[JustAmy]

1-27-05
Graphic by Billie

Leaving Heartprints Forever

Thanks to every one of you
It means so much to me
Whenever I am feeling low
Its your hearts I can see

When my spirit needs a lift
A special glow you send
No better gift can be found
Than the heart of a friend

It's in knowing you are there
Whenever my heart slips
When down you lift me high
Upon wings of friendships

The caring comfort you give
As we place souls together
Loving support you supplied
Leaving heartprints forever

©2002 Hope

[tuliptree76]

Here are the holidays that are coming up:

Jan. 27:
Chocolate Cake Day
Mozart Day
Thomas Crapper Day

Jan 28:
Blueberry Pancake Day
Daisy Day
Fun At Work Day
Kazoo Day
International Make Your Point Day

Jan 29:
Kansas Day
Puzzle Day
Freethinker's Day
Bubblegum Sculpture Day

Jan 30:
Jazz Day

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank y'all so much for the precious poem and graphic!

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody ! Happy Thursday!

[The Mayor]

January 27, 2005

"Consumer Christianity"

Read: Luke 9:18-26

If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. —Luke 9:23

Bible In One Year: Job 38-42

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In his book The Empty Church, historian Thomas C. Reeves says: "Christianity in modern America . . . tends to be easy, upbeat, convenient, and compatible. It does not require self-sacrifice, discipline, humility, an otherworldly outlook, a zeal for souls, a fear as well as love of God. There is little guilt and no punishment, and the payoff in heaven is virtually certain. What we now have might best be labeled 'Consumer Christianity.' The cost is low and customer satisfaction seems guaranteed."

If we were only customers of Almighty God, we could be selective in our faith and reject anything we didn't like. But that's not an idea we get from Jesus. He pointed us to a cross, not to a spiritual check-out counter. He said: "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it" (Luke 9:23-24). Christ died on a cross for our sins, not for our satisfaction. And He calls us to trust in Him, then follow Him with a life of self-denial.

In a world where the customer is always right, it takes radical obedience to God to keep from buying into "Consumer Christianity." —David McCasland

When Jesus said to follow Him
Regardless of the cost,
He promised He would surely give
Much more than would be lost. —Sper

Following Jesus is not always easy, but it's always right.

[Billie]

Hi Amy and FRiends. Wanted to post a great picture of Amy when she went to Tea at the Ritz Carlton Sunday with FreeTheHostages, Mama_Bear, and Marissa. There were many photos posted on The Finest yesterday, and Mama Bear has already cried "Uncle" about hers, but Amy didn't say I couldn't, so here she is!!!