Christmas Cards – why?

Some people may have already started decorating for Christmas, yet in some households the traditional time to “deck the halls” comes right after Thanksgiving.

There are also cards to send out (although a lot of people have evolved more to cyber greetings then using the standard Christmas card). Or are people waiting to see who will send them a card first? Sending cards should not be a chore or an obligation. It’s a time to “reach out and touch someone”.

Yes, the cost of stamps has increased; yet take note how the number of your friends, relatives and associates may have dwindled. Some people may have died or just aren’t doing as well as you seem to be doing. They may be “too busy” (now that’s a sad and overused expression – we’re all busy these days), they might have lost your address, or they may have lost their joy – ‘Bah Humbug’. Your card may be the only tangible thing they receive, and can look at throughout the year, knowing that someone still cares.

Cyber cards are fine; however a hand written card is exceptional. It may take a little time, effort and money (you don’t have to get expensive cards); nonetheless it shows that you thought enough to send the very best (sounds like a slogan doesn’t it?). Even if you get your secretary to do the work for you, it’s better than putting all you addressed in “CC or BCC”, adding a cute little graphic and hitting the “send button”.

You may not want to “stay-in-touch” anymore (because the other person didn’t respond last year or they just ‘ticked-you-off’), but give the communication effort a couple of years before you decide to disconnect. You may need to let the other person know that they offended you; then do it with kindness, forgive them and move on with your life. The question to ask yourself is, “Who are your friends or who are mere acquaintances that you no longer have a ‘common bond’ with?” Sometimes it’s a tough decision (does the person need your friendship, or are they just sucking the life out of you?) After the second year of no response, it’s time to let it go.

Instead of thinking how horrible your life may be right now or how you wish you were like ‘so and so’; consider that you may be better off the way you are (hold that thought until you watch the video to your left). Whatever the reason, this is the season to forgive. You still should have someone that could use a kind word from you this year.

If you’ve been blessed to have someone’s physical address, then go ahead – send them a card. The longer you live – the shorter your Christmas card list may become. It shouldn’t be hard to stay in touch at least once a year. Take a little time out of your busy schedule and send a card today. It’s good to get something in the mail besides bills and advertisements.

Vote - November 2, 2010

There use to be a time when politicians would tell you what they were going to do if elected into office (even if they lied); today it a ‘blame game’. “Ads get meaner as election gets closer”, was a title of an article on Yahoo.

“Sad Sam is the scum of the earth. He has never kept his promises.” “Ranting Alice can’t run a city commission, so how can she run a state?” - “Yes, I can!” “Mario was kicked out of office because of xyz… – do you want him as governor of your state?” And the political slurs ramble on and on.

Even if you didn’t vote him into office, President Obama had a positive & supportive campaign. People who hadn’t voted in decades, came out in groves to support him and the same for JFK too (Catholics stuck together).

So what is a citizen to do? Take time to review each candidate; eliminate the losers and chose the one who is still standing. You may want to say, “None of the above”, but don’t use that as an excuse not to vote.

Pray, take your time, and use your constitutional right to vote in Jacksonville, Florida and in your community this November 2, 2010.

Qur’an Burning in Florida - Prayer Still Changes Things 9/11, 2010

James 5:16 (King James Version, Biblegateway.com) “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”.

Much has been happening here in Florida and I’m covering the local events in Gainesville. If you would like to read what a Muslim has to say concerning the “Burning of Qur’ans on the 9th anniversary of 9/11; go to the site on Examiner.com Koran (Qur'an) burning in Florida - update - Jacksonville Christian Living | Examiner.com, VOTE and leave your comments.

Continue to be blessed in order to be a bigger blessing.
Ms. “V”

Righteous Indignation, what is it?

Righteous indignation is typically a reactive emotion of anger over perceived mistreatment, insult, or malice. It is akin to what is called the sense of injustice. In some Christian doctrines, righteous indignation is considered the only form of anger which is not sinful, e.g., when Jesus drove the money lenders out of the temple.

It happens to the best of us. Someone says or does something to you or one of your family members and your flesh begins to crawl. You get ‘hot under the collar’. You may even want to ‘slap someone’, but is that going to bring someone closer to Christ and His teachings?

Should righteous indignation be allow to run rampart and uncontrolled? Do we go out and ‘smack’ the person behind you in the theatre who is constantly kicking your seat? Do you catch-up with that person on the highway and run him off the road because he cut you off? Would putting your fist through a wall justify that you didn’t get that raise you were promised? Sure, other people can be annoying, but sometimes we can be a pest too. No one is exempt.

Few things get this writers’ goat, but recently being ignored in a professional manner was the straw to break the camel’s back (or should one say fingers). Once you’ve said something, typed something, or written something, and you send it out – it can’t be reeled back in. Look at things said, or written by celebrities & politicians. You’ve got to be discrete in the manner that you handle a matter.

So when you are tempted to retaliate over injustices that have been done to you, take a moment and calm down, think of the repercussions, and if you need to let that other person know of their wrong-doing; do it in a way that will benefit you and that other person too. Prove to that other person that you can show love. If you have to say something to a person – say it kindly and respectfully. Don’t let thoughts fester (our thoughts can be as a ‘cancer’ if we allow them to). “Say What You Need To Say”, forgive, report any abuse, let it go and then refocus on the positive.

Romans 12:9-21 (King James Version) 9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

What are some things that get your ‘righteous indignation’ in a knot?

Are Children Grateful?

It has recently come to the attention of Ms. “V” that some children believe that their parents owe them something. They think that they should be given Prime-rib instead of 50% ground round; French onion soup in lieu of Ramen noodles or the Hampton rather than the Dew Drop Inn Motel (it’s clean and it isn’t a one night stand establishment).

Some young people consider that their elders should cater to their every need, and no gratification ever crosses the minds of those children. Grandparents send money in a birthday card ($10.00 is all they had at the time) and the child says, “Is that all they sent?” Parents take their savings to get the child a new pair of shoes that they asked for. Someone gives them a compliment and the child thinks that they are ‘God’s gift to humanity’. Not even a “Thank you” said.

Do not think that this writer is speaking of ungrateful young children under school-age. No. While a child is in school (usually until they graduate from high school) their parents are responsible for the basic necessities: food, clothing ( and it doesn’t have to be a high-end labeled clothing) shelter, a basic education and what the Bible instructs parents to supply which is love and an understanding of who God is in their lives.

• Deuteronomy 7:9 (King James Version) Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

• Isaiah 54:13 (King James Version) And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

Children have a responsibility to their parents, elders, community and also to themselves.

• Proverbs 22:6 (King James Version) Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

It’s up to those mature adults to continue to let young people know when they are doing something wrong. Tell them and show them in the way that they should go. If their pants are hanging off their butt – let them know that it’s not acceptable. Cussing in your presence – ask that they please stop polluting your ears. Being disrespectful – let them know that they too will be elderly someday if they live long enough.

It does take a village to raise a child and we’re all part of that village.

If you like Ms. “V”s Blog, come read her weekly column on: The Examiner.com

Testimony of “Waiting on the Lord”

YOU ARE WHAT YOU THINK – Posted Tue 5/18/2010 5:01 AM, from BTW email scripture

"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." Proverbs 23:7 (KJV)

The thoughts of man help determine his course in life. If he thinks of himself as unsuccessful, incapable, and beneath others, he will behave in that manner and manifest failure in his life.
God wants the best for you, but He has given you the power to decide the course of your life. Do you have what you want? If not, what are you saying? Change your thoughts; change your life.

You were Born to Win! FAITH CHRISTIAN CENTER, Bishop George L. and Pastor April R. Davis, 8985 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211, (904) 725-3636

I started writing for “The Examiner.com” on September 23, 2009 (I remember the date because I keep my important paperwork filed away). Usually I get paid according to the number of articles that I post weekly, the number of times and duration that people come to visit my column, and if the person subscribes to receive email notifications when I post new articles. In order for me to make a paycheck, I must accumulate $25.00 within a months’ time. It’s not “fast money”, but it’s what I enjoy doing.

Yesterday, May 19, 2010, I posted an article entitled: “Oil Spill (Golf of Mexico) clean-up solution 2010” and the response has been phenomenal. God has blessed me to achieve a wonderful readership following and it hasn’t been easy, but through perseverance, it finally paid off.

Today, May 20, 2010, I went to thank the person who gave me the lead on the story and to take a look at my status. Well, today I’ve made more money in one day than I make in one month. Praise Jehovah Jireh for He gets the glory and honor. Amen.

The thought for the day that Faith Christian Center sent spoke directly to me and confirmed what I’ve been doing. I’ve thought of my writing as being successful and the fruition of my goals is in manifestation. TBR!!! Trust – Believe – Receive; that’s what faith is all about. You’ve got to believe it before you see it. Hebrews 11:1 (King James Version) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

If you like Ms. “V”s Blog, come read her weekly column on The Examiner.com

Down But Not Out (Pt. II)

Situations or circumstances can lead you into a positive or negative direction. The Choice is up to you. You can choose to suck on lemons (doubt) or add some sweetener (faith) to make lemonade.

From the last Blog, I forgot to mention that our dog Pugsley stayed by my side when I fell. He licked me and whined until Van got to me. And speaking about Van – God has enabled Van to be off from work when need be. God is giving him exceptional strength to fill in where I left off plus taking on extra duties for home, church and the rest of the family. God has blessed me with a ‘super-dooper’ help mate. I love my husband.

It was two weeks after the accident and compared to the pain of childbirth, I’d rather have the broken bone. I was scheduled for Day Surgery (and I was in the hospital the whole day) on April 8, 2010. Two metal plates and some screws later, I moved on to another semi hard cast and a little leg exercises. I try not to depend on pain meds, but after the surgery some relief was needed, but not to dependence.

On April 22, 2010 I went to get the ‘staples’ removed from both sides of my ankle and now I have to get my ROM (range of motion) exercises done three times a day or more. The best news is that I won’t have to have a ‘hard cast’ put on. Praise God for modern science. I’m still not able to bare any weight on my right leg so the ‘walker’ is still my companion. In two more weeks I will get a “walking brace” and I’m looking forward to driving, exercising, helping out, going out, doing my household duties and getting back to my active life once again. Praise God for He is good and faithful.

So I will continue to do as the Doctor says now so that I will heal properly and not have any problems in the future. This injury is just temporary. There are other people who must make permanent life changes to maneuver around (those in wheelchairs or missing limbs) and I have a renewed respect for them.

Thanking God thoughts while off my feet:
1. Narcotics and crutches don’t mix – Just Say NO!!!
2. Prayer gives up the “perks” to the justified. Prov. 15:29, James 5:16
3. I had gotten a little “melancholy”. I cried when I saw my child & grandbaby leave for Easter Sunday service. I welled-up during a Publix (grocery store chain) commercial [a brother told his sister that he was going to miss his sister when she was about to leave for college], so sad ;(
4. Women should not break their leg and expect to go to a ‘public restroom’. One cannot “squat” over an open hole on one foot. Try it if you dare.
5. I’m so glad that I wasn’t on a cruise ship somewhere at sea when I broke my ankle. Can you imagine? People having fun and now you have to sit on the deck & take in the sea air and wonderful foods; well, then again, that’s changing lemons to lemonade.
6. Thank God that my “Bone Density” test results are in good standing.
7. Nail salon still won’t touch my feet. Thank God I have the stuff to ‘do-it-myself’.
8. NO PAIN – thank you for all the prayers that you said on my behalf.
9. Depression wants to come and visit often, but I refuse to open the door and let it in. I’ve got my research, my writing, praying and other positive things to focus my mind upon (Phil. 4:8).
10. I’m so thankful that we’ve got Military insurance and retirement benefits. Thank you Jesus.
11. Thank God we weren’t still living in the RV when the accident happened. There were 3 steps outside and 2 steps inside to climb.

Yesterday (May 6, 2010) was my Doctor’s appointment. Praise God that the x-rays (see Examiner article) are excellent. I am now able to bear weight on my right leg with the assistance of a “Rocket Sock” (support used by some athletes). It’s also time to massage each incision site to loosen the skin around the area and get better ROM.

If you like Ms. “V”s Blog, come read her weekly column on The Examiner.com
Ms. "V"s Examiner Articles

Down, But Not Out

This may be April the first, but this is not a joke.

It was Friday March 26, 2010, just four days after my sixtieth birthday. So good to have seen 3 score years go by and to proclaim the victories that have occurred within a little more than a half-a-century. God has been, and still is good.

On that Fri, I had gotten up, cleaned our home, changed the bed linen, did all the laundry, ironed some clothes and was prepared for an evening out with my Hubby. We were going to a formal sit-down dinner at an exclusive golf resort. Tickets were purchased months ago: Fun, fun and more fun. Little did I know what was to be in store for us during the rest of the evening.

As I dressed, time was ticking away, but finally I was ready. Van was trying to finish a late scheduled assignment from work and we had it all planned out. I then left the house to do a couple of errands; and returned home to do one more thing. Van had gotten home and got ‘decked out’ and then went to the car awaiting my arrival. Well, here I go running through the house like Cinderella going to the ball (remember your Mama saying, “Don’t run through the house!” – well, it’s true; don’t do it!!!). I get to my dining room (parkay floors/3 inch heels), slide, fall into the marble kitchen floor, little “pop” – “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”.

Thank God there was no carpet (it was a blessing in disguise). I looked down and ‘no blood’, no pain; what’s up? I lifted my gown from off my foot and my right foot was turned at a 90 degree angle to the right. Not good – Don’t want to think about how it will feel once the nerves communicate with my brain.

Now Van was being patient and didn’t want to rush me so he sat in the car, windows down with music playing softly. I don’t know exactly whose name I called more: “Jesus” or “Van”. I was feeling a little needy by now, so I pulled myself across the kitchen floor, reached up to open the door, pulled myself across the laundry room, opened the door to the garage and screamed Van’s name again. He heard me and remained calm as always, yet caring. He saw what was going on under the gown and immediately we went to the nearby ER.

All we needed was “the red carpet”. Van was dressed in a white suit, white shoes and tie that matched my lavender gown. We did get noticed & after my assessment, I received a little anesthesia and my ankle was pulled back into place and a soft cast was applied. I have to stay off my feet (which is hard for me), but I will be obedient. I don’t do “Twitter” because you don’t need to know how I got to the bathroom or what I did an hour ago, but I will keep you posted here.

Today is Thursday April 1, 2010 and I’ll receive my hard cast next Thursday when the swelling goes down. So until then (and my next Blog) ask any questions, read my articles on Examiner and feel free to keep me posted you YOU and yours.

Thoughts: Walking with crutches may have a person thinking that they have an ailment under the armpit and chest areas. “Narcotics & crutches don’t mix” – just say NO! “Prayer gives up perks to the justified” James 5:16
Thanking God……That I’m alive.
…This didn’t happen in the winter.
…For people who love me (family, friends and acquaintances).
…I lost some weight earlier & was more flexible through exercise (it could have been worst ;)
…For a good pedicure.

Plants, Shrubs & Recycling

It’s been a little over a month since I blogged with you and I want to stay in touch. Since I added “reporter/writer’” to my resume; allow me to digress a little like I do in my book, “Where Did That Come From?”; and give you a few thoughts to ponder.

Plants & Shrubs
Even though we’re living in a so-called “recession”, if you’re dealing with the stock market, you may want to invest in anything dealing with gardening. Shrubs, flowers, plants, trees, herbicides & pesticides have been destroyed from this winter’s recent frost; yet homeowners and businesses want to keep their outdoor surroundings beautiful and eye appealing. Spring will be here before you know it. Get ready ;)

Recycling: cardboard, aluminum, glass & plastic
Have you ever noticed what you put into your recycle binds? People can tell a lot about you and your household through your discarded trash. “The Jones’ had a cold with a cough last week”, “Mrs. Drake likes mineral water and uses fine cosmetics”, “The Shubert’s infant has advanced to the next level of baby food”, “There was a party at the Murphy’s last night”, “Soup and crackers probable helped the sanders’ cold & flu – look at all those tissue boxes” “No wonder Claire’s laundry is clean and bright. She uses that bleach & detergent”. Recycling is a good thing to enhance our quality of life. Are you doing your part to help our universe?

Have a great month and I’ll see you again real soon. Don’t forget to visit me on “The Examiner.com”

Ms. “V”
www.victoriapoller.com

“Extra. Extra. Read all about it!!!”

To those of you who have subscribed to my Examiners page, I hope that you’re enjoying the articles. I try to be a good reporter and give you details, keep you informed and give you something to think about.

For those of you who have not signed up – please take a little time to “Subscribe” to my weekly posts. I try to post on Tuesdays. This will help me get paid, and also help to get the Word of God out to His people. Also if you know of someone who want to write, please have them submit my name and number (http://www.examiner.com/x-25082-Jacksonville-Christian-Living-Examiner ) to Examiner. Thank you in advance and keep reading ;) www.victoriapoller.com/

Jacksonville Religion and Spirituality Jacksonville Christian Living Examiner

Victoria Thomas Poller (Ms. "V")
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Ms. “V”
www.victoriapoller.com

Communication (Why bother?)

When I first came onto this social network, you befriended me. You use to send notes, cute pictures and always checked back in sometimes. Has our lives gotten so busy and hectic that we don’t have time to drop a line or two? Even if it’s a message to a group, at least I would know that you took the time to think about me and see how I’m doing.

On one of my sites, a lady had ‘passed away’. How many people (your “friends”) would know, realize or care if you didn’t respond anymore?

I envision that some people just want to get their “friend numbers up” (3,984 friends [don’t try to play that as a number]). Others just want (and sometimes need) to hear what the Lord would have for me to say through me; and that’s alright. Rick Warren stated in “The Purpose Driven Life’, “When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you’ll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time”.

What I’m saying is – take a little time once a month to communicate (do a group note). Also drop a note to those you are prompted to type one-on-one to. Get off the farm, stop the wars & don’t spend your money on pictures when you don’t know who’s benefiting from your cash. There are so many applications out there that the written word has a “gift” instead of a meaning. Take time, make time. Get your communication enthusiasm back.

God loves you. I love you with the love of Christ and I’m praying for you. You never know who you have made an impression upon when they met you in Cyber Space. Don’t sever your communion with people. Have a blessed week and I look forward to seeing a message from you in print.

Ms. “V”
Official Website

Go Tell It

Did you know that there are so many testimonies out there, not just in your local church body, but everywhere; yet people are just sitting on them? I don't know why they won't 'tell it', give God the glory and encourage someone else.

Don't they know that it doesn't matter how insignificant (little) they may think their story is, but it lets your Pastor know that God is blessing His people? It may be that they found $10 on the ground when they needed some milk (and it didn't fall out of the 'Offering Bucket'), or that they're getting a home built, or that they had a negative (good) report on their mammogram, or they received a credit on their electric bill (now that's really a miracle ;). It's all praise worthy.

Don't they know that the devil doesn't want us to 'tell it'? he doesn't want us to show someone else that all they have to do is to 'Wait on the Lord'. God is there (Jehovah Shammah) and He will comfort us and keep us until we can experience the victory.

Other peoples' testimonies and encouragement kept our family together when we were going through, and were hurting. It's always good to hear about others being blessed and know that we serve a God Who is no respecter of persons.

How do we get people to "Go Tell It"?

Ms. "V"
victoriapoller.com

Still a “HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!”

♥♪♪♫•*•*¨*•♫*.♥Happy New Year♥♪♪♫•*•*¨*•♫*.♥ 2010

As you have previously read, we were in a state of Limbo from Oct. 2007 till Oct. 2009. That was 2 years of ‘going through’ times that we were not accustomed to. Since then we have moved into a lovely home. We seen our daughter through a divorce and our Granddaughter has the opportunity to interact with other children four times a week in day care (she’s so smart for her age). We expect, and thank God for the blessings that are still coming.

Van is in a work related position that he thoroughly enjoys, and he’s back to basketball referring which gives him his exercise. He plays a mean lead guitar (that would make Jimi Hendrix cry) and serves on the sound team at church. This is not a task, but is welcomed on the weeks that he is scheduled. His ‘honey-do’ list is minor around the home.

God has blessed us above our expectations and all we had to do was to wait on Him and apply ourselves to do our part.

Ms. “V” is selling her books and is getting the next one ready. She has received over one-hundred dollars from the Examiner.com for her articles and referrals. You may say that that’s not all that much in a three month period, but it’s more than she had before she started writing for them. She’s working on the ‘communication’ side of the house in church as she continues to encourage others. Ms. “V” has gotten back to taking care of herself (exercising) so she can be healthy while praying for others.

The devil will tell you, “That ain’t no testimony. Anybody could have done that, gotten that, said that, received that or accomplished that” (he can’t use English well either a double negative yield a positive, so you’re blessed anyway.). But the truth is, only YOU could have received what was meant for YOU and now it’s time to tell it. No matter how insignificant you think your “blessing” may be. It’s yours. God gave it to you, and it will inspire someone else to “Hold on” until they receive theirs. Don’t forget that your blessing will also let your Pastor know that his messages have not been in vain. You were listening and you did what you had to do. Now, “Go Tell It” (that song is stuck in your head now isn’t it? ;)

♥♪♪♫•*•*¨*•♫*.♥Happy New Year♥♪♪♫•*•*¨*•♫*.♥ 2010

Ms. “V”
Victoriapoller.com