“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

Accepting Christ into my life and making a change

Recently, our Pastor asked every person to write out their personal testimony about how their life had been different since they decided to change their lifestyles and follow the lifestyle of Jesus Christ. We were requested to do this in order to show others, who are interested, how we got “saved” or how we came to find Jesus Christ.

My story is simple. I grew up going to Catholic school for 12 years, so I’ve always known of Christ, but I didn’t really know Him. All the things were taught on how one should live and conduct their life; nonetheless, these things were rehearsed but not always done. After graduation, I was a woman of the world. I was in control of my life. Did what I wanted to do, stay out as late as I wanted and didn’t have to be a “good girl”.

There were times that I would have 2 or 3 boyfriends at a time and they never found out. I was promiscuous and it was on MY terms. I was in control (so I thought) and it was my way or the highway. I was having fun, yet I didn’t know that I was under the protection of God because I had relatives praying for me. My life could have ended with disease, retaliation from so-called lovers, or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time – but God…

I thought that I was happy; drinking, doing social drugs, partying, and being lavished with gifts, but I was so tired and unsatisfied. There was something missing. It wasn’t until I decided to settle down and get married that I wanted to change my life. I wanted to be a better wife and mother.

I asked my soon-to-be Grandfather-in-law about a woman in the Bible who was promiscuous and had many men in her life, none of which was her husband. I had heard the story when I attended school and Mass, but I didn’t know my Bible that well to know where it was. My Grandfather-in-law told me to read John 8. That was it. This woman had lived just like I was living. Jesus forgave this woman caught in adultery, could He also forgive me and make a change in my life? I read the scripture and knew that all my sins could be forgiven if only I would ask for forgiveness and make a change. I prayed a simple prayer and asked God to forgive me and come into my life. I wanted to be more like Jesus and I wanted to have joy in my life.

Things changed as my soon-to-be-Husband loved me and showed me that I didn’t need a bunch of men to make me happy. I’ve been living a total life with Christ and loving the same man faithfully for over 33 years. God has been faithful and I wouldn’t turn back to the life I once lived for all the tea in China; and that’s a lot of tea. Trust in a new life with Christ and be fulfilled, blessed and live long and prosperous, in Jesus name. Amen!

The Top 5 Viewer Areas to Ms. "V"s Website for Oct. 11 - 17, 2011 are:

• Beijing, China
• Cabot, Arkansas
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Redmond, Washington
  
• Mountain View, California

“Homo vs. Hetero?” - No Question

Is it a wonder that you don’t see two dogs of the same sex trying to get it on together, or any animal trying to have sex with their same sex? God did not intend for same sexes to come together in an unnatural relationship. The intercourse between two males or two females will never reproduce an offspring. Then why does man, who is higher than the animals, become gender confused with homosexuality and heterosexuality.

Man, who has intelligence that is superior to the animal species, has gender-disorder problems. Man, the same creature that God made a little lower than the angels (Ps. 8:4-5) has a problem. God didn’t put confusion of gender in this world, so who did? God knew what He created when He created man and woman: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” (Gen. 1:27). God is not confused and neither should man be. To read more - get the book: "Where Did That Come From?" by Ms. "V"

The Top 5 Viewer Areas to Ms. "V"s Website for Sept. 19, 2011 are:

• Beijing, China
• Cabot, Arkansas
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Lake Elsinore, California
  
• Seattle, WashingtonKiev, Ukraine