Now I Really Know Him

When I attended elementary school, God instilled in my fellow classmates and me a sense of how to do things on cue while we concentrated on other things.

Let me explain. During church services, we were programmed to know when the proper time came to sit, stand or kneel, especially when we would hear certain words spoken in another language. I’m not being sacrilegious, but think about it. I was brought up in a church that ministered in Latin (a language I knew little about), and, although I was present physically, I was miles away in my mind. The times that I can recall hearing and understanding what was being taught were only during the sermons of Christmas, Easter, and Lent.

The experience did teach me discipline. I was instructed in religious truths each day because catechism[1] was part of the curriculum. The Word of God touched my life early, beginning in the first grade.

This man Jesus, whom I was drilled on and taught about daily, I did not know. I knew of Him, but oh! how sweet it is to really know our Savior. We are privileged to be able to learn from the Bible how we should live and conduct our lives in order to enjoy the many things which God has for us in this world and in the world to come.

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[1]an elementary book containing a summary of the principles of the Christian religion, esp। as maintained by a particular church, in the form of questions and answers.

To read more - get the book: "Where Did That Come From?" by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)

The Top 5 Viewer Areas to Ms. "V"s Website for December 14 - 26, 2011 are:

• Beijing, China
• Seattle, Washington
  
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Cabot, Arkansas
• Minsk, Belarus

Happy New Year and Merry Christmas still ;)

Xmas?

If Christmas is the day we celebrate as Christ’s birth (Dec. 25^th, according to Webster’s Dictionary), then what is the abbreviation “Xmas” all about? If “X” is the mathematical symbol for the unknown, then “X”-mas must mean the celebration of the unknown.

Jesus Christ is known by many people to be the Son of God. He is not an unknown factor. It is our responsibility to tell everyone about Jesus. Christians—let’s help everyone put Christ back into Christmas and take the “X” out. “Merry Christ – mas”!

There will be more about "Christmas" on Examiner.com (Christian Living button). Check it out and don't forget to subscribe for email notifications!!!

To read more - get the book: "Bent But Not Broken" by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)

The Top 5 Viewer Areas to Ms. "V"s Website for Dec.6 - 12, 2011 are:

• Beijing, China
• Seattle, Washington
  
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Cabot, Arkansas
  
• Redmond, Washington tied with Clovis, New Mexico
  

“Believe in Yourself”

“Back during the first half of the eighteenth century, there was a young boy who aspired to be a writer. Because of his lack of formal education, the young boy wasn’t sure of his ability. And his lack had not been one that would foster self-confidence. His family had moved quite often, his father finally being jailed because of his inability to pay his debts. Because of the circumstances the young boy had been able to attend school for only four years.

To earn a living he got a job putting labels on bottles in a dilapidated warehouse. He found himself a place in which to sleep in a dismal attic, and he shared that room with others who couldn’t afford anything better.

But this young boy was determined to write. He did write. Day after day. Finally he got enough courage to submit a manuscript to a publisher. He mailed that manuscript at night, when no one could see him because he was afraid someone might ridicule him. Soon, he heard from the publisher. His manuscript was refused.

Time and time again this young boy submitted his writings. Again and again the same answer came back – rejected. No one was interested in his writings. But the desire to write was burning in the young boy’s heart and he refused to quit.

Finally, one of his stories was accepted. He didn’t receive any money for the story, but the editor did give him some praise. It was such a happy moment for him that he walked the streets with tears of joy coming down his cheeks. Now someone else had shown some belief in him.

This bit of encouragement gave that young boy the impetus he needed to go on to greater things. And in a few years all of England was reading his writings. The young boy believed in himself, believed he was capable of reaching the dream he had for himself in his heart. For that reason, he would not quit.

Too often in life we quit too soon. Many times the victory is just around the corner if we would only keep trying.

It is of great importance that a person believe in himself. Selling ourselves short is no virtue. It is a vice. It hurts us. It keeps us from developing our God-given resources to become all that we can become – all that God wants us to become.

The dreams we have for ourselves – can come true. They can, that is, if we are willing to continue to work toward the fulfillment of those dreams with all the resources we have. But we must remember that the fulfillment of any dream requires dedication, sacrifice, and persistence on our part.

The young boy in London who refused to quit was Charles Dickens. His novels are still read to this day. He believed in himself.” ― American Family Association president, Mr. Donald E. Wildmon

Believe in yourself. God does. Praise God, still I will trust Him.

To read more - get the book: "Bent But Not Broken" by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)

The Top 5 Viewer Areas to Ms. "V"s Website for Nov. 22 - 28, 2011 are:
· Beijing, China
· Seattle, Washington
· Antwerp, Belgium
· Cabot, Arkansas
· Minsk, Belarus

Thank You…For What?

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Prov. 3:6

“Thank You Jesus.” “Thank You Jesus.” “Thank You Jesus.” “Thank You Jesus.” “Thank You Jesus.” “Thank You Jesus.”

This was the phrase that use to be used to invite the Holy Ghost (Spirit) into a person’s life. We’ve learned that the Holy Spirit is a precious gift. He comes willingly to those who request Him. But let’s get back to Jesus. “Thank You Jesus”.

One morning (very early as it was so customary for the Lord to visit) God whispered to me, “Why do you thank Me?” “What are you giving thank for?”

Why do we sometimes unconsciously repeat, “Thank You Jesus”, and that’s the end of the sentence. Yes, I too was guilty of saying, “Thank You Jesus”. Just a blurb of what I thought was an announcement of appreciation. But what was I being thankful for?

Sure we may say, “Thank you” to a person when they hand you something, but the statement is usually said face-to-face and usually right after the kindness is rendered. Example: Someone gives you a gift in a pretty package and you say, “Thank you” (later you can write them a little card and express how the gift and their act of kindness really blessed you).

He (God) made it a little clearer to me. It’s like you go to your friend, a relative or a complete stranger and you say, “Thank you Lou, or Thank you Aunt Tillie, or Thank you Dad”; and you keep repeating, “Thank you” [name] and you say nothing else. Eventually that person is going to say, “What!” “What did I do?” “Why are you thanking me?”

It’s the same thing with God. “Thank You Jesus”… Sooner or later He’ll want you to tell Him what you’re thankful for. “Thank You Jesus for getting me up this morning.” “Thank You Jesus for showing my child favor before the Court Judge.” “Thank You Jesus for sending your Angels to protect me from that fatal car crash.” “Thank You Holy Ghost for your peace that You’ve given me during this waiting period in my life.” It’s OK to say “Thank You Jesus” sometimes, yet He’d like to hear why you are thanking Him.

And please don’t say that He is Omniscient (All-Knowing). Sure He is, but He’d still like to hear why you’re thankful and you need to hear (as a reminder) how He has, and still continues to bless you again and again and again. When we take the time to tell Him why we’re thankful and what we’re thankful for, He appreciates the gesture even more. It’s great to be thankful, nevertheless, let’s get specific in our gratitude and let it not be just on Thanksgiving Day (You know how Uncle Henry will take 20 minutes to begin to tell the Lord for all that He’s done over the past year. Not good timing with all the “growling tummies”). Let’s take more time to let Jesus know what He’s done for you lately. To read more - get the book: "Where Did That Come From?" by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)

The Top 5 Viewer Areas to Ms. "V"s Website for Nov. 8 - 14, 2011 are:

• Beijing, China
• Minsk, Belarus
  
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Cabot, Arkansas
  
• Mountain View, California

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Horror Stories

Have you noticed how cartoons have become more violent over the years? What happened to the sweet innocence of “Mickey Mouse,” the cuteness of “Baby Huey,” and the heroism of “Mighty Mouse”?

My stepmother once brought to my attention that all fairy tales have an antagonist, (the evil character) and a protagonist (the good character). These tales could be viewed as horror stories by a young child.

For example, look at “Hansel and Gretel.” Here were two innocent little children taken advantage of and almost eaten by a wicked old witch. It’s the same thing with “The Three Little Pigs” and the big bad wolf, and “Little Red Riding Hood” and the wolf that ate Grandma. Such scary stories to share with a young child, yet most of us have been exposed to all of these stories. Are we exposing our young children to the same kinds of things? They may be classic tales, but don’t be surprised if one day there will be a college class on the horror in children’s classics.

“Rock-a-Bye-Baby;” what a song we may have sung to our children. “Down will come baby, cradle, and all.” Are we wishing harm upon our children? No, I am not taking things to an extreme, but we must watch what goes into the child because it is the by-product of what will come out of them. We’ve been programmed to pass on traditional rituals of reciting literature without really thinking about what we’re truly saying.

Before introducing them to this particular form of literature or song, we should wait until our children are old enough to understand and reason for themselves. It’s helpful learning these handed down customs especially if you want to play “Trivial Pursuit,” “Jeopardy,” or “Name That Tune.” To read more - get the book: "Where Did That Come From?" by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)

The Top 5 Viewer Areas to Ms. "V"s Website for Oct. 25 - 31, 2011 are:

• Beijing, China
• Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
  
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Redmond, Washington
  
• Mountain View, California