I SHALL

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, in the book of Philippians chapter four verse thirteen the Bible states "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." And because of this fact...

I am capable. I am worthwhile.I am beautiful. I am lovable.I shall accept both my strengthsand my weaknesses for they are me.

I shall never again believe the "lie"that if I make a mistake,I am a mistake.My mistakes are the learning toolsthat I shall encounter on my life journey.

When I learn from my mistakes,I give them meaningWhen I give my mistakes meaning,I can begin to forgive myself,I can begin to heal.

I shall not use my mistakes as excusesto give up on me.....My mistakes are not me.

I shall seek the wisdom to nurturemy heart, mind, body, and soulso that I may feel more centered

providing an energy reserve that allowsme to climb the mountains in my own life
providing an energy reserve that allowsme to love and support otherswho are climbing a different mountain

providing an energy reserve that allowstime for friends, playand the celebration of life.
I shall allow myself to feel capable
so that I may seek excellence.

I shall allow myself to feel sadness
so that joy may return.

I shall allow myself to feel joy
so that I may be revitalized.

I shall allow myself to feel afraid
so that I may find courage.

I shall allow myself to feel alone
so that I may know me.

I shall allow myself to feel beautiful
so that I may feel free.

I shall allow myself to feel lovable
so that the loving may seek me.

I shall allow myself to feel pain
so that I may heal.

I shall allow myself to feel worthy
so that I may fulfill my purpose.

When I am centered,I see the perfection in the world,myself and others.

When I find the world to be imperfect,I will take responsibilityfor painting it that way.

I will look into the heart of a rose,or the eyes of a newborn babyand again know perfection.

I take responsibilityfor creating my own life storythrough the choices I have made;to blame others is to give awaymy personal power.

Who will I allow to writethe next chapter of my life?

I shall seek the courage to believein a God or Higher Powerwho will laugh with me in the sunlightor cry with me in the darkness.

I shall make a small difference on this planetthrough the work I do.When I leave I will have done my share.

I shall live, love, laugh,and learn on my journey.

My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, in the same book and chapter of Philippians but this time verse six the Bible states "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God", therefore we shall.

To My Precious Son

Because I knew even before I created the earth that you would accept My love for you, and that you would seek to know Me thus…

In the beginning I created the heavens and the earth. Then at the right time and in the right place I created you. I created your inner most being, I created every part of you, I knit you together in your mother's womb. You were carefully and wonderfully made; my works are wonderful, and you Andres are my work. My eyes saw your unformed body. All the days planned for you were written in my book before one of them came to be. How precious are my thoughts for you, How great is the number of them! If you were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.

Listen to me, Andres; I created you and have cared for you since before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime, until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. I will carry you in my arms, holding you close to my heart. For I know the plans that I have for you plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Andres there are some times of suffering in your life. But the temporary suffering of this life does not compare to the glory that shall be revealed in you. Know this that I am with you and I will help you. Your help comes from me, I am the God who created the heavens and the earth, and the one who created you. I will never leave you, I will never reject you. When your parents fail you I will pick you up, hold you close, and adopt you. Nothing can ever separate you from my love for you. When you are in trouble and distress my love is with you. When you are persecuted my love is with you. When you are hungry and cold and naked my love is with you, I am always with you. When you are in danger and threatened with death my love is with you, I will be with you forever.

Andres know that nothing can separate you from my love, no matter how high you go, no matter how deep you sink, nothing in life and not even death can separate you from Me, and My love for you. No demon or any other power in hell can separate you from my love. My love for you is revealed through Christ Jesus your Lord. In all things and every situation you will have victory, you will conquer, because the victory of Christ Jesus is your victory.

But now, Andres, I the LORD, who created you and formed you, says: Do not be afraid, for I have purchased you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, they will not over flow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. I command you to be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid; do not be dismayed, for I, the LORD your God will be with you everywhere you go.

Andres, know that everything will work together for your good, because you love me. You have been called according to my purpose. For I knew you before you were born and I predestined you to be conformed to the likeness of my Son, Jesus Christ. This is your destiny, and this is your purpose, that you become one with my Son Jesus, and thus one with me. I created you in my image so that you and I can express love to each other. The most intimate relationship you can have is with me because you and I are becoming one. You and your brothers and sisters that believe in me are becoming one with Jesus, and thus one with me. You in me, and me in you, together, unified by my love for you. You were designed for this purpose, nothing else will ever satisfy your deepest needs, your deepest desires, only I can. Because you seek to know me I satisfy your heart with love, joy, and peace that only I can give you.

Andres if you should forget me, and enter into sin, and not turn back to Me on your own then I will punish you. Because your sin will separate you from feeling My presence, and My influence, and I want you to return to your first love, the One who loves you. I the Lord discipline those I love, and I punish everyone who I accept as my child. Just as a good Father disciplines His children to turn them away from a dangerous path, so I shall discipline you for your good, that you may share in My holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Andres, When you confess your sins, I am faithful and just and will forgive you of your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. In repentance and resting in Me is your salvation, in quietness and trusting Me is your strength. I will create in you a clean heart and renew a right spirit within you. I will not send you away from My presence, and I will not take My Holy Spirit from you. I will restore again the joy of your salvation, and make you willing to obey Me. Then you will teach My ways to sinners, and they will return to Me also. Humble yourself, therefore, under My mighty hand, that I may lift you up at the right time.

Andres do not forget all my benefits, I forgive all your sins and heal all your diseases, I rescue your life from the pit of destruction and crown you with love and compassion. I satisfy your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. I The LORD work righteousness and justice for all the oppressed; I The LORD am compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. I will not always accuse, nor will I harbor my anger forever; I do not treat you as your sins deserve or repay you according to your iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is My love for you because you fear Me; as far as the east is from the west, so far have I removed your transgressions from you.

Andres, call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Always pray to Me about your every concern, pray from your mouth and pray from your heart, I hear every thought that you think. Everything that you care about, I care about also because it concerns you. Cast all your cares and anxiety on Me because I love you. Trust in Me, the LORD YOUR GOD, with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding; In everything acknowledge Me, And I will direct your paths. Do not worry about anything, but in everything big or small, by prayer, with thanksgiving, present your requests to Me, the Most High God. And I will give you My peace in your heart, peace that is beyond all human understanding, and it will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus. Always be joyful. Keep on praying always. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is My will for you because you belong to Me.

Andres, Study My Book of law and truth, the Holy Bible, do not let My words depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. My words are Spirit and they are Life. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you will, and it will be given you. For the word of God is living and powerful. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. The most important thing you will ever own is your Bible because it gives you knowledge of Me, The Most High God. It makes the poor rich, it gives hope to the hopeless, faith to the fearful, food to the hungry, water to the thirsty, love to the despised, comfort to the lonely, freedom to the prisoner, health to the sick, light in the darkness, and life to the dying.

Andres I have set up circumstances and situations in your life to cause you to seek Me and find Me. I desire that you know Me. I am The Lord your God, full of compassion, and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But Andres glory in this, That you understand and know Me, That I am the LORD, exercising compassion, lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight and take pleasure.

All things are created for My pleasure and My pleasure is to show forth loving compassion. I have compassion on the poor and needy, and I am a Father to the fatherless, I help them, and I defend them. Far below Me are the heavens and the earth, I stoop to look down, and I lift the poor from the dirt and the needy from the garbage dump and I set them among princes. Andres I want you to do these things also, have compassion on the poor and needy and help them, this is what it means to know Me. For I am Love, and when you live in love, you live in Me, and I live in you. Loving compassion is good, and this is what I require from you, to do what is right, to love compassion, and to walk humbly with your God.

As a father has compassion on his children, so I your LORD have compassion on you because you fear Me; for I know how you were formed, I remember that you are dust. Forever and ever My love is with you because you fear Me, and My righteousness with your children's children; with those who keep My covenant and remember to obey My laws. My law is to love. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments all of My laws are based. When you walk in love you are obeying all My laws. When you walk in Love you are walking in My Holy Spirit for I AM LOVE!

Andres come and live in My shelter, in the protection of the Most High God, you will find rest in the presence of the Almighty. You will say, "This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him." Andres I will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague. I will shield you with My wings. I will shelter you with My feathers. My faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor fear the dangers of the day, nor dread the plague that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. But you will see it with your eyes; you will see how the wicked are punished.

Because you Andres make the LORD your refuge, because you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling. For I order My angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone. You will trample down lions and poisonous snakes; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

Andres, My servant, and My friend, whom I have chosen, I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will hold you up with my righteous right hand. All who come against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, for I myself will help you declares the LORD, your Redeemer. You will rejoice in the LORD and glory in the Holy One of Israel.

Andres, when you asked Me to forgive your sins and come into your heart I sent My Holy Spirit into you to comfort you, to give you power, and as proof to you that I have adopted you as My child. The Holy Spirit shall lead you into all truth because He shall testify of Jesus, and He will give you power to testify of Jesus. I will speak to you through My Holy Spirit that is in you, He will tell you what is right and wrong, what is love and hate. My Holy Spirit is a gentle whisper inside your heart telling you the path to walk in. If you walk in My Spirit you will walk in love, you will not sin. And you will see great and mighty things happen before you, they will not be accomplished by strength, nor by outside force, but by My Spirit says the LORD ALMIGHTY. Through My Holy Spirit I shall give you supernatural gifts that you may be blessed, and that you shall bless others through demonstrating My love for them. My Holy Spirit will be with you through out your whole life, and after I will receive you into My glory.

I your LORD say to you I will rescue you because you love me. I will protect you because you trust in my name. When you call on me, I will answer; I will be with you in trouble. I will rescue you and honor you. I will satisfy you with a long life and give you my salvation. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me. It is your destiny.

Thus Says THE LORD Your GOD !

A LOVE STORY

One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah the beauty of God's creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work. As I sat their, I felt the Lord's presence with Me.

He asked me, "Do you love me?"

I answered, "Of course, God! You are my Lord and Savior!"

Then He Asked, "If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?"

I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my body and wondered how many things I wouldn't be able to do, the things I took for granted. And I answered, "It would be tough Lord, but I would still love you."

The Lord asked, "If you were blind, would you still love my creation?"

How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation.

So I Answered, "It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your word."

The Lord then asked, "If you were mute, would you still praise My name?"

How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me: God wants us to sing from our very heart and soul. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, we gave God praise with our words of thanks.

So I Answered, "Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your name."

And the Lord asked, "Do you really love Me?"

With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, "Yes Lord! I love You because You are the one true God!"

I thought I had answered well, but God asked, "Then Why Do You Sin?"

I answered, "Because I am only human, I am not perfect."

"Then why in times of peace do you stray the furthest?
Why only in times of trouble do you pray earnestly?"

No answers. Only tears.

The Lord continued:
"Why only sing at fellowships and retreats?
Why seek Me in times of worship?
Why ask things so selfishly?
Why ask things so unfaithfully?"

The tears continued to roll down my cheeks.
"Why are you ashamed of Me?
Why are you not spreading good news?
Why in times of persecution, do you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry on?
Why make excuses when I give you opportunities to serve in My name?"

I tried to answer, but there was no answer to give.

"You are blessed with life.
I made you not to throw this gift away.
I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away.
I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain knowledge.
I have spoken to you but your ears were closed.
I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away.
I have sent your servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away.
I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all."

"DO YOU TRULY LOVE ME ?"

I could not answer.
How could I?
I was embarrassed beyond belief.
I had no excuse.
What could I say to this?

When my heart had cried out and the tears has flowed,
I said, "Please Lord forgive me Lord.
I am unworthy to be Your child."

The Lord answered,
"That is My Grace, My child."
I asked,

"Then why do You continue to forgive me?
Why do You love me so?"

The Lord answered,
"Because you are my creation.
You are my child.
I will never abandon you.
When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you.
When you shout with joy, I will laugh with you.
When you are down, I will encourage you.
When you fall, I will raise you up.
When you are tired, I will carry you.
I will be with you till the end of days, and I will Love You Forever.

" Never had I cried so hard before.
How could I have been so cold?
How could I have hurt God as I had done?

I asked God, "How much do You love me?"

The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands.

I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Savior.

And for the first time...

I truly prayed.

The Resume of Jesus Christ

Address: Ephesians 1:20
Phone: Romans 10:13
Website: The Bible. Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus

Hello. My name is Jesus - The Christ. Many call me Lord! I've sent you my resume because I'm seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.

Qualifications
I founded the earth and established the heavens (See Proverbs 3:19)
I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)
I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)
I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)
The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)

Occupational Background
I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).
I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.
My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)

Skills / Work Experiences
Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).
I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).
Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)

Educational Background
I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).
In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).
My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a lamp unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).
I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).

Major Accomplishments
I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26).
I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15).
I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15).
I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!
There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot - the BIBLE. You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.

References
Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healings, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance.In SummationNow that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47). When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15).

Playmate vs. Soul-mate

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, in our quest for happiness we must be sure that we don't settle for a Playmate when God has a Soul mate waiting for us. Sometimes this is a hard distinction to make. Playmates are tricky. They are so much fun to be with that even the smartest of us will be fooled into thinking this has to be our Soul mate. Worse yet too many of us attempt to make a Soul mate out of a Playmate.

The danger of this is that later, after years of playing we will meet our Soul mate, but it may be too late then. We may have already made a Life mate of our Playmate and created life-long bonds (emotional bonds, children, etc.). Or we may have been hurt from playing so hard that we are in no shape ourselves to be anyone's anything. How can we distinguish between the One, and just another one?

First, we must be open with ourselves about who we really are and what our soul yearns for. Only you and the God know what is truly in your heart and mind. Only you know what will make you truly happy and whole. In order to find your Soul mate you have to know you, first. You must be willing to listen to that inner voice. And is that voice telling you that that nerdy person you enjoy talking and sharing your thoughts with, could be he? What about that friend who is always willing to go the extra mile for you when no one else will.

Oh no, he's too short or too tall, balding or too hairy, and on and on? Just too ordinary looking for me!! Then there's that girl who makes you feel so special when you're around her, but she doesn't match that ideal you have conjured in your head. She's not tall enough, not slender enough, not light or dark enough, not shapely enough, not attractive enough, and on and on? She just couldn't do for me!! So what if he or she doesn't look like Denzel Washington or Janet Jackson! He or she is going to treat you like the jewel that you are.

Not only that, his or her soul and yours will commune in ways you never imagined possible! In order to heed that voice, we have to put on the back burner our own superficial thinking. Could it be that your inner desire is for a truly genuine person with a good heart? If you enjoy playing, stay on the playground.

There are plenty of Playmates out there to occupy your time. But don't spend too much time playing or you may play your life away. Eventually the playing loses its appeal and your soul begins to crave a deeper, more meaningful connection. Your soul begins to crave your Soul mate.

God bless you.

"Putting on the Whole Armour of God"

Lord, I put on the HELMET OF SALVATION, to protect and keep my mind from evil thoughts. Help me to keep my mind stay on You throughout the day, with pure thoughts. Help me to be honest and true, and not resort to deception or lying for fear of losing a friend. But let me place total trust in You, my Real Friend, letting my yes be yes, and my no be no without vengeance. Let the words I speak be said with love, and edifying to those I meet today, and may the Holy Spirit use those words to speak to their needs. Bring back to my remembrance Your own Words that they may feed my spirit, cleanse my soul, and restore my body, giving me the Bread of Life that You have promised me, Your child.

I put on the BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, reminding myself that I am no longer condemned because I am not Christ Jesus, walking after the spirit and not after the flesh. I am redeemed, holy, sanctified, justified, free, blameless, and a joint-heir in your kingdom. I am a child of light and not of darkness, no longer tossed to and fro., Therefore, I do no allow the ugly opinion and opinions and prejudices of others to overrule what You say about me, and who I am. You are the Greater One living in me, rather than the one who is in the world. So I place my fear in You who made me rather than those who can destroy only my body, but not my soul. I will think of myself as victorious in all situations, because you have given me the victory through Christ Jesus, and have sent an angel to protect me from the one who wants to steal my joy. I will continue to praise You, believing that all things are indeed working together for good on my behalf, for I know that I am called according to Your purpose, and I love You and put You first in my life.

I GIRT MY LOINS WITH TRUTH, knowing Lord, that You are the Way, the Truth and the Life. You are my Refuge and my Strength, the Very Present Help in the midst of trouble. Help me to place all trust in You, and resist the temptation to doubt. Your Words are true, and not based on my belief or unbelief. I ask for Your knowledge and Your wisdom throughout this day, so that my own mind will be in agreement with Yours, and my words will be the same as Your Words. And I know I will reap some of the benefits You have in store for me. I ask for the discernment to be able to separate Your Truth from the lie of Satan, so that I do not allow him to gain the advantage over me. Help me to recognize him today, no matter how he comes disguised. Help me to resist giving in to my own lust of the flesh, and keep control over what I say and do. I ask Your forgiveness for all of my sins, cleanse me from all unrighteousness, and I give thanks for my salvation and the new name You have given me that is written down in the Book of Life.

I put on the SHOES WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE, seeking peace at all times. Help me to avoid strife, and not get caught up in foolish conversations, backbiting, and the cares of this world. Help me to be quick to listen, slow to anger, quick to forgive, and slow to speak. Help me to admonish with love, putting myself in the other person's place, remembering that I myself had gone through the pain and the effects of sin, and it was You who came and got me out of that bondage. And now You are asking me to be merciful and compassionate toward others, the same as You were to me. Help me to be patient and kind to those who do not understand spiritual things, and not get upset if my Christian brothers and sisters do not understand my own spiritual walk. I will stand firm on Your Word, and not my feelings, believing that You do love me, will comfort me, and will answer me when I call on Your Name, even though our answer may not come in the way I expect. I accept Your Will for my life for I know You know what is best for me, and I do thank You for it.

I take the SHIELD OF FAITH to quench all the fiery darts aimed at me by the wicked one and all of his workers of iniquity. I resent all evil that comes at me to try to discourage me from doing all that You have commanded me to do. I will not dwell on the things that I see my natural eye, and settle for anything less than the spiritual abundant life that You have promised me. I will continue to search for the spiritual and eternal riches of the glory of my inheritance, believing that You are supplying all of my needs, and I do not have to worry about tomorrow. I will remind myself that You did not give me a spirit of fear, so I will sharpen my awareness of any feelings of fear, and use that as a signal to turn to You for help, believing that You will come to my rescue. I will remind myself that Jesus is the Author and Finisher of y faith, therefore, I will treat all problems as an opportunity to put my faith to work, and learn more about You.

I will use the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT as my spiritual weapon to bind up Satan "In the Name of Jesus", for You said in Your Word that "whatsoever I bind on earth it shall be bound in Heaven," and I will believe and use this power You have given me to remain in control and not give in to the fear of death. I am Your child now and I do not have to obey his voice. I am in this world, but I do not have to be a part of it, caught up in the pride of life. You have clarified for me that even though trouble exists in this world, I am not distressed; I ma be puzzled and perplexed, but I am not in despair; I may be persecuted by many, but You have not forsakened me; and at times I may be cast down, but I am not destroyed, because I have everlasting life. Therefore, I stand on Your Word using the words You have given me, by shaking the dust off of my6 feet against all evil and opposition, and overcoming evil with good. I stand firm believingthat Your Words are spirit and they are life for me, and have a keeping power that no man can destroy.

I give you praise, for You are my God,… the Rock of my Salvation,… and the Keep of my Soul.
Thanks be to God!!!

This prayer was prayerfully submitted,Elaine V. Ebo, Evangelist

Thank you my dear sister in Christ Evangelist Ebo for such a beautiful prayer sermonette.

My Special Letter to Students

Anti-apartheid leader Steven Biko said, "Nothing in this universe is attained by doing nothing."

Today is your graduation day thus you have taken another step toward marking your future.

Adults often call you "the leaders of tomorrow." I cannot agree with these words because you can make a difference RIGHT NOW; you can be a leader RIGHT NOW; you can make great contributions to your community RIGHT NOW.

No doubt, life will present difficult challenges from time to time, and you might feel tempted to take a wrong road. With this in mind, I offer you these ALTERNATIVES FOR LIFE:

If you have to lie…
Lie down so you can look up at a sky filled with possibilities

If you have to cheat…
Cheat death by not going to the places where he's sure to hang out.

If you have to steal…
Steal an education. The smart person is the one who does not stop learning
just because school is closed.

If you must overdose…
Overdose on books and go get your "fix" at the library!

If you must take a life…
Take a life out of the gutter and help them become whole again.

If you must gamble…
Gamble on God, the only sure and consistent thing in this life.

Remember, "Your life is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift to God!"1 YOU are a vital part of your family, your community and your country. Positive changes only come from people with a vision to make it happen. Be a person of vision, and a person with a positive purpose.

This beautiful letter was written by a poet in whom I hold near and dear to my heart and her name is RuNett Nia Ebo

Thank you RuNett

Elder J. Andres Vazquez

Dear Mr. Crack (a plea from a child)

Dear Mr. Crack,
Please give my mommy and daddy back.
I’m not suppose to talk to strangers,
but when they are with you, I know
they’re in danger. Since you’ve
come around, they’re never
home. And I really don't
like when I'm
home alone.

We don’t live in our nice, big house anymore.
And this place is cold. There’s no rug on the
floor. Sometimes, I don’t get enough to
eat. Daddy’s eyes look funny.
Mommy hardly sleep.

I got new clothes for
Christmas, but Daddy went
and sold them. I saved $5.00 in my
piggy bank but one night, it got stolen.

We don’t even visit my
Grandmom no more.
Since my bike
disappeared,
she won’t
come to
the door.

Give my Mommy and Daddy back,
Mr. Crack! Never mind.
I know what to do.
I’m gonna
tell God.
God can
get rid
of you!

This beautiful poem was written by a poet in whom I hold near and dear to my heart and her name is RuNett Nia Ebo

Thank you RuNett

Elder J. Andres Vazquez

Excellence can be attained...

If you Care more than others think is wise ...

If you Risk more than others think is safe ...

If you Dream more than others think is practical ..

If you Expect more than others think is possible.

Watch and Listen Carefully

The man whispered, "God, speak to me" and a meadowlark sang.
But, the man did not hear.

So the man yelled "God, speak to me" and the thunder rolled across the sky.
But, the man did not listen.

The man looked around and said "God let me see you", and a star shined brightly.
But the man did not notice.

And, the man shouted,"God show me a miracle", and a life was born.
But, the man did not know.

So, the man cried out in despair, "Touch me God, and let me know you are here"Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man.
But, the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.

Don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way that you expect.

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.Matthew 26:41

I am thankful...

For the wife who says it's hot dogs tonight, because she is home with me, and not out with someone else.

The child who is not cleaning his room, but is watching TV, because that means he is at home and not on the streets.

For the taxes that I pay, because it means that I am employed.

For the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.

For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.

For my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am in the sunshine.

For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.

For all the complaints I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom of speech.

For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking and that I have been blessed with transportation.

For my huge heating/cooling bill, because it means I am warm/refreshed.

For the lady behind me in church who sings off key, because it means that I can hear.

For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.

For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard.

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means I am alive…and finally.......

For too much e-mail, because it means I have friends who are thinking of me.

TEN THINGS GOD WON'T ASK ON THAT DAY

1. God won't ask what kind of car you drove.
He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation.

2. God won't ask the square footage of your house,
He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

3. God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet,
He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.

4. God won't ask what your highest salary was.
He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.

5. God won't ask what your job title was.
He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.

6. God won't ask how many friends you had.
He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

7. God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived,
He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.

8. God won't ask about the color of your skin,
He'll ask about the content of your character.

9. God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation.
He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven, and not to the gates of Hell.

10. God won't have to ask how many people you forwarded this to,
He already knows your decision.

SOW

Matthew 13:3..., Behold, a sower went forth to sow.

SOW LOVE, where theres hatred.

SOW PARDON, where theres injury.

SOW FAITH, where theres doubt.

SOW HOPE, where theres despair.

SOW LIGHT, where there is darkness

SOW JOY, where there is sadness.

Who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Let us pray that God teach us how to sow in the lives of others.

The ABC's of Salvation

A - All have sinned.

B - Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.

C - Come to Christ for peace, pardon, and eternal life.

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:8-10

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, knowing is not enough;

We must Apply.

Willing is not enough;

We must Do.

No Greater Love

Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone. To have a deep soul relationship with another, to be loved thoroughly and exclusively. But to a Christian, God says no. Not until you're satisfied and fulfilled and content, unreservedly to me alone. I do love you my child, and until you discover that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found, you will not be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you. You will never be united with another until you are united with Me, exclusive of any other desires or longings.

I want you to stop planning, stop wishing, and allow Me to bring it to you. You just keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things. Keep experiencing the satisfaction of knowing that I am. Keep learning and listening to the things I tell you.

You must wait.

Don't be anxious.

Don't worry.

Don't look around at the things that others have gotten or that I've given them.

Don't look around at the things that you think you want.

Just keep looking off and away up to Me, or you'll miss what I want to show you.

And when you're ready, I'll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than any would ever dream of. You see, until you are ready and until the one I have for you is ready, until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me and the life I have planned for you, you won't be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with Me, and is thus perfect love. I am working even this minute, to have both of you ready at the same time. And dear child, I want you to have the most wonderful love. I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your own relationship with Me, and to enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty and perfection that I offer you with Myself.

KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU.

I AM ALMIGHTY GOD.

BELIEVE AND BE SATISFIED.

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. -Psalm 37:4

COULD BE WORSE

Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight,
just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.

Should you have a bad day at work,
think of the man who has been out of work for the last three months.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad,
think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend,
think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week, for $15 a day, just to feed her family.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance,
think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror,
think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities, remember,
things could be worse -- you could be them.

" The Right Idea "

I asked GOD to take away my pain,
GOD said,-NO-, it is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked GOD to make my handicapped child whole,
GOD said,-NO-, her spirit is whole and her body is only temporary.

I asked GOD to grant me patience,
GOD said,-NO-, Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is earned.

I asked GOD to give me happiness,
GOD said,-NO-, I give you blessings, Happiness is up to you.

I asked GOD to spare me pain,
GOD said,-NO-, Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked GOD to make my spirit grow,
GOD said,-NO-, you must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life,
GOD said,-No-, I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask GOD to help me LOVE others, as much as He Loves Me and then GOD Said ... Ahhhh, Finally You Have The Right Idea...

"GOD IS LIKE"

God is like General Electric.... He Lights Your Path

God is like Bayer Aspirin.... He Works Wonders

God is like Hallmark Cards.... He Cared Enough To Send The Very Best

God is like Tide................ He Gets The Stains Others Leave Behind

God is like VO-5 Hair Spray......He Holds Through All Kind Of Weather

God is like Sears............... He Has Everything

God is like Alka Seltzer........ Oh, What A Relief He Is

God is like Scotch Tape......... You Can't See Him But He's There

God is like Copper Top Battery.. Nothin Can Out Last Him

God is like American Express.... Don't Leave Home Without Him.

Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observeit with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments;for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and notto covetousness."Psalms 119:34-36 KJV

The 23rd Psalm (a closer look) Part One

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
(God is my father. He takes care of all my needs.)

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.
(God brings peace and harmony into my life)

He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
(God makes me feel strong when I'm weak and guides me to do good things in His name)

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff comfort me.
(I will not be afraid, because God is with me. His strength and protection comfort me.)

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
(God is there for me when I'm surrounded by enemies)

Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
(God comforts me and fills my heart with overflowing love)

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
(God will love me and forgive my sins throughout my life)

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
(I will live in God's love forever)

Letter From God To Women

When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being. When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils. But you woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate. I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you.

Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity. From one bone I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects his heart and his lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do. Around this one bone I shaped you. I modeled you. I created you perfectly and beautifully.

Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life. The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart.

Support the man as the rib cage supports the body. You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken from his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side.

You are My perfect angel. You are My beautiful little girl. You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence, and My eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart. Your eyes - don't change them. Your lips - how lovely when they part in prayer. Your nose, so perfect in form, your hands so gentle in touch. I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep; I've held your heart close to mine.

Of all that lives and breathes, you are the most like Me. Adam walked with Me in the cool of the day and yet he was lonely. He could not see Me or touch Me. He could only feel Me.

So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with Me,I fashioned in you: My holiness, My strength, My purity, My love, My protection and support. You are special because you are the extension of Me.

Man represents My image, woman My emotions. Together you represent the totality of God. So man - treat woman well. Love her, respect her, for she is fragile. In hurting her, you hurt Me. What you do to her, you do to Me. In crushing her, you only damage your own heart, the heart of your Father, and the heart of her Father.

Woman, support man. In humility, show him the power of emotion I have given you. In gentle quietness show your strength. In love, show him that you are the rib that protects his inner self.

Three Things in Life

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back -
Time, Words & Opportunity

Three things in life that may never be lost -
Peace, Hope & Honesty.

Three things in life that are most valuable -
Love, Faith & Prayer

Three things in life that are never certain -
Dreams, Success & Fortune

Three things that make a man -
Hard work, Sincerity & Commitment

Three things in life that can destroy a man -
Lust, Pride & Anger

Three things that are truly constant -
Father, Son and Holy Ghost

I ask the Lord to bless you, as I pray for you today;
to guide you and protect you, as you go along your way.
His love is always with you, His promises are true.
And when you give Him all your cares, you know He'll see you through.

God bless you all

Elder J.A. Vazquez

TO MY SISTERS

My dear sisters in Christ, there comes a time in every woman's life when she has to take a close look at herself.

Not at her circumstance,

Not at what she did,

Not how unfair life is,

Not at who made you do it.

She has to just look at herself in all her glory and imperfection.

Have you ever admired a woman who has been through changes in her life? Or have you made up in your mind that she is just messed up. Before you make this mistake, take a closer look.

A woman who has endured the most unusual life is someone of wisdom, someone who has been chosen by God to go through things that have made her stronger.

Think of all the great women in the Bible: Mary Magdalene, Ruth and Naomi, the woman with an issue of blood flow, and Esther, to name a few. Mary was a prostitute, a very uneasy woman. But by the time Jesus was done with her, she was His closest follower.

Esther was unfortunate in marrying an abusive man, but by the time God was done with her, she had married one of the wealthiest men in the land. Women are so quick to beat the next one down instead of trying to hold her up.

Before you wonder, "What's up with her?"

ask yourself, "What's up with me?"

That woman could be your mother, sister, aunt, in-law, stepmother, niece, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, friend, or co-worker, etc.

That woman could be you.

Women are the carriers of life, not the channels of death. My dear sisters, build and encourage each other, as did Ruth and Naomi. Encourage and Love, Forgive and Forget, and trust. I pray that the men and woman who read and receives this in their hearts will be touched in some way.
May peace and love be upon you all.

LET IT GO

There are people who can walk away from you. And hear me when I tell you this.
When people can walk away from you, let them walk.

I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.

When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left. The bible said that, "they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. " [1 John 2:19]

People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay. Let them go. And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over.
And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead. You've got to know when it's dead.

You've got to know when it's over. Let me tell you something. I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me. And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it.

Stop begging people to stay...

LET THEM GO!!!

If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life,
then you need to...

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to past hurts and pains...

LET IT GO!!!

If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth...

LET IT GO!!!

If someone has angered you...

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge...

LET IT GO!!!

If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction...

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents...

LET IT GO!!!

If you have a bad attitude...

LET IT GO!!!

If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better...

LET IT GO!!!

If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him...

LET IT GO!!!

If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship...

LET IT GO!!!

If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves...

LET IT GO!!!

If you're feeling depressed and stressed ...

LET IT GO!!!

If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying,

"Take your hands off of it," then you need to...

LET IT GO!!!

Let the past be the past.

Forget the former things.

GOD is doing a new thing for 2005 as we approach 2006 !!!

LET IT GO!!!

Get Right or Get Left...think about it, and then LET IT GO!!!

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God.

Quiet moments, worship God.

Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God.

LET IT GO

T. D. Jakes

Does evil exist?

Does evil exist?

This is an awesome scientific explanation of whether or not evil exists!

Does evil exist? The university professor challenged his students with this question. Did God create everything that exists?

A student bravely replied, "Yes, He did!"

"God created everything?" the professor asked.

"Yes, Sir," the student replied.

The professor answered, "If God created everything, then He also created evil since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil."

The student became quiet before such an answer.

The professor was quite pleased with himself and boasted to the students that he had proven once more that the Christian faith was a myth.

Another student raised his hand and said, "Can I ask you a question, professor?"

"Of course," replied the professor.

The student stood up and asked, "Professor, does cold exist?"

"What kind of question is this? Of course it exists. Have you never been cold?" remarked the professor.

The young man replied, "In fact sir, cold does not exist. According to the law of physics what we consider, cold is in reality the absence of heat.

Everybody or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter transmit energy.

Absolute zero (-460 degrees F) is the total absence of heat; all matter becomes inert and incapable of reaction at that temperature. Cold does not exist. We have created this word to describe how we feel if we have no heat.

The student continued. "Professor, does darkness exist?"

The professor responded, "Of course it does!"

The student replied, "Once again you are wrong sir, darkness does not exist either. Darkness is in reality the absence of light. Light we can study, but not darkness. In fact, we can use Newton's prism to break white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each color. You cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Isn't this correct? Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present."

Finally the young man asked the professor, "Sir, does evil exist?"

Now uncertain, the professor responded, "Of course as I have already said. We see it every day. It is in the daily examples of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil!"

To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God.

God did not create evil. Evil is not like faith, or love that exists just as does light and heat. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light."

The professor sat down.

The young man's name - - -

Albert Einstein

YOU PUT THE DEVIL OUT, BUT YOU LET HIM LEAVE HIS BAGS

My Fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ, in the book of Song of Solomon chapter 2 and verse 15, the Bible says "Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines [have] tender grapes."

The "foxes" are speaking of the demons, or subsidiary devils. They are constantly attacking the "vines" which is us, the Christians. It is nearly impossible to have new growth, because of the continuous attack. This is a prayer for this attack to be taken away. And when we’ve pray to God to rid them from our presence, lets make sure that we do what King Saul failed to do. He failed to “Utterly Destroy All”.

The Amalekites had been a vicious group of people, opposed to the Israelites from the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land. They were desert people, who lived in tents. They were nomads. And like the devil and his imps, they had a bad reputation for stealing and marauding.

In I Samuel 15:3 God told King Saul, "Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass." This may appear like such a pitiless thing to do, but we must not query the intentions of God. He wanted to wipe out this wickedness, before it spread to His people {the Israelites}. The reason He did not want any of the animals saved was simply that He did not desire the Israelites to have war for personal gain. This was a holy war called for by the LORD, Himself. This was a war for cleansing the land. He wanted to purge the land of even the reminiscence of the Amalekites.

The same goes for us today. We must “Utterly Destroy” everything the devil may have left behind. All the baggage must go or else we’ll continue to suffer as Saul did for not heading to Gods command.

(1) You got out of a bad relationship because it was bad, but you are still resentful, and angry (you let the devil leave his bags)

(2) You told your unequally yoked mate that it was over, but you still continue to call and try to visit (You let the devil leave his bags)

(3) You got out of financial debt, but you still can't control the desire to spend on frivolous things (You let the devil leave his bags)

(4) You got out of a bad habit or addiction, but you still long to try it just one more time (you let the devil leave his bags)

(5) You decided to let go of the past hurts and disappointments from growing up in an unstable family environment, yet you believe you are unworthy of love from others and refuse to get attached to anyone or attach yourself to losers like the folks you said you wanted to leave behind. (You let the devil leave his bags)

(6) You said, I forgive you, but you can't seem to forget and have peace with that person (You let the devil leave his bags)

(7) You got out of that horribly oppressive job, but you're still trying to sabotage the company or your former boss after you've left (You let the devil leave his bags)

(8) You cut off the affair with that married man/woman, but you still lust after him/her (You let the devil leave his bags)

(9) You broke off your relationship with that hurtful, abusive person, but you are suspicious and distrusting of every new person you meet
(You let the devil leave his bags)

(10) You decided to take better care of yourself, but you sneak to the fast food stores and stuff yourself with fats and sugars. Then wonder why you are too tired to exercise. (You let the devil leave his bags)

(11) God has blessed you again and again and you've told God that you will spend more time in the WORD and with people who love God's Word. But Bible study and prayer meeting times don't fit your television viewing schedule and some of those people at that church are hypocrites anyway... (You let the devil leave his bags)

Wake up my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, and realize the moment you put the devil out, check to make sure, and be absolutely certain that he takes his bags!

God bless you all, Elder J. Andres Vazquez

MAY GOD BLESS YOU

"May God bless you with

DISCOMFORT
at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with

ANGER
at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with

TEARS
to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough

FOOLISHNESS
to believe that you can make a difference in this world so that you can DO what others claim cannot be done. Amen."

THE APOLOGY OF A MAN

I see you sitting there so together but inside the tears keep falling

I see the anger the disappointment the pain inside

I hear a voice that's calling at nights end you pretend it doesn't matter there is no one waiting at home

well I knew it matters for I to am alone

now for every man that ever hurt you for every tear that fell from your eyes

here and now I like to apologies

I am sorry for all the many nights you spend staring at the phone

I am sorry for the birthdays ,the holidays ,just the days you spend alone

I am sorry for the other woman who made you feel less then the queen you are

I am sorry that he reached for the moon when in his hand he held star

I am sorry for the broken promises the broken ribs

I am sorry for words so cruel words that tore the very life from you

I am sorry for the only time you heard "I love you "is

when he found himself in need of you

I am sorry he never listened to what you had to say

I am sorry when you needed him most he just turned and walked away

I am sorry for the first time you said " I never love again"

I am sorry for the first time you said

"God forgive me but I hate all men"

I am sorry for the first that says

" I only beat you because I care"

I am sorry for all the times you needed to be held

I am sorry for the scars no medicine can heal

I am sorry he wasn't to his children the father he should have been

I am sorry he missed the opportunity to be a parent as well as a friend

I am sorry for the times he swore truth but you knew everything he said was a lie

Let this be a moment of healing, here and now to you I apologies

I am sorry he rejected your child never picked him up when he fell

I can only say if I am willing to love the woman then I am

willing to love her child as well

I am sorry for the girlfriends, the wife he forgot to mention

he knew from the start he break your heart though he said

that was never his intention

I am sorry he used your body seeing you as nothing more then notch on his belt

I am sorry that no answer came when your heart cried out for help

But most of all that he took for granted,

never realizing the strength the beauty the glory

that is YOU

But to you I say don't give up, god has something special in store

Love is around the next corner, behind a closed door

And this time god will give you just what your heart is asking for

lord knows we all make mistakes we're human after all

but don't be so angry that you turn your back when true love calls

just remember not every man is the same

and not every man should bare the blame

for the deeds of a misguided few there are men out there

who will love you JUST FOR YOU

Also remember yours is not the only broken heart mine has been broken too

I just hope you can forgive the MAN in me just like I

forgave the WOMAN you are

This has been passed around many places but the author rarely gets recognition. It was written by Alpha Omega McCoo Jr. in 1999. He finally published a collection of his poetry called A Time of Healing. I love his work.

Thank you brother Alpha Omega McCoo Jr for such a beautiful poem.

BLESSED ARE THE MEEK

There is a difference between being meek and being weak. Jesus was meek but not weak! He endured abuse and injury with patience and without resentment. He didn't deliberately try to stir up arguments and trouble. A meek person will not try to justify the self, especially when he is wrong. Neither does he feel he is superior to others. He does not try to "get even" with others, nor get revenge.

AN AGE OLD QUESTION

Can't I be a Christian without a church?
First of all you must ask, what is a church? It is not a location built of brick, wood or stone. It is a group of human beings with needs and problems like any other group. Some have the idea that a church is a place where perfect people go to model their Christianity. There are no perfect people in the world. Look in the mirror, if you find perfection there you have a right to expect it elsewhere. The church is like a hospital where sick people go to find help, understanding and love.
Here I give you an answer with a little flavor...

Yes it's possible to be a Christian without a church...

but something like being:
A Student who will not go to school;
A Soldier who will not be in the army;
A Citizen who does not pay taxes or vote;
A Salesman with no customers;
An Explorer with no base camp;
A Seaman on a ship without a crew;
A Businessman on a deserted island;
An Author without readers;
A Tuba Player without an orchestra;
A Parent without a family;
A Football Player without a team;
A Politician who is a hermit;
A Scientist who does not share his findings;
A Bee without a hive.

By virtue of our personal faith in Christ, we are automatically part of a larger family, which is made up of believers in Jesus from all over the world. Christianity was never meant to be a "Lone Ranger" religion.

"...in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." - Romans 12:5

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:25

"Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts." - Acts 2:46

It is Christ's desire that each of his individual followers belong to a local gathering ("church") of people who know and love Jesus. It is about commitment to Christ and His Body.

THINGS YOU CANNOT DO

1. You CANNOT live wrong and die right (2 Cor. 5:10)

2. You CANNOT think wrong and live right (Mark 7:20-23).

3. You CANNOT do Satan's work and draw God's reward (Romans 6:3-7).

4. You CANNOT sow to the flesh and reap spiritual things (Gal. 6:7-8).

5. You CANNOT be a friend of the world and be a friend to God at the same time (James 4:4).

6. You CANNOT fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness and maintain fellowship with God (Eph. 5:11).

GOD HAS THE ANSWER

My fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ, this walk as a new creature in Christ is hard when you are considering yourself!

You struggle with prayer.

You struggle with your relationship with the Father.

You struggle with knowing yourself as God's child.

As a result you start to despair of yourself and start thinking you're an inadequate Christian with little chance of being what Jesus saved you for. If you find yourself struggling like that stop and refocus yourself. With prayer, fasting and a healthy ingestion of the Word of God your thoughts, plans and words will begin to transform from self pessimistic views to Godly optimistic views and you’ll come to the realization that whatever the situation, God has a positive answer:

YOU SAY
'It's impossible'
GOD SAYS
All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

YOU SAY
'I'm too tired'
GOD SAYS
I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

YOU SAY
'Nobody really loves me'
GOD SAYS
I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34)

YOU SAY
'I can't go on'
GOD SAYS
My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

YOU SAY
'I can't figure things out'
GOD SAYS
I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

YOU SAY
'I can't do it'
GOD SAYS
You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

YOU SAY
'I'm not able'
GOD SAYS
I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)

YOU SAY
'It's not worth it'
GOD SAYS
It will be worth it (Roman 8:28)

YOU SAY
'I can't forgive myself'
GOD SAYS
I forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

YOU SAY
'I can't manage'
GOD SAYS
I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

YOU SAY
'I'm afraid'
GOD SAYS
I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)

YOU SAY
'I'm always worried and frustrated'
GOD SAYS
Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

YOU SAY
'I'm not smart enough'
GOD SAYS

I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
YOU SAY
'I feel all alone'
GOD SAYS
I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

Beloved, please remember that whatever the situation…

Consider Jesus

Elder J. Andres Vazquez

© Is Circled

The reason there is a circle, around the letter ©,
Is because there isn't one single copy, of another you or me

The circle represents God's love, and His Son He sent to save
He cared enough to let ©hrist die, for our sins in full He paid

And ©hrist remains inside the circle, God's right to claim us all
His desire that all will enter the circle, to follow His Father's call

We see the © everywhere we go, in books and magazines
So few know why the © is circled, and what it really means

It means ©hrist is in everything, He knows our every need
Our prayers go not unnoticed, as He hears each earnest plea

The reason there is and will remain, a circle around the ©
It shows the world how great ©hrist is, to work through you and me...

Colossians 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Just Do It

Just walk it.
Just talk it.
Just preach it.
Just teach it.
Just tell it.
Just live it.
Just give it.
Just wear it.
Just share it.
Just shout it.
Just sing it.
Just proclaim it.
Just prove it.
JUST DO IT.
Live For Jesus!

LORD, WHY DID YOU MAKE ME BLACK?

Lord, Lord,
Why did You make me Black?
Why did You make me someone
The world wants to hold back?

Black is the color of dirty clothes;
The color of grimy hands and feet.
Black is the color of darkness;
The color of tire-beaten streets.

Why did you give me thick lips,
A broad nose and kinky hair?
Why did You make me someone
Who receives the hatred stare?

Black is the color of a bruised eye
When somebody gets hurt.
Black is the color of darkness.
Black is the color of dirt.
How come my bone structure's so thick;
my hips and cheeks are high?
How come my eyes are brown
and not the color of the daylight sky?

Why do people think I'm useless?
How come I feel so used?
Why do some people see my skin and think I should be abused?

Lord, I just don't understand;
What is it about my skin?
Why do some people want to hate me
And not know the person within?

Black is what people are "listed",
When others want to keep them away.
Black is the color of shadows cast.
Black is the end of the day.

Lord, You know, my own people mistreat me;
And I know this just isn't right.
They don't like my hair or the way I look
They say I'm too dark or too light.

Lord, Don't You think it's time
For You to make a change?
Why don't You re-do creation
And make everyone the same?

(God answered:)

Why did I make you black?
Why did I make you black?

Get off your knees and look around.
Tell Me, what do you see?
I didn't make you in the image of darkness.
I made you in the Likeness of ME!

I made you the color of coal
From which beautiful diamonds are formed.
I made you the color of oil,
The black-gold that keeps people warm.

I made you from the rich, dark earth
That can grow the food you need.
Your color's the same as the panther's
Known for (HER) beauty and speed.

Your color's the same as the Black stallion,
A majestic animal is he.
I didn't make you in the Image of darkness
I made you in the Likeness of Me!

All the colors of a Heavenly Rainbow
Can be found throughout every nation;
And when all those colors were blended well,
YOU BECAME MY GREATEST CREATION.

Your hair is the texture of lamb's wool
Such a humble, little creature is he.
I am the Shepherd who watches them.
I am the One who will watch over thee.

You are the color of midnight-sky,
I put the stars' glitter in your eyes.
There's a smile hidden behind your pain
That's the reason your cheeks are high.

You are the color of dark clouds formed
when I send My strongest weather.
I made your lips full so when you kiss
the one you love they will remember.

Your stature is strong; your bone structure, thick
to withstand the burdens of time.
The reflection you see in the mirror...
The Image looking back at you is MINE!

Inspired by the book of Genesis 1:26a and 27a & c

"And God said, Let us make man in Our image, after Our Likeness...So God created man in His own image...male and female created He them"

This beautiful poem was written by a poet in whom I hold near and dear to my heart and her name is RuNett Nia Ebo

Thank you RuNett

Elder J. Andres Vazquez

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN LOVE?

My fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ, do you remember when you realized or admitted to yourself that you loved a certain person?

Now remember how much you wanted to act like you were in a movie, and yell to everyone in the football stadium "I love (fill in the name)!"

You told certain family members and friends how perfect they were. You told those you are closely associated with how they were just what you were looking for.

Well, I told GOD I love Him today.

And He asked me, "How much do you love me?

And before I could even open my mouth to answer, He told said to me,

You haven't told anyone how good I've been to you. You haven't shared how perfect my love is. You haven't spread the good news that I am always there to listen to your problems. You haven't told your family how I helped you pay your bills when you didn't have a high paying job, or how I got you a better one. You didn't tell your family and friends how I took away that addiction that would have cost you not only your job, but that person that was just what you were looking for.

Once again, before I could even open my mouth to answer, He asked once more,

So how much do you really love me?"

So, I said I would share with my friends and family (for starters) just how wonderful, perfect, understanding, patient, loving, unselfish, considerate and forgiving GOD really is. He has blessed me with a family that loves me and friends in which I can confide. But even more than that He has saved me from a destruction I couldn't even see coming. He gave to me the peace of knowing Him and He has never broken a promise. Truly He is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

And I stand in my stadium today to yell to you all,

"I love GOD!"

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Be blessed today & share with someone else about the last time you told god you love him?

40 DIFFERENT WAYS TO SAY I LOVE YOU

As students of the Bible and lovers of God we recognize that Noah's life was transformed by 40 days of rain, Moses was transformed by 40 days on Mount Sinai, the spies were transformed by 40 days in the Promised Land, David was transformed by Goliath's 40-day challenge, Elijah was transformed when God gave him 40 days of strength from a single meal, the entire city of Nineveh was transformed when God gave them 40 days to change, Jesus was empowered by 40 days in the wilderness and the disciples were transformed by 40 days with Jesus after his resurrection. You may be asking by now, “Where is this heading to and what’s up with the number 40?”, on February 14th, many people from around the world will celebrate Valentine's Day by giving flowers, chocolates, candies, cards, and other special gifts to their loved ones. Although you probably have figured out a unique way to show love to your spouse or special friend on this special occasion, have you considered expressing "I love you!" in another language? In case this idea sounds exciting to you, here’s my gift to you.

40 different ways to say I love you:
Albanian: Te dua
Bulgarian: Obicham te
Chinese: Cantonese: Ngo oi nei
Mandarin: Wo ai ni
Croatian: Volim te
Czech: miluji te
Danish: Jeg elsker dig
Dutch: Ik hou van jou
Estonian: Mina armastan sind
Filipino: Mahal Kita
Finnish: Mina" rakastan sinua
French: Je t'aime
German: Ich liebe Dich
Greek: S'ayapo
Hungarian: Szeretlek te'ged
Icelandic: 'g elska ßig
Indonesian: Saya cinta padamu
Italian: Ti amo
Irish: Taim i' ngra leat
Japanese: Kimi o ai shiteru
Korean: Tangsinul sarang ha yo
Kurdish: Ez te hezdikhem
Lithuanian: Ash miliu tave
Norwegian: Eg elskar deg
Persian: Tora dost daram
Portuguese: Eu te amo
Romanian: Te iu besc
Russian: Ya lyublyu tebya
Serbian: Volim te
Slovak: lubim ta
Spanish: Te amo
Swahili: Nakupenda
Swedish: Jag a"lskar dig
Swiss-German: Ch'ha di ga"rn
Thai: Phom Rak Khun
Tunisian: Ha eh bak
Turkish: Seni seviyorum!
Urdu: Muje se mu habbat hai
Welsh: Rwy'n dy garu di
Yiddish: Ikh hob dikh lib

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34

I love you all

Elder J.A. Vazquez

A Strong Women -vs.- A Woman of Strength

"A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape...
But a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything...
But a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her...
But a woman of strength gives the best of herself to everyone.

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future...
A woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them.

A strong woman walks sure-footedly...
But a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face...
But a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey...
But a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong."

GOD KNOWS

When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts...
God knows how hard you have tried.

When you've cried so long and your heart is in anguish...
God has counted your tears.

If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by...
God is waiting with you.

When you're lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call...
God is by your side.

When you think you've tried everything and don't know where to turn...
God has a solution.

When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated...
God has the answer.

If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope...
God has whispered to you.

When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for...
God has blessed you.

When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe...
God has smiled upon you.

When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow...
God has opened your eyes and called you by name.

Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are facing...
GOD KNOWS!!

WAKE UP, MY BROTHERS!

Wake up my brothers in Christ, it’s time we take our rightful position as leaders in our families and take charge. Let’s love our wives and children the way God intended us to. Let’s stop abusing them physically, emotionally and spiritually and start loving, nurturing, and caring for them. Let’s usher the presence of God in every area of our lives, be it as sons, husbands or fathers. In the book of Proverbs, chapter 24 and verse: 16 The Bible says, “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief”…therefore, Men Of God, get yourself up from where the devil my have knocked you down and be a man!

Here I give to you what I would consider God’s ten most wanted men.

Here we go...

1. The man who puts God’s business above any other business (Matthew 6:33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

2. The man who brings his wife and children to worship rather than sending them (Hebrews 10:25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

3. The man who is willing to be the right example to every person he meets (1 Corinthians 11:1) Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

4. The man who thinks more of Sunday school than of Sunday sleep (1 Peter 2:2) As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

5. The man who gives what he should to the Lord’s work and lives on what is left (2 Corinthians 9: 6, 7) But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

6. The man who goes to church for Christ’s sake rather than for himself or someone else (John 4: 24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

7. The man who has a passion to help others rather than to be helped himself (Philippians 2:4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others

8. The man who has a willing mind rather than a brilliant one (2 Corinthians 8:12) For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

9. The man who can see his own faults before he sees the faults of others (Matthew 7:1) Judge not, that ye be not judged.

10. The man who is more concerned about winning persons to Christ than about winning worldly honors (Proverbs 11:30) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Now, I ask... Are you in?

Elder J. A. Vazquez

RISE UP, MY SISTERS!

Sisters, Women of God…

Rise up!

I say again…

Rise up!

Lift your heads up and walk upright and realize that you are somebody.

Let me remind you that in the book of Mark chapter five verse forty-one, the same God who took the lifeless “child by the hand and said “Talitha cumi” which is interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, Arise” is still available today.

Rise up!

Let me also remind you that in the same book of Mark and the very same chapter (five), now go back six verses and discover yourself in verse thirty-five…when you got it, say amen…now the same God who “immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him” and healed a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years…still has that asset available for your every issues today.

Rise up!

For you brothers out there who are suffering from Gynophobia…wake up…and get over it…for she is a help mate. In the book of Jeremiah chapter nine verse seventeen, The Bible says, "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may draw closer; and send for cunning women, that they may come". God has providence for women. He wants you to unlock your jaws and cry out against the malevolence that the devil has placed upon her and us as well. She has what I call, “The Triple C”, Capacity, Contributions and Capital within her that can bring glory to God. Let us all come together, Brothers and Sisters in the name of Jesus and defeat the devil and accomplish our destiny.

Elder J. Andres Vazquez

NEVER AGAIN

NEVER AGAIN will I confess, "I can't" for "I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengtheneth me" Philippians 4:13

NEVER AGAIN will I confess lack, for " My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:19.

NEVER AGAIN will I confess fear, for "God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind" II Timothy 1:7

NEVER AGAIN will I confess doubt and lack of faith, for " God hath given to every man the measure of faith" Romans 12:3.

NEVER AGAIN will I confess weakness, for "The Lord is the strength of my life" Psalm 27:1

NEVER AGAIN will I confess supremacy of Satan over my life, for "Greater is He that is in me that he that is in the world" I John 4:4.

NEVER AGAIN will I confess defeat, for "God always causeth me to triumph in Christ Jesus" II Corinthians 2:14

NEVER AGAIN will I confess lack of wisdom, for "Christ Jesus is made unto me wisdom from God" I Corinthians 1:30

NEVER AGAIN will I confess sickness, for "with His stripes I am healed" Isaiah 53:5, and Jesus Himself took my infirmities and bare my sickness" Matthew 8:17.

NEVER AGAIN will I confess worries and frustrations, for I am "Casting all my cares upon Him who careth for me" I Peter 5:7.

NEVER AGAIN will I confess bondage, for "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" II Corinthians 3:17.

NEVER AGAIN will I confess condemnation, for "There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" Romans 8:1.

NEVER AGAIN will I confess loneliness, for Jesus said "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" Matthew 28:20.

NEVER AGAIN will I confess insecurity because "When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid; yea, thou shalt lie down, and they sleep shall be sweet…for the Lord shall be they confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken" Proverbs 3:24-26

NEVER AGAIN will I confess failure because, "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us" Romans 8:37

NEVER AGAIN will I confess frustration, for "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" Isaiah 26:3

NEVER AGAIN will I confess fear of the future, "But it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him, but God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit". I Corinthians 2:9-10

NEVER AGAIN will I confess troubles because Jesus said, "In the world ye shall have tribulations: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world". John16: 33

NEVER AGAIN will I confess unworthiness because "He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" II Corinthians 5:21

NEVER AGAIN will I confess confusion because "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace" I Corinthians 14:33.

NEVER AGAIN will I confess persecution, for "If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

Closed Doors...An Encouragement

We need to learn to thank the Lord for closed doors as we do an open door.

The reason God closes doors is because He has not prepared anything over there for us. If He didn't close the wrong door we would never find our way to the right door. Even when we don't realize it, God directs our paths through the closing and opening of doors.

When one door closes, it forces us to change our course. Another door closes, it forces us to change our course yet again. Then finally, we find the open door and walk right into our blessing. But instead of praising God for the closed door (which kept our butt out of trouble), we get upset because we "judge by the appearances." And in our own arrogance, or ignorance, we insist that we know what is right.

We have a very present help in the time of need who is always standing guard. Because He walks ahead of us, He can see trouble down the road and HE sets up roadblocks and detours accordingly.

But through our lack of wisdom we try to tear down the roadblocks or push aside the detour signs. Then the minute we get into trouble, we start crying "Lord how could this happen to me?" We have got to realize that the closed door was a blessing. Didn't He say "No good thing will He withhold from them that love him?"

If you get terminated from your job - don't be down, instead thank God for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves - it might be a better job, or an opportunity to go to school.

If that man or woman won't return your call - it might not be them, It might be the Lord setting up a roadblock (just let it go). I'm so grateful, for the many times God has closed doors to me, just to open them in the most unexpected places. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." - Psalm 37:23.

The Mountain top is glorious, but it is in the Valley that I will grow!

Always Remember God gives you . . .

· Enough Happiness to keep you Sweet

· Enough Trials to keep you Strong

· Enough Sorrows to keep you Human

· Enough Hope to keep you Happy

· Enough Failure to keep you Humble

· Enough Success to keep you Eager

· Enough Friends to give you Comfort

· Enough Wealth to meet your Needs

· Enough enthusiasm to make you look Forward

· Enough Faith to banish depression, and

· Enough Determination to make each day a better day than the last

So, be encouraged...be of good cheer...for our God is greater than any circumstances, and He will see us through.

May you each and every one be blessed with all that meet your needs...

THE PARADOX OF OUR TIME

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less.

We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor. We've conquered outer space, but not inner space; we've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul; we've split the atom, but not our prejudice.

We write more, but learn less; we plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait; we have higher incomes, but lower morals; we have more food, but less appeasement; we build more computers to hold more information to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication; we've become long on quantity, but short on quality.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships. These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition.

These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw away morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet to kill.

It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom; a time when technology has brought this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to make a difference, or to just hit "Skip Ahead"...

The Black Family Pledge

BECAUSE we have forgotten our ancestors,our children no longer give us honor.

BECAUSE we have lost the path our ancestors cleared kneeling in perilous undergrowth, our children cannot find their way.

BECAUSE we have banished the God of our ancestors, our children cannot pray.

BECAUSE the old wails of our ancestors have faded beyond our hearing, our children cannot hear us crying.

BECAUSE we have abandoned our wisdom of mothering and fathering, our befuddled children give birth to children they neither want nor understand.

BECAUSE we have forgotten how to love, the adversary is within our gates, an holds us up to the mirror of the world shouting, "Regard the loveless".

Therefore we pledge to bind ourselves to one another, to embrace our lowliest, to keep company with our loneliest, to educate our illiterate, to feed our starving, to clothe our ragged, to do all good things, knowing that we are more than keepers of our brothers and sisters. We ARE our brothers and sisters.

IN HONOR of those who toiled and implored God with golden tongues, and in gratitude to the same God who brought us out of hopeless desolation, we make this pledge.

By Dr. Maya Angelou