somebody wants to hug you
· Somebody thinks you ARE a gift
· Somebody admires your strength
· Somebody wants to protect you
· Somebody can’t wait to see you
· Somebody loves you for who you are
· Somebody treasures your spirit
· Somebody is glad that you are their friend
· Somebody wants to get to know you better
· Somebody wants you to know they are there for you
· Somebody would do anything for you
· Somebody wants to share their dreams with you
· Somebody is alive because of you
· Somebody needs your support
· Somebody trusts you
· Somebody hears a song that reminds them of you

Source unknown ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:14:42 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#4a964826-b3f3-4282-8028-faf10294c5b2 http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#0af6bcee-7a3d-4550-958b-5100b37b450c Some Folks

Some folks in looks take so much pride
They don't think much of what's inside;
Well, as for me, I know my face
Can ne'er be made a thing of grace
And so I rather think I'll see
How I can fix inside of me;
So folks'll say, ""He looks like sin
But ain't he beautiful within!

Anonymous ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:12:45 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#0af6bcee-7a3d-4550-958b-5100b37b450c http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#84146318-53f6-4dee-a54a-67f8b45d9178 Poor Little Sheep

Poor little black sheep that strayed away,
Got lost in the wind and rain,
And the Shepherd He said, "O hireling,
Go find my sheep again."

And the hireling frowned, "O Shepherd,
That sheep is black and bad."
But the Shepherd He smiled, like the little black sheep
Was the only lamb that He had,
Was the only lamb that He had.

And He said, "O hireling, hasten!
For the wind and the rain are cold,
And the little black sheep is lonesome
Out there so far from the fold."

And the hireling frowned, "O Shepherd,
That sheep is old and gray."
But the Shepherd He smiled, like the little black sheep
Was fair as the break of day,
Was fair as the break of day.
And He said, "O hireling, hasten!
Lo, here is the ninety and nine,
But there, way off from the sheep fold,
Is that little black sheep of mine."

And the hireling frowned, "O Shepherd,
The rest of the sheep are here."
But the Shepherd He smiled 'cause the little black sheep
He held it most greatly dear,
He held it most greatly dear.

Then the Shepherd went out in the darkness,
Where the night was cold and bleak,
And the little black sheep He found it,
And laid it against His cheek.

And the hireling frowned, "O Shepherd,
Don't bring that sheep to me."
But the Shepherd He smiled, and He held it close,
And that little black sheep -- was me!
And that little black sheep -- was me! ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:12:14 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#84146318-53f6-4dee-a54a-67f8b45d9178 http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#b4e4999a-55b2-4434-a3f9-183df6be69f8 People

People are often unreasonable,
Illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind,
People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful,
You will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank,
People may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building,
Someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness,
They may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today,
People will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have,
And it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis,
It is between you and God;
It never was between you and them anyway.
Source unknown ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:11:29 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#b4e4999a-55b2-4434-a3f9-183df6be69f8 http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#eda3b236-f617-4ddc-a2d5-22cb0533d08b One Ship

One ship drives east and another drives west
With the selfsame winds that blow.
'Tis the set of the sails
And not the gales
Which tells us the way to go.

Like the winds of the sea are the ways of fate,
As we voyage along through life.
'Tis the set of the soul
That decides its goal,
And not the calm or the strife.

by Ella Wheeler Wilcox ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:11:01 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#eda3b236-f617-4ddc-a2d5-22cb0533d08b http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#efbdc308-786e-41e7-a350-69235af15ef8 One Night In Late October

One night in late October,
When I was far from sober,
Returning with my load with manly pride,
My feet began to stutter,
So I lay down in the gutter,
And a pig came near and lay down by my side;
A lady passing by was heard to say:
"You can tell a man who boozes,
By the company he chooses,"
And the pig got up and slowly walked away.

by Francis Lage Hayes

Wine is a mocker,
Intoxicating drink arouses brawling,
And whoever is led astray by it is not wise
Proverbs 20.1

Do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation;
But be filled with the Spirit
Ephesians 5.18 ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:10:26 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#efbdc308-786e-41e7-a350-69235af15ef8 http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#bd6e278a-6bcf-415c-b027-319ca1c65c3c My Wish

I seek in prayerful words, dear friend,
My heart's true wish to send you,
That you may know that, far or near,
My loving thoughts attend you.

I cannot find a truer word,
Nor better to address you,
Nor song nor poem I have heard
Is sweeter than, "God bless you!"

God bless you! So I wish you all
Of brightness life possesses.
For can there any joy at all
Be yours unless God blesses?

God bless you! So I breathe a charm
Lest grief's dark night oppress you,
For how can sorrow bring you harm
If 'tis God's will to bless you?

And so, through all thy days
May shadows touch thee never --
But this alone -- God bless thee!
-- Then thou art safe forever.


Anonymous ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:09:41 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#bd6e278a-6bcf-415c-b027-319ca1c65c3c http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#10c84702-b2a4-45e9-8b71-833f28103bbf My Grace Is Sufficient

How long is too long, how much is too much
When enduring the trials we must go through?
Yet, through questions I hear a whisper,
“My grace is sufficient for you.”
Oh Lord, where are answers, where is understanding?
When will there be focus to my view?
And a still quiet voice responds in love,
“My grace is sufficient for you.”
But there’s pain and heartbreak,
Indescribable sadness, shattered dreams, and darkness too.
But through the darkness Your Light shines on,
“My grace is sufficient for you.”
We cannot grasp the meaning, the whys and why nots
When days no longer dawn anew.
But Your peace attaches to the promise,
“My grace is sufficient for you.”
Please keep our hope from fading
When doubt appears and we don’t know what to do.
For strength springs from Your words,
“My grace is sufficient for you.”
Someday the pain will ease, sorrow will subside
And skies will return to blue.
Until that time, let us rest in Your words,
“My grace is sufficient for you.” ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:09:10 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#10c84702-b2a4-45e9-8b71-833f28103bbf http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#0b53e455-f1d0-4c62-ae31-cd8351cbd902 Jesus And Alexander

Jesus and Alexander died at age thirty-three.

One lived and died for self; one died for you and me;

The Greek died on a throne; the Jew died on a cross;

One's life a triumph seemed; the other but a loss.

One lead vast armies fourth; the other walked alone.

One shed a whole world's blood; the other gave His own.

One won the world in life and lost it all in death;

The other lost His life to win the whole world's faith.



Jesus and Alexander died at age thirty-three.

One died in Babylon, and one on Calvary.

One gained all for himself; and one Himself He gave,

One conquered every throne; the other every grave.

The one made himself God, and God made Himself less,

The one lived but to blast, the other but to bless.

When died the Greek, forever fell his throne of swords;

But Jesus died to live forever Lord of Lords.



Jesus and Alexander died at age thirty-three.

The Greek made all men slaves; the Jew made all men free.

One built a throne on blood; the other from above.

One won all this earth, to lose all earth and heaven.

The other gave up all, that all to Him be given.

The Greek forever died; the Jew forever lives

He loses all who gets, and wins all things who gives.



Charles Ross Weede ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:07:30 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#0b53e455-f1d0-4c62-ae31-cd8351cbd902 http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#9566b252-dbf3-4846-b2c8-d7335fe261a3
Immanuel

by C. H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
(written at age eighteen)

Emmanuel,
which being interpreted is, God with us
(Matthew 1:23).

hen once I mourned a load of sin;
When conscience felt a wound within;
When all my works were thrown away;
When on my knees I knelt to pray,
Then, blissful hour, remembered well,
I learned Thy love, Immanuel.

When storms of sorrow toss my soul;
When waves of care around me roll;
When comforts sink, when joys shall flee;
When hopeless griefs shall gape for me,
One word the tempest's rage shall quell--
That word, Thy name, Immanuel.

When for the truth I suffer shame;
When foes pour scandal on my name;
When cruel taunts and jeers abound;
When ""Bulls of Bashan"" gird me round,
Secure within Thy tower I'll dwell--
That tower, Thy grace, Immanuel.

When hell enraged lifts up her roar;
When Satan stops my path before;
When fiends rejoice and wait my end;
When legioned hosts their arrows send,
Fear not, my soul, but hurl at hell
Thy battle-cry, Immanuel.

When down the hill of life I go;
When o'er my feet death's waters flow;
When in the deep'ning flood I sink;
When friends stand weeping on the brink,
I'll mingle with my last farewell
Thy lovely name, Immanuel.

When tears are banished from mine eye;
When fairer worlds than these are nigh;
When heaven shall fill my ravished sight;
When I shall bathe in sweet delight,
One joy all joys shall far excel,
To see Thy face, Immanuel.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon
(1834-1892) ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:06:56 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#9566b252-dbf3-4846-b2c8-d7335fe261a3 http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#d45ff6ee-3a8f-4b73-979b-82475a36b36d If Jesus Came To Your House

If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two-
If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you'd do.
Oh, I know you'd give your nicest room to such an honored guest.
And the food you'd serve to Him would be the very best.
And you would keep assuring Him you're glad to have Him there-
That serving Him in your own home is joy beyond compare.


But-when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door
With arms outstretched in welcome to your heavenly visitor?
Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in?
Or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they'd been?
Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn't heard,
And wish you hadn't uttered that last, hasty word?

Would you hide your worldly books and put some hymnbooks out?
Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about?
And I wonder if the Savior spent a day or two with you,
Would you go right on doing the things you always do?
Would you keep right on saying the things you always say?
Would life for you continue as it does from day to day?

Would your family conversation keep up its usual pace?
And would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace?
Would you sing the songs you always sing and read the books you read
And let Him know the things on which your mind and spirit feed?
Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you'd planned to go,
Or would you maybe change your plans for just a day or so?


Would you be glad to have Him meet you very closest friends,
Or would you hope they'd stay away until His visit ends?
Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on,
Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last is gone?
It might be interesting to know the things that you would do
If Jesus Christ in Person came to spend some time with you.

If Jesus came to your house, Christian, aren't you aware
That by the Holy Spirit He is already there?
Your body is His temple, your yielded heart His throne,
Your deeds and words and motives - all to Him are known.
Obey His Word and Spirit: to grieve Him is a sin,
Oh, recognize God's presence, pr... ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:06:01 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#d45ff6ee-3a8f-4b73-979b-82475a36b36d http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#0ffd176b-037c-4bcf-b58b-38da3b485680 If I Knew

If I knew it would be the last time I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted
up in praise, I would video tape each action and word so I
could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute
or two to stop and say ""I love you"" instead of assuming you KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day.
Well, I'm sure you'll have so many more so, I can let this one slip away.

For, surely, there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance to make everything alright.

There will always be another day to say our ""I love you's"".
And certainly there's another chance to say our ""Anything I can do's.""

But, just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you and hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight.

So, if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today

For if tomorrow never comes, you'll surely regret the day
that you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or kiss,

And you were too busy to grant someone what turned out to
be their one last wish.

So, hold your loved ones close today, whisper in their ear,

Tell them how much you love them and that you'll always
hold them dear.

Take the time to say ""I'm sorry"", ""Please forgive me"",
""Thank you"" or ""It's okay""

And if tomorrow never comes, you'll have no regrets about today ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:04:57 GMT http://www.evernote.com/pub/jcscowtown/JcscowtownPublic#0ffd176b-037c-4bcf-b58b-38da3b485680