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A Few of FR's Finest...Every Day...03-25-05 - 03-27-05...Stations of the Cross
dutchess

Posted on 03/25/2005 2:46:51 AM PST by dutchess



A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day
Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.
A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.
On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY
If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.
We're having fun and hope you are!

~ Billie, Mama_bear, dutchess, Aquamarine,








Christ has died, Christ has Risen, Christ will come again....




"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself" (John 12:32)


The Stations of the Cross, Background and History
From the earliest of days, followers of Jesus told the story of his passion, death and resurrection. When pilgrims came to see Jerusalem, they were anxious to see the sites where Jesus was. These sites became important holy connections with Jesus. Eventually, following in the footsteps of the Lord, along the way of the cross, became a part of the pilgrimage visit. The stations, as we know them today, came about when it was no longer easy or even possible to visit the holy sites. In the 1500's, villages all over Europe started creating "replicas" of the way of the cross, with small shrines commemorating the places along the route in Jerusalem. Eventually, these shrines became the set of 14 stations we now know and were placed in almost every Catholic Church in the world.
A person making the Stations will go to each station and pray and meditate about that particular event which Jesus went through in His Passion and death.
The Stations of the Cross can be done anywhere, with a group of people or alone. There are many different prayers written by various people throughout the centuries, which are beautiful and profound. There are also hundreds of artistic interpretations of the stations. You will see a sampling as your walk through the stations below.
After each Station it is customary to say the following prayers.
Our Father, Who art in heaven; hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Glory be to the Father and the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit Thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Have mercy on us Lord. Have mercy on us Lord
The Stations of the Cross

Station One.... Jesus is Condemned to Death
We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus, after having been blasphemed, mocked, and scourged, is dragged before Pilate and unjustly condemned to die with disgrace on the Cross.
My loving Jesus, it was my sins, not Pilate, that condemned You to die. Grant that I may detest them with all my heart, and by the merits of this sorrowful journey obtain Your mercy and pardon to assist my soul on its journey towards eternity.
My beloved Jesus, I love You above all things. I am truly sorry for having offended You, and I repent with my whole heart. May I never offend You again. Grant that I may never cease to love You, and do with me as You will.
Station Two....Jesus Carries His Cross
We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus accepts His cross, the instrument that He will use to redeem the world. As He carries the heavy cross on His bruised shoulders He thinks of me, and offers His pending death to His Father for my sins, so that I may live.
My most beloved Jesus, grant me by the virtue of Your Cross to embrace with meekness and cheerful submission all the tribulations You have destined for me until my death. By the merits of the pain You suffered in carrying Your Cross give me the necessary help to be ever ready to take up my cross and follow You with perfect patience and resignation.
My beloved Jesus, I love You above all things. I am truly sorry for having offended You, and I repent with my whole heart. May I never offend You again. Grant that I may never cease to love You, and do with me as You will.
Station Three....Jesus Falls the First Time
We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus slowly sets forth on His way to Calvary, bowed down under the weight of His Cross. The soldiers strike Him, and the crowds mock and insult Him. His flesh is torn by the scourges, and on His head is a crown of thorns. Through His many wounds He has lost a great quantity of blood. He is so weak He can scarcely walk, yet He has to carry this great load. Finally, His strength fails him, and He falls to the ground.
O Jesus, it was for me that You bore the heavy burden of the Cross. By the merits of this first fall, may I be saved from the misfortune of falling into mortal sin.
My beloved Jesus, I love You above all things. I am truly sorry for having offended You, and I repent with my whole heart. May I never offend You again. Grant that I may never cease to love You, and do with me as You will.
Station Four....Jesus Meets His Mother
We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus, still burdened with His Cross, and wounded even more by His fall, meets His Mother. A sword of anguish pierces those hearts that love each other so tenderly.
My sweet Jesus, by the compassion which You did feel for Your most holy Mother at this meeting, have compassion on me and grant me the grace of a truly devoted love for Her. O Mary, my Queen, overwhelmed with sorrow, intercede for me, that, through the sufferings endured by Your Son, I may obtain a continual and tender remembrance of the Passion of Jesus.
My beloved Jesus, I love You above all things. I am truly sorry for having offended You, and I repent with my whole heart. May I never offend You again. Grant that I may never cease to love You, and do with me as You will.
Station Five....Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross
We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus' strength is failing, and the executioners fear Jesus will die on the way instead of on the Cross. They seize Simon of Cyrene and compel him to carry the Cross for Jesus. Simon realizes what he is asked to do, and it changes his heart. The Cross becomes for Simon a privilege and a joy.
My most beloved Jesus, it is my privilege also to carry whatever crosses You desire to send me. I will not refuse them. I accept them, embrace them, and rejoice that I may be counted worthy to suffer for Your Name's sake. I unite them to Your death. You died for love of me, I will die for love of You. Help me by Your grace.
My beloved Jesus, I love You above all things. I am truly sorry for having offended You, and I repent with my whole heart. May I never offend You again. Grant that I may never cease to love You, and do with me as You will.
Station Six....Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus, proceeding on His way, is covered with sweat and blood. His face, once beautiful, has now lost all its beauty. It is disfigured by wounds and blood. A holy woman named Veronica, moved with compassion, approaches and wipes His face with her veil. Jesus, as a reward for her piety, leaves the impression of His Sacred Countenance imprinted upon it.
My Jesus, at my Baptism my soul was also beautiful, but my sins have since disfigured it. By Your Passion, O Jesus, restore it to its former beauty. May the contemplation of Your sufferings move me with the greatest compassion, make me hate my sins, and kindle in my heart a more fervent love for You. Imprint Your image in my mind so that I may never forget what my sins have done to You. Guide me, that I may one day be transformed into Your likeness.
My beloved Jesus, I love You above all things. I am truly sorry for having offended You, and I repent with my whole heart. May I never offend You again. Grant that I may never cease to love You, and do with me as You will.
Station Seven....Jesus Falls for the Second Time
We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
At every step the pain of His wounds and the loss of blood increase. His strength fails Him a second time, and Jesus falls to the ground.
My Jesus, it was the burden of my sins that caused You to fall again. So many times You have pardoned me, but I am weak, and so many times I have fallen again and begun again to offend You. By the merits of this second fall, help me to persevere in Your grace until my death. May I always commend myself to You in all temptations which assail me.
My beloved Jesus, I love You above all things. I am truly sorry for having offended You, and I repent with my whole heart. May I never offend You again. Grant that I may never cease to love You, and do with me as You will.
Station Eight....Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus walks on, streaming with blood. Some holy women in the crowd see Him and are so touched with sympathy and compassion that they openly weep for Him. Jesus, knowing the things that are to happen to Jerusalem because of her rejection of Him, turns to them and says: "Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but for yourselves and for your children."
My Jesus, I weep bitterly for the offenses I have committed against You. I weep because of the pains they have deserved, but most of all because they caused You, because of Your great love for me, to have to die for me. Teach me to be truly sorry for my sins, so that I may escape those dreadful judgements prepared for all who reject or neglect You in this life.
My beloved Jesus, I love You above all things. I am truly sorry for having offended You, and I repent with my whole heart. May I never offend You again. Grant that I may never cease to love You, and do with me as You will.
Station Nine....Jesus Falls the Third Time
We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus is now almost at the summit of Calvary. His weakness is extreme. The excessively brutal solders, anxious to crucify Him, cruelly try to hasten His steps, but He can scarcely move, and Jesus falls a third time.
O Lord Jesus, by the merits of this third most painful fall, pardon my frequent relapses into sin and give me the strength I need to conquer all human respect and all my wicked passions. Imprint the thought of all Your sufferings firmly in my mind so that I may hate my sins more and more.
My beloved Jesus, I love You above all things. I am truly sorry for having offended You, and I repent with my whole heart. May I never offend You again. Grant that I may never cease to love You, and do with me as You will.
Station Ten....Jesus Is Stripped of His Garments
We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus, now at Calvary, is violently stripped by His executioners. His inner garments adhere to His torn flesh, and they are dragged off so roughly that the skin is pulled off with them.
My innocent Jesus, You endured this shame for my most shameful deeds. By the merits of the torment You felt, help me to strip myself of all false shame, conceit, pride, and all affection of the things of earth, so that I may place all my love in You. Help me to humble myself voluntarily in this life, that I may escape everlasting punishment in the life to come.
My beloved Jesus, I love You above all things. I am truly sorry for having offended You, and I repent with my whole heart. May I never offend You again. Grant that I may never cease to love You, and do with me as You will.
Station Eleven....Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
The executioners lay the Cross on the ground, and Jesus is stretched upon it. He extends His hands willingly, offering to His Eternal Father the sacrifice of His life for our salvation. He is fastened to the Cross with nails, and then He and the Cross are raised up for all to see.
My suffering Jesus, what my sins have done to You! Nail my heart to Your feet, that it may be united to You until my death so that I will never offend You again.
My beloved Jesus, I love You above all things. I am truly sorry for having offended You, and I repent with my whole heart. May I never offend You again. Grant that I may never cease to love You, and do with me as You will.
Station Twelve....Jesus Dies on the Cross
We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
For three excruciating hours Jesus hangs on the Cross. His blood runs in streams down His torn body. Finally, after all He had set out to do has been accomplished, He abandons Himself to the weight of His body, bows His head, and dies.
My dying Jesus, I devoutly kiss the honoured Cross on which You died for love of me. My sins have merited for me a miserable death, but Your death is my hope. By the merits of Your death help me to live only for You. And when I die, help me to die embracing Your feet and burning for love for You.
My beloved Jesus, I love You above all things. I am truly sorry for having offended You, and I repent with my whole heart. May I never offend You again. Grant that I may never cease to love You, and do with me as You will.
Station Thirteen....Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross
We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus take Jesus' body down from the cross and place it in His mother's arms. With unspeakable tenderness she receives the lifeless body of her Divine Son, and with boundless grief presses it to her bosom.
O Mother of Sorrow, give me a share in your most holy sorrow in the suffering of your Son, that I may fully realize what my sins have caused. Accept me as your servant, pray for me, and have compassion on my infirmities. Jesus, my Redeemer, You have died for love of me. In Your mercy permit me to love You, for I wish only You, nothing more.
My beloved Jesus, I love You above all things. I am truly sorry for having offended You, and I repent with my whole heart. May I never offend You again. Grant that I may never cease to love You, and do with me as You will.
Station Fourteen....Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
The lifeless body of Jesus is carried by his disciples to the tomb. Mary, His most holy mother, arranges it with overwhelming sorrow. Then they all withdraw, and the tomb is sealed.
My buried Jesus, devoutly I kiss the stone that encloses You. But death could not hold You. I, too, will descend into the grave when You will it. My sinful body will return to the dust from which it came. In Your great mercy, receive my immortal soul, so that on the last day I may rise in glory with You and join You in Your kingdom where I may love You and praise You forever.
My beloved Jesus, I love You above all things. I am truly sorry for having offended You, and I repent with my whole heart. May I never offend You again. Grant that I may never cease to love You, and do with me as You will.
Our Father, Who art in heaven; hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Glory be to the Father and the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit Thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Have mercy on us Lord. Have mercy on us Lord
We Adore You, O Christ, and We Bless You, Because by Your Holy Cross You Have Redeemed the World.





THIS WEEK'S THREADS

03-21-05...Military Monday
03-22-05...Spring has Sprung
03-23-05...Romans 5 ~ The Free Gift Came
03-24-05...Death by forced dehydration very peaceful. Trust us.

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping'
The guy's good, folks!
Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
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4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer


Click on the photo to view the album. To
submit your photo, please contact dansangel or .45Man
at
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and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.


12-29-04 ~ Hall of Fame #10



TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; Political Humor/Cartoons
KEYWORDS: easter; freepers; military; patriotic; religion; surprises; veterans
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
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To: dixie sass
A beautiful Paschal Saturday here in SC. How was it in Texas? Did you do any of those potraits of our fallen heros? Heard that some were by a lady in Texas and some of them looked like your style.

Hi, dixie - it was cold here today - hope it's the last 'spell' - time for Spring! :)

I didn't do any of the portraits of our fallen heroes - thank you for thinking of me - where could I see them? I didn't know about them.

Time for dinner here - stopped in for a few minutes and see it's been very quiet today. Hope you have a really wonderful day tomorrow.

61 posted on 03/26/2005 4:42:48 PM PST by Billie
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To: DollyCali

Well, I am late getting here, but I scrolled down to the "toon" of Terri with the cross and immediately started crying. God give Terri comfort, hold her hand and guide her home to you! Thank you, Dolly, for posting it!


62 posted on 03/26/2005 7:01:36 PM PST by luvie (THE TRUMPET OF FREEDOM HAS BEEN SOUNDED, AND THAT TRUMPET NEVER CALLS RETREAT! GWB 3-8-05 AMEN!!)
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To: dutchess

HALLELUIA! WHAT A SAVIOR!

63 posted on 03/26/2005 7:16:07 PM PST by luvie (THE TRUMPET OF FREEDOM HAS BEEN SOUNDED, AND THAT TRUMPET NEVER CALLS RETREAT! GWB 3-8-05 AMEN!!)
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To: MEG33

Thanks so much, Meg. Same to you.


64 posted on 03/26/2005 7:19:32 PM PST by Victoria Delsoul
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To: Kitty Mittens

Amen!


65 posted on 03/26/2005 7:19:57 PM PST by Victoria Delsoul
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To: All
Good morning on this blessed Easter Sunday - Happy Easter to you all

Love Eleanor

66 posted on 03/27/2005 12:38:47 AM PST by snugs (An English Cheney Chick - BIG TIME)
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To: Kitty Mittens

Good Easter morning everyone. Jesus is risen, glory be to GOD!


67 posted on 03/27/2005 4:47:21 AM PST by GailA (Glory be to GOD and his only son Jesus.)
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To: All; GailA; Gabz; snugs; The Mayor; Darksheare; lonestar; Billie; dutchess; Mama_Bear; ...
Because he lives, So too shall we

Love & Happy Easter FRiends !


68 posted on 03/27/2005 5:14:36 AM PST by DollyCali (Terri... we care!)
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To: All; Billie; DollyCali; Mama_Bear; dansangel; dutchess; ST.LOUIE1; LadyX; jwfiv; JohnHuang2; ...

Graphic by MamaBear

Happy Easter, Finest Friends!

69 posted on 03/27/2005 5:28:05 AM PST by JustAmy (Remember our President and our troops in your prayers. God Bless America.)
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To: dutchess; deadhead; Mama_Bear; The Mayor; Diver Dave; Billie; FreeTheHostages

"Dubyuh's Got Faith!!"
(To be sung to Eric Clapton's "Running On Faith"

One...two...three...four...

Lately Right's been running on Faith...
Searchin' fer Justice and Truth.
But our World will be Right...
When Dubyuh sings our tune.

Lately, I've been wond'rin' why I FReep...
Shrinkin' government's that fer which I pray.
Protect the World from Left's slime...
Please Dubyuh, join the fray!!

Right's always been...
Willin' to help thru taxes that we pay.
Seems like by now...
Right'd find a Prez who cares...fer Liberty!!

Then we'd go running on faith
All of Right's dreams shall come true!!
All the world will be Right...
When Dubyuh loathes Big Guv'ment, too!!

(Sweet guitar pickin' by the BigMan)

Right's always been...
One to fight fer that fer which we pray!!
Seems like by now...
We'd find a Prez who cares...fer Liberty!!

Won't believe Pubbies on faith...
All of Right's dreams shall come true!!
Lead the world 'cuz we're Right...
George Dubyuh, you can join US, too!!
Yes, you can...
And Rush shall support you...
Then Sean shall support you...
And MUD shall support you...
All of Right's dreams shall come true...
The Right shall support you...
Truth shall see you thru...

Mudboy Slim (05/21/2004)


70 posted on 03/27/2005 5:37:25 AM PST by Mudboy Slim (The Culture War shall be won by those RightWingers who choose to fight it!!)
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To: ST.LOUIE1; Aquamarine; dutchess; Mama_Bear; dansangel; Billie; Aeronaut; deadhead; Diver Dave; ...


March 27, 2005

Fact, Not Fable

Read:
1 Corinthians 15:1-19

If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! -1 Corinthians 15:17

Bible In One Year: 1 Samuel 4-7

cover The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Without it we have no hope for this life nor the life to come. That's why it is important to recognize that our belief in Christ's resurrection is not based on a religious feeling or unfounded rumor, but on historical fact with solid evidence to support it.

A century ago, a group of lawyers met in England to discuss the biblical accounts of Jesus' resurrection. They wanted to see if enough information was available to make a case that would hold up in a court of law. They concluded that Christ's resurrection was one of the most well-established facts of history.

In his book Countdown, G. B. Hardy offers some thought-provoking questions about the resurrection: "There are but two essential requirements: (1) Has anyone cheated death and proved it? (2) Is it available to me?" Hardy goes on to declare that only the tomb of Jesus is empty. And because Jesus conquered sin and death, we who put our faith in Him will share in His resurrection.

"If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile," Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:17. Historical evidence and countless changed lives testify that the resurrection of Jesus is a fact. Have you put your hope in the risen Christ? -Dave Egner

Yes, Christ the Lord is risen,
Has come forth from the grave;
He breaks the chains of death for you
And now has power to save. -Woodruff

Christ's resurrection is more than a fact of history-it's the proof of our salvation.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Did Christ Really Rise From The Dead?
10 Reasons To Believe Christ Rose From The Dead

71 posted on 03/27/2005 6:25:22 AM PST by The Mayor ( The human spirit soars with hope when lifted by an encouraging word.)
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To: ST.LOUIE1; Aquamarine; dansangel; dutchess; Mama_Bear; The Mayor; deadhead; Diver Dave; GailA; ...
Wishing all a wonderful and Holy Day today. Enjoy your families and loved ones. Will see you tomorrow.


72 posted on 03/27/2005 6:54:38 AM PST by Billie
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To: Billie; dansangel; .45MAN; dutchess; JustAmy; The Mayor; All

Happy Easter to everyone!
Christ is Risen!

Some great news- my two children were brought into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church last night at the Easter Vigil. They were welcomed into the Church by our pastor, and took their First Communion as Catholics.
My kids' story is a little different than most, in that they were baptized Greek Orthodox, which does Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion all at the same time when you're a baby. So all they really needed to do was make a Profession of Faith.


73 posted on 03/27/2005 7:40:11 AM PST by visualops (A man's authority as a husband does not supersede his wife's rights as a human being.)
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To: Billie
Happy Easter, Billie. :)

74 posted on 03/27/2005 7:48:07 AM PST by MeekOneGOP (There is only one GOOD 'RAT: one that has been voted OUT of POWER !! Straight ticket GOP!)
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To: visualops

Congratulations, Visualops.

That is wonderful.

Happy Easter to you and yours.


75 posted on 03/27/2005 8:59:53 AM PST by JustAmy (Remember our President and our troops in your prayers. God Bless America.)
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To: Billie; WVNan; All
HE is Risen
HE is Risen Indeed!

Joyous Easter friends!


76 posted on 03/27/2005 9:16:53 AM PST by Libertina (Praise to You Lord, God of mercy and grace!)
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To: Billie; lonestar; dutchess; TexasCowboy; Mama_Bear; WVNan; LadyX; The Thin Man; Diver Dave; ...
Christ The Lord Is Risen Today

Happy Easter to All!

He Lives!

77 posted on 03/27/2005 9:25:41 AM PST by Aquamarine
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To: Billie; Mama_Bear; dutchess; Aquamarine; The Mayor; JohnHuang2; ST.LOUIE1; Diver Dave; dansangel; ..

Because the tomb was empty,
our lives do not have to be!

Sharing with all our Finest Family and friends
on this blessed day of celebration,
the joy of God's infinite love and grace,

~ LadyX

78 posted on 03/27/2005 9:33:04 AM PST by LadyX ((( To God be all praise and honor and glory -- )))
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To: All

Every Sunday afternoon, after the morning service at their
church, the Pastor and his eleven year old son would go out
into their town and hand out Gospel Tracts.

This particular Sunday afternoon, as it came time for the
Pastor and his son to go to the streets with their tracts,
it was very cold outside as well as pouring down rain. The
boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said,
"OK dad, I'm ready." His Pastor dad asked, "Ready for what?"

Dad, it's time we gather our tracts together and go out."
Dad responded, "Son, it's very cold outside and it's pouring down rain."
The boy gave his dad a surprised look, asking "But, Dad,
aren't people still going to Hell, even though it's raining?"
Dad answered, "Son, I am not going out in this weather."
Despondently, the boy asked, "Dad, can I go? Please?"
His father hesitated for a moment then said, "Son, you can
go. Here are the tracts; be careful, son."
Thanks, Dad!" And with that, he was off and out into the rain.

This eleven year old boy walked the streets of the town
going door to door and handing everybody he met in the street a Gospel Tract.
After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking,
bone-chilled wet and down to his VERY LAST TRACT. He
stopped on a corner and looked for someone to hand a tract to,
but the streets were totally deserted.

Then he turned toward the first home he saw - and started
up the sidewalk to the front door and rang the door bell.
He rang the bell, but nobody answered. He rang it again and again,
but still no one answered. He waited but still no answer.
Finally, this eleven year old trooper turned to leave, but
something stopped him. Again, he turned to the door and
rang the bell and knocked loudly on the door with his fist.
He waited, something holding him there on the front porch.
He rang again, and this time the door slowly opened.

Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking elderly lady.
She softly asked, "What can I do for you, son?"
With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this
little boy said, "Ma'am, I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but
I just want to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU, and
I came to give you my very last Gospel Tract which will
tell you all about JESUS and His great LOVE."

With that, he handed her his last tract, and turned to leave.
She called to him as he departed. "Thank you, son! And God Bless You!"

Well, the following Sunday morning in church Pastor Dad was
in the pulpit. As the service began, he asked, "Does
anybody have a testimony or want to say anything?"
Slowly, in the back row of the church, an elderly lady
stood to her feet. As she began to speak, a look of
glorious radiance came from her face as she, "No one in this
church knows me. I've never been here before. You see,
before last Sunday I was not a Christian. My husband
passed on some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this
world.

Last Sunday, being a particularly cold and rainy
day, it was even more so in my heart that I came to the end
of the line where I no longer had any hope or will live.
So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into
the attic of my home. I fastened the rope securely to a
rafter in the roof, then stood on the chair and fastened
the other end of the rope around my neck. Standing on that
chair, so lonely and brokenhearted, I was about to leap
off, when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell down-
stairs startled me.

I thought, "I'll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go
away." I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed
to get louder and more insistent, and then the person
ringing also started knocking loudly. I thought to myself
again, "Who on earth could this be?! Nobody ever rings my
bell or comes to see me." I loosened the rope from my neck
and started for the front door, all the while the bell rang
louder and louder.

When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my
eyes, for there on my front porch was the most radiant and
angelic little boy I had ever seen in my life.
His SMILE, oh, I could never describe it to you! And the
words that came from his mouth caused my heart, that had
long been dead, TO LEAP TO LIFE as he exclaimed with a
cherub-like voice, 'Ma'am, I just came to tell you that
JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU.'

Then he gave me this Gospel Tract that I now hold in my
hand. As the little angel disappeared back out into the cold
and rain, I closed my door and read slowly every word of
this Gospel Tract. Then I went up to my attic to get my
rope and chair. I wouldn't be needing them any more. You
see, I am now a Happy Child of the KING and since the
address of your church was on the back of this Gospel
Tract, I have come here to personally say 'THANK YOU' to
God's little angel who came just in the nick of time and,
by so doing, spared my soul from eternity in hell."

There was not a dry eye in the church. And as shouts of
praise and honor to THE KING resounded off the very rafters
of the building, Pastor Dad descended from the pulpit to
the front pew where the little angel was seated. He took his son
in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably.

Probably no church has had a more glorious moment, and
probably this universe has never seen a Papa that was more
filled with love & honor for his son...
Except for One. This Father also allowed His Son to go out
into a cold and dark world. He received His Son back with
joy unspeakable, and as all of heaven shouted praises and
honor to The King, The Father so His beloved Son on a
throne far above all principality and power and every name
that is named.

~Author Unknown~


79 posted on 03/27/2005 9:37:35 AM PST by The Mayor ( The human spirit soars with hope when lifted by an encouraging word.)
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To: LadyX; All

Happy Easter to all of the Finest, may God's blessings and love be with you today and every day!!


80 posted on 03/27/2005 9:42:00 AM PST by phancypants ("Walk cheerfully over the world")
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