Closer 2 Jesus

MAGNOLIAS By Edna Ellison

2009-04-19T16:57:00.003-04:00

My Friend Wayne Kuphal Sent This to Me :)

Photo Found @ www.talwillis.com

A Story To Think On ...

MAGNOLIAS..........By Edna Ellison

I spent the week before my daughter's June wedding running last-minute trips to the caterer, florist, tuxedo shop, and the church about forty miles away..

As happy as I was that Patsy was marrying a good Christian young man, I felt laden with responsibilities as I watched my budget dwindle .. ..

So many details, so many bills, and so little time. My son Jack was away at college, but he said he would be there to walk his younger sister down the aisle, taking the place of his dad who had died a few years before. He teased Patsy, saying he'd wanted to give her away since she was about three years old!

To save money, I gathered blossoms from several friends who had large magnolia trees. Their luscious, creamy-white blooms and slick green leaves would make beautiful arrangements against the rich dark wood inside the church.

After the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding, we banked the podium area and choir loft with magnolias. As we left just before midnight, I felt tired but satisfie d this would be the best wedding any bride had ever had! The music, the ceremony, the reception - and especially the flowers - would be remembered for years.

The big day arrived - the busiest day of my life - and while her bridesmaids helped Patsy to dress, her fiance Tim walked with me to the sanctuary to do a final check. When we opened the door and felt a rush of hot air, I almost fainted; and then I saw them - all the beautiful white flowers were black. Funeral black. An electrical storm during the night had knocked out the air conditioning system, and on that hot summer day, the flowers had wilted and died.

I panicked, knowing I didn't have time to drive back to our hometown, gather more flowers, and return in time for the wedding.

Tim turned to me. 'Edna, can you get more flowers? I'll throw away these dead ones and put fresh flowers in these arrangements.'

I mumbled, 'Sure,' as he be-bopped down the hall to put on his cuff links.

Alone in the large sanctuary, I looked up at the dark wooden beams in the arched ceiling. 'Lord,' I prayed, 'please help me. I don't know anyone in this town. Help me find someone willing to give me flowers - in a hurry!' I scurried out praying for four things: the blessing of white magnolias, courage to find them in an unfamiliar yard, safety from any dog that may bite my leg, and a nice person who would not get out a shotgun when I asked to cut his tree to shreds.

As I left the church, I saw magnolia trees in the distance. I approached a house...No dog in sight. I knocked on the door and an older man answered. So far so good . .No shotgun. When I stated my plea the man beamed, 'I'd be happy to!'

He climbed a stepladder and cut large boughs and handed them down to me. Minutes later, as I lifted the last armload into my car trunk, I said, 'Sir, you've made the mother of a bride happy today.'

'No, Ma'am,' he said. 'You don't understand what's happening here.'

'What?' I asked.

'You see, my wife of sixty-seven years died on Monday. On Tuesday I received friends at the funeral home, and on Wednesday .. . . He paused. I saw tears welling up in his eyes. 'On Wednesday I buried her.' He! looked away. 'On Thursday most of my out-of-town relatives went back home, and on Friday - yesterday - my children left.'

I nodded.

'This morning,' he continued, 'I was sitting in my den crying out=2 0loud. I miss her so much. For the last sixteen years, as her health got worse, she needed me. But now nobody needs me. This morning I cried, 'Who needs an eighty-six-year-old wore-out man? Nobody!' I began to cry louder. 'Nobody needs me!' About that time, you knocked, and said, 'Sir, I need you.'

I stood with my mouth open.

He asked, 'Are you an angel? The way the light shone around your head into my dark living room...'

I assured him I was no angel..

He smiled. 'Do you know what I was thinking when I handed you those magnolias?'

'No.'

'I decided I'm needed. My flowers are needed. Why, I might have a flower ministry! I could give them to everyone! Some caskets at the funeral home have no flowers. People need flowers at times like that and I have lots of them. They're all over the backyard! I can give them to hospitals, churches - all sorts of places. You know what I'm going to do? I'm going to serve the Lord until the day He calls me home!'

I drove back to the church, filled with wonder. On Patsy's wedding day, if anyone had asked me to encourage someone who was hurting, I would have said, 'Forget it! It's my only daughter's wedding, for goodness' sake! There is no way I can minister to anyone today.'

But God found a way. Through dead flowers.

'Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.'

If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing.
If you have missed some of my emails, you may have missed a
laugh. But, if you have missed knowing my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, you have missed everything in the world.

May God's blessings be upon you.

Closer 2 Jesus

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecriter :)

The Devil and the Duck

2009-04-11T20:18:00.002-04:00

There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm.

He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods.

He practiced in the woods; but he could never hit the target.

Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner.

As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck.

Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved!

In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile; only to see his
Sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.

After lunch the next day Grandma said, 'Sally, let's wash the dishes'

But Sally said, 'Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen.'

Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?'

So Johnny did the dishes.

Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, 'I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper.'

Sally just smiled and said, 'well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help?

She whispered again, 'Remember the duck?' So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.

After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's; he
Finally couldn't stand it any longer.

He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.

Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, 'Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you.'

Thought for the day and every day thereafter:

Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done...? And the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc.)...whatever it is....You need to know that:
God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing.

He has seen your whole life... He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you.

The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness;

He not only forgives you, but He forgets.

It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved.

Go ahead and make the difference in someone's life today.

Share this with a friend and always remember:

God is at the window!

When Jesus died on the cross; he was thinking of you!

My friends at The Gospel: The Good News Group at Facebook sent this to me :)

Closer 2 Jesus

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter Google Me :)

Closer 2 Jesus Thought's of the Day

2009-03-30T18:30:00.005-04:00

Anything you don't feed dies :) Yup, you all know the saying "If you don't use it ... you lose it?" Well ... Same principle here.

If you aren't "Feeding" your thoughts with the WORD, then what are feeding it with and what may be taking hold?

Deuteronomy 17:19
"It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees."

Where are you going in such a hurry?

Don't be vague, have a purpose-

Many people spend their lives confused because they don't know what they are called to do :)

No Longer Put Up With Vagueness Ephesians 5:15 "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Look carefully how we walk, live purposefully and God Bless :)

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter Google Me :)

Closer 2 Jesus Keep Looking Up

2009-03-02T22:51:00.002-05:00

- Keep Looking Up! -

Be prepared!

Do not be ignorant of what is happening and is about to happen in this World. Open the Holy Bible and let the LORD JESUS show you the way and the truth.

Just scroll down and read and enjoy the Awesomeness of it all.

This is the most powerful message I think I have read in a long time.

~He Is God~

He is the First and Last,
The Beginning and the End!

He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be ...
unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!

He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him,

and The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him,

The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him,

and The people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him,

Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him,

and "Oprah" can't explain Him away!

He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.

His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging,

and His mind is on me.
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and He rules my life!

I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light,

and His goal for me is abundant life.

I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
the power of the powerful, the ancient of days,

the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders,

the overseer of the overcomers, and is to come.

And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.

His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
never forsake me,
never mislead me,
never forget me,
never overlook me and
never cancel my appointment

in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is everything for everybody everywhere,

every time, and every way.

He is God, He is faithful.

I am His, and He is mine!

My Father in heaven

can whip the father of this world (satan).
So, if you're wondering why I feel

so secure, understand this...

He said it, I believe it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side,
and that means all is well with my soul.

Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I love the Lord

and thank Him for all that He has done in my life!

Closer 2 Jesus :)

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter :)

Closer 2 Jesus The Present

2009-03-02T22:24:00.003-05:00

Change Your Thinking The Present Closer 2 Jesus

It will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.

One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.

His bed was next to the room's only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on hi s back.

The men talked for hours on end..

They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.

Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats.. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.

Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.

She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.

He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.

She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'

Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.

Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled

If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.

'Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present .'

My very cool Dad sent this to me in an email :)

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter Closer 2 Jesus

Closer 2 Jesus Calm

2009-02-02T10:09:00.004-05:00

Blessed is the man with the power to keep himself calm ...

Getting all upset isn't going to change anything except you.

Psalm 94 11 (The Amplified Bible) The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are vain (empty and futile--only a breath)

Psalm 94 11 (Young's Literal Translation) He knoweth the thoughts of man, that they [are] vanity.

12O the happiness of the man Whom Thou instructest, O Jah, And out of Thy law teachest him,

13To give rest to him from days of evil, While a pit is digged for the wicked.

14 For Jehovah leaveth not His people, And His inheritance forsaketh not.

Psalm 94 11 (King James Version) The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.

12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;

13 That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.

14 For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.

If you can keep calm and stay trusting in the Lord ... :)

Getting all upset isn't going to change anything except you...

The World is not near as likely to change ....

But we can change how we look at, except, and welcome things :)

Joyce Meyer is brilliant, she asks what do you have that is stealing your peace?

It is very likely that not everything will go your way today ... :)

How will you welcome it?

Paul didn't pray for believers problems to go away, he prayed for stregnth to the believers and for the Holy Spirit to fill their personality so they could welcome all things with joy.

If the Devil is trying to steal your joy don't help him :)

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter :)

Closer 2 Jesus Baby's Hug

2008-12-28T11:35:00.005-05:00

Find Photo Here

Baby's Hug

We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, 'Hi.' He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.

I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map.

We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. 'Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster,' the man said to Erik.

My husband and I exchanged looks, 'What do we do?'

Erik continued to laugh and answer, 'Hi.'

Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, 'Do ya patty cake ? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek-a-boo.'

Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk.

My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.

We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. 'Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,' I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I

did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's 'pick-me-up' position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man.

Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his

tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labour, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time.

I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, 'You take care of this baby.'

Somehow I managed, 'I will,' from a throat that contained a stone.

He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, 'God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift.'

I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, 'My God, my God, forgive me.'

I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, 'Are you willing to share your son for a moment?' when He shared His for all eternity.

The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, 'To enter the Kingdom of God , we must become as little children.'

If this has blessed you, please bless others by sending it on. Sometimes, it takes a child to remind us of what is really important. We must always remember who we are, where we came from and, most importantly, how we feel about others. The clothes on your back or the car that you drive or the house that you live in does not define you at all; it is how you treat your fellow man that identifies who you are.

It is better to be liked for the true you, than to be loved for who people think you are.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Closer 2 Jesus

My friend Mike from Facebook sent this to me :)

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter :)

;-)

Closer 2 Jesus Prayer

2008-12-20T10:40:00.004-05:00

My brilliant sister-in-law, Dee Ferris sent this to me and it was such a nice surprise I wanted to share it. It came as an email meant to be forwarded (which is cool too, but I wanted to place it here :)

To All,

I just wanted to tell everyone that I am so grateful to have each of you in my life currently or in the past. I pray you all have a blessed day. It was difficult for me to decide who I thought would DO this, but I hope I have chosen the right twelve. Please send this back to me (you'll see why). May every one who received this message be blessed. There are 12 months/ 12 disciples/ 12 tribes of Israel / Jesus' birth celebrated in the 12th month. There is nothing attached. Just send this to twelve others.

Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost, just a lot of reward. Make sure you pray, and pray believing God will answer.

May today be all you need it to be. May the peace of God rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight, and conquer all your fears. May God manifest himself today in ways you have never experienced. May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer, and your prayers be answered. I pray that faith enters a new height for you; I pray that your territory is enlarged. I pray for peace, healing, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, true and undying love for God.

God Bless and Keep You Well, In Jesus Name, Amen :)

Merry Christmas Week!

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter

Closer 2 Jesus The Angel, GOD, and The Flaw

2008-12-10T23:07:00.003-05:00

Image Found @ ChristianWareOnline.com

Subject: The Flaw

By the time the Lord made woman,

He was into his sixth day of working overtime.

An angel appeared and said,

"Why are you spending so much time on this one?"

And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on

her?

She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,

have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable

and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,

have a lap that can hold four children at one time,

have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a

broken heart

and she will do everything

with only two hands."

The angel was astounded at the requirements.

"Only two hands!? No way!

And that's just on the standard model?

That's too much work for one day.

Wait until tomorrow to finish."

"But I won't, " the Lord protested.

"I am so close to finishing this creation that is so

close to my own heart.

She already heals herself when she is sick

AND can work 18 hour days."

The angel moved closer and touched the woman.

"But you have made her so soft, Lord."

"She is soft," the Lord agreed,

"but I have also made her tough.

You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."

"Will she be able to think?", asked the angel.

The Lord replied,

"Not only will she be able to think,

she will be able to reason and negotiate."

The angel then noticed something,

and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.

"Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model.

I told you that you were trying to put too much into this

one."

"That's not a leak,"

the Lord corrected,

"that's a tear!"

"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.

The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her

joy,

her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love,

her loneliness, her grief and her pride."

The angel was impressed.

"You are a genius, Lord.

You thought of everything!

Woman is truly amazing."

And she is!

Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,

but they hold happiness,

love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy

and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer

when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel

and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about

a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they think there is no strength

left.

They know that a hug and a kiss

can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you

to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideals.

They give moral support to their family and friends.

Women have vital things to say and everything to give

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE TINY FLAW IN WOMEN ...

... IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

My Dad sent this one to me, Thanks Dad!

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter Google me :)

Closer 2 Jesus Voted the Best Email

2008-12-01T22:52:00.009-05:00

If you think you are unhappy, look at them

If you think your salary is low, how about her?

If you think you don't have many friends...

If you think study is a burden, how about her?

When you feel like giving up, think of this man

If you think you suffer in life, do you suffer as much as he does?

If you complain about your transport system, how about them?

If your society is unfair to you, how about her?

Enjoy life how it is and as it comes

Things are worse for others and is a lot better for us :)

There are many things in your life that will catch your eye
but only a few will catch your heart....pursue those...

Mom sent this email to me, Thanks Mom :)

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter

Closer 2 Jesus New Pledge of Allegiance

2008-12-01T22:46:00.002-05:00

WRITTEN BY A 15 yr. Old SCHOOL KID IN ARIZONA:

New Pledge of Allegiance
(TOTALLY AWESOME) !

Since the Pledge of Allegiance
And The Lord's Prayer
Are not allowed in most
Public schools anymore
Because the word 'God' is mentioned....
A kid in Arizona wrote the attached

NEW School prayer: -
Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.

If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.

We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks..
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong.

We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.

It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen

If you aren't ashamed to do this,
Please pass this on.
Jesus said,
"If you are ashamed of me,
I will be ashamed of you before my Father."

Another brilliant email sent to me by Matthew Arnold, Thanks Matthew :)

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter

Closer 2 Jesus with Christmas Cards to Soldiers

2008-12-01T22:32:00.003-05:00

Dear friends,

I have received messages regarding sending Christmas
cards to wounded soldiers, and when I checked on
"snopes" urban legends, they said that the post office will not really deliver mail that is sent without a specific
name. (That is for security reasons, because of possible
terroristic intentions, which might access that type of
system).

But just now, I was watching Governor Huckabee's
show on Fox News, and his wife, who works with the
Red Cross, gave the address below, that would allow us
to send a Christmas card to a soldier, with the cooperation
of the American Red Cross and the Pitney Bowes Corp.

I wrote the address down, and thought that maybe some
of you would like to join me in sending some cards to
the address below:

Holiday for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20971

I have wanted to do this for a long time, but did not have
an address, that I thought was viable to actually get cards
with my thanks and prayers, to some of our soldiers.

These will be sorted by the Red Cross and sent to wounded
soldiers and others who are in the field, so if we send this
message to those on our address list, maybe we could flood
those Red Cross locations and see millions of our troops
receive a Christmas card, thanking them for their service
and letting them know that they are not forgotten, by those
who pray for them and appreciate them here at home.

I hope you'll join me in sending them some cards and in
forwarding this address to some of your friends. As slow
as mail is at Christmas, we would probably need to do this
ASAP, in order to insure that it can be sorted and forwarded
to get there before Christmas. This will be a wonderful
way to share the LOVE OF CHRIST, and I pray that God
will reveal Himself to many of our troops, through this open
door to reach out to them, at the season of the birth of Christ.

Love and Blessings

What a brilliant email from a friend of my Moms, then sent to me :)

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter

Closer 2 Jesus Bible Verses Application Fun

2008-11-24T00:17:00.003-05:00

The Bible Verses application over at the Ning Social Networks is brilliant :) I found this at the Blog Nut Community Toolbar Network, a Ning Social Network for business owners that is 100 percent family friendly :)

The Bible Verses application is an outstanding way to get active reading and studying the Bible with quizzes, browsing for verses, posting prayer, adding friends and more. Check out the Blog Nuts Community and set your Bible Verse application up on your personal profile page today :) Here is a bit more about the Blog nut Community:

The Blog Nuts, Kathy Paquette and Linda Hoy, have gone above and beyond the usefulness stage with the Free to use Blog Nut Toolbar and created an environment for business owners, friend seekers, entrepreneurs, social network enthusiasts, and blog nuts alike! This explosive community of bloggers and social networkers is enjoying the perks, benefits, friendly members, and nutty fun with the Blog Nuts :)

Blog Nut Toolbar Blogs and Social Networks Group
Groups are one of the coolies offered over at the Blog Nut Toolbar Community so check out our Blogs and Social Networks group :) Free Advertising, Live Web Cams, Nut Chat, Happy Birthdays, Featured Nuts, Videos, Forums, Blog Areas, Photo uploads, Badge Sharing with other Ning Blog Social Networks, Featured Partner Nings, Who’s Online, Nut Chat, and much, much more :)

Come on over and join in on the explosion!

Stephanie and Stevie Haile aka Wavecritter and Teen Girls Radio Google Us )

Closer 2 Jesus Through Friends :)

2008-09-14T19:49:00.002-04:00

My very cool friend at a Wetpaint Social network sent this to me :) Thanks Jim Swank!

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter Google me

Closer 2 Jesus Dear Friends

2008-09-11T08:21:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends,

I don't know the author of the story below, but from reading it, I am assuming,
since they went to medical school, he or she is a doctor. I have often read the verse in:

"Psalms 33:6 The heavens were made when the Lord commanded it to happen. All of the stars were created by the breath of his mouth,"

and I thought how amazing that GOD SPOKE AND THE HEAVENS WERE MADE, AND THE STARS CAME FROM THE BREATH OF HIS MOUTH. I know that we will have to take the Bible as the true WORD OF GOD, to believe this. But honestly, to me it takes more faith to believe, that we evolved from one cell, and that the heavens and earth came from a "big bang," than it does to believe that there is a GOD IN THIS UNIVERSE, WHO LOVED AND CREATED A WORLD AND MAN, SO THAT HE COULD HAVE COMMUNION AND RELATIONSHIP WITH US.

"Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."

This is especially easy for me to believe, since I have had a personal relationship with the Creator, as MY HEAVENLY FATHER, since I was 7 years old.

(Below is the Message, that I rec'd today: from author unknown. Take the time to read it.

It is well worth 60 seconds of your time, just to be reminded, "HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD"):

A couple of days ago I was running (I use that term very loosely) on my treadmill, watching a DVD sermon by Louie Giglio...and I was BLOWN AWAY! I want to share what I learned....but I fear not being able to convey it as well as I want. I will share anyway.

He (Louie) was talking about how inconceivably BIG our God is...how He spoke the universe into being...how He breathes stars out of His mouth that are huge raging balls of fire...etc. etc. Then He went on to speak of how this star-breathing, universe creating, God, ALSO knitted our human bodies together with amazing detail and wonder. At this point I am LOVING it (fascinating from a medical standpoint, you know.) .....and I was remembering how I was constantly amazed during medical school as I learned more and more about God's handiwork. I remember so many times thinking...."How can ANYONE deny that a Creator did all of this???"

Louie went on to talk about how we can trust that the God who created all this, also has the power to hold it all together when things seem to be falling apart...how our loving Creator is also our sustainer.

And then I lost my breath.

And it wasn't because I was running my treadmill, either!!!
It was because he started talking about laminin.

I knew about laminins. Here is how wikipedia describes them :"Laminins are a family of proteins that are an integral part of the structural scaffolding of basement membranes in almost every animal tissue."

You see....laminins are what hold us together....LITERALLY. They are cell adhesion molecules. They are what holds one cell of our bodies to the next cell. Without them, we would literally fall apart. And I knew all this already. But what I didn't know is what laminin LOOKED LIKE.

But now I do.

And I have thought about it a thousand times since (already)....
Here is what the structure of laminin looks like...AND THIS IS NOT a "Christian portrayal" of it....if you look up laminin in any scientific/medical piece of literature, this is what you will see...

Note from friend, who forwarded the above message to me:
Amazing. The glue that holds us together....ALL of us....is in the shape of the cross. Immediately Colossians 1:15-17 comes to mind:

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
For by him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth , visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;
all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things,
and in him all things HOLD TOGETHER."
Colossians 1:15-17

Thousands of years before the world knew anything about laminin, Paul penned those words. And now we see that from a very LITERAL standpoint, we are held together...one cell to another....by the cross.

You would never in a quadrillion years convince me, that this is anything other than the mark of a Creator who knew EXACTLY what laminin "glue" would look like, long before Adam even breathed his first breath!!

Brilliant! My Mom sent this coolness to me and just had to share!

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter Google Me

2008-08-31T16:31:00.000-04:00

Technorati Profile

Beautiful Bird

2008-08-16T13:04:00.002-04:00

New Music from Cindy Morgan!! Beautiful Bird Buy it here - CindyMorganMusic.com

Thank you Silvia Richardson for sending me the link to this video :)

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter Google Me and Silvia Richardson Too ;)

Closer 2 Jesus

2008-07-31T01:52:00.004-04:00

ANGELS ARE WATCHING OVER YOU

Relax your mind and humble your heart to focus on Christ. Allow God to be the only person on your mind while you read this prayer. If we can take the time to read long jokes, stories, etc., we should give the same respect to this prayer. Friends who pray together, stay together.

Dear Lord, I thank you for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness.

Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.

Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things.

Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me continue to see sin through God's eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent, and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing, and receive the forgiveness of God.

And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example -- to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will.

Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those who don't believe. But I thank you that I believe.

I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them willingly.

This is my prayer.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

My Awesome friend Wayne Kuphal sent this one to me, he is a special individual sent from God to be a part of my life :)

Closer 2 Jesus
Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter Google Me

Fear Not, Love Jesus

2008-07-29T20:40:00.004-04:00

My friend William Patterson sent this to me as an email message, how brilliant!

Beautiful Rainbow

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that
wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will.

You will have your heart broken probably more than once
and it's harder every time.

You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when
yours was broken.

You'll fight with your best friend.

You'll blame a new love for things an old one did.

You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll
eventually lose someone you love.

So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like
you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you
spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that
it will never begin.

Actually Fear Not ;) Love Jesus and Thank Him for every
minute, second, and millennium ;)

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter Google Me

When God Leads You To The Edge of The Cliff

2008-07-19T02:32:00.004-04:00

When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go,
only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or
He'll teach you how to fly! 'The power of one sentence! God is going to
shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor. God
closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close.

If you need God to open some doors for you... ask in prayer and thanks.
...Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing...

Thanks again Silvia Richardson!

God Bless :)

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter Google Me

Angels Among Us

2008-07-04T09:12:00.003-04:00

My very great friend Silvia Richardson posted such a beautiful story on her blog about reaching out and touching someone.

"A Gift from God
I have not written this blog. This story was sent to me and it has touched
me so deeply that I wanted to share it with all of you. Blessed be the
person who acted as an Angel. Who had such a big heart, was so
compassionate and cared for the feelings of Meredith, a 4 year old, who
lost her precious pet.

Lets take this story as an example that if we all care a bit more for each
other we would make a better world and God would be able to smile more
often down on us. Despite the fact that his love is unconditional we need
to learn to spread it more and be kinder to each other.

God is everywhere - he is watching over us and sends us his Messengers to
show us his love and care. Enjoy this beautiful story."

Visit Silvias Blog To See This Inspiring Tale

Stephanie Haile Happy Birthday America :)

Presidential Election 2008

2008-06-30T23:32:00.003-04:00

How about this one? I am leaning towards Joel as my candidate for 2008 Presidential Election :)

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter Google Me

What About Hymn?

2008-06-30T10:47:00.002-04:00

I will sing to the LORD! Sing with me How Great Is Our GOD! Holy, Holy Holy, Merciful and Mighty, GOD in Three persons, Blessed Trinity!

Giving Praise to HIM using a HYMN is one of the most wondrous and Happy ways to praise and give thanks I think.

I have some of my favorites below on the music player from ProjectPlaylist.com and of course on http://www.HymnSite.com/

Visit a Church, or a web site, Or Sing To The Lord in your kitchen!

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter Google Me :)

Closer 2 Jesus Friend

2008-06-09T23:42:00.007-04:00

This explains why I forward jokes.

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead.

He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.

When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.

When he was close enough, he called out, 'Excuse me, where are we?'

'This is Heaven, sir,' the man answered.

'Wow! Would you happen to have some water?' the man asked.

'Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up.'
The man gestured, and the gate began to open.

'Can my friend,' gesturing toward his dog, 'come in, too?' the traveler asked.

'I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets.'

The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.

After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book....

'Excuse me!' he called to the man. 'Do you have any water?'

'Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in.'

'How about my friend here?' the traveler gestured to the dog.

'There should be a bowl by the pump.'

They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned h and pump with a bowl beside it. The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.

'What do you call this place?' the traveler asked.

'This is Heaven,' he answered.

'Well, that's confusing,' the traveler said. 'The man down the road said that was Heaven, too.'

'Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell.'

'Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?'

'No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.'

Soooo. Now you see, sometimes, when we wonder why friends keep forwarding jokes to us without writing a word. Maybe this will explain it.

When you are very busy, but still want to keep in touch, guess what you do? You forward jokes.

When you have nothing to say, but still want to keep contact, you forward jokes.

When you have something to say, but don't know what, and don't know how... you forward jokes.

A forwarded joke lets you know that you are still remembered, you are still important, you are still loved, you are still cared for.

So, next time if you get a joke, don't think that you've been sent just another forwarded joke, but that you've been thought of today and your friend on the other end of your computer wanted to send you a smile.

You are welcome at my water bowl anytime !!

Again Kudos and Thank you so much to Matthew Arnold, my friend.

Closer 2 Jesus Build Your House On The Rock Not The Sand

2008-05-30T18:38:00.004-04:00

The parable of building your house on the rock instead of the sand at first may seem a bit confusing or get you going huh?

In further discovery of what Jesus meant by this and reading it again you will get the cooralation going and the analogy of what exactly would happen if we built a home on the sand? And then a big storm (such is life) would come. The house would not have much protection and would be very damaged.

Alternatively, if you have a solid foundation, and protection like a Rock, and a storm comes, no worries.

Well, Jesus is the Rock! He is the foundation that will strengthen your inner foundation and getting Closer 2 Jesus will do just that. Then, when the "Storms" come (challenges in life) then our Peace comes from knowing the Lord!

Luke 6:47 "Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like:

Luke6:48 "He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock."

Luke 6:49 "But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great."

Build Your Foundation with Jesus

Stephanie Haile aka Wavecritter Google Me