Free Aaron Shust Christmas Song

Here is a great version of a great Christmas song.

Click this link to listen or download the song. http://www.brickmanmedia.com/shust/

Jokes and comics.

I just heard this one and it's one of my all time favorites!

What did one snowman say to the other snowman?
...Everything smells like carrots!

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Little Logan and his family were having Thanksgiving dinner at his grandmother's house. Everyone was seated round the table as the food was being served. When little Logan received his plate, he started eating right away."Logan, wait until we say our prayer," his mother reminded him."I don't need to," the little boy replied."Of course you do!" his mother insisted, "We say a prayer before eating at our house.""That's at our house," Logan explained, "but this is Grandma's house, and she knows how to cook!"

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Little Leroy came into the kitchen where his mom was making dinner. His birthday was coming up, and he thought this was a good time to tell his mother what he wanted."Mom, I want a bike for my birthday. "Little Leroy was a bit of a troublemaker. He had gotten into trouble at school and at home. Leroy's mother asked him if he thought he deserved to get a bike for his birthday. "Of course," he said. Leroy's mother, being a Christian woman, wanted him to reflect on his behavior over the last year. "Go to your room, Leroy, and think about how you've behaved this year. Then write a letter to God and tell him why you deserve a bike for your birthday. "Little Leroy stomped up the steps to his room and sat down to write God a letter.
Letter 1: "Dear God, I have been a very good boy this year, and I would like a bike for my birthday. I want a red one. Your friend, Leroy."Leroy knew this was not true, so he tore the letter up and wrote a new one.
Letter 2: "Dear God, I have been an okay boy this year. I still would like a bike for my birthday. Leroy."This letter was no good either.
Letter 3: "Dear God, I know I haven't been a good boy this year. I am very sorry, and I will be a good boy next year if you just send me a bike for my birthday. Please. Thank you. Leroy.

"Leroy knew this wasn't true, and now he was getting upset. He went downstairs and told his mother he needed to go to church. She thought her plan had worked and told him to be home in time for dinner.Leroy walked into the church and went to the altar. He looked around to see if anyone was watching. He bent down, picked up the statue of the Virgin Mary, and slipped it under his coat.
Letter 4: "Dear God, I got your mama. If you want to see her again, send the bike. Signed, You know who."

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Scoll down for other new posts!

Face of Love

The Face Of Love

By Sanctus Real

I’ve seen your face on stained glass, in colored lights
In pictures of you looking to the sky

You’ve been portrayed a thousand different ways
But my heart can see you better than my eyes
‘Cause it’s love that points the portrait of your life

The face of love
The face of love
You look more like love everyday

I’ve read your words in the pages of your life
And I’ve imagined what you were like
I may not know the shape of your face
But I can feel your heart changing mine
And your love still proves that you’re alive

The face of love
The face of love

You look more like love everyday

You are the face that changed the whole world

No one too lost for you love
No one too low for you to serve
So give us the grace to change the world
No one too lost for me to love
No one too low for me to serve

Let us see... Let us be your face

----

Altar Call

by Keith Green

Most people don't find out
'Till it's too late
That someone has to pay the price
You can pay it your self Or let someone else
But who would be that nice
To pay a debt that isn't his
Well I know someone like that
And He's your best friend
He really is
He really loves you
Most people don't find out
'Till they have death
That they need another life
You say you've heard everything
That's ever been said
About the way the truth, the life
You say you've heard lots of preaching
All before So many times
But did you ever open up your door
Give Him a chance
To prove Himself
That He's real or not
I hope you find out
Before it's too late
That there's really nobody else
You know its breaking his heart
The longer you wait
Cause You've only been lying to yourself
Cause No one believes a thing you say
Not even youYou know
You're gonna find out that He's the way
No matter which way you choose
But I pray you
Find out by His love for you
Some people won't find out'
Till it's too late
Some people won't find out

Really how He does it

but He proved Himself to me in such a Holy way

Such a complete way

that I'd die for that faith and I'd die for that believe

Because it is more than 'Till it's too late

We're back!

Saturday, December 02, 2006

[Click on the pictures to make them bigger] I can’t believe it’s been almost a month since our last entry. Not a lot has happened, work has been going well, we had my parents visit, and turkey day. Let’s start with work, I started about the 20th of October and before Thanksgiving they were already offering me a more important position. Of course that would have meant more hours and more responsibilities (as well as headaches) so I declined. We were just starting to get more involved with the church, and that is the reason we are here. The ministry possibilities at work are numerous, but I felt it important to show them that GOD and church was first. So, work is going well, getting along better with all, as I continue to “prove” myself. Mike is especially appreciative of me as well, and it is certainly nice to come home to a clean house and hot dinner.

We put our Christmas tree up before my folks came on the 11th of November, and had an early Thanksgiving while they were here. They had a very long trip over, left LA about 9am and arrived in Greensboro at 11pm, almost a12 hr day of traveling. Luckily the house isn’t all that big so the grand tour didn’t take long, and we all had a good night sleep. Took them to Old Salem, ( http://www.oldsalem.org/ )which is the original village the Moravian Missionaries founded after coming from Germany. Many old buildings still stand and one of the restaurants dresses in colonial outfits, we ate lunch there, and it was wonderful. Visited some of the museum and exhibition sites (cobbler, tailor, bakery) and boarding houses called “single brothers house” and “single sister house” where the Moravians sent their older children to live with the Lord before they got married. Sounded like a great idea and we should adopt this way of living for our young people today. We ate extremely well, went to a place called Hillbilly Hideaway and to Cracker Barrel for real authentic southern cooking. Went for a day trip up to Mt. Airy ( http://www.visitmayberry.com/ ) where Andy Griffith is from, and the town looks just like in his TV show. Also went up into VA a little ways, and will definitely go back in the spring. My Mom has a friend in Hillsboro which is over by Chapel Hill and Raleigh-Durham, so they went over there one day and went to the campus at Duke Univ. said it was gorgeous (especially the chapel) so we will take a drive over to see it one of these days. They flew home on the 15th and the next day I woke up with a sore throat and have been struggling with a slight cough.

We got invited for Thanksgiving by some kids at church (newlyweds and all of 26yrs old) they are so cute. But kinda makes us feel like an old married couple. We met them at the church Meet and Greet right after we got here, and say hello Sun mornings, and talk about how to get involved. So Heather asked if we wanted to have Thanksgiving with her family, and we said sure, having no idea what we were getting into. The family is pretty good sized so they rent out the community center in the town where they live, (I think its Hillsville, NC) about an hour south of our house. There were probably 30-40 people, including some very wound up kids. Great food and even better prayer time, that is something that we just love about it here, people are not afraid to pray!! We sure appreciated the invitation and the time with such a friendly family. And we were definitely more thankful this year, I caught a glimpse of a school bus, that said NC Schools and just prayed out loud thank you Lord for letting us come here, I can’t believe we are really here!

The dogs finally got trained on the invisible fence, it kinda ruined Gar’s spirit, he doesn’t want to run and fetch, all he wants to do is stand on the porch. Maybe it’ll get better. Put some lights and garland up outside today, Mike is at the church helping tear down after a function. We’ve been going to antique stores and spending time, gets our shopping fix with out spending a lot of money. Went to one last weekend that was two stories and we probably spent three hours, and only $9.00. Another good thing about a small house, not much room for unnecessary items, should curb our spending. We have a handy man named Jesse that comes around every week or so looking for odd jobs to do for money, and we had him clean out the gutters the other day. He came by today to get his money and when I looked out the window there was Mike with his hand on Jesse’s shoulder praying for him, it brought tears to my eyes, I am so proud of the man God has made him. We are taking a “home improvement” class at church on marriage, and are getting some great scriptural basics on having a pleasing marriage (to God and us) We are trying to have some US time in the morning with coffee, no tv or computer, just us talking and praying together.

Wal-Mart wishes you a Merry Christmas

By Jayne O'Donnell, USA TODAY

Wal-Mart will put "Christmas" back into the holidays this year, the retailer plans to announce Thursday.

A year after religious and other groups boycotted retailers, including Wal-Mart (WMT), for downplaying Christmas, the world's largest retail chain will have an in-your-face Christmas theme this year.

"We, quite frankly, have learned a lesson from last year," says Wal-Mart spokeswoman Linda Blakley. "We're not afraid to use the term 'Merry Christmas.' We'll use it early, and we'll use it often."

Wal-Mart told about 7,000 associates of the plans at a conference last month and "was met with rapturous applause. ... We know many of our customers will feel the same," says John Fleming, Wal-Mart's executive vice president of marketing.

Fleming says the retailer, which recently lowered prices on toys and electronics, will be pitching Christmas almost as much as "value" to holiday shoppers.

New this year:

• A TV ad trumpeting Christmas will air for the first time next week. Wal-Mart also will air TV ads along with the Salvation Army mentioning Christmas.

• The name of the department with Christmas decorating needs will change from The Holiday Shop, which it was for the past several years, to The Christmas Shop.

• Store signs will count down the days until Christmas, and Christmas carols will be piped throughout the season.

• About 60% more merchandise will be labeled "Christmas" rather than "holiday" this year over last.

The Christmas spirit is spreading. Macy's, the largest U.S. department store chain, plans to have "Merry Christmas" signs in all departments. All of Macy's window displays will have Christmas themes. At New York's Herald Square, the theme will be "Oh, Christmas Tree."

"Our intention is to make every customer feel welcomed and appreciated, whether they celebrate Christmas or other holidays," spokesman Jim Sluzewski says.

As at Wal-Mart, Macy's employees are encouraged to consider wishing customers holiday greetings that are appropriate to their race or religion, including Happy Kwanzaa or Feliz Navidad.

Sometimes, even the best intentions can backfire. The Catholic League, one of the groups fighting what it calls the Christmas Wars, says a member alerted it that Macy's was pitching a "Happy Hanukkah" gift card but not a "Merry Christmas" one.

After he was contacted by the group, Sluzewski determined a production "glitch" meant the Merry Christmas gift cards were available everywhere but in its Western region, where there were plenty of Happy Hanukkah gift cards.

"We are correcting the problem," Sluzewski says. "Of all the cards to have a glitch with."

It's been a while...

Hi Guys, It has been a while since we updated but not too much has happened. We decided to keep the blog going indefinitely. It’s a good way to keep anyone who is interest updated and we get to pass along interesting things as well.

Paige job is going well. I miss her. We spent the last few months together 24/7 and its hard not to do that. She might be the only person I could spend that much time with and not want to strangle. We’ll have been married for 10 years next May and I love her more than ever.

We are still looking for a hutch thingy fro the kitchen and have been training the dogs with the invisible fence. It’s going to be hard to let them get shocked but I guess its part of the learning process. We found a framed print we had been looking for, for some time. It’s called “Master Bedroom” and is on a Lab sleeping on the bed. It looks like our room if the boys have their way. We purchased a new programmable thermostat to replace the old new one. The Heating/Cooling guys said they used to use programmable ones but they were too hard to explain how to use. We had one at the Boise house and like to be able to set it for day and night. It should save a bit of money in the long run. We also bought electric blankets for the beds. We keep the thermostat pretty low at night and its nice to have a little heat. I’m sitting in bed with the laptop typing this and the dogs are snoring so loud it is hard to concentrate. We have been feeding them pineapple as a treat. We are trying to teach them the word pineapple so they go crazy when you say it but no luck so far. It’s pretty funny but it might be funnier in person.

Wow it looks pretty cold in Boise, a High of 42 and a LOW of 17. Arrgh! That’s not Fall. It’s really nice here, Highs in the 70’s and a Low of 45.

The Sunday before last we went to lunch after church with the Jernigan’s. They were the first people we met at Calvary Chapel of the Triad, the ones that offered us the loan of their truck. It was a really nice time. We had great conversation and their kids were great too. They surprised us with a house warming gift of a cross that has the bible verse 2 Corinthians 5:7 … For we walk by faith, not by sight. It is really nice and will be a great addition to our collection.

Well I guess that’s it for now. Make sure you check out the story about Clay Dyer below. God Bless!

No Arms, No Legs? No Problem.

I woke up Sunday morning and was checking the weather and saw a bit of a fishing show with a really impressive guy. I dug up some information to share with you and I’ll pick up after it.

No Arms, No Legs? No Problem for Tournament Fisherman By John Phillips

- Clay Dyer's motto for life is, "If I can, you can."

Dyer, 24, of Hamilton, Ala. stands less than 40 inches tall and weighs 86 pounds. But put him on a boat on a lake, and he proves that physical deficiencies are no obstacles when it comes to catching fish.

When he was only 5 years old, Dyer realized the difference between himself and other children. Dyer was born with no full-sized arms - only a partial arm on his right shoulder - and no legs.

Most people will consider Dyer handicapped, but he doesn't see himself that way.
"I knew I had a heart, a soul and a mind, which is what really makes a human being," Dyer says. "Anything else you have is a bonus."

That kind of attitude and a determined work ethic has helped Dyer develop amazing skill with a bass rod and the lures in his tackle box.

Fishing for 19 years, Dyer has tournament fished since age 15 and fished full-time since 1995. The highly competitive Dyer has fished in more than 200 bass tournaments and won 25.
"I knew when I started bass fishing tournaments that I probably wouldn't win in the beginning," Dyer said. "I realized that I had a lot to learn, and I was willing to invest the time required to master my profession."

Dyer had to learn how to fish competitively, a difficult task at best. Also to compete, he had to create a completely new style of bass fishing that would enable him to fish independently and efficiently and maximize the energy of his small frame.

Dyer holds his rod between his shoulder and his chin and supports the rod with his arm. People who have seen Dyer cast with pinpoint accuracy say that his cast looks much like a golf swing. But he can cast overhanded and side-armed as well as flip and pitch. Dyer can cast a 1/4-ounce jig into a Styrofoam coffee cup from 30 to 50 feet. But there's more to being a competitive angler than just casting accuracy.

As Dyer said, "When I first started fishing, the competition blew me away, particularly on the B.A.S.S. Federation Circuit. But, instead of getting down mentally, I tried to learn something new at every tournament I attended.

"At first, the other fishermen were a little stand offish. They couldn't understand how someone who looked like me could fish, much less compete in a professional tournament. They couldn't figure out how a 40-inch-tall guy with only one 16-inch-long arm could flip and pitch under docks and piers and overhanging bushes or how he could drive a bass boat at 70 mph safely. Most of the fishermen in my early days of competing were uncertain about my abilities - until they went on the water with me, saw me drive my boat and fish."

Like all the other competitors in a tournament, Dyer wears a life jacket while driving his boat. But when he gets ready to fish, he sheds his life jacket.

When asked what happens if he falls into the water while fishing, Dyer laughed. "I can swim like a fish, and I love to go swimming. Often after a hard day of tournament fishing, swimming helps me stretch and relax my muscles that have been tensed up all day."
Larry Hopson, also of Hamilton, and one of the many anglers who has fished tournaments with Dyer for six years, said he was skeptical of Dyer's abilities at first.

"I was a little apprehensive to fish with him at first and was nervous about his ability to drive a boat at 70 mph," Hopson said. "However, within five minutes of being on the water with him, I was relaxed and comfortable and knew he could handle that boat.

"Fishing with Clay is an inspiration to me. The only thing you have to do for Clay is help him into the boat and put his life jacket on him. He handles anything else. You may have to open up a soft drink or a bottle of water every once in awhile for him, but that's all."

When people ask Hopson how Dyer fishes, he tells them, "The best way to learn how Clay fishes is to go with him and watch. I've seen him take lures off, put lures on, tie knots, thread worms on hooks, tie on spinner baits and crankbaits and jerk 3- and 4-pound bass into the boat or even crawl into a brushpile headfirst to get a hooked bass out of thick cover.

"I've watched Clay run his trolling motor and cast with pinpoint accuracy. And even though I've fished with him hundreds of times, I'm still not sure how he does what he does. He's an amazing man with an amazing talent."

Dyer's true strength is his attitude and spirit.

"My competing as a tournament angler isn't really a big deal," Dyer said. "I just take what I have and try to do the very best I can with it. By adopting this attitude, I've discovered that I can do things that I've never thought possible.

"I love a challenge and competition. And I've always enjoyed proving that I can do what anyone else can do. When someone tells me I can't, I'll do whatever I have to do to prove that I can.
"I played baseball all through junior-high school. I was either the catcher or the first baseman, so I didn't have to move a lot. When my turn came to bat, I had a designated runner. I knew I would never be a professional baseball player.

"However, I believed that I could be a professional fisherman if I worked at it. I realized that becoming a professional fisherman would be a challenge. But I also felt that God wanted me to be successful at fishing and to demonstrate that if Clay Dyer could do it, anybody who had a goal in life could achieve that goal."

When asked about his future, Dyer said, "I feel like I'm doing what God wants me to do. However, as much as I love competitive fishing, if God tells me to put fishing aside and do something else, I will. As long as my health stays good and I can cast a rod, I plan to keep on fishing.

"My dad says I'll be fishing until I'm six feet under."

I was really inspired by Clay. Here was this guy with no arms or legs scrambling around a boat trying to pull a fish in with his shoulder and chin and the minute he lands the fish he immediately says thank you Lord. I have all my limbs and so many other things I take for granted and here is this guy that so many would think has nothing to be thankful for but he is truly thankful. I’m thankful that the Lord uses people like Clay to teach people like me. Thank you Lord!


Clay’s Website: http://www.smgoutdoors.com/claydyer.html

Another article about Clay: http://www.baptiststandard.com/postnuke/index.php?module=htmlpages&func=display&pid=4659

The link below is a video feature that ESPN did on him. It’s pretty cool.
http://www.smgoutdoors.com/f/Clay_Dyer.wmv

Jesus had to be Glorified! by Gretta Curtis

Jesus had to be Glorified, says British Airways Employee Nadia Eweida, British Airways' employee fighting to openly wear a Christian cross necklace at work, said that "Jesus had to be glorified" through her life.

Nadia Eweida, British Airways' employee fighting to openly wear a Christian cross necklace at work, said that "Jesus had to be glorified" through her life.

Eweida, 55, a check-in worker at Heathrow airport, has been on unpaid leave after refusing to remove or cover up her cross.

She said today: "I cannot hide it. Jesus has to be glorified in my life. I am not politically motivated or minded. I just follow the biblical truth."

Ms Eweida, from west London, was speaking to Sky News from New York having been taken over to the USA by a television news company.

She said she was still waiting to hear the result of her appeal to BA to be allowed to openly wear the cross.

Ms Eweida added: "I have been overwhelmed by the support I have had in America and from my MP and barrister.

"I am just a normal employee trying to earn a living and look after my mother at the same time."

The suspended worker was reported as saying: “British Airways permits Muslims to wear a headscarf, Sikhs to wear a turban and other faiths religious apparel. Only Christians are forbidden to express their faith.”

British Airways has commented that its company policy states that employees must wear jewellery under their uniforms, and it explicitly states that this includes religious symbols.
Liberal Democrat lawmaker Vincent Cable, who represents Twickenham in west London, said it was “absolutely mind-boggling that Britain's flag-carrying airline could treat its employees in such a disgraceful and petty manner.”

“Nadia is a devout Christian who was displaying her faith, but in a modest and totally un-provocative manner,” he said.

“It is absolutely right that other religious minorities be allowed exemption from the dress code, but why can't a Christian be treated in the same way?”

A Quick One pt.2

Saturday, Oct 21st, 2006

I started job hunting back the first week of Oct, applied for a job at the Wake Forest Deacon Pro shop in the mall, a Salvage building supply, a consignment furniture store and some misc. retail shops. Sent a resume to a Christian Counseling center looking for a substance abuse counselor, and applied to our church because they were looking for a part time secretary. The Deacon shop called me to interview first, and of course the full time position called for Sundays and nights, so I told the woman that I might be interested in the part time position instead of full time so I wouldn’t have to miss church. She didn’t seem to understand and I didn’t hear back from her. The day after that interview the furniture place called, the owner asked what brought me to NC and when I told her GOD, she said she got goosebumps. We had a pretty lengthy conversation on the phone and I went in Friday for a “working interview”. The store is closed on Sundays (smile) and closes at 6pm (church starts at 7 - smile) The positions are part time with full time pay, they figure if they pay their employees well enough they don’t have to work full time and can have time to be with their families and/or ministries. Awesome. Even though it’s part time they offer benefits and paid vacation, the owner said something about the benefits being expensive, so they give you a reimbursement check every month to help off-set the cost. WOW. I go back on Monday and am sure will get more info. Since I’m making so much money (twice what I made in Boise) Mike is going to be the house husband until just the right thing comes along. He had said he would go back to security, and the company he worked for in Boise, has an office here in Greensboro, but we know it would be night (like graveyard) and/or weekends (at least at first), and I really don’t want him doing that. Thankfully we don’t need two incomes because we own the house, and have very little monthly expenses-God is good!

We went to the local mall to see a free concert today. Aaron Shust played, he said he wasn’t used to playing at malls, but we all think it went very well. He made sure everyone there listening, and everyone passing by knew why we were all there-to praise God. We sang along “our Savior lives, our Savior loves, our Savior’s there for me” he played for about an hour, then was heading to Charlotte for a concert tonight. It was really cool. After church on Sunday we are going out to lunch with the very first people we met at Calvary. (The ones who said we could borrow their truck, and stay at their house) Then I think we will drive up to Mt Airy or somewhere to see the fall leaves in full. If we get home by 5pm, we will go join a small group at church, we’ve been meaning to for a couple weeks now.

http://www.aaronshust.com/index.html

Will Rogers Wisdom

Will Rogers, who died in a plane crash with Wylie Post in 1935, was probably the greatest political sage this country has ever known. Enjoy the following quotes:

Never slap a man who's chewing tobacco.

Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.

There are two theories to arguing with a woman... neither works.

Never miss a good chance to shut up.

Always drink upstream from the herd.

If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.

The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket.

There are three kinds of men: ones that learn by reading, few who learn by observation, and the rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves.

Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.

If you're riding ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.

Lettin' the cat outta' the bag is a whole lot easier 'n puttin' it back.

And finally: After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him... The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.

A Quick One pt.1

Hey Guys, not a lot of time to update but some news. Paige found an incredible job. It's a consignment furniture place called Consignment Furniture Emporium, Inc. http://www.cfe1.com/. It's part-time (which is what we wanted) but pays full-time + pay. The owners are Christian as well. Paige will write in the blog and give you more info soon.We bought one of our final furniture pieces the other day.

We had been looking for a Dressing Table because our bathroom is small (and only one) so Paige can do her makeup and hair in the Master bedroom. We were going to wait because now that Paige works at a furniture place we could be pretty choosy but it was on $50 and we couldn't pass it up.

Later this afternoon we are going to see Christian artist Aaron Shust who is giving a free concert at Hanes Mall here in Winston-Salem. http://www.aaronshust.com/index.html If you listen to Christian radio you've probably heard some of his songs (Matchless and My Savior, My God). It's pretty obvious what he's talking about in his songs, and I appreciate that. It drives me crazy when you don't know what a "Christian Bands" lyrics are talking about. I don't mean loud I mean wishy-washy or watered-down. I betcha Aaron Shust will lay out the Gospel pretty clearly in the Mall today!!!

Here are a couple pictures of my buddy Walt and his buddy Ken Bishop at a Greenbay Packer game. Ken is a DJ for a Christian Radio Station http://www.89q.org/waycup/index.html and is helping Walt get back into radio. I worked with Walt and he came to the small group at least once. He now lives in Wisconsin. Please keep Walt in prayer. Thanks.

Fall in NC - Just Pics

Here are a few pictures of our house in fall. I took them a few minutes ago. More Later. -m

*click* them to make them bigger.

More pictures and these ones without text are at our webshots page.

Cartoons!

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